Removable and installable power module

Abstract

In one embodiment, the Disclosure provides a power module for releasably mounting on the surface of a structure having a universal mounting element, the power module may include a mounting device having a frame for securing a solar power source, and a locking mechanism configured to releasably couple with the universal mounting element of the structure. Embodiments according to the Disclosure may further provide the output of the power module to an external system of the structure or to the electrical system of the structure itself.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to modular power supplies for structures, more specifically to solar power modules for shipping containers, and even more specifically to releasably attachable solar power modules for shipping containers for use in powering external systems.

Background Art

[0002] Background

[0002] The introduction of solar energy has led to the widespread permanent installation of solar panels on previously unused or underutilized surfaces, providing large amounts of renewable energy that was previously unattainable. The continuing increase in demand for energy, particularly renewable energy, provides an opportunity for new platforms and uses of solar energy. Further, as the manufacturing costs of solar panels and solar arrays continue to decline, the demand for solar energy not only continues to increase but is rather accelerating. Thus, in order to overcome the drawbacks of known technologies, it is still desirable to develop further improvements and advancements related to the deployment of solar energy systems, including, but not limited to, improving the attachment systems of solar panels, finding new use cases for solar energy, integrating solar energy into new and / or different systems, and / or identifying unconventional or otherwise unexploited surfaces for the utilization of solar energy, and to provide additional advantages thereto.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0003]

[0003] This section is intended to introduce various aspects of the art that may be associated with the present disclosure. This review is intended to help provide a framework to facilitate a better understanding of specific aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that this section should be read in this view, not necessarily as an admission of prior art.

[0004] Brief explanation of the drawing

[0004] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described by reference to the accompanying drawings, merely as examples. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0005] [Figure 1A]

[0005] This is a block diagram of a top view of a power module attached to a transport container according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B]

[0006] Figure 1A is a front view of a power module installed in a shipping container. [Figure 1C]

[0007] Figure 1A is a top view block diagram of one embodiment of a power module equipped with a DC-DC converter booster. [Figure 2A]

[0008] This figure shows an exemplary embodiment of a locking element according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2B]

[0009] This figure shows an exemplary embodiment of a mounting element according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3]

[0010] This is a block diagram of a modular power system having multiple power modules according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4]

[0011] This is a block diagram of an exemplary computing device or system for implementing one or more systems, aspects, embodiments, methods, or operations of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0006]

[0012] Throughout the drawings, for the sole purpose of simplification and to avoid confusion, only one or fewer instances of elements visible in the drawings may be indicated by lead lines and reference numerals. However, in such cases, it will be understood that all other instances are similarly designated and encompassed by their corresponding descriptions.

[0007] Detailed explanation

[0013] The following are examples of power modules that can be removably mounted according to this disclosure.

[0008]

[0014] In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a power module for mounting on the surface of a structure having a universal mounting element, the power module comprising a mounting device having a frame for securing a solar power source thereto, and a locking mechanism configured to be releasably coupled to the universal mounting element of the structure.

[0009]

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the solar power source includes multiple solar panels.

[0010]

[0016] In exemplary embodiments, the power module may further include an adjustable mechanical element for controlling the orientation of the solar panels, the mechanical element being coupled to the frame of the mounting device and to one of the solar panels.

[0011]

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the mechanical element includes a retractable arm pivotably mounted to the frame of the mounting device, the retractable arm being used to adjust the pitch of the solar panel relative to the frame of the mounting device.

[0012]

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the mechanical element includes a rotatable platform attached to the frame of the mounting device, and the rotatable platform is for adjusting the rotation of the solar panel with respect to the frame of the mounting device.

[0013]

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the power module may further include a solar tracker module for determining the position of the sun, and the solar tracker module is configured to provide a control signal for adjusting the orientation of the solar panel to the mechanical element.

[0014]

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the power module may further include a collision detection sensor that communicates with the solar tracker module, and the collision detection sensor is configured to determine whether adjusting the orientation of the solar panel will result in a collision with another object.

[0015]

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a first locking element configured to releasably couple with a universal mounting element of the structure.

[0016]

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting device includes a plurality of locking mechanisms for releasably coupling the mounting device to corresponding universal mounting elements of the shipping container.

[0017]

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting device includes a plurality of mounting elements for attaching to the locking mechanism.

[0018]

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of mounting elements are disposed on the mounting device for aligning and attaching to the mutual universal mounting elements.

