A self-contained mobile power generator entity

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a self-contained mobile power generator entity (100) comprising: a biomass fuel inlet (103) configured to allow passage of biomass fuel feedstock (105) into the power generator unit; a chopper unit (107) connected to the biomass fuel inlet and configured to receive the biomass fuel feedstock and produce ignitable pieces of biomass fuel; a fuel dryer unit (109) arranged to receive the produced ignitable pieces (105a) of the biomass fuel and configured to remove excess moisture from the ignitable biomass fuel pieces in order to produce dried ignitable pieces of biomass fuel; at least one energy converter unit (113,113a,113b) configured to convert an input thermal energy, provided by a heat source and a heat sink, to an output kinetic energy; a combustion unit (111), arranged in thermal communication with the at least one energy converter unit, to provide the heat source to the at least one energy converter unit; the combustion unit being configured to receive the dried ignitable pieces of biomass fuel and configured to generate heat energy by combusting the dried ignitable pieces of biomass fuel; a heat sink unit (115), arranged in thermal communication with the at least one energy converter, to provide the heat sink to the at least one energy converter unit and dissipate heat from the at least one energy converter unit; a power generator unit (117,117a,117b) in operational communication with the at least one energy converter unit, and configured to convert the output kinetic energy received from the at least one energy converter unit to an output electrical power. The disclosure further relates to a method, a computer-implemented method for commencing and controlling an operation of a self-contained mobile power generator entity, a control system (200), a computer program product and a computer program carrier.

Description

[0001] TITLE

[0002] A self-contained mobile power generator entity

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present disclosure relates to a self-contained mobile power generator entity, a method, a control system, a computer program product and a computer program carrier. More specifically, the embodiments of this disclosure relate to a self-contained mobile power generator entity for harnessing the energy potential of biomass fuels through energy conversion mechanisms for generating electrical power.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] Heavy reliance on electricity in order to operate various entities opens up for addressing challenges of reliable and consistent access to electrical power in times of emergencies, natural disasters or power outages. This is essential for maintaining operation of vital functions such as communication networks, lighting networks, military defense systems and equipment, emergency shelters, hospitals and medical facilities and equipment, etc.

[0007] However, traditional power sources like grid electricity may not be readily available in remote areas, or during emergencies. Existing solutions like portable generators using fossil fuels have their own set of challenges requiring regular maintenance, and a constant supply of fuel such as oil or diesel that may be difficult to access during emergencies.

[0008] One approach to tackle the mentioned problems may be using rechargeable batteries as a portable power source. However, these batteries have limitations in terms of their capacity and charging time. Solar panels or other renewable energy sources may also be used; however, low energy conversation efficiency and their dependency on the environmental and climate conditions render these intermittent alternatives to be less reliable energy sources for maintaining consistent operation of vital equipment and facilities in emergencies.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need in the art for innovative emergency electricity power generators capable of providing consistent and reliable electrical power in times of emergencies or in off-grid locations. SUMMARY

[0010] It is an object of the present disclosure to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above-identified deficiencies and disadvantages in the prior art and solve at least the above-mentioned problems. Various aspects and embodiments of the disclosed invention are defined below and in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. More specifically, embodiments of the invention in the present disclosure provide a self-contained mobile power generator entity that includes various components for biomass fuel intake, preparation, drying, combustion, energy conversion, and electrical power generation. The term exemplary is in the present context to be understood as serving as an instance, example or illustration.

[0011] According to a first aspect there is provided a self-contained mobile power generator entity comprising a biomass fuel inlet configured to allow passage of biomass fuel feedstock into the power generator unit; a chopper unit connected to the biomass fuel inlet and configured to receive the biomass fuel feedstock and produce ignitable pieces of biomass fuel; a fuel dryer unit arranged to receive the produced ignitable pieces of the biomass fuel and configured to remove excess moisture from the ignitable biomass fuel pieces in order to produce dried ignitable pieces of biomass fuel; at least one energy converter unit configured to convert an input thermal energy, provided by a heat source and a heat sink, to an output kinetic energy; a combustion unit, arranged in thermal communication with the at least one energy converter unit, to provide the heat source to the at least one energy converter unit; the combustion unit being configured to receive the dried ignitable pieces of biomass fuel and configured to generate heat energy by combusting the dried ignitable pieces of biomass fuel; a heat sink unit, arranged in thermal communication with the at least one energy converter, to provide the heat sink function to the at least one energy converter unit and dissipate heat from the at least one energy converter unit; a power generator unit in operational communication with the at least one energy converter unit, and configured to convert the output kinetic energy received from the at least one energy converter unit to an output electrical power.

[0012] According to some embodiments, the power generator entity may further comprise a fuel storage unit configured to store the ignitable pieces of biomass fuel produced by the chopper unit, wherein the fuel storage unit may be arranged to be connectable to the combustion unit and the fuel dryer unit.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the power generator entity may further comprise an intermediate fuel feeder mechanism configured to receive ignitable pieces of biomass fuel from the chopper unit and transfer the received pieces to any one of the dryer unit, the combustion unit and the fuel storage unit. According to some embodiments, the power generator entity may further comprise an exhaust control system configured to control a flow of exhaust gases from the combustion unit. The exhaust control system may comprise a main heat exchanger unit arranged to be connected to an exhaust gas outlet vent of the combustion unit for removal of exhaust gases out of the combustion unit; an air inlet vent connected to the heat exchanger, arranged for allowing passage of fresh air from outside into the main exchanger ; a circulator fan connected to the heat exchanger unit and configured to circulate an output heated airflow from the heat exchanger in the exhaust control system; wherein the circulator fan may further be arranged to be connected to a control valve, the control valve arranged to be connectable to a hot air outlet ; and further may be arranged to be connected a hot air inlet vent of the fuel dryer unit for providing an airflow of hot air to the fuel dryer unit.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the heat sink unit may comprise at least one cooling fan; and a cooling circuit that may comprise a plurality of coolant pathways for circulating a coolant arranged in thermal communication with the energy converter unit, and the at least one cooling fan.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the power generator entity may further comprise a water container unit configured for storing water; the water container unit being arranged in thermal connection with the exhaust control system via a first heat exchanger unit; and / or with cooling circuit via a second heat exchanger unit.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the power generator entity may further comprise two or more energy converter units arranged to be interconnected so that each energy converter unit may be configured to receive a respective portion of the input thermal energy, provided by the heat source and the heat sink. Each energy converter unit may be configured to convert the received portion to a respective output kinetic energy. The power generator entity may further comprise two or more power generator units arranged in operational communication with a respective energy converter unit of the two or more energy converter units, and configured to convert the respective output kinetic energy received from the two or more energy converter units to a respective output electrical power.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the at least one energy converter unit may comprise any one of a Stirling engine, and an organic Rankine cycle, ORC, turbine.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the fuel dryer unit may comprise a conveyer belt arrangement to receive the ignitable biomass fuel pieces produced by the chopper unit, and a hot air circulator unit configured for rapid moisture removal from the ignitable pieces of biomass fuel in order to produce dried ignitable pieces of biomass fuel. According to some embodiments, the power generator entity may comprise a direct current, DC, power generator, or an alternating current, AC, generator. The power generator entity may further comprise one or more battery packs, wherein at least one battery pack may be arrangable in operational communication with the DC or AC power generator; and an alternating current, AC, power converter in operational communication with the one or more battery packs, and / or the DC or AC power generator.

