Solar Campsite Charging With Battery Storage and Energy Allocation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of infrastructure to support sustainable electrical energy for outdoor recreation and off-grid environments, making it difficult for campers and RV users to charge electric vehicles and power other devices without relying on traditional energy sources, which limits their ability to enjoy environmentally friendly camping experiences.
Innovation Solution
A solar-energy derived charging system that includes a control system, photovoltaic cells, and a software application to manage energy allocation based on user itineraries and environmental conditions, providing sustainable electrical energy for both grid-tied and off-grid environments, integrated with a habitable enclosure for efficient energy storage and usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional energy sources (gasoline, propane) are used for outdoor recreation, then energy availability is ensured, but environmental sustainability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical combustion systems (gasoline engines, propane burners) with a solar-powered electrical system. Photovoltaic panels convert solar energy to electricity, which then powers electrical devices, eliminating the need for combustion and associated environmental harm while maintaining energy availability for camping equipment and EV charging.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the energy source parameter from fossil fuels to solar energy. By utilizing renewable solar power through photovoltaic conversion, the system maintains functional energy availability while fundamentally altering the energy input to be environmentally sustainable, resolving the contradiction between reliability and environmental impact.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If solar-energy derived charging systems are deployed in off-grid environments, then environmental sustainability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solar charging system is designed to serve multiple functions: charging electric vehicles, powering camping equipment, and providing electrical energy for various outdoor devices. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into one integrated platform, managing complexity while delivering comprehensive sustainable energy solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates intelligent energy management that automatically allocates solar-generated electricity to various loads based on availability and demand. The control system autonomously manages battery charging, device powering, and energy distribution without requiring complex manual intervention, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining environmental sustainability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If solar photovoltaic panels are used for energy generation, then renewable energy utilization is improved, but energy storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary energy capture by using photovoltaic panels to generate and store electricity in batteries during daylight hours before energy is needed. This advance energy accumulation allows the system to utilize renewable solar power effectively while having stored energy ready for nighttime or cloudy period usage, managing the storage requirement through proactive energy collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous energy availability by combining solar generation with battery storage, ensuring that useful action (powering devices and charging EVs) continues uninterrupted from day to night. The battery storage bridges the gap between intermittent solar generation and continuous energy demand, allowing full utilization of renewable energy while managing storage needs through sustained operational continuity.
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 supplies electrical power to electric vehicles and other devices, optimizing energy efficiency and meeting energy demands, while minimizing environmental impact and providing a sustainable outdoor experience.
Implementation Method 1
one or more photovoltaic cells configured to charge an energy storage device managed by the control system to provide an energy supply to an electrical device for a user
Data Source
AI summary
A solar-energy derived charging system for use in an off-grid or grid-tied environment to provide electrical power to electrical devices is disclosed. The solar-energy derived charging system includes a support structure for a plurality of photovoltaic cells and an energy storage device in electrical communication with the plurality of photovoltaic cells. A control system is provided configured to monitor and control the operation of the solar-energy derived charging system, the control system in communication with a remote network and including a software application. The software application may be configured to utilize data from the solar-energy derived charging system and secondary source of data to provide reports to the user, and facilitate a user planning and managing their recreational activity.