[0019]

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a second locking element for attaching the locking mechanism to the mounting device.

[0020]

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a lever for operating the locking mechanism between a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0021]

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a twist lock.

[0022]

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the universal attachment element includes an ISO corner casting.

[0023]

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, the power module may further include an electrical circuit for coupling the output of a power source to a bus electrically coupled to an electrical system.

[0024]

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the power module includes a bus.

[0025]

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the bus includes a DC bus, and the power module further includes a one-way DC-DC converter coupled between the output of the power source and the bus, and the converter is for boosting the output of the power source with respect to the bus.

[0026]

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the bus includes an AC bus, and the power module further includes an inverter coupled between the output of the power source and the bus.

[0027]

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, the frame includes a plurality of rubber grommets that contact the power source to reduce vibration.

[0028]

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, the structure includes a shipping container.

[0029]

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical system includes a propulsion system for use in transporting a shipping container.

[0030]

[0036] In one embodiment, the Disclosure provides a modular power system for a plurality of structures, the modular power system comprising a plurality of power modules according to one or more embodiments of the Disclosure, and a common bus for electrically coupling the power modules in series or in parallel to external systems of the plurality of structures.

[0031]

[0037] Aspects of this disclosure provide modular power sources that utilize existing infrastructure. For example, certain structures, such as shipping containers, may include universal mounting elements that provide an opportunity to removably couple modular power source units to known, universally adopted designs of mounting elements without requiring the power source to be permanently mounted to the structure according to a custom standard. For example, the top surface of a shipping container, including universal ISO corner castings, provides a universal mounting element for removably mounting a power source from any such shipping container anywhere in the world. The power source may further generate power throughout the entire multimodal transport cycle of the shipping container, or it may generate direct power for the shipping container according to its use, for example, for use as a storage facility, shelter, or residence.

[0032]

[0038] Embodiments disclosed herein may provide for the installation of a power module comprising solar panels on a mounting device that is releasably coupled to ISO corner castings on the top surface of a transport container. Thus, the power module may generate power for use with systems coupled to the transport container, for example, to power the transport container throughout the entire multimode transport cycle, for example, while the transport container is waiting at a port or facility, during sea transport, during ground transport such as trucks and trains, and during other last-mile modes for delivering the transport container to its destination. The power module may output power and / or connect to external systems such as propulsion systems used during the transport of the transport container, for example, to beneficially offset power consumption by supplying auxiliary power to propulsion systems used to transport the transport container, thereby reducing fuel costs. Examples of systems to which the modular power supply according to this disclosure may power include, but are not limited to, auxiliary and backup generators, power grids, marine propulsion systems, rail locomotives including battery-electric rail vehicles, land trucks, internal combustion engines (ICE), hybrid engines, and electric and / or battery engines.

[0033]

[0039] Embodiments of modular power supplies as disclosed herein may also function as power sources for structures and their associated uses, for example, by supplying power to shipping containers to support their use when providing shelters or housing. Embodiments of modular power supplies as disclosed herein may also function as grid coupling elements to support power grids for, for example, local power grids for shipping or port facilities, or for microgrids, island microgrids, or non-island microgrids.

[0034]

[0040] Advantageously, embodiments such as those disclosed herein leverage a modular design for utilizing universal infrastructure to implement releasably mountable power modules that have conventionally been installed as permanent fixtures. For example, shipping containers include ISO corner castings that can function as universal mounting elements for mounting power modules on the top surface of the shipping container anywhere in the world. Thus, embodiments of power modules according to this disclosure may provide a locking mechanism that utilizes the known design of universal ISO corner castings found on shipping containers for use when releasably mounting power modules on the top surface of shipping containers. Thus, rather than installing solar power modules as permanent fixtures, embodiments according to this disclosure provide mounting devices that can be easily locked to and detached from universal mounting elements such as ISO corner castings on shipping containers. Thus, in addition to the advantage of providing power generation, embodiments disclosed herein provide simplified power module design, installation, and removal from structures having universal mounting elements. Furthermore, the systems according to this disclosure may further provide multiple releasably mountable power modules on a plurality of corresponding structures, further providing the combined output of each power module to an external system.