[0019] The present inventors have realized that by providing the mobile and self-contained power generator entity, power outages and emergencies can be efficiently addressed. The presented solution provides a robust and dependable fuel preparation mechanism by adapting to the operational conditions, namely by taking advantage of availability of resources in the surrounding environment of the mobile entity 100. Biomass fuel is collected and prepared for efficient energy conversion and electrical power generation. Energy converter units such as Stirling engines implemented in the mobile power generator entity 100 harness the thermal energy produced by the combustion unit and convert it mechanical work, which then drives a power generator, resulting in electrical power being generated on-site. Furthermore, the devised power generator entity is designed as a mobile and transportable energy generation platform, enabling easy transportation to various locations. Additionally, depending on the target application, the power generator entity may be scaled up or down by adding or removing energy converter units, and respective power generators with different capacities. This flexibility makes the devised apparatus suitable for a wide range of power requirements from small-scale off-grid operations to modular networks of multiple connected units devised to power larger installations.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the power generator entity may further comprise one or more sensor devices associated with at least one operational unit of the power generator entity, and configured to collect sensor data related to the operation of the at least one operational unit of the power generator entity. The power generator entity may further comprise a control system comprising processing circuitry configured to obtain sensor data from the one or more sensor devices, and to commence and control an operation of the power generator entity based on the obtained sensor data.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the at least one energy converter unit may comprise a manual pull handle configured for enabling emergency starting of the at least one energy converter unit.

[0022] According to a second aspect there is provided a method, performed by a self-contained mobile power generator entity comprising means for generating electrical power, the method comprising: receiving, through a biomass fuel inlet, biomass fuel feedstock into the power generator unit; receiving, at a chopper unit connected to the biomass fuel inlet, the biomass fuel feedstock and producing ignitable pieces of biomass fuel; receiving, at a fuel dryer unit, the produced ignitable pieces of the biomass fuel; removing excess moisture from the ignitable pieces of biomass fuel, and producing dried ignitable pieces of biomass fuel; receiving, at a combustion unit arranged for providing a heat source to at least one energy converter unit comprised in the power generator unit, the dried ignitable pieces of biomass fuel and generating heat energy by combusting the dried ignitable pieces of biomass fuel for heating the at least one energy converter unit; regulating a temperature of the at least one energy converter unit, by means of a heat sink unit arranged for providing a heat sink to the at least one energy converter unit; converting, by means of the at least one energy converter unit arranged in thermal communication with the heat source and the heat sink, an input thermal energy provided by the heat source and the heat sink to an output kinetic energy; generating electrical power, by means of a power generator unit in operational communication with the at least one energy converter unit, by converting the output kinetic energy received from the at least one energy converter unit to an output electrical power.

[0023] According to a third aspect there is provided a computer-implemented method for commencing and controlling an operation of a self-contained mobile power generator entity, the method performed by a control system of the self-contained mobile power generator entity and comprising: activating an arrangement for receiving, through a biomass fuel inlet, biomass fuel feedstock into the power generator unit; activating an arrangement for receiving, at a chopper unit connected to the biomass fuel inlet, the biomass fuel feedstock and producing ignitable pieces of biomass fuel; activating an arrangement for receiving, at a fuel dryer unit, the produced ignitable pieces of the biomass fuel; activating an arrangement for removing excess moisture from the ignitable pieces of biomass fuel, and producing dried ignitable pieces of biomass fuel; activating an arrangement for receiving the dried ignitable pieces of biomass fuel, at a combustion unit arranged for providing a heat source to at least one energy converter unit comprised in the power generator unit, and generating heat energy by combusting the dried ignitable pieces of biomass fuel for heating the at least one energy converter unit; activating an arrangement for regulating a temperature of the at least one energy converter unit, by means of a heat sink unit arranged for providing a heat sink to the at least one energy converter unit; converting, by means of the at least one energy converter unit arranged in thermal communication with the heat source and the heat sink, an input thermal energy provided by the heat source and the heat sink to an output kinetic energy; generating electrical power, by means of a power generator unit in operational communication with the at least one energy converter unit, by converting the output kinetic energy received from the at least one energy converter unit to an output electrical power.

[0024] Activating an arrangement for performing an operation in the present context is to be construed as activating, starting an operation of, triggering or actuating the respective units and components such as sensor devices, actuators, motorized units, fans, conveyor belts, etc. for performing the intended operations. For instance, the control system may transmit activation signals to a sensor device or to a motorized unit in order to trigger these units to carry out their intended operation i.e. performing measurements, transferring biomass fuel pieces, etc.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the method may further comprise obtaining sensor data from one or more sensor devices associated with at least one operational unit of the power generator entity configured for collecting sensor data related to the operation of the at least one operational unit of the power generator entity; transmitting, based on the obtained sensor data, a start-up signal to startuparrangement comprised in the power generator entity; and commencing the operation the mobile power generator entity.

[0026] According to a fourth aspect there is provided a control system comprising processing circuitry configured to commence and control an operation of a self-contained mobile power generator entity, the processing circuitry being configured to: activate an arrangement to receive, through a biomass fuel inlet, biomass fuel feedstock into the power generator unit; activate an arrangement to receive, at a chopper unit connected to the biomass fuel inlet, the biomass fuel feedstock and produce ignitable pieces of biomass fuel; activate an arrangement to receive, at a fuel dryer unit, the produced ignitable pieces of the biomass fuel; activate an arrangement to remove excess moisture from the ignitable pieces of biomass fuel, and produce dried ignitable pieces of biomass fuel; activate an arrangement to receive the dried ignitable pieces of biomass fuel, at a combustion unit arranged for providing a heat source to at least one energy converter unit comprised in the power generator unit, and generate heat energy by combusting the dried ignitable pieces of biomass fuel for heating the at least one energy converter unit; activate an arrangement to regulate a temperature of the at least one energy converter unit, by means of a heat sink unit arranged for providing a heat sink to the at least one energy converter unit; convert, by means of the at least one energy converter unit arranged in thermal communication with the heat source and the heat sink, an input thermal energy provided by the heat source and the heat sink to an output kinetic energy; generate electrical power, by means of a power generator unit in operational communication with the at least one energy converter unit, by converting the output kinetic energy received from the at least one energy converter unit to an output electrical power.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the processing circuitry may further be configured to obtain sensor data from one or more sensor devices associated with at least one operational unit of the power generator entity configured to collect sensor data related to the operation of the at least one operational unit of the power generator entity; transmit, based on the obtained sensor data, a start-up signal to start-uparrangement comprised in the power generator entity; and commence the operation the mobile power generator entity. According to a fifth aspect there is provided a computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by one or more processors of a control system of a self-contained mobile power generator entity, causes the processing circuitry to carry out the embodiments of method according to the third aspect.

