Hybrid Light Tower Power Control for Extended Runtime
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable light towers often face inefficiencies in power management, leading to limited runtime and reliance on a single power source, which can result in inadequate lighting solutions during extended operations.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid light tower system that integrates an engine, generator, battery, and controller to operate in engine, battery, or hybrid modes, dynamically managing power distribution and charging based on state of charge and temperature thresholds, ensuring optimal power utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a single power source (engine or battery) is used in conventional light towers, then the device complexity is reduced, but the runtime and reliability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power sources (engine and battery) into a hybrid system where both power sources work together to supply power to the light assembly. The controller manages power distribution from both sources, enabling extended runtime beyond what a single power source could provide alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid power system provides multiple operational modes (engine-only, battery-only, and hybrid mode) allowing the light tower to adapt to different runtime requirements and operating conditions, enhancing versatility while maintaining manageable complexity through automated controller management.
2Reliability
If a hybrid power system with multiple power sources is implemented, then runtime and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically manages the hybrid power system by monitoring the state of charge of the battery and operational parameters, then autonomously determines the optimal power source configuration. This self-management reduces the need for manual intervention and simplifies operation despite the increased system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors battery state of charge and operational conditions, using this feedback to dynamically adjust power source selection and switching between operational modes, ensuring reliable operation while optimizing the use of available power sources.
3Quantity of substance
If the battery is continuously charged by the generator, then the state of charge is maintained, but energy loss occurs during charging cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the charging strategy based on real-time battery state of charge levels. The controller activates the generator for charging only when the battery SOC falls below a predetermined threshold, rather than continuously charging, thereby reducing unnecessary energy conversion losses while maintaining adequate charge levels.
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 hybrid system extends runtime and improves power management by seamlessly switching between power sources, enhancing lighting capabilities and reducing reliance on a single power source, thus providing reliable and efficient lighting solutions.
Implementation Method 1
a generator configured to be driven by the engine
Implementation Method 2
a battery coupled to the generator
Implementation Method 3
monitor a state of charge (SOC) of the battery
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid light tower includes an engine, a mast, a generator configured to be driven by the engine, a battery coupled to the generator, a light assembly having a light, and a controller in communication with the battery, the engine, and the light assembly. The controller is configured to operate in a hybrid mode where the controller is configured to monitor a cell voltage of the battery, determine if the cell voltage of the battery is below a charging threshold, upon determining that the cell voltage of the battery is below the charging threshold, start the engine and charge the battery in a constant current mode, while charging in the constant current mode, determine if the cell voltage is above a constant voltage threshold, and upon determining that the cell voltage is above a constant voltage threshold, charge the battery in a constant voltage mode.