[0035]

[0041] Figures 1A and 1B are top and front block diagrams, respectively, of one embodiment of a power module releasably mounted to a structure having a universal mounting element according to the present disclosure. The power module 100 includes a mounting device 110 for releasably mounting to the top surface of a transport container 200. The mounting device 110 may include a plurality of locking mechanisms 114 for releasably coupling to the universal mounting element of the transport container 200, such as the upper left mounting element 212a and the upper right mounting element 212b shown in Figure 1B. In one embodiment, the universal mounting element conforms to an internationally recognized or adopted standard, such as a standard issued by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

[0036]

[0042] In one embodiment, the mounting device 110 may comprise a steel border, and each corner of the mounting device 110 includes respective mounting elements 112a, 112b, 112c, and 112d for aligning with the corresponding universal mounting elements of the shipping container 200. For example, as shown in Figure 1B, the lower left mounting element 112c of the mounting device 110 is provided in a relative position to the upper left mounting element 212a of the shipping container 200 to support a locking engagement. Similarly, the lower right mounting element 112d of the mounting device 110 is provided in a relative position to the upper right mounting element 212b of the shipping container 200 to support a locking engagement. In one embodiment, the steel border is manufactured to a thickness of at least 4 inches.

[0037]

[0043] In one embodiment, the interconnected mounting elements 112a, 112b, 112c, and 112d of the mounting device 110 may include ISO corner castings. In one embodiment, the universal mounting elements of the shipping container 200 include ISO corner castings. In one embodiment, the locking element 114 may include a double-ended locking element having a first locking end for engaging with the mounting elements of the mounting device 110 and a second locking end for engaging with the mounting elements of the shipping container 200 for use when releasably coupling the mounting device 110 to the shipping container 200. In one embodiment, the locking element 114 includes a twist lock, and a lever of the twist lock acts to operate the twist lock between locked engagement with the mounting elements and open / unlocked from the mounting elements. In one embodiment, the locking element 114 may be permanently fixed or incorporated into the mounting device 110. In one embodiment, the mounting elements 112a, 112b, 112c, and 112d include the locking element 114. In one embodiment, the locking element 114 may include a processor and a memory that stores instructions, when executed by the processor, to change the locking element between locked engagement with the mounting element and open / unlocked from the mounting element.

[0038]

[0044] The mounting device 110 further includes a mounting frame 120 for securing a power source, such as a solar power source comprising a plurality of solar panels 190, within the mounting device 110. The solar panels 190 can be mounted to mounting positions on the mounting frame 120 in a permanent or non-permanent manner, for example, by using fasteners, adhesives, straps, and welding techniques. As shown in the embodiment of Figure 1A, the mounting frame 120 includes a plurality of metal straps running beneath the solar panels 190 for attaching the solar panels 190 to the mounting frame 120. As further shown in the embodiment of Figure 1A, the mounting frame 120 may include a plurality of grommets 122 provided on and under the solar panels 190 to reduce vibration in the solar panels 190. In one embodiment, the grommets 122 include a rubber material. In the shown embodiment, the power module 100 includes 10 solar panels 190 provided in a 5x2 arrangement, but embodiments of the power module according to this disclosure may include different numbers of solar panels in different arrangements. Embodiments of the power module 100 may include electrically coupling solar panels 190 in series or in parallel.

[0039]

[0045] In one embodiment, each solar panel is configured to provide an output of approximately 38.6V. The solar panel 190 may provide a DC output for coupling to an external system. For example, an embodiment of the power module 100 according to this disclosure may include an electrical circuit for coupling the output of the solar panel 190 to a bus 160, which is further electrically coupled to an external system such as a propulsion system used to transport the shipping container 200, or the electrical system of the shipping container 200 itself. The bus 160 may be provided on the surface of the mounting device 110 or beneath the passage portion 170. An embodiment of the power module 100 may not include the passage portion 170, and rather the passage portion 170 of the mounting device 110 may be used for other purposes such as an additional power source or other components.

[0040]

[0046] Embodiments of the power module 100 according to this disclosure may include a bus 160. The bus 160 may be an AC or DC bus, which may be required to couple the power module 100 to other systems and / or other power modules. In some embodiments, the power module 100 may be coupled to an external bus that does not form part of the power module. For example, the power module 100 may include additional circuitry for coupling the power supply of the mounting device 110 to a bus provided by or attached to an external system or structure. Embodiments of the power module 100 may be further directly coupled to an external system without requiring a bus. The power modules according to this disclosure may include a bus, for example, depending on the number of power modules coupled together and / or the proximity of the power modules to the external system. Embodiments of electrical circuitry for coupling a solar panel 190 to the bus 160 may include, for example, an inverter 140 for providing an AC output based on the DC output of the solar panel, and a junction box 150 for enclosing further circuitry used to couple the output to the bus 160. In other embodiments, the DC output of the solar panel 190 may be provided to the bus 160 without being converted to AC.

