Modular Portable Power System with Centralized Charger Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electric generators face challenges in meeting higher power demands, leading to technical and safety issues when multiple generators are used together, necessitating an improved portable power system that can efficiently manage and distribute power effectively.
Innovation Solution
A portable modular power system comprising a hub module and spoke modules, each with a generator set, battery charger, and battery bank, connected through a control system that enables battery charger sharing and coordinated operation to manage power distribution and redundancy, ensuring scalable and reliable power output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple portable generators are used together to supply higher demand loads, then power capacity is improved, but technical and safety problems increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the power generation function into separate modular units, each with its own generator set and battery bank. These modules can be independently deployed and scaled to meet power demands without the technical complications of paralleling multiple traditional generators.
Solution Approach 2:
A central control system acts as an intermediary between multiple battery banks and the load, coordinating power distribution and managing battery charger sharing. This mediator enables reliable operation by centrally managing the complexity of multiple power sources.
2Reliability
If a single portable generator is used, then technical and safety problems are reduced, but power capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple battery-powered generator modules are merged into a coordinated system that functions as a unified power source. The modules share battery chargers and operate under centralized control, combining their individual capacities to deliver high power while maintaining the simplicity and safety of battery-based operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Each module is designed as a universal unit that can independently provide power generation and battery charging functions. The battery chargers can serve multiple battery banks, and the control system can manage various operational modes, making the system adaptable to different power capacity requirements.
3Power
If multiple battery banks are used in separate modules, then power capacity and redundancy are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery chargers are designed as universal resources that can charge multiple battery banks interchangeably. This multi-functionality allows the system to manage multiple power storage units without proportionally increasing charging infrastructure complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The central control system continuously monitors the state of charge and operational status of all battery banks and chargers, using feedback signals to dynamically allocate charging resources and coordinate power distribution, thereby simplifying the management of multiple energy storage units.
4Productivity
If battery charger sharing is implemented between modules, then resource utilization is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The central control system serves as an intermediary that manages battery charger sharing between modules. It receives requests from various modules and allocates charger resources optimally, handling the control complexity centrally while allowing individual modules to remain relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery charger allocation is dynamically adjusted based on real-time system conditions, such as charge state of battery banks and power demands. The control system can flexibly reassign chargers between modules as needs change, optimizing resource utilization without requiring complex permanent interconnections.
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 provides a scalable and reliable power solution by enabling efficient battery charger sharing and coordinated operation between modules, addressing the limitations of single generators and ensuring prolonged power supply even in low utility power conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first generator set coupled to a first battery charger
Implementation Method 2
a first battery charger coupled to a first battery bank
Data Source
AI summary
A portable modular power system, comprising: a first module having a first generator set coupled to a first battery charger, a first output of the first battery charger coupled to a first battery bank, the first battery bank coupled to a connection point; a second module having a second generator set coupled to a second battery charger, a second output of the second battery charger coupled to a second battery bank, the second battery bank coupled to the connection point; a circuit coupling the first and second outputs of the first and second battery chargers; and, a first control system located in the first module and communicatively coupled to components of the first and second modules for controlling the components.