Hybrid Backup Power Switching for Fuel-Saving Generator Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backup power systems, such as gas generators, are inefficient and pose safety concerns due to excessive fuel consumption and carbon monoxide emission, while alternative solar and wind power systems are costly and impractical for frequent or limited power outages.
Innovation Solution
A modular portable power system that integrates a battery-powered generator with a gas-powered generator, using a power transfer switch and DC to AC inverter to selectively connect power sources based on time and load, allowing for efficient and safe backup power provision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gas-powered generator is used for backup power, then power availability is improved, but fuel consumption increases and safety risks arise from carbon monoxide emission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a gas-powered generator with a battery-powered generator into a hybrid system. The generator controller selectively operates the battery-powered generator during periods when power demand is low or when the gas generator is not needed, thereby reducing carbon monoxide emissions while maintaining power availability. The gas generator continues to provide power when needed, but its operational hours are reduced due to the complementary battery generator.
2Power
If a larger gas generator is used to provide sufficient power, then power capacity is improved, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the battery-powered generator to handle partial power demands that do not require the full capacity of the gas-powered generator. The controller assesses power needs and selectively activates the battery generator for lower-demand periods, thereby reducing the gas generator's fuel consumption while maintaining adequate power capacity when needed.
3Reliability
If the gas generator is operated continuously to ensure power supply, then power availability is improved, but wear on the generator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements periodic assessment of power demands and selectively activates the battery-powered generator during appropriate periods. This periodic operation allows the gas-powered generator to rest during low-demand periods, reducing cumulative wear and extending service life while ensuring power supply continuity when actually needed.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If a battery-powered generator is used instead of gas generator, then emissions are reduced, but power capacity and duration are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid system design allows the battery-powered generator to serve multiple functions: it provides clean power during low-demand periods, extends the operational duration of the overall system, and reduces the gas generator's runtime. The controller intelligently allocates tasks between the two generators, allowing the battery generator to handle appropriate loads while the gas generator provides backup capacity, thereby achieving both emission reduction and adequate power capacity.
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 system reduces wear on gas generators, conserves fuel, and provides reliable backup power with reduced carbon monoxide risk, extending generator operation and improving power availability during outages.
Implementation Method 1
A battery-powered generator includes a bank of batteries arranged to provide a direct current electrical signal and a DC to AC power inverter that converts the DC electrical signal to an alternating current electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
A battery-powered generator includes a first power transfer switch arranged to: i) receive, via a first input connection, a first AC electrical power signal from a gas-powered generator; ii) receive, via a second input connection, a second AC electrical power signal from a DC to AC power inverter, and iii) selectively connect an output connection to one of the first input connection associated with the first AC electrical power signal and the second input connection associated with the second AC electrical power signal. The generator includes a bank of one or more batteries arranged to output a DC electrical power signal. The DC to AC power inverter is configured to i) receive the DC electrical power signal and ii) generate the second AC electrical power signal.