[0028] According to a sixth aspect there is provided a computer program carrier carrying one or more computer programs configured to be executed by one or more processors of a control system of a self- contained mobile power generator entity, the one or more programs comprising instructions for performing the method according to embodiments of the method of the third aspect, and wherein the computer program carrier is one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal or a computer- readable storage medium.

[0029] According to a seventh aspect there is provided a transportable platform configured to be connectable to a motorized carrier, wherein the transportable platform comprises a self-contained mobile power generator entity according to any one of the embodiments of the previous first to sixth aspects.

[0030] Effects and features of the second through seventh aspects are to a large extent analogous to those described above in connection with the first aspect. Embodiments mentioned in relation to the first aspect are largely compatible with the second through seventh aspects.

[0031] The present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description given below. The detailed description and specific examples disclose preferred embodiments of the disclosure by way of illustration only. Those skilled in the art understand from guidance in the detailed description that changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the disclosure.

[0032] Hence, it is to be understood that the herein disclosed disclosure is not limited to the particular component parts of the device described or steps of the methods described since such device and method may vary.

[0033] BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The above objects, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure, will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of example embodiments of the present disclosure, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not to scale.

[0035] Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a mobile power generator entity according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 shows a block diagram of the mobile power generator entity comprising a control system according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 3 shows a block diagram of a commencing system of the mobile power generator entity comprising a control system according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figures 4 and 5 show flow charts of methods according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 6 shows a perspective side view of a platform comprising the mobile power generator entity according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred example embodiments of the disclosure are shown. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in other forms and should not be construed as limited to the herein disclosed embodiments. The disclosed embodiments are provided to fully convey the scope of the disclosure to the skilled person.

[0041] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that at least some of the steps, services and functions explained herein may be implemented using individual hardware circuitry, using software functioning in conjunction with a programmed microprocessor or general purpose computer, using one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), using one or more Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) and / or using one or more Digital Signal Processors (DSPs).

[0042] It will also be appreciated that when the present disclosure is described in terms of a method, at least some embodiments and aspects of the method may be embodied in an apparatus comprising one or more processors, one or more memories coupled to the one or more processors, where computer code is loaded to implement the method. For example, the one or more memories may store one or more computer programs that perform some of the steps, services and functions disclosed herein when executed by the one or more processors in some embodiments.

[0043] It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. It should be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claim, the articles "a", "an", "the", and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a unit" or "the unit" may refer to more than one unit in some contexts, and the like. Furthermore, the words "comprising", "including", "containing" do not exclude other elements or steps. It should be emphasized that the term "comprises / comprising" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, or components. It does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof. The term "and / or" is to be interpreted as meaning "both" as well and each as an alternative. The term "obtaining" is herein to be interpreted broadly and encompasses receiving, retrieving, collecting, acquiring, and so forth. As used herein, the term "if" may be construed to mean "when or "upon" or "in an instance of" or "in response to determining or "in response to detecting" depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase "if it is determined' or "when it is determined" or "in an instance of" may be construed to mean "upon determining or "in response to determining" or "upon detecting and identifying occurrence of an event" or "in response to detecting occurrence of an event" depending on the context. It will also be understood that, although the term first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements or features, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

[0044] Figure 1 shows a self-contained mobile power generator entity 100 according to several aspects and embodiments herein. The self-contained mobile power generator entity 100 may also be simply referred to as the power generator entity 100 or mobile power generator 100 in the remainder of this detailed description. In several exemplary embodiments, the mobile power generator 100 may be realized by integrating the power generator entity 100 in a transportable entity or platform 101 adapted to be transported amongst locations by means of a towing vehicle 600 as shown in Fig. 5. The platform 101 may in some examples comprise wheels, or other transport mechanism. In some examples, the platform itself may be a standalone motorized transport entity. The versatile power generator entity 100 herein may be integrated into various types of conveyances such as motorized vehicles, trucks, trailers, carts, carriages, military and combat vehicles. The towing vehicle 600 may be any suitable vehicle such as truck, tractor, passenger car, etc. capable of and adapted to towing the platform 101. The power generator 100 in several embodiments is a stand-alone entity 100, which may be pulled by a hauler e.g. a combat vehicle 500. The transportable power generator entity 100 provides an advantage of generating reliable and consistent electrical power for operating a variety of equipment and applications, specifically during emergencies and at remote locations where access to electricity is limited. In several examples, a plurality of power generator units 100 may be assembled based on a modular design allowing for customization according to specific requirements. The proposed power generator entity 100 further provides an advantage of harnessing the energy potential of biomass fuels in order to generate electrical power. In the present context, biomass fuel comprises biomass feedstock including various materials such as wood, firewood, agricultural crops and waste materials including corn, soybeans, sugar cane, switch grass, woody plants, and crop residues. Biomass fuel can produce heat through direct combustion, providing industrial process heat, and generating electricity through energy conversion entities. Compared to conventional fossil fuels such as oil or diesel, biomass fuels are abundant, diverse and renewable sources of energy that can be utilized in cases of power outages, emergencies and in off- grid locations for producing reliable electrical power by the presented power generator entity 100 herein. In the present context, the self-contained is to be construed as an independent entity having all necessary means to function without relying on external or auxiliary units. The self-contained power generator according to embodiments and aspects herein for generating electricity is a system that can independently produce power without relying on an external electricity grid. These units are adapted to be used in remote locations or situations where there is no easy access to the grid.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 1, the mobile power generator entity 100 comprises a biomass fuel inlet 103 configured to allow passage of biomass fuel feedstock 105 into the power generator entity 100. The power generator entity 100 further comprises a chopper unit 107 connected to the biomass fuel inlet 103. The biomass fuel receiving system comprising the inlet 103 and the chopper 107 are accordingly adapted in order to accommodate various types and sizes of biomass fuel, being prepared and introduced into the power generator entity 100 in a controlled manner.

[0046] The chopper unit 107 is configured to receive the biomass fuel feedstock 105 and produce ignitable pieces of biomass fuel 105a. Ignitable pieces of biomass fuel 105a may simply be referred to as fuel pieces throughout this description. The chopper unit 107 may be configured to produce the ignitable pieces 105a of biomass fuel by cutting, grinding, grating, shredding or fragmenting the received biomass fuel feedstock 105. The chopper unit 107 may comprise any suitable cutting or grinding means and mechanism such as blades, rotating blades, etc. The produced ignitable pieces of biomass fuel 105a may comprise fragments, chips, splinters, pellets, or bits of the biomass fuel 105a. For instance, the produced ignitable pieces of biomass fuel 105a may comprise wood chips produced from wood logs 105 introduced into the chopper unit 107. In some exemplary embodiments, the chopper unit 107 may be further configured to produce uniformly sized ignitable fuel pieces allowing for efficient combustion and heat energy generation within the combustion unit 111. For example, wood chips with an average size of 10 - 50 mm or similar may be produced.

[0047] The mobile power generator entity 100 further comprises a fuel dryer unit 109 arranged to receive the produced pieces 105a of the biomass fuel and configured to remove excess moisture from the biomass fuel pieces in order to produce dried pieces of biomass fuel. In some exemplary embodiments, the fuel dryer unit 109 may be arranged to receive the produced pieces 105a of the biomass fuel directly from the chopper unit 107 and / or indirectly through an intermediate storage unit (not shown). By consistently removing the excess moisture from the fuel pieces, an efficient combustion and energy conversion processes can be maintained. Another advantage of producing uniformly sized fuel pieces mentioned earlier includes making the drying process in the dryer unit 109 more efficient and homogeneous, further contributing to the energy efficiency of the whole power generator entity 100.

