Mobile Power Panel Bypassing Flooded Building Electrical Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical distribution systems in buildings are vulnerable to flooding and maintenance challenges, leading to disruptions in power supply, especially in critical facilities like hospitals, where temporary solutions are needed to bypass damaged panels and provide emergency or alternate power sources.
Innovation Solution
A mobile power apparatus with a frame assembly, wheel assemblies for mobility, and electrical panels with overload components and a safety switch box, allowing for temporary connection to an external power source to bypass compromised electrical panels, ensuring continuous power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electrical distribution panels are located in the lowest level of the building for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but vulnerability to flooding increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile power panel unit serves as an intermediary device that can be positioned between the compromised fixed electrical distribution panel and the electrical loads. It receives power from alternative sources (generators, temporary power lines) and distributes it to branch circuits, effectively mediating the power distribution when the original panel is inaccessible or compromised due to flooding.
2Reliability
If electrical distribution panels are made fixed and stationary for stability, then reliability is improved, but mobility and adaptability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a dynamic element to the electrical distribution system by making the power panel mobile on wheeled casters. This allows the system to transition from a static, fixed configuration to a mobile, reconfigurable one, enabling rapid deployment to different locations within the building depending on where power is needed during emergencies or maintenance operations.
3Reliability
If electrical maintenance is performed on fixed panels during off hours to ensure safety, then safety is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile power panel unit enables preliminary action by allowing maintenance personnel to set up the mobile unit and establish temporary power distribution before beginning maintenance on the fixed electrical panels. This preliminary setup eliminates the need to shut down the entire building's power system, as the mobile unit can immediately assume the power distribution function while maintenance is performed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If temporary power solutions are implemented to bypass damaged panels, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile power panel unit is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple scenarios: it can serve as a temporary distribution panel during emergencies, provide power during maintenance operations, and bypass compromised fixed panels. The unit includes standard electrical components (breakers, receptacles, bus bars) that can accommodate various connection configurations, making it a multi-functional solution that reduces the need for multiple specialized temporary power solutions.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile power apparatus provides a temporary interface between an electrical power supply and an existing electrical system or subsystem of a building. One or more electrical panels are supported on a mobile frame that can be transported to and within the building. The electrical panels are configured to emulate the existing building panels, including a plurality of electrical overload components. The electrical panel is connected to a safety switch box mounted to the frame assembly which includes a fuse array and a master on-off switch. The safety switch box includes a power cable bundle configured for electrical connection to an output power cable of the electrical power supply, which can be the building electrical supply, an external power supply or a back-up or emergency generator.