Portable Transformer Charging for Electric Solar Plant Construction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utility-scale solar development projects face increased short-term air pollution and high fuel costs due to the use of legacy diesel-powered construction equipment, despite the long-term benefits of renewable energy, as electric equipment is not yet economically viable due to high battery costs and lack of infrastructure for charging on-site.
Innovation Solution
Implementing systems and methods to maximize the use of electric-powered equipment in solar tracker construction by establishing early infrastructure for power distribution and using portable transformer stations and charging banks to support electric vehicles and equipment, allowing for the decoupling of construction pollution from solar array development.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If diesel-powered construction equipment is used, then high output power and reliability are achieved, but air pollution and fuel costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy source parameter from diesel to electricity, enabling equipment to operate without combustion emissions while maintaining power output through electric motors and battery systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the diesel engine mechanical system with an electric motor system powered by battery packs, eliminating the combustion process that generates harmful emissions while preserving the high power output capability
2Power
If diesel-powered construction equipment is used, then high output power is achieved, but fuel costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy source from diesel fuel to electricity stored in battery packs, replacing expensive fuel consumption with rechargeable energy storage that can be charged during off-peak hours or from renewable sources, thereby reducing operating costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the diesel fuel consumption model with an electric battery-powered model, where energy is stored in reusable battery packs that can be recharged multiple times, eliminating the need for continuous fuel purchases
3Object-generated harmful factors
If electric-powered equipment is used, then air pollution is reduced, but battery costs and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes electrical infrastructure including transformers and charging stations at the construction site before electric equipment is deployed, enabling seamless integration and operation of electric-powered machinery without retroactive infrastructure development
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces portable transformer stations as intermediary devices that convert grid power to appropriate voltages for charging battery packs on construction equipment, bridging the gap between existing electrical infrastructure and mobile electric equipment needs
4Power
If battery packs are installed in heavy equipment, then electric power is achieved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the power source from lightweight diesel fuel tanks to heavier battery packs, accepting the weight increase as a necessary trade-off to eliminate emissions and reduce fuel costs, while optimizing battery capacity to match equipment power requirements
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 approach reduces construction-related pollution and fuel costs by enabling the use of electric-powered heavy equipment, offsetting the upfront costs of battery packs with reduced operating expenses and environmental impact, while ensuring efficient power delivery to the grid.
Implementation Method 1
portable transformer stations and charging banks to support electric vehicles and equipment
Implementation Method 2
electric-powered vehicles (EVs) require batteries to store energy so that equipment can be operated without a tether to power
Data Source
AI summary
A solar power plant is constructed using a reverse workflow whereby the grid connection that will ultimately feed electricity to the grid is constructed before the array so that one or more transformers and portable charging stations may be deployed onsite to transform grid power so that it can recharge electrically powered heavy equipment including solar pile drivers, truss drivers, and telehandlers as well as electrically powered hand tools such as cordless impact drivers while the plant is constructed. Once complete, the fixed electrical infrastructure and grid connection are used to supply power from the solar power plant to the grid.