Hybrid Light Tower Controller Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable light towers often rely solely on generators for power, which can lead to limited runtime and increased weight due to the need for fuel storage.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid light tower system that combines an engine-driven generator with a battery pack, allowing for direct electrical coupling between the generator and battery pack, and a controller to manage power distribution between the battery pack and generator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional portable light towers rely solely on generators for power, then the system structure is simple, but the runtime is limited and weight increases due to fuel storage requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a generator system and a battery pack into a hybrid power system. The generator charges the battery pack during operation, allowing the LED lights to be powered by the battery pack while extending runtime beyond what either system could achieve alone.
2Weight of moving object
If conventional portable light towers rely solely on generators for power, then the system structure is simple, but weight increases due to the need for fuel storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges a generator with a battery pack to create a hybrid system where the battery pack stores energy electrically rather than requiring fuel storage tanks, thereby reducing weight while maintaining power supply capability.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a battery pack is added to extend runtime, then runtime is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary component that automatically manages power distribution between the generator and battery pack. The controller monitors battery charge levels and switches power sources as needed, simplifying the control of the hybrid system despite the added complexity of multiple power sources.
4Weight of moving object
If direct electrical coupling between generator and battery pack is implemented, then weight is reduced by eliminating battery charger, but power management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves as an intermediary that manages the direct electrical coupling between the generator and battery pack. It monitors battery charge status and controls the power flow, eliminating the need for a separate battery charger while maintaining safe and efficient power management.
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 hybrid system extends runtime by allowing battery charging during operation and reduces weight by eliminating the need for a battery charger, while also providing efficient power management through the controller.
Implementation Method 1
a generator configured to be driven by the engine... The generator is configured to produce a first DC power
Implementation Method 2
a battery pack... The battery pack is directly electrically coupled to the generator to receive the first DC power from the generator to charge the battery pack
Implementation Method 3
a light assembly including a plurality of light emitting diodes... The light emitting diodes are electrically coupled to the battery pack to receive a second DC power from the battery pack
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid light tower includes an engine, a generator configured to be driven by the engine, a battery pack, a mast, a light assembly having a plurality of lights, and a controller. The generator is configured to produce electrical power. The battery pack is electrically coupled to the generator to receive the electrical power from the generator to charge the battery pack. The light assembly is coupled to the mast and the lights are electrically coupled to the battery pack to receive electrical power from the battery pack. The controller is configured to receive a commanded power load of the light assembly, determine if the commanded power load is greater than the electrical power output by the generator, and in response to determining that the commanded power load is greater than the electrical power output by the generator, instruct the engine to increase speed.