Solar Intermodal Container With Integrated Charging for Low-Emission Transport
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current transportation systems, including maritime shipping, rail, and linehaul transportation, contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, with existing solutions like electric vehicles and biofuels facing challenges such as high costs and limited range, while there is a lack of effective mechanisms to address emissions from first and middle-mile logistics.
Innovation Solution
The development of solar energy-powered intermodal containers (SIM containers) that harness solar energy using solar photovoltaic technology and store it in batteries, enabling the powering of electric or hybrid electric vehicles, including maritime shipping vessels, intermodal trains, and semi-trucks, by integrating solar panels into the exterior walls and roofs of containers and using advanced battery technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If solar panels and batteries are integrated into intermodal containers to power electric vehicles, then greenhouse gas emissions from transportation are reduced, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines solar panels, batteries, and intermodal containers into a single integrated system. The solar panels are mounted on the container exterior, the batteries are stored within the container's cargo space, and the electrical connection system links both components to power electric vehicles. This merging approach reduces greenhouse gas emissions by creating a portable solar energy storage system that can directly power electric vehicles during transit, while managing the complexity through standardized container design and modular component integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermodal container serves multiple functions: it acts as a cargo storage unit, a solar energy collection platform, a battery storage system, and a mobile charging station for electric vehicles. The solar panels generate electricity during transit, the batteries store energy for later use, and the electrical connection system enables power transfer to vehicles. This multi-functionality allows the same container infrastructure to address emissions across different transportation modes (maritime, rail, road) without requiring separate systems for each application.
2Duration of action of moving object
If advanced battery technologies are used to store solar energy in containers, then energy storage capacity and duration are improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes advanced battery technologies with improved energy density and longer cycle life to increase storage duration. By changing the battery chemistry parameters (using lithium-ion or other innovative battery technologies), the system can store solar energy for extended periods and across multiple charge-discharge cycles. This parameter change enables the container to provide sustained power to electric vehicles even when solar generation is insufficient, directly addressing the energy storage duration requirement while managing costs through efficient battery utilization.
3Use of energy by moving object
If solar panels are integrated into container exteriors to harness solar energy, then renewable energy generation is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solar energy generation system is segmented into modular solar panels that can be independently mounted on the container exterior. These panels are separate from the container structure itself, allowing for easier installation, maintenance, and replacement. The segmentation enables the solar components to be optimized independently from the container manufacturing process, potentially reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maximizing solar energy generation capacity across the container's exterior surface area.
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 solution significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, aligning with climate pledges by providing a sustainable energy source for vehicles, potentially rendering fossil fuel-powered vehicles obsolete in first and middle-mile transportation, and contributing to global temperature increase mitigation as per the Paris Agreement.
Implementation Method 1
Solar photovoltaic (solar PV) technology captures sunlight to generate electric power
Implementation Method 2
battery technology has improved tremendously in the past decade. With the advent of the lithium-ion battery and other innovative battery technologies, storage of solar energy is becoming increasingly more efficient
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes a solar energy storage system. A storage container is provided, comprising a base having a compartment defined by a planar exterior surface and a planar interior service and a battery stored in the compartment of the base. A plurality of solar panels are operably coupled to an exterior surface of the container and electrically coupled to the battery. At least one access panel disposed in the exterior corners of the top and base and at least one plug receptacle disposed behind the at least one access panel such that each access panel is associated with one plug receptacle. The at least one plug receptacle is electrically coupled to the battery. The plurality of solar panels are configured to receive sunlight and convert to solar energy for storage in the battery and supply energy to electric vehicles during transport of the container(s).