[0048] In several embodiments, the fuel dryer unit 109 may comprise a conveyer belt arrangement (not specifically shown) to receive the ignitable biomass fuel pieces 105a produced by the chopper unit 107. The conveyor belt may be a single-level or multi-level conveyor belt. Additionally or alternatively, the fuel dryer unit 109 may comprise a hot air circulator unit 109c configured for rapid moisture removal from the ignitable pieces of biomass fuel in order to produce dried ignitable pieces of biomass fuel.

[0049] The mobile power generator entity 100 further comprises a combustion unit 111. Further, the mobile power generator entity 100 comprises a heat sink unit 115. Moreover, the mobile power generator entity 100 comprises at least one energy converter unit 113 configured to convert an input thermal energy provided by a heat source and a heat sink to an output kinetic energy.

[0050] The combustion unit 111 is arranged in thermal communication with the at least one energy converter unit 113, to provide the heat source to the at least one energy converter unit 113. The combustion unit 111 is configured to receive the dried pieces of biomass fuel, directly or indirectly (e.g. through an intermediate storage unit which is not specifically shown) from the dryer unit. The combustion unit 111 is configured to generate heat energy by igniting and combusting the supplied dried pieces of biomass fuel. The combustion unit 111 may be referred to as the burner unit 111 or a combustion chamber 111 throughout this description. The heat energy generated during the combustion process is transferred to the energy converter unit 113. The heat sink unit 115 is in thermal communication with the at least one energy converter 113 in order to provide the heat sink function to the at least one energy converter unit and dissipate heat from the at least one energy converter unit. Thus, the heat sink unit 115 is configured to regulate an operational temperature and cool down the at least one energy converter unit 113.

[0051] The at least one energy converter unit 113 is configured to convert an input thermal energy, provided by the heat source 111 and the heat sink 115, to an output kinetic energy. The kinetic energy in the present context may also be referred to as mechanical work. The mobile power generator entity 100 further comprises a power generator unit 117 in operational communication with the at least one energy converter unit 113. The power generator unit 113 is configured to convert the output kinetic energy received from the at least one energy converter 113 unit to an output electrical power. In some embodiments, the combustion unit 111 may further comprise an ash holder unit and / or disposal mechanisms with an ash outlet 111b in order to temporarily store the produced ash from the combustion processes in the combustion unit 111, so it can be safely disposed. Fig. 1 further illustrates the power generator entity 100 further comprising a fuel storage unit 119. The fuel storage unit 119 may also be referred to as dry fuel storage unit 119 or simply fuel storage 119 throughout this description. The fuel storage 119 may be configured to store the supplied ignitable pieces 105a of biomass fuel produced by the chopper unit after undergoing the drying process by the fuel dryer unit 109. As such, in several exemplary embodiments, the fuel storage unit 119 may be arranged to be connectable to the combustion unit 111 and the fuel dryer unit 109.

[0052] In several embodiments, the power generator entity 100 may further comprise an intermediate fuel feeder mechanism (not specifically shown) configured to receive pieces of biomass fuel from the chopper unit and transfer the received pieces of biomass fuel to the fuel dryer unit 109, to the combustion unit 111, and / or to the fuel storage unit 119. Similarly, in several embodiments, the chopper unit 107 may comprise the feeder mechanism (not specifically shown) for introducing the biomass fuel feedstock 105 into the chopper unit 107 through the inlet 103. In several exemplary embodiments, the feeder mechanism may transport the ignitable pieces from the copper unit 107 to the combustion chamber 111 directly or through the dryer unit 109 and / or the storage unit 119. The intermediate feeder mechanism could include a conveyor belt, or a mechanical arm, or any other suitable mechanism that moves the biomass fuel feedstock 105 and the ignitable fuel pieces among the various operations units. The fuel feeder mechanism ensures consistent feed rates to maintain optimal combustion conditions and improve overall system efficiency.

[0053] In several embodiments and aspects, the power generator entity 100 may further comprise an exhaust control system 121 configured to process exhaust gases generated during the combustion processes in the combustion chamber 111. The advantageous exhaust control system 121 presented herein is not only capable of safely releasing the generated exhaust gases into the atmosphere e.g. through an exhaust outlet 123c, but also utilizes the produced hot exhaust gases and their hot temperatures in order to enable auxiliary functions such as providing a flow of hot air into the dryer unit 109 to be used for drying the ignitable pieces. Furthermore, a flow of hot air may be provided for general use such as heating the air inside a tent, or an emergency shelter housing, etc. The exhaust control system 121 is configured to control a flow of exhaust gases from the combustion unit 111. The exhaust control system may comprise a main heat exchanger unit 121a arranged to be connected to an exhaust gas outlet vent Illa of the combustion unit 111. The exhaust gas outlet vent Illa of the combustion unit 111 is arranged for removal of exhaust gases out of the combustion unit. Further, the exhaust control system 121 may comprise an air inlet vent 121b connected to the heat exchanger, arranged for allowing passage of fresh air from outside i.e. atmospheric surrounding environment of the entity 100 into the main exchanger. Fresh airflow may be utilized to regulate temperature of exhaust gases to a desired temperature to be used in other parts of the power generator entity 100 such as the dryer unit 109 or for general heating purposes. For instance, hot exhaust gases may be regulated to e.g. around 30° C in order to be used as a heater source for warming a connected room space. The exhaust control system 121 may further comprise a circulator fan 121c or a blower unit 121c connected to the heat exchanger unit and configured to circulate an output heated airflow from the heat exchanger in the exhaust control system. In other words, the temperature of the exhaust gases from the combustion unit 111 can be advantageously utilized in the main heat exchanger unit 121a to heat up the inflow of fresh air entering from inlet 121a and produce a hot air flow with regulated temperatures. The circulator fan 121c may further be arranged to be connected to a control valve 121d that is arranged to be connectable to a hot air outlet 121e for providing the hot airflow for general use. The control valve 121d may further be arranged to be connected to a hot air inlet vent 109a of the fuel dryer unit 109 for providing an airflow of hot air to the fuel dryer unit 109. This hot airflow entering the dryer unit 109 can be advantageously used in the process of rapid drying of fuel pieces, further improving the energy efficiency of the entire power generator entity 100. The fuel dryer unit 109 may also comprise an outlet vent 109b for exhausting moist air into the atmosphere.

[0054] In several embodiments, the heat sink unit 115 may comprise at least one cooling fan 115a. The heat sink unit 115 may also comprise a cooling circuit 115b comprising a plurality of coolant pathways for circulating a coolant arranged in thermal communication with the energy converter unit, and the at least one cooling fan. The coolant is several examples may be water. The heat sink unit 115, is arranged to primarily utilize the coolant flow in the coolant circuit 115b in order to regulate a temperature of the energy converter unit. Additionally, or alternatively, the at least one fan 115a may be utilized in order to boost the temperature regulation process. The energy converting unit 113 typically has a surplus heat of 60° C that can be re-cycled through a first heat exchanger in a water container 123 as explained in the following and shown in Fig. 1. Additionally or alternatively this may be done in the cooling circuit 115a of the heat sink unit 115, and when required with assistance from operations of fans 115b.

