Off-Grid Fuel Station With Integrated Genset, Solar, and Battery Power
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The high engineering, construction, and operational costs of traditional fuel stations, along with the time-consuming installation process, limit their deployment and efficiency, especially in emergency situations, due to the need for proximity to power grids and reliance on complex electrical infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A standalone fuel and power station system that integrates a fuel station with a power generation and storage unit, using gensets, solar panels, and batteries, coupled with a cloud-based management system for efficient fuel management and maintenance, allowing for remote operation and reduced infrastructure dependencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional fuel station is connected to the power grid, then reliable electric power is provided, but the station must be located close to the power grid, limiting location selection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fuel station and power station into a single integrated facility. The power station includes fuel storage tanks, dispensing equipment, and power generation equipment (gensets, solar panels, batteries) that share the same site and infrastructure. This merging allows the facility to function as both a fueling station and an independent power source, eliminating the need for proximity to external power grids while maintaining reliable power supply through multiple generation sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated station serves multiple functions: it dispenses fuel to vehicles, generates electricity through gensets and renewable energy sources, and can operate independently of the power grid. The power station component provides universal energy supply capabilities that can serve both the fuel station operations and external power needs, enabling deployment in diverse locations without requiring connection to existing power infrastructure.
2Power
If a fuel station is built with complex electrical infrastructure, then adequate power is provided, but engineering and construction costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges fuel storage and power generation functions into a single integrated station, allowing shared infrastructure such as civil works, fencing, access roads, and site preparation. This consolidation reduces duplicate construction costs and enables more economical deployment compared to building separate fuel and power facilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The power station generates its own electricity through multiple sources including gensets fueled by the station's fuel storage, solar panels, and battery systems. This self-sufficiency eliminates or reduces the need for expensive connections to external power grids and complex electrical infrastructure, while providing adequate power for station operations.
3Reliability
If a fuel station requires extensive engineering and construction, then proper operation is ensured, but installation time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the integrated station into distinct functional modules: fuel storage tanks, power generation equipment (gensets, solar panels, batteries), dispensing systems, and control systems. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured, tested, and installed independently, reducing overall installation time while maintaining proper operation through standardized interfaces and integrated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The power generation equipment and fuel storage systems are designed and prepared in advance as pre-engineered modules. The station can be deployed more quickly because the complex engineering work is performed during the design and manufacturing phase, allowing for faster on-site assembly and commissioning while ensuring operation safety through pre-validated systems.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a fuel station operates with high infrastructure dependency, then stable operation is achieved, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power station generates its own electricity through multiple sources including gensets that use fuel from the station's storage tanks, solar panels, and battery systems. This self-generation capability reduces or eliminates electricity purchases from external providers, significantly lowering operational costs while maintaining stable power supply for fuel dispensing and station operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system can dynamically switch between different power generation sources based on availability, demand, and economic conditions. The control system adjusts the mix of genset operation, solar energy utilization, and battery discharge/charge cycles to optimize operational costs while maintaining stable and reliable power supply for continuous station operation.
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 integrated system provides a cost-effective, efficient, and reliable energy solution that can be deployed in various locations, reducing operational costs and enabling rapid deployment during emergencies, with improved fuel measurement accuracy and enhanced safety features.
Implementation Method 1
a battery to store the electric power
Implementation Method 2
solar panels
Implementation Method 3
a genset including a liquid propane gas tank, a liquid propane gas pump, a liquid propane gas regulator, and an engine-generator
Data Source
AI summary
Examples described herein include methods, techniques, and systems for designing and/or installing an off the grid energy solution. In some embodiments, a system includes a fuel station and a power station, where the fuel station is electrically, communicatively, and mechanically coupled to the power station. The power station may include a plurality of power generation and/or power storage methods, such as via a genset, solar panels, and/or a battery. These electrical power sources, combined with the fuel from the fuel station, contribute to the system being a dependable, standalone energy solution. The system may also utilize a network and a server, where the server comprises a system management module. The system management module may include a fuel management module, a fuel inventory module, and a system maintenance module.