Camouflaged Solar Backup for Critical Infrastructure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Critical infrastructure elements, such as traffic signals and cellular communication towers, are vulnerable to power outages due to the ad hoc nature of the U.S. power grid, leading to widespread disruptions and increased risk of sabotage, as conventional uninterruptible power systems (UPS) are time-limited and susceptible to theft.

Innovation Solution

A solar-powered battery backup system that automatically switches to battery power during grid outages, using photovoltaic cells to charge batteries and provide additional power during normal grid operation, while being camouflaged as ordinary objects like bus shelters to avoid theft and sabotage, with a smart power manager to optimize power usage and generate revenue by selling surplus energy back to the grid.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional battery-based or generator-based UPS systems are used to provide backup power to critical infrastructure, then power continuity is improved during grid outages, but the systems are vulnerable to theft and sabotage, and the backup duration is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower continuityVSAvoidtheft and sabotage vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies camouflage by changing the visual appearance of the backup power system to blend with ordinary infrastructure elements like utility poles or street furniture. The system uses color matching and visual deception to make valuable components invisible to potential thieves and saboteurs, while maintaining full functionality for power continuity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer of deception between the valuable battery components and potential threats. By placing camouflaged panels and using visual intermediaries that disguise the system as ordinary infrastructure, the patent creates a protective barrier against theft and sabotage without compromising power reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional battery-based or generator-based UPS systems are used to provide backup power to critical infrastructure, then power continuity is improved during grid outages, but the backup duration is limited by battery capacity or fuel availability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower continuityVSAvoidbackup power duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates preliminary action by pre-charging multiple battery modules before outages occur and positioning the system to capture solar energy in advance. The camouflaged solar panels continuously recharge batteries during normal operation, ensuring extended backup capacity is ready before grid failures happen

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves continuity of useful action by integrating solar photovoltaic panels that continuously charge the battery system during both normal grid operation and outage conditions. This renewable energy input extends the operational duration beyond what conventional finite-capacity UPS systems can provide, eliminating the need for fuel resupply

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If visible solar panels and generators are installed at critical infrastructure locations to provide renewable backup power, then sustainability is improved, but the systems become attractive targets for theft

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverenewable energy capabilityVSAvoidtheft risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies color changes and visual camouflage to solar panels and housing structures, making them blend with surrounding infrastructure. The system uses color matching, pattern integration, and visual deception to hide renewable energy components from potential thieves while maintaining full solar charging capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces visual intermediaries such as camouflaged panels and deceptive housing that act as a protective layer between valuable solar components and potential thieves. The intermediary camouflage system preserves the renewable energy function while eliminating the visual cues that make solar panels attractive theft targets

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Provides true uninterruptible power to critical infrastructure nodes, reducing grid power usage, extending the operational life of infrastructure during outages, and minimizing theft risks by hiding valuable components, while generating revenue through surplus energy sales.

Implementation Method 1

A solar-powered battery backup system that automatically switches to battery power during grid outages, using photovoltaic cells to charge batteries

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9293948B2Renewable uninterrupted power supply for critical node infrastructure support

Publication Date: 2016.03.22 SUNDIAL ENERGY

AI summary

A platform to supply renewable backup power to critical node infrastructure is disclosed. The platform conceals solar photovoltaic modules and storage batteries in plain sight by hiding such components in commonly encountered urban furniture, such as bus shelters. In particular, a bus shelter ad box is used to conceal or cloak certain components of the system.