[0055] In several exemplary embodiments, the power generator entity 100 may further comprise a water container unit 123. This feature advantageously provides a backup function of continuous access to cold or hot water for usage. The water container 123 typically has a water inlet 123-1 and outlet 123- 2, i.e., water return and how water supply for usage respectively. The water container unit 123 may be configured for storing water during the operation of the power generator entity 100 or even after the operation of the entity 100 has been terminated. The water container unit may accordingly be arranged in thermal connection with the exhaust control system 121 via a first heat exchanger unit 123a. This way the heat from the exhaust gases transmitted from the combustion unit 111 and the main heat exchanger unit 121a can be utilized for heating the stored water in the water container 123 as shown in Fig. 1. Further, the water container 123 may be arranged in thermal connection with the cooling circuit 115b of the heat sink unit 115 via a second heat exchanger unit 123b. This way a repository of cold water can also be stored in the water container 123 for later use.

[0056] According to several embodiments and aspects, the power generator entity 100 may comprise two or more energy converter units 113a, 113b as illustrated in Fig. 1. The two or more energy converter units 113a, 113b are arranged to be interconnected so that each energy converter unit is configured to receive a respective portion of the input thermal energy, provided by the heat source 111 and the heat sink 115. The respective received portions of the input thermal energy would be converted to a respective output kinetic energy by each energy converter. Further, the power generator entity 100 may comprise two or more power generator units 117a, 117b arranged in operational communication with a respective energy converter unit 113a, 113b of the two or more energy converter units. Each one of the power generator units 117a, 117b is thus configured to convert the respective output kinetic energy received from its respective energy converter unit to a respective output electrical power. This way an advantage is achieved in operating a multi-level power generation system comprising a plurality of low- capacity power generators 117, which are easier to operate and supply with the produced mechanical work by the energy converter units 113. Further advantage is achieved by providing a redundancy strategy in order to ensure the robustness and reliability of the power generator entity 100. The mentioned layout is designed to safeguard against potential unit failures. In some embodiments, some of the energy converter 113 and / or power generator units 117 may be kept in an idle operational status. In an event that one unit 113, 117 encounters a failure, the system is designed to automatically couple with the secondary energy converter or power generator unit 113, 117. This redundancy not only minimizes downtime but also ensures the continuity of operations by the power generator entity 100, thereby enhancing the overall resilience and reliability.

[0057] In several embodiments, the at least one energy converter unit 113, 113a, 113b may comprise any one of a Stirling engine, and an organic Rankine cycle, ORC, turbine. In some examples, plurality of energy converter unit 113 may comprise a mix of different types of energy converter units 113a, 113b. in some exemplary embodiments, all energy converter units may be of the same type.

[0058] The operational principles of the Stirling engines or ORC turbines are assumed to be readily available to a skilled person and thus will be avoided herein. For instance, the Stirling engine operates based on the principle that when a gas (working fluid of the engine) is heated, it expands, and when it is cooled, it contracts. Therefore, in cyclic compression and expansion phases, the Stirling engine is operated by the cyclic compression and expansion of the working fluid between different temperatures, resulting in a net conversion of heat energy to mechanical work. It should be noted that in the present context, the mentioned heat source is provided by the combustion chamber 111, and the temperature regulation i.e. cooling function is provided by the heat sink unit 115. The Stirling engine provides quiet operation, high efficiency and reliability compared to traditional internal combustion engines.

[0059] In several embodiments, the power generator unit 117 may comprises a direct current, DC, power generator 117, or an alternating current, AC, generator 117. Furthermore, the mobile power generator entity 100 may further comprises one or more battery packs 125, wherein at least one battery pack is arrangable in operational communication with the DC or AC power generator. Further, the mobile power generator entity 100 may comprises an alternating current, AC, power converter 127 in operational communication with the one or more battery packs 125, and / or the DC or AC power generator 117. The AC converter is configured to convert the produced electrical power to an AC output power e.g. a 3-phase output to be transmitted to the user appliances via an output port 127b. The Ac converter may include an input port for a 3-phase or 1-phase connection. It should be noted that due to the variable nature of the kinetic energy supplied by the energy converter unit 113, a DC power generator 117 may be utilized due to its stability and efficiency. This is due to the power output being affected by variations in operation of cyclic heat 111, and sink 115 sources for generating the mechanical work. However, since AC generators provide more flexibility and are the most commonly used type of generators, power rectifier units, voltage regulators, or static frequency converters (not specifically shown) may be arranged together with the AC power generators 117 in order to stabilize the power output of the AC generators.

[0060] The one or more battery packs may be implemented to server different functions, e.g. used as a starter device for a start sequence of the power generator entity 100 and / or connected to the power generators 117 in order to receive and store the produced electrical power for later use. Under some circumstances, the battery packs may be used to power the fuel chopper, dryer, transport of fuel by means of the feeder mechanism, or to balance charging and discharging in the generator 117. In some examples, the mobile power generator entity 100 may comprise super capacitors for storing excess electricity produced by the power generator entity 100.

[0061] The power generator entity 100 may further comprise one or more sensor devices T, P, L associated with at least one operational unit of the power generator entity 100. For instance, as shown in Fig. 2, several sensor and monitoring devices are implemented in operational connection with different components of the power generator entity 100. T1 is a temperature control sensor of the burner unit 111. T2 is a temperature sensor of the engine head arranged at the energy converter unit 113. Pl is a pressure control sensor of the working gas fluid of the energy converter e.g. the Stirling engine 113. LI is a level sensor arranged at the fuel storage unit 119. T3 is a temperature sensor arranged at the dryer unit 109. Other sensors such as flame detection sensors e.g. 111F arranged at the combustion chamber 111 may also be included. It should be obvious to the skilled person that any other type of sensors than what is mentioned in the above examples may be implemented in the system and the power generator entity 100. For example, a water level or water temperature sensor may be installed at the water container 123. Fan speed sensors, coolant temperature sensors, power generator 117 temperature sensors are also amongst other example sensor devices to be implemented according to the desired applications. The sensor and measurement devices are configured to collect sensor data related to the operation of the at least one operational unit e.g. the chopper 107, the dryer 109, the combustion chamber 111, the energy convert unit 113, the power generators 117, the battery packs 125, etc. of the power generator entity 100. The power generator entity 100 may also include a control system 200 comprising processing circuitry configured to obtain sensor data from the one or more sensor devices, and to commence and control an operation of the power generator entity 100 based on the obtained sensor data. In some examples, the power generator entity 100 may also include communication equipment such as wireless communication modules and components, connected to the control system and configured for establishing connectivity with external networks. The control system 200 may be connected to user interfaces and user input means such as displays and control panels for interacting with the control system 200.

