A generator that cuts grass - Power Generation - Briggs and Stratton Corp.'s PowerLink system - Brief Article

In yet another example of the potential flexibility of power generation technology, Briggs & Stratton has developed a system by which the engine on a riding lawn mower can be used to generate 1.5 kW of a.c. current. The new PowerLink system is designed for Briggs & Stratton Intek V-twin engines that will be used on select Sears Craftsman lawn tractor models in the spring. The company also plans to make its system available on selected Vanguard V-twin engines.
"The PowerLink system is a multifunctional, mobile power source for a variety of yard and household tools and appliances," said Rick Zeckmeister, Briggs & Stratton director of North American consumer marketing. "It provides flexibility and security without the need for additional maintenance or storage space.
The PowerLink-equipped engines use Neodynium iron-boron magnets incorporated under the flywheel and a specially wound stator that generates 1.5 kW of d.c. power. That power is delivered to a power inverter that converts the current to a.c., which can then be accessed through a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet located on the side of the tractor.
Briggs & Stratton said the system can be used to power items such as hedge trimmers, string trimmers, hand power tools and outdoor lights. In power outages, it can also be used to run an appliance such as a refrigerator, freezer, stationary heater or sump pump.
The PowerLink system is equipped with safety features including overload protection and low voltage shutdown to protect both the operator and the attached equipment. The duplex GFCI outlet has a weather-resistant panel. An external reset button makes resuming work easy and convenient, the company said.