Self-Powered Mobile Power Hub with Engine-Driven Generator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable power sources for mobile devices are cumbersome and impractical for long-duration missions or terrains where vehicle transport is not feasible, as they are too heavy and require excessive battery weight or fuel.
Innovation Solution
A self-powered mobile electrical power hub equipped with an internal combustion engine-driven generator that provides both power for transport and external access, utilizing a combination of AC and DC power conversion and electrically powered transport mechanisms for mobility and charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional portable power sources (batteries) are used to power mobile devices for long-duration missions, then the power supply duration is extended, but the weight and size of the power source becomes an intolerable burden
Solution Approach 1:
The power hub is equipped with an internal combustion engine that enables it to generate its own power and transport itself without external assistance. The system serves itself by using its generated power to drive both the electrical loads and its own transportation mechanism, eliminating the need for heavy external power sources or fuel supplies.
Solution Approach 2:
The power hub serves multiple functions: it generates electrical power, stores power in batteries, distributes power to external devices, and provides self-locomotion. This multi-functionality allows a single system to replace what would traditionally require separate power sources and transport mechanisms.
2Power
If portable generators are used to provide electrical power, then power availability is improved, but the weight and size of the generator and fuel becomes too heavy to be hand-carried for long distances
Solution Approach 1:
The power hub generates its own power using an internal combustion engine and uses this power to drive electric motors that enable self-locomotion. This eliminates the need to carry heavy fuel supplies for both power generation and transport, as the system refuels and recharges autonomously at accessible locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the conventional mechanical portable generator system with an electrically-powered system. Instead of using a mechanical generator that requires fuel combustion and direct mechanical coupling, the system uses an internal combustion engine to generate electricity, which then drives electric motors for transportation, providing smoother and more efficient power delivery.
3Reliability
If spare batteries in sufficient quantities are carried to power all devices for the complete mission duration, then power supply reliability is improved, but the weight and size becomes far more than is feasible to carry
Solution Approach 1:
The power hub maintains reliability by continuously generating power through its internal combustion engine and replenishing its battery storage autonomously. The system can operate indefinitely as long as fuel is available at refueling points, eliminating the need to carry excessive battery reserves while maintaining continuous power supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The power hub pre-charges its batteries during idle periods when not in transport mode, ensuring power availability is maintained without requiring excessive battery capacity. The system proactively manages its energy reserves by generating and storing power in advance of when it will be needed.
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
Enables efficient and portable electrical power distribution, allowing for extended operation without the need for vehicle transport or excessive battery weight, with over 80% of generated power allocated to transport or idle modes.
Implementation Method 1
an internal combustion engine driven generator that provides electrical power
Implementation Method 2
an internal combustion engine driven generator that provides electrical power
Implementation Method 3
at least one rectifier and associated DC/DC converter for converting AC power from the internal combustion engine driven generator to DC power
Data Source
AI summary
Self-powered mobile electrical power hubs are provided. In one embodiment, a self-powered electrical power hub comprises an internal combustion engine driven generator that provides electrical power and at least one electrically powered transport driver configured to facilitate movement of the self-powered mobile electrical power hub. The self-powered mobile electrical power hub further comprises an accessible power hub that provides external access to electrical power, wherein a substantial portion of the electrical power from the internal combustion engine driven generator is provided to power the at least one electrically powered transport driver in a transport mode and a substantial portion of the electrical power from the internal combustion engine driven generator is available at the accessible power hub in an idle mode.