[0062] The second aspect of this disclosure in Fig. 4 shows a flowchart of a method 400, performed by the self-contained mobile power generator entity 100 comprising means for generating electrical power as explained in detail earlier. The method 400 comprises receiving 401, through a biomass fuel inlet 103, biomass fuel feedstock 105 into the power generator entity 100. The method 400 further comprises receiving 401, at a chopper unit 107 connected to the biomass fuel inlet, the biomass fuel feedstock and producing 403 ignitable pieces of biomass fuel. The method 400 further comprises receiving 405, at a fuel dryer unit 109, the produced ignitable pieces of the biomass fuel and removing 407 excess moisture from the ignitable pieces of biomass fuel. The method 400 further comprises producing 407 dried ignitable pieces of biomass fuel. The method 400 further comprises receiving 409, at a combustion unit 111 arranged for providing a heat source to at least one energy converter unit 113 comprised in the power generator entity 100, the dried ignitable pieces of biomass fuel. Further, the method 400 comprises generating 411 heat energy by combusting 411a the dried ignitable pieces of biomass fuel for heating the at least one energy converter unit. The method 400 further comprises regulating 413 a temperature of the at least one energy converter unit, by means of a heat sink unit arranged for providing a heat sink to the at least one energy converter unit. The method 400 further comprises converting 415, by means of the at least one energy converter unit 113 arranged in thermal communication with the heat source 111 and the heat sink 115, an input thermal energy provided by the heat source and the heat sink to an output kinetic energy. The method 400 further comprises generating 417 electrical power, by means of a power generator unit 117 in operational communication with the at least one energy converter unit 113, by converting 417a the output kinetic energy received from the at least one energy converter unit to an output electrical power.

[0063] The third aspect of this disclosure in Fig. 5 shows a flowchart of a computer-implemented method 500 for commencing 501 and controlling 503 an operation of a self-contained mobile power generator entity 100. The method 500 is performed by a control system 200 of the self-contained mobile power generator entity 100. The method 500 comprises activating 505 an arrangement, for receiving, through a biomass fuel inlet 103, biomass fuel feedstock 105 into the power generator entity 100. The method 500 further comprises activating 507 an arrangement, for receiving at a chopper unit 117 connected to the biomass fuel inlet, the biomass fuel feedstock and producing ignitable pieces of biomass fuel. The method further comprises activating 509 an arrangement , for receiving at a fuel dryer unit 109, the produced ignitable pieces of the biomass fuel. Additionally, the method comprises activating 511 an arrangement , for removing excess moisture from the ignitable pieces of biomass fuel, and producing dried ignitable pieces of biomass fuel. Further, the method comprises activating 513 an arrangement , for receiving at a combustion unit 111 arranged for providing a heat source to at least one energy converter unit comprised in the power generator unit, the dried ignitable pieces of biomass fuel and generating heat energy by combusting the dried ignitable pieces of biomass fuel for heating the at least one energy converter unit. The method further comprise activating 515 an arrangement , for regulating a temperature of the at least one energy converter unit, by means of a heat sink unit 115 arranged for providing a heat sink to the at least one energy converter unit. The method further comprises converting 517, by means of the at least one energy converter unit arranged in thermal communication with the heat source and the heat sink, an input thermal energy provided by the heat source and the heat sink to an output kinetic energy. Further, the method comprises generating 519 electrical power, by means of a power generator unit 117 in operational communication with the at least one energy converter unit 113, by converting the output kinetic energy received from the at least one energy converter unit to an output electrical power.

[0064] In several embodiments and aspects, the control system 200 is configured to transmit control signals to various components for controlling an operation of these components as show in Fig. 2.

[0065] Accordingly, the method 500 may further comprise obtaining 521 sensor data from one or more sensor devices associated with at least one operational unit of the power generator entity 100. The sensor devices are configured for collecting sensor data related to the operation of the at least one operational unit of the power generator unit. The method 500 may further comprise transmitting 523, based on the obtained sensor data, a startup signal to start-uparrangement comprised in the power generator entity; and commencing 525 the operation the mobile power generator entity.

[0066] One of the advantages of the mobile power generator entity 100 presented herein is the possibility of generating electrical power in harsh and emergency conditions as mentioned earlier. Therefore, the present inventors have devised a series of versatile start sequences in order to commence operation of the mobile power generator entity 100 presented herein. Fig. 3 shows a block diagram of components to run startup sequences and initiate operation of the mobile power generator entity 100. Under different conditions and situations, start sequences are adapted to respond effectively to the imposed challenges. For example, under ordinary conditions, wherein the fuel storage 119 contains dry fuel ready for ignition, and that a respective battery has a state of charge (SOC) capable of cranking the energy converter units 113, the following start sequence may be followed. The start system 300 i.e. startup means 300 of the mobile power generator entity 100 shown in Fig. 3 may accordingly comprise storage of friction matches or similar equipment for manually starting a fire. Thus, fire can be started with friction matches by a user of the entity 100 through a hatch 111-1 in the combustion unit 111, similar to starting fire at a conventional fireplace. In a different exemplary embodiment, a small propane flare 111-2 may be implemented at the combustion unit 111, e.g. in a close proximity of the hatch 111- 1 in order to provide a pilot flame. The assisted pilot flame may also be started by means of handheld burner devices. In another example, an electric heater element 111-3 may be implemented in an appropriate part of the combustion unit 111 in order to start a first fire. The element may be arranged to be powered by the charged battery pack 125a shown in Fig. 3, or may have an integrated power source (not shown). In yet another start sequence, e.g. under an emergency condition (e.g. wet raw fuel available and no charge in the battery 125a), an emergency start sequence may be performed. In the emergency start sequence, the bulk biomass fuel, e.g. wet wood from a forest needs to be manually chopped by a user, and cut to pieces and stacked inside the burner unit 111 through the hatch 111-1. Then a temperature read out may be performed on a temperature measurement sensor T1 such as a thermometer. When the temperature inside the combustion chamber 111 has reached a threshold value e.g. around 200° C, a manual pull of a handle 30 may be performed to start the energy converter unit 113. When the temperature in the combustion chamber 111 has reached or surpassed the threshold temperature, the control system 200 may transmit a crank signal to a starter motor 31 that starts to spin the energy convertor unit 113. Thereafter, the energy convertor unit 113 charges the battery pack 125a and enables the electric feed to the heater element to further raise the temperature within the burner unit 111. This operation may be performed for a predetermined period of time such as 3 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes and the like. When exhaust temperatures have reached a threshold temperature e.g. around 100° C, the dryer unit starts functioning and dried fuel 105a can instead be started to fill up the storage 119. An exhaust recirculation fan 32 may be actuated by the control system 200, as shown by the dashed arrow, to boost flow of hot air to the energy converter unit 113 as shown in Fig. 3. When enough electric charge has been replenished in the battery pack, or if supply is taken directly from the generator 117, the chopper unit 107 and dryer unit 109 can be started at low speed in order to operate in the normal sequence of fuel supply and energy conversion. Various operations and functions of the start system 300, such as sensor measurements, actuation of components, transmission of control signals to different units, and the like are advantageously overseen and executed by the control unit 200.