[0041]

[0047] Figure 1C is a top view block diagram of one embodiment of the power module 100 shown in Figure 1A, where the electrical circuit coupled to the bus 160 includes a one-way DC-DC converter booster 180 and a junction box 150. The DC-DC converter booster 180 can receive the full output from multiple solar panels 190 and provide further step-up output. In the illustrated example, the DC-DC booster can receive the output from each of the 10 solar panels 190, with each solar panel providing an output of 38.6V. Thus, the booster can receive a 386V output from the multiple solar panels 190 and provide further step-up output based on 386V. In one embodiment, the DC-DC booster 190 provides a step-up output of approximately 800V.

[0042]

[0048] One or more solar panels 190 may further include one or more elements for adjusting the position and / or orientation of the solar panel, such as pitch, roll, or rotation of the solar panel relative to a mounting device. For example, one or more solar panels may include a first mechanical element (not shown) for pivoting or adjusting the pitch of the solar panel. For example, the mounting device 110 may include an extendable arm pivotably coupled between the mounting frame 120 and the solar panel 190, and the pitch of the solar panel relative to the mounting frame 120 may be pivoted or adjusted by extending or retracting the length of the extendable arm. One or more solar panels 190 may further include a second mechanical element (not shown) for rotating the solar panel relative to the mounting frame 120. For example, the mounting device 110 may include a portion for mounting the solar panel 190 to a turntable or rotatable platform that spins or adjusts the rotation of the solar panel relative to the mounting frame 120. Embodiments disclosed herein include providing one or more solar panels with both first and second mechanical elements for adjusting both the pitch and rotation of the solar panels relative to a mounting frame 120. Embodiments disclosed herein also include providing one or more solar panels with a plurality of mechanical elements for adjusting the orientation of the solar panels. Advantageously, adjusting the orientation of the solar panels can improve the exposure of the solar panels to sunlight. Embodiments of elements for adjusting the orientation of solar panels are not limited to the examples described herein, and embodiments disclosed herein may further include other mechanical elements and technologies known in the art.

[0043]

[0049] Embodiments of the power module 100 may further include a solar tracker module 192 having one or more sensors for determining the position of the sun and providing control signals for adjusting the orientation of the solar panel. For example, in one embodiment, the solar tracker module 192 may provide a first control signal for controlling a first mechanical element for adjusting the pitch of the solar panel, and a second control signal for controlling a second mechanical element for adjusting the rotation of the solar panel. Thus, the solar tracker module 192 may provide one or more control signals for operating one or more mechanical elements configured to adjust the orientation of the solar panel. In one embodiment, the solar tracker module provides control signals for adjusting the orientation of the solar panel to minimize the angle of incidence between the incident sunlight and the surface of the solar panel. In one embodiment, the solar tracker module 192 may include a processor and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the solar tracker module 192 to generate control signals for adjusting the orientation of the solar panel.

[0044]

[0050] Embodiments of the solar tracker module 192 may further include one or more collision detection sensors (not shown) positioned around the mounting device 110. The collision detection sensors may be configured to detect collisions between the solar panel 190 and other objects such as another solar panel 190, the mounting frame 120, or the mounting device 110. Thus, the solar tracker module 192 may incorporate sensor readings from the collision detection sensors to modify or prioritize control signals from adjusting the orientation of the solar panel in a manner that would cause a collision between the solar panel and another object.

[0045]

[0051] Embodiments of the power module 100 may further include a power storage element 152, such as a rechargeable battery unit, for use in storing the output of the solar panels. The battery unit 152 may be electrically coupled to the output of one or more solar panels 190 for use in receiving and storing charge. In one embodiment, the battery unit 192 is a 12V battery. The battery unit 152 may be electrically coupled to one or more elements of the power module 100 to supply auxiliary power. For example, the battery unit 152 may be electrically coupled to a solar tracker module 192 and the mechanical elements it controls in order to adjust the orientation of the solar panels 190, especially when there is insufficient exposure to sunlight. Similarly, the battery unit 152 may be electrically coupled to one or more locking mechanisms 114 for use in operating the locking mechanism 114 between a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0046]

[0052] Figures 2A and 2B show perspective views of a locking element and a universal mounting element according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, respectively. In particular, Figure 2A shows a double-ended locking mechanism 300 including twist locks for coupling with first and second mounting elements, such as the mounting element 400 shown in Figure 2B, which may include ISO corner castings as may be found on structures such as shipping containers.

