Environmental Enclosure Solar Shield Stack Effect Draft

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Solution Overview

Problem

Off-grid energy storage systems face inefficiencies in transferring DC power between sites, leading to energy loss, and are vulnerable to malfunctions in harsh environments, especially in remote locations with extreme conditions, requiring effective thermal management and air filtration systems.

Innovation Solution

The development of an environmental enclosure with solar shields for thermal management, a cyclone air filtration system for cleaning air, and a semi-passive heat exchange system using Peltier elements to maintain optimal battery temperatures, along with a modular and secure design for remote power generation and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If DC power is transferred from one site to another site, then energy distribution is enabled, but efficiency loss occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy distribution capabilityVSAvoidenergy loss during transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary conversion system that converts DC power to AC power for transmission, then converts back to DC at the receiving end. This intermediary AC conversion stage enables efficient long-distance power transfer while maintaining compatibility with DC storage systems, thereby reducing overall energy loss during inter-site transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the system operates in harsh ambient conditions, then remote location deployment is enabled, but system reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveharsh environment operation capabilityVSAvoidsystem malfunction risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements protective enclosures with thermal management systems, air filtration, and humidity control that are pre-configured to cushion equipment against harsh environmental conditions before damage occurs. These protective measures are built into the system design to prevent malfunctions rather than respond to them after they happen.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates self-monitoring and self-protection mechanisms that automatically detect and respond to environmental stressors, eliminating the need for external intervention. The equipment serves itself by continuously adjusting operational parameters to maintain reliability in changing harsh conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Power

If fuel based generators are used for power supply, then continuous power is achieved, but operating expenses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous power supplyVSAvoidoperating expenses

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple power sources (solar panels, wind turbines, battery storage) into a hybrid power system that combines renewable energy generation with energy storage. This combination allows the system to maintain continuous power supply while dramatically reducing reliance on expensive fuel-based generators, thereby lowering operating expenses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power system is designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating in multiple modes (solar-powered, wind-powered, battery-backed, or generator-supported) depending on environmental conditions and energy availability. This universal design ensures continuous power supply while optimizing for lowest operating cost by utilizing free renewable resources whenever possible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enhances energy efficiency, extends battery life, reduces operational expenses, and provides reliable power in extreme environments by minimizing energy loss and maintaining optimal operating conditions for batteries and electronics.

Implementation Method 1

a solar shield comprising a reflective surface, the solar shield spaced a first distance externally from the enclosure volume

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

the flow area is configured to produce stack effect draft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStack effect: Free Convection

Implementation Method 3

a semi-passive heat exchange system using Peltier elements to maintain optimal battery temperatures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeltier effect: Peltier Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11355811B2Environmental enclosures, systems, and methods, for use with off-grid outdoor power systems

Publication Date: 2022.06.07 INT POWER SUPPLY AD

AI summary

An environmental enclosure is disclosed. The environmental enclosure may include sidewalls defining an enclosure volume, each of the sidewalls having an internally facing surface and an externally facing surface, and a solar shield comprising a reflective surface. The solar shield is spaced a first distance externally from the enclosure volume and is connected to a sidewall. The first distance defines a portion of a flow area that is configured to produce stack effect draft. Further specialized civil works are also disclosed. Additional devices, systems, and methods are contemplated in the patent disclosure herein, including panel soiling detection and mitigation, cathodic protection, thermal management features, each including unique automation so that they may be used unattended in remote regions.