[0067] Accordingly, and as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the fourth aspect of this disclosure shows a control system 200 comprising processing circuitry configured to commence and control the operation of the self-contained mobile power generator entity 100. The control system 200, which may be referred to as control unit 200 is configured to ensure a startup of the mobile power generator entity 100, perform measurements and monitor an operation of the mobile power generator entity 100, as well as control the operation of mobile power generator entity 100 and various components thereof. The processing circuitry of the control system 200 may comprise one or more processor units (not shown) configured to activate an arrangement to receive, through the biomass fuel inlet 103, biomass fuel feedstock 105 into the power generator entity 100. Further, the processing circuitry is configured to activate an arrangement to receive at the chopper unit 107 connected to the biomass fuel inlet 103, the biomass fuel feedstock 105 and produce ignitable pieces of biomass fuel 105a. As mentioned earlier, arrangements comprising conveyor belts, motorized units, sensor devices, actuator devices, or other means may be actuated and controlled by the control system 200 for transportation of fuel feedstock 105 as well as prepared ignitable fuel pieces among various units. The processing circuitry is further configured to activate an arrangement to receive, at the fuel dryer unit 109, the produced ignitable pieces of the biomass fuel. The processing circuitry is further configured to activate an arrangement e.g. single or multilayer conveyor belt, as well as hot air blower 109c to remove excess moisture from the ignitable pieces of biomass fuel, and produce dried ignitable pieces of biomass fuel. The processing circuitry is further configured to activate an arrangement to receive, at the combustion unit 111 arranged for providing a heat source to at least one energy converter unit 113 comprised in the power generator unit, the dried ignitable pieces of biomass fuel. The processing circuitry is further configured to enable generating heat energy by combusting the dried ignitable pieces of biomass fuel for heating the at least one energy converter unit 113, 113a, 113b. The processing circuitry is further configured to activate an arrangement 115, 115a, 115b to regulate a temperature of the at least one energy converter unit, by means of a heat sink unit 115 arranged for providing a heat sink to the at least one energy converter unit. The processing circuitry is further configured to convert, by means of actuating and controlling the at least one energy converter unit 113, 113a, 113b arranged in thermal communication with the heat source and the heat sink, an input thermal energy provided by the heat source and the heat sink to an output kinetic energy. The processing circuitry is further configured to generate electrical power, by means of actuating and controlling the power generator unit 117, 117a, 117b in operational communication with the at least one energy converter unit, by converting the output kinetic energy received from the at least one energy converter unit to an output electrical power.

[0068] In several aspects and embodiments, the processing circuitry of the control system 200 may be further configured to obtain sensor data from one or more sensor devices associated with at least one operational unit of the power generator unit configured to collect sensor data related to the operation of the at least one operational unit of the power generator unit. The processing circuitry may further be configured to transmit, based on the obtained sensor data, a startup signal to start-up arrangement 300 comprised in the power generator entity 100 and commence the operation the mobile power generator entity 100.

[0069] Executable instructions for performing these functions and embodiments of the methods 400, 500 are, optionally, included in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or other computer program product configured for execution by one or more processors e.g. one or more processors comprised in the control system of the self-contained mobile power generator entity.

[0070] The present invention has been presented above with reference to specific embodiments. However, other embodiments than the above described are possible and within the scope of the invention. Different method steps than those described above, performing the method by hardware or software, may be provided within the scope of the invention. Additionally, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed disclosure, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A self-contained mobile power generator entity (100) comprising: a biomass fuel inlet (103) configured to allow passage of biomass fuel feedstock (105) into the self-contained mobile power generator entity (100); a chopper unit (107) connected to the biomass fuel inlet and configured to receive the biomass fuel feedstock and produce ignitable pieces of biomass fuel; a fuel dryer unit (109) arranged to receive the produced ignitable pieces (105a) of the biomass fuel and configured to remove excess moisture from the ignitable biomass fuel pieces in order to produce dried ignitable pieces of biomass fuel; at least one energy converter unit (113, 113a, 113b) configured to convert an input thermal energy, provided by a heat source and a heat sink, to an output kinetic energy; a combustion unit (111), arranged in thermal communication with the at least one energy converter unit, to provide the heat source to the at least one energy converter unit; the combustion unit being configured to receive the dried ignitable pieces of biomass fuel and configured to generate heat energy by combusting the dried ignitable pieces of biomass fuel; a heat sink unit (115), arranged in thermal communication with the at least one energy converter, to provide the heat sink to the at least one energy converter unit and dissipate heat from the at least one energy converter unit; a power generator unit (117, 117a, 117b) in operational communication with the at least one energy converter unit and configured to convert the output kinetic energy received from the at least one energy converter unit to an output electrical power.

2. The self-contained mobile power generator entity (100) according to claim 1, wherein the self-contained mobile power generator entity (100) further comprises: a fuel storage unit (119) configured to store the ignitable pieces of biomass fuel (105a) produced by the chopper unit, wherein the fuel storage unit is arranged to be connectable to the combustion unit (111) and the fuel dryer unit (109).

3. The self-contained mobile power generator entity (100) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the self-contained mobile power generator entity (100) further comprises: an intermediate fuel feeder mechanism configured to receive ignitable pieces of biomass fuel from the chopper unit and transfer the received pieces to any one of the dryer unit, the combustion unit and the fuel storage unit.

4. The self-contained mobile power generator (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein the self-contained mobile power generator entity (100) further comprises: an exhaust control system (121) configured to control a flow of exhaust gases from the combustion unit (111); wherein the exhaust control system comprises: a main heat exchanger unit (121a), arranged to be connected to an exhaust gas outlet vent (Illa) of the combustion unit (111) for removal of exhaust gases out of the combustion unit; an air inlet vent (121b) connected to the main heat exchanger unit, arranged for allowing passage of fresh air from outside into the main heat exchanger unit; a circulator fan (121c) connected to the main heat exchanger unit and configured to circulate an output heated airflow from the main heat exchanger unit in the exhaust control system; wherein the circulator fan is further arranged to be connected to a control valve (121d), the control valve arranged to be connectable to a hot air outlet (121e); and further arranged to be connected a hot air inlet vent (109a) of the fuel dryer unit for providing an airflow of hot air to the fuel dryer unit (109).

5. The self-contained mobile power generator entity (100) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the heat sink unit (115) comprises: at least one cooling fan(115a); and a cooling circuit (115b) comprising a plurality of coolant pathways for circulating a coolant arranged in thermal communication with the energy converter unit, and the at least one cooling fan.

6. The self-contained mobile power generator entity (100) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the self-contained mobile power generator entity (100) further comprises: a water container unit (123) configured for storing water; the water container unit being arranged in thermal connection with the exhaust control system (121) via a first heat exchanger unit (123a); and / or with cooling circuit via a second heat exchanger unit (123b).

7. The self-contained mobile power generator entity (100) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the self-contained mobile power generator entity (100) further comprises: two or more energy converter units (113a, 113b) arranged to be interconnected so that each energy converter unit is configured to receive a respective portion of the input thermal energy, provided by the heat source and the heat sink, and convert the received portion to a respective output kinetic energy;two or more power generator units (117a, 117b) arranged in operational communication with a respective energy converter unit of the two or more energy converter units, and configured to convert the respective output kinetic energy received from the two or more energy converter units to a respective output electrical power.