[0047]

[0053] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 2A, the locking element 300 includes a base 310 and a lever 320 that actuate the movement and / or rotation of a first locking end 330 and a second locking end 340. The base 310 of the locking element 300 may be located below and in contact with the locking element of the mounting device, as shown by the locking element 140 in Figure 1B, for example, between and in contact with the mounting device 110 and the shipping container 200, and may also be located above and in contact with the mounting element of the shipping container. Embodiments of the locking element according to this disclosure include providing a base 310 configured to support the mounting device 110 based on the size, dimensions, thickness, geometric shape, or material composition of the locking element 300.

[0048]

[0054] The lockable ends 330 and 340 are sized and dimensioned to connect with their respective mounting elements. For example, the lockable ends 330 and 340 may be dimensioned to enter through an opening, such as the opening 410 of the universal mounting element 400. Once the locking ends are positioned within the internal cavity of the universal mounting element 400, moving the lever 320 can actuate the movement and / or rotation of the locking ends to interlock with the interior of the universal mounting element 400, thereby positioning the locking ends in a locked position that prevents them from returning through the opening 410 into which they entered until they rotate back to the released position.

[0049]

[0055] Embodiments of the locking element 300 may include acting on the movement and / or rotation of the locking element simultaneously or in separate stages. For example, the lever 320 may be moved from the release position to the first locked position to actuate the movement and / or rotation of the first locking end 330 to the locked position by the first mounting element without causing the movement of the second locking end 340. The lever may then be moved further from the first locked position to the second locked position to actuate the rotation of the second locking end 340 to the locked position with the second mounting element. Similarly, the lever 320 may be moved from the second locked position to the release position and back to actuate the rotation of the locking ends 330 and 340 from the locked position to the released position.

[0050]

[0056] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 2B, the mounting element 400 includes a universal mounting element, in particular an ISO corner casting, which may be found on shipping containers worldwide in accordance with international standards. The mounting element 400 specifically shows an upper left ISO corner casting having multiple openings 410, 420, and 430, i.e., a first opening 410 or stacking hole, a second opening 420, and a third opening 430. Typically, the stacking hole 410 can receive a fastener or component, such as the locking end of a locking element, into the interior of the mounting element, and the placement of the fastener or component is then operated to result in a locking engagement with the mounting element 400 to provide a coupling between the locking element and the mounting element 400. The second opening 420 and the third opening 430 may provide similar utility for attachments and locking elements.

[0051]

[0057] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a power module system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 500 may be implemented across multiple structures, for example, across multiple transport containers arranged in series on a rail train, or across multiple transport containers that may be provided on cargo or transport containers or loaded at a port. The system 500 may include power modules for each transport container, such as power module 100, which is more clearly illustrated in relation to Figures 1A to 1C. The power modules 100 may be connected in parallel via a bus, such as a bus 160, which is more clearly illustrated in relation to Figures 1A to 1C. Embodiments of the bus 160 include AC buses and DC buses. The bus 160 may be coupled across multiple power modules 100 using a plurality of connectors 162, which include a first connection element 162a and a second connection element 162b. The first connection element 162a may have a male connector for mating with, for example, a flame receptor of the second connection element 162b, or vice versa. In one embodiment, the connector 162 comprises an automatic connector, such as the Staeubli® QCC automatic fast charging connector. In such an embodiment, the first connecting element 162a may include a probe for automatically detecting and connecting the mutual elements of the second connecting element 162b, or vice versa.

[0052]

[0058] Bus 160 can connect multiple power modules 100 to an external system 510, such as a propulsion system used when transporting shipping containers. Embodiments of the external system 510 to which the modular power supply according to this disclosure can be powered include, but are not limited to, auxiliary and backup generators, power grids, ship propulsion systems, railway locomotives including battery-electric railway vehicles, land trucks, internal combustion engines (ICE), hybrid engines, and electric and / or battery engines. Embodiments of the modular power supply as disclosed herein can also function as a power source for structures and their associated uses, for example, by supplying power to shipping containers to support their use when providing shelters or housing. Embodiments of the modular power supply as disclosed herein can also function as a grid coupling element to support power grids for, for example, microgrids, island microgrids, or non-island microgrids, such as power grids in transport or port facilities.

