Portable Solar Power System with Nested Enclosure Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for portable renewable energy power systems that can efficiently generate power in remote or backup situations where traditional power sources are unavailable, requiring a compact, reliable, and versatile solution that can harness solar energy and store it for use in various environments.
Innovation Solution
A portable power system comprising a solar array-based battery charging system, power inverters, and a control module housed in a briefcase-sized enclosure, utilizing photovoltaic cells, battery cells, AC/DC and DC/AC converters, and a user interface to provide AC power, with components designed for portability, durability, and adaptability to different power configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the system uses a briefcase-sized enclosure to improve portability, then the device becomes easier to transport, but the power generation capacity and battery storage capacity are limited by the compact space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functional components within a nested hierarchical structure: photovoltaic cells are embedded within the enclosure housing, battery cells are positioned in dedicated compartments, and power conversion circuits are integrated into the same space. This nesting approach maximizes the utilization of limited space while maintaining portability and achieving sufficient power generation capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional surface mounting to three-dimensional spatial utilization by positioning components at different vertical levels within the enclosure. The photovoltaic cells are mounted on upper surfaces, battery cells are positioned in lower compartments, and power conversion components are integrated in intermediate spaces, effectively using vertical dimension to increase power capacity without increasing footprint.
2Ease of operation
If the system integrates photovoltaic cells and battery cells in a compact enclosure, then portability is improved, but heat dissipation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements differentiated thermal management zones within the enclosure: heat-generating components such as power conversion circuits are positioned near thermal management features, while battery cells are positioned in thermally isolated compartments. This localized quality approach allows efficient heat dissipation from critical components while protecting temperature-sensitive components.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure housing serves as a thermal intermediary, incorporating thermal management features such as heat sinks, thermal pathways, and insulation layers that mediate heat transfer between different components. This intermediary structure enables effective heat dissipation while maintaining the compact integrated design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system uses multiple components (photovoltaic cells, battery cells, power inverters, converters) to provide comprehensive power functionality, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs power conversion components with multi-functional capabilities: the power inverter can operate in multiple modes (charging, discharging, power delivery), the AC/DC converter can handle different input voltages, and the system can provide both AC and DC output configurations. This universality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple power conversion functions into unified circuit boards and control systems. The power inverter, AC/DC converter, and control logic are merged into integrated assemblies that share common components and control pathways, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive power functionality.
4Reliability
If the system is designed for remote and backup power situations, then reliability is improved, but the duration of power supply may be limited by battery capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates preliminary charging capability through integrated photovoltaic cells that can charge the battery cells during daylight hours before power is needed. This preliminary energy storage action ensures reliable power availability during nighttime or extended periods without external power sources, extending the effective duration of 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
The system effectively generates and stores renewable energy, providing reliable power in remote locations, with enhanced battery life and reduced heat generation, while being durable and ergonomic for easy transport and use in diverse environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The solar module 14 may comprise any suitable type of photovoltaic cell or other device for converting solar energy into electricity
Implementation Method 2
The battery module 18 may comprise one or more battery cells. The battery cells may be charged either from an external power source and/or by the solar module 14
Implementation Method 3
An AC/DC converter 30 may convert alternating current to direct current
Implementation Method 4
The DC/AC converter 32 may receive power from a DC source, such as the solar module 14 and/or the battery module 18, and convert the received power into an AC current
Data Source
AI summary
Various examples described herein are directed to portable renewable energy power systems comprising a solar module comprising a plurality of photovoltaic cells; a battery module comprising a plurality of battery cells; a user interface comprising at least one input device and at least one display; an alternating current/direct current (AC/DC) converter; a direct current/alternating current (DC/AC) converter; and a control module comprising at least one processor.