Portable Generator Using Electric Motor and Battery for Quiet Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable electrical generators using internal combustion engines are unsuitable for indoor use due to noise and emissions, and are inefficient, necessitating a quieter, cleaner, and more efficient solution for generating electricity both indoors and outdoors, including charging electric vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A portable and transportable electrical generator system comprising a generator with a rotatable shaft and electric motor, powered by a battery and charger, with a transformer/inverter for grid connectivity, allowing energy import/export and featuring a housing for transportability, eliminating the need for fuel-based power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If an internal combustion engine is used to power the generator, then the generator can produce electrical power, but it generates noise and noxious fumes making it unsuitable for indoor use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the internal combustion engine (mechanical/chemical system) with an electric motor (electrical system). The electric motor is powered by a battery, eliminating the combustion process that generates noise and emissions. This substitution maintains the power generation capability while removing the harmful factors associated with fossil fuel combustion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful combustion components (engine, fuel tank, exhaust system) from the generator system and replaces them with a clean electrical power source. The battery-electric motor system is introduced as a separate power source that connects to the generator, thereby taking out the noise and emission-generating elements while preserving the electrical power output function.
2Reliability
If an internal combustion engine is used, then the generator can operate independently, but it is less than 50% efficient in converting heat to mechanical energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the inefficient thermal-to-mechanical energy conversion process of the internal combustion engine with an electrical-to-mechanical conversion process in the electric motor. Electric motors typically achieve 85-95% efficiency compared to the less than 50% efficiency of combustion engines, significantly reducing energy loss while maintaining independent operation through the battery power source.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a battery-powered electric motor is used to drive the generator, then noise and emissions are eliminated, but the system requires a battery and charger infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the battery system multi-functional by enabling it to serve as both a power source for the electric motor and a power bank for charging external devices. The battery charger is designed to charge not only the main battery but also portable devices, thereby reducing the perceived complexity by adding versatile functionality to the battery subsystem.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes self-charging capabilities where the generator can recharge the battery when external power is available, and the battery can power the system during outages. This self-service capability reduces the need for external infrastructure and simplifies the overall system operation by making it self-sufficient.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the generator is designed for portability, then it can be moved and used in different locations, but the housing and components add weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the generator into modular components including the generator unit, battery pack, and housing that can be separately assembled and transported. This segmentation allows users to transport only the necessary components and facilitates easier handling while maintaining portability and versatility for different locations and applications.
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 quiet, emission-free, and efficient means to generate electricity indoors and outdoors, capable of charging electric vehicles, with the ability to recharge batteries from the grid and operate as a backup power source during outages, enhancing usability and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor provides torque to a rotatable shaft of the generator; wherein the electric motor derives power from the battery
Implementation Method 2
a generator comprising a rotatable shaft and stationary component, the generator being operatively coupled via a drive belt to an electric motor
Implementation Method 3
a transformer/invertor that is configured to import current from the utility grid, optionally to charge the battery
Implementation Method 4
a battery operatively coupled to the electric motor, wherein the electric motor derives power from the battery
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical generator is provided. The electrical generator can include a generator, an electric motor, and a battery. The generator has a rotatable shaft and stationary component and be operatively coupled via a drive belt to the motor, which provides torque to the rotatable shaft of the generator The battery is operatively coupled to the motor. The generator can be operatively coupled to a utility grid via a transformer/invertor that can import current from the utility grid to charge the battery when the utility grid is operating and export current from the generator to a grid connector when the utility grid is not operating.