[0053]

[0059] System 500 may further include additional elements such as circuit 520. Embodiments of circuit 520 may include a DC / DC converter for stepping up or stepping down the output of bus 160 to an external system 510.

[0054]

[0060] Figure 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary computerized device or system 600 that may be used to implement one or more embodiments, components, subcomponents, operations, etc., of the power module embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0055]

[0061] The computerized system 600 may include one or more of the following: a processor 602, memory 604, mass storage device 610, input / output (I / O) interface 606, and communication subsystem 608. Furthermore, the system 600 may comprise multiple processors 602 and / or multiple memory 604, etc. The processor 602 may comprise one or more of the following: a digital processor, an analog processor, a digital circuit designed to process information, an analog circuit designed to process information, a state machine, and / or other mechanisms for electronically processing information. These processing units may be physically located within the same device, or the processor 602 may represent the processing capabilities of multiple devices working together. The processor 602 may be configured to execute a module by software, hardware, firmware, some combination of software, hardware, and / or firmware, and / or other mechanisms for configuring processing capabilities on the processor 602, or otherwise may be configured to execute functions belonging to the module, and may include one or more physical processors, processor-readable instructions, circuits, hardware, storage media, or other components in the process of executing a processor-readable instruction.

[0056]

[0062] One or more components or subsystems of the computerized system 600 may be interconnected via one or more buses 612 or by any other suitable method.

[0057]

[0063] Bus 612 may be one or more of several bus architectures, including memory buses, storage buses, memory controller buses, and peripheral buses. CPU 602 may comprise any type of electronic data processor. Memory 604 may include any type of system memory, such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), read-only memory (ROM), or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, memory may include ROM for use during boot-up and DRAM for program and data storage for use during program execution.

[0058]

[0064] The mass storage device 610 may comprise any type of storage device configured to store data, programs, and other information, and to make the data, programs, and other information accessible via the bus 612. The mass storage device 610 may comprise one or more of the following: solid-state drives, hard disk drives, magnetic disk drives, optical disk drives, etc. In some embodiments, the data, programs, or other information may be stored remotely, for example, in the cloud. The computerized system 600 may transmit or receive information to or from remote storage in any suitable manner, including via the communication subsystem 608 over a network or other data communication medium.

[0059]

[0065] The I / O interface 606 may provide an interface for enabling wired and / or wireless communication between the computerized system 600 and one or more other devices or systems. For example, the I / O interface 606 may be used to communicate with a sensor such as a camera or video camera. In addition, additional or fewer interfaces may be available. For example, one or more serial interfaces, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) (not shown), may be provided.

[0060]

[0066] Computerized system 600 may be used to configure, operate, control, monitor, detect, and / or coordinate the devices, systems, and / or methods provided herein.

[0061]

[0067] The communication subsystem 608 may be provided for either or both transmitting and receiving signals over any form or medium of digital data communication, including a communication network. Examples of communication networks include interconnected networks such as local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), the Internet, and peer-to-peer networks such as ad-hoc peer-to-peer networks. The communication subsystem 608 may include any components or sets of components for enabling communication over one or more wired and wireless interfaces. These interfaces may include, but are not limited to, USB, Ethernet (e.g., IEEE 802.3), High Resolution Multimedia Interface (HDMI), FireWire® (e.g., IEEE 1394), Thunderbolt®, WiFi® (e.g., IEEE 802.11), WiMAX (e.g., IEEE 802.16), Bluetooth®, or Near Field Communication (NFC), as well as GPRS, UMTS, LTE, LTE-A, and Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC). The communication subsystem 608 may include one or more ports or other components (not shown) for one or more wired connections. Additionally or alternatively, the communication subsystem 608 may include one or more transmitters, receivers, and / or antenna elements (none of which are shown).

[0062]

[0068] The computerized system 600 shown in Figure 4 is merely an example and is not intended to be limiting. Various embodiments may utilize some or all of the components shown or described. Some embodiments may utilize other components that are not shown or described but are known to those skilled in the art.

