Battery-Switched Power Generation for Continuous Off-Grid Electricity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric power generation systems are costly, bulky, require specific environmental conditions, and are not easily transportable, posing challenges for emergency or remote energy needs, and often rely on fossil fuels or expensive renewable energy sources that can be hazardous and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A semi-autonomous electric power generation system comprising an electric motor, alternators, battery banks, programmable processing units, and a hydraulic system, which is compact, self-recharging, and efficiently generates electricity with a high energy output of at least 90% of the nominal design value, using a method that synchronizes charging and discharging stages to maintain continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hydroelectric plants are constructed for power generation, then electricity can be supplied to remote areas, but construction and installation costs are considerable and they are not easily transportable
Solution Approach 1:
The power generation system is divided into modular components including a housing, electric motor, alternators, battery banks, and control units that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation enables the system to be transported in parts and assembled at the destination, resolving the contradiction between transportability and construction cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-recharging battery banks and automatic control mechanisms that eliminate the need for external operators during normal operation. The programmable processing unit automatically manages charging cycles, motor control, and system monitoring, reducing operational costs and improving adaptability to remote locations without requiring specialized personnel.
2Productivity
If fossil fuel generators are used for power generation, then electricity can be produced on demand, but consumption costs are very high and they generate polluting emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces fossil fuel combustion with an electric motor-driven alternator system powered by rechargeable battery banks. This substitution eliminates harmful emissions entirely while maintaining on-demand power generation capability through the electric drive system and stored energy in the battery banks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the energy source parameter from chemical energy (fossil fuels) to electrical energy (battery banks). This parameter change fundamentally alters the power generation process to be emission-free while maintaining the ability to generate electricity on demand through the electric motor and alternator system.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If renewable energy systems are installed for power generation, then eco-friendly electricity can be produced, but they require a lot of space and specific environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple functions into a compact integrated unit: the electric motor, alternators, battery banks, cooling system, and control units are all housed in a single housing structure. This consolidation achieves eco-friendly power generation without requiring the extensive space needed for separate solar panels, wind turbines, or other distributed renewable energy systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed as a universal power generation unit that can be deployed in various locations without requiring specific environmental conditions. The electric motor and alternator system can operate in any climate, and the battery banks provide energy storage regardless of location, making the system adaptable to diverse environments without the spatial and environmental constraints of solar or wind systems.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If battery banks are used for energy storage, then continuous operation can be maintained, but charging and discharging management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The programmable processing unit continuously monitors the charge state of the battery banks and automatically adjusts the charging and discharging cycles. The system receives feedback from sensors about battery status and uses this information to control the contactors and charging processes, maintaining continuous operation while managing complexity through automated closed-loop control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic charging cycles where the battery banks are charged and discharged in regular intervals. The programmable processing unit manages these periodic cycles automatically, switching between charging and discharging modes based on predetermined schedules and real-time battery status, thereby maintaining continuous operation while simplifying management through routine automated sequences.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides efficient, reliable, and cost-effective electricity generation with minimal environmental impact, maintaining a high energy output and reducing the need for additional power supplies, while being compact and transportable for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electric motor, at least two alternators, connected in series with the electric motor
Implementation Method 2
at least two alternators, connected in series with the electric motor
Implementation Method 3
at least two self-recharging battery banks
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a semi-autonomous electric power generation system and the method of operation thereof. Wherein the semi-autonomous electric power generation system is configured in such a way that it is possible to obtain an energy efficiency of at least 90% of the nominal design value on a constant basis. Likewise, the method used for the operation of the system considers reaching a discharge limit value of approximately 20% of the remaining charge of one of the battery banks to start a recharging process while another battery bank supplies current to the motor that drives the alternators that generate the electrical energy, repeating these processes alternately to maintain the constant operation of the system and to generate the necessary energy to carry out at the same time the recharge of the battery bank that is discharged.