Caravan Power Control Device Switching Mains and Photovoltaic Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to effectively manage and utilize power resources in caravans, particularly when they are not connected to a mains supply, to ensure efficient use of both battery and photovoltaic energy without relying on noisy external generators.
Innovation Solution
A power control device for caravans that includes a photovoltaic plate, a battery pack, input and output interfaces, and switches, which monitors power parameters to determine when to connect mains or photovoltaic power to external equipment, optimizing energy use by switching between sources based on availability and demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an external gasoline generator is used to power electrical equipment, then the caravan can operate without mains supply, but a lot of noise is generated which is not environmentally friendly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical combustion-based gasoline generator with an electromagnetic-based inverter system that converts DC electricity from photovoltaic panels and battery packs into AC power for electrical equipment. This substitution eliminates the noise-generating combustion engine while providing the same power supply function, thereby resolving the contradiction between operational independence and noise pollution.
2Power
If the caravan uses a self-contained generator by starting the engine, then electrical equipment can be powered, but it consumes additional fuel and increases emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service power supply system where the caravan generates its own electricity through photovoltaic panels during the day and stores energy in battery packs. This eliminates the need to start the engine for power generation, thereby reducing fuel consumption and emissions while maintaining power supply capability. The system serves itself by using renewable solar energy instead of consuming stored chemical energy from fuel.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the caravan installs a photovoltaic and lithium-ion battery energy storage system, then clean energy is utilized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional power control device that can handle multiple power sources (mains supply, photovoltaic panels, battery packs) and multiple output requirements (different electrical equipment) through a single integrated system. The controller automatically manages power flow distribution, switch operations, and parameter monitoring across all components, thereby managing the complexity of the renewable energy system through centralized intelligent control rather than requiring separate control mechanisms for each component.
4Productivity
If the power control device monitors and switches between multiple power sources, then full utilization of power resources is achieved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-based control system where the controller continuously monitors power parameters from multiple sources (mains supply availability, photovoltaic panel output, battery pack charge levels) and automatically adjusts switch operations and power distribution accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the system to optimize power resource utilization dynamically without requiring complex manual control, as the system self-regulates based on real-time conditions of all power sources and loads.
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
This solution ensures the efficient use of power resources by seamlessly switching between mains and photovoltaic energy, reducing reliance on external generators and minimizing noise pollution, while maintaining sufficient battery power levels.
Implementation Method 1
the caravan comprises a photovoltaic plate
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling power supply of a caravan including a photovoltaic plate includes: receiving a first power parameter of an input interface element; determining whether there is a mains supply to be input into the input interface element according to the first power parameter; turning on a first switch to make the input interface element be electrically connected to the output interface element if the mains supply is input into the input interface element; receiving a power parameter of a battery pack if the mains supply is not input into the input interface element; determining whether a remaining power of the battery pack exceeds a power threshold according to the power parameter of the battery pack; and making the battery pack be electrically connected to an output interface element if the remaining power of the battery pack exceeds the power threshold.