[0063]

[0069] In the preceding description, many details are provided for illustrative purposes in order to provide a complete understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that these specific details are not necessary. In other examples, well-known electrical structures and circuits are shown in block diagram form so as not to obscure the understanding. For example, no specific details are provided regarding whether the embodiments described herein are implemented as software routines, hardware circuits, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0064]

[0070] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be represented as computer program products stored on a machine-readable medium (also called a computer-readable medium, a processor-readable medium, or a computer-usable medium having computer-readable program code embodied therein). The machine-readable medium may be any suitable tangible non-temporary medium, including magnetic storage mediums, optical storage mediums, or electrical storage mediums, which include a diskette, a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), a memory device (volatile or non-volatile), or a similar storage mechanism. The machine-readable medium may contain various sets of instructions, code sequences, configuration information, or other data, which, when executed, cause a processor to perform the steps in the method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that other instructions and operations necessary to implement the described implementation may also be stored on the machine-readable medium. Instructions stored on the machine-readable medium may be executed by a processor or other suitable processing device and may interface with circuits to perform the described tasks.

[0065]

[0071] The embodiments described above are intended to be merely examples. Modifications, alterations, and variations can be made to specific embodiments by those skilled in the art. The claims should not be limited by the specific embodiments described herein, but should be construed to be consistent with the Specified Provisions as a whole.

Claims

1. A power module for mounting on the surface of a structure having a universal mounting element, A mounting device having a frame for securing a solar power supply to it, A locking mechanism configured to be releasably coupled to the universal mounting element of the structure, Power modules, including

2. The power module according to claim 1, wherein the solar power source includes a plurality of solar panels.

3. The power module according to claim 2, further comprising an adjustable mechanical element for controlling the orientation of a solar panel, wherein the mechanical element is coupled to the frame of the mounting device and to a solar panel among the plurality of solar panels.

4. The power module according to claim 3, wherein the mechanical element includes a retractable arm pivotably mounted to the frame of the mounting device, the retractable arm being for adjusting the pitch of the solar panel relative to the frame of the mounting device.

5. The power module according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the mechanical element includes a rotatable platform attached to the frame of the mounting device, the rotatable platform being for adjusting the rotation of the solar panel relative to the frame of the mounting device.

6. The power module according to any one of claims 3 to 5, further comprising a solar tracker module for determining the position of the sun, wherein the solar tracker module is configured to provide a control signal to the mechanical element for adjusting the orientation of the solar panel.

7. The power module according to claim 6, further comprising a collision detection sensor that communicates with the solar tracker module, wherein the collision detection sensor is configured to determine whether adjusting the orientation of the solar panel would result in a collision with another object.

8. The power module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the locking mechanism includes a first locking element configured to be releasably coupled to the universal mounting element of the structure.

9. The power module according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the mounting device includes a plurality of locking mechanisms for releasably coupling the mounting device to a plurality of corresponding universal mounting elements of the transport container.

10. The power module according to claim 9, wherein the mounting device includes a plurality of mounting elements for mounting to the locking mechanism.

11. The power module according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of mounting elements are arranged on a mounting device for mounting them in alignment with mutually universal mounting elements.

12. The power module according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the locking mechanism includes a second locking element for attaching the locking mechanism to the mounting device.

13. The power module according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the locking mechanism includes a lever for operating the locking mechanism between a locked position and an unlocked position.

14. The power module according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the locking mechanism includes a twist lock.

15. The power module according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the universal mounting element includes ISO corner casting.

16. The power module according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising an electrical circuit for coupling the output of the power supply to a bus electrically coupled to an electrical system.

17. The power module according to claim 16, wherein the power module includes the bus.

18. The power module according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the bus includes a DC bus, and the power module further includes a one-way DC-DC converter coupled between the output of the power supply and the bus, the converter being for boosting the output of the power supply to the bus.

19. The power module according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the bus includes an AC bus, and the power module further includes an inverter coupled between the output of the power supply and the bus.

20. The power module according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the frame includes a plurality of rubber grommets that come into contact with the power supply to reduce vibration.

21. The power module according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the structure includes a shipping container.

22. The power module according to claim 21, wherein the electrical system includes a propulsion system for use when transporting the shipping container.

23. A modular power system for multiple structures, A plurality of power modules according to any one of claims 1 to 22 for attachment to the plurality of structures, A common bus for electrically coupling the plurality of power modules in parallel to the external electrical system of the plurality of structures, A modular power system, including a modular power system.

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