8. The self-contained mobile power generator entity (100) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the at least one energy converter unit comprises any one of a Stirling engine, and an organic Rankine cycle, ORC, turbine.

9. The self-contained mobile power generator entity (100) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the fuel dryer unit (109) comprises a conveyer belt arrangement to receive the ignitable biomass fuel pieces produced by the chopper unit (111), and a hot air circulator unit (109c) configured for rapid moisture removal from the ignitable pieces of biomass fuel in order to produce dried ignitable pieces of biomass fuel.

10. The self-contained mobile power generator entity (100) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the power generator unit comprises a direct current, DC, power generator (117), or an alternating current, AC, generator (117); and wherein the power generator unit further comprises: one or more battery packs (125), wherein at least one battery pack is arrangable in operational communication with the DC or AC power generator; and an alternating current, AC, power converter (127) in operational communication with the one or more battery packs, and / or the DC or AC power generator.

11. The self-contained mobile power generator entity (100) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the self-contained mobile power generator entity (100) further comprises: one or more sensor devices (T, P, L) associated with at least one operational unit of the self- contained mobile power generator entity (100), and configured to collect sensor data related to the operation of the at least one operational unit of the self-contained mobile power generator entity (100); a control system (200) comprising processing circuitry configured to obtain sensor data from the one or more sensor devices, and to commence and control an operation of the power generator unit based on the obtained sensor data.

12. The self-contained mobile power generator entity (100) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one energy converter unit (113, 113a, 113b) comprises a manual pull handle (30) configured for enabling emergency starting of the at least one energy converter unit (113, 113a, 113b).

13. A method (400), performed by a self-contained mobile power generator entity (100) comprising means for generating electrical power, the method comprising: receiving, through a biomass fuel inlet (103), biomass fuel feedstock into the self-contained mobile power generator entity (100); receiving, at a chopper unit connected to the biomass fuel inlet, the biomass fuel feedstock and producing ignitable pieces of biomass fuel; receiving, at a fuel dryer unit, the produced ignitable pieces of the biomass fuel; removing excess moisture from the ignitable pieces of biomass fuel, and producing dried ignitable pieces of biomass fuel; receiving, at a combustion unit arranged for providing a heat source to at least one energy converter unit comprised in the self-contained mobile power generator entity (100), the dried ignitable pieces of biomass fuel and generating heat energy by combusting the dried ignitable pieces of biomass fuel for heating the at least one energy converter unit; regulating a temperature of the at least one energy converter unit, by means of a heat sink unit arranged for providing a heat sink to the at least one energy converter unit; converting, by means of the at least one energy converter unit arranged in thermal communication with the heat source and the heat sink, an input thermal energy provided by the heat source and the heat sink to an output kinetic energy; generating electrical power, by means of a power generator unit in operational communication with the at least one energy converter unit, by converting the output kinetic energy received from the at least one energy converter unit to an output electrical power.

14. A computer-implemented method (500) for commencing and controlling an operation of a self-contained mobile power generator entity, the method performed by a control system of the self- contained mobile power generator entity and comprising: activating an arrangement for receiving through a biomass fuel inlet, biomass fuel feedstock into the self-contained mobile power generator entity (100); activating an arrangement for receiving at a chopper unit connected to the biomass fuel inlet, the biomass fuel feedstock and producing ignitable pieces of biomass fuel; activating an arrangement for receiving at a fuel dryer unit, the produced ignitable pieces of the biomass fuel; activating an arrangement for removing excess moisture from the ignitable pieces of biomass fuel, and producing dried ignitable pieces of biomass fuel;activating an arrangement for receiving the dried ignitable pieces of biomass fuel, at a combustion unit arranged for providing a heat source to at least one energy converter unit comprised in the self-contained mobile power generator entity (100), and generating heat energy by combusting the dried ignitable pieces of biomass fuel for heating the at least one energy converter unit; activating an arrangement for regulating a temperature of the at least one energy converter unit, by means of a heat sink unit arranged for providing a heat sink to the at least one energy converter unit; converting, by means of the at least one energy converter unit arranged in thermal communication with the heat source and the heat sink, an input thermal energy provided by the heat source and the heat sink to an output kinetic energy; generating, electrical power by means of a power generator unit in operational communication with the at least one energy converter unit, by converting the output kinetic energy received from the at least one energy converter unit to an output electrical power.

15. The computer-implemented method according to claim 14, wherein the method further comprises: obtaining sensor data from one or more sensor devices associated with at least one operational unit of the self-contained mobile power generator entity (100) configured for collecting sensor data related to the operation of the at least one operational unit of the self-contained mobile power generator entity (100); transmitting, based on the obtained sensor data, a start-up signal to start-up arrangement comprised in the power generator unit; and commencing the operation the mobile power generator entity.

16. A control system (200) comprising processing circuitry configured to commence and control an operation of a self-contained mobile power generator entity, the processing circuitry being configured to: activate an arrangement to receive through a biomass fuel inlet, biomass fuel feedstock into the self-contained mobile power generator entity (100); activate an arrangement to receive at a chopper unit connected to the biomass fuel inlet, the biomass fuel feedstock and produce ignitable pieces of biomass fuel; activate an arrangement to receive at a fuel dryer unit, the produced ignitable pieces of the biomass fuel; activate an arrangement to remove excess moisture from the ignitable pieces of biomass fuel, and produce dried ignitable pieces of biomass fuel;activate an arrangement to receive the dried ignitable pieces of biomass fuel, at a combustion unit arranged for providing a heat source to at least one energy converter unit comprised in the self- contained mobile power generator entity (100), and generate heat energy by combusting the dried ignitable pieces of biomass fuel for heating the at least one energy converter unit; activate an arrangement to regulate a temperature of the at least one energy converter unit, by means of a heat sink unit arranged for providing a heat sink to the at least one energy converter unit; convert, by means of the at least one energy converter unit arranged in thermal communication with the heat source and the heat sink, an input thermal energy provided by the heat source and the heat sink to an output kinetic energy; generate, electrical power by means of a power generator unit in operational communication with the at least one energy converter unit, by converting the output kinetic energy received from the at least one energy converter unit to an output electrical power.

17. The control system (200) according to claim 16, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to: obtain sensor data from one or more sensor devices associated with at least one operational unit of the self-contained mobile power generator entity (100) configured to collect sensor data related to the operation of the at least one operational unit of the self-contained mobile power generator entity (100); transmit, based on the obtained sensor data, a start-up signal to start-up arrangement comprised in the self-contained mobile power generator entity (100); and commence the operation the mobile power generator entity (100).

18. A computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by one or more processors of a control system of a self-contained mobile power generator entity, causes the processing circuitry to carry out the method according to claims 14 or 15.

19. A computer program carrier carrying one or more computer programs configured to be executed by one or more processors of a control system of a self-contained mobile power generator entity, the one or more programs comprising instructions for performing the method according to claims 14 or 15, and wherein the computer program carrier is one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal or a computer-readable storage medium.

20. A transportable platform (101) configured to be connectable to a motorized carrier (500), wherein the transportable platform (101) comprises a self-contained mobile power generator entity (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 12.

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