Solar Container Power Switching for Reliable Refrigeration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for powering onboard devices in movable storage containers, such as refrigeration units, often rely on primary powerplants or internal combustion-based generators, leading to increased maintenance, fuel consumption, and environmental impacts.
Innovation Solution
A solar power distribution and control system for movable storage containers, which includes a solar power generation array, an energy storage device, a switch assembly, a polyphase inverter assembly, and a controller to selectively direct power from solar, auxiliary generator, or grid sources to the refrigeration unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If internal combustion-based generators are used to power onboard devices, then power supply reliability is improved, but fuel consumption and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the internal combustion-based mechanical generator system with a solar power generation system. Solar panels convert sunlight directly into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect, eliminating the need for fuel combustion and mechanical moving parts, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable power supply and fuel consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy source parameter from chemical energy (fuel) to solar energy. By utilizing renewable solar energy instead of depletable fossil fuels, the system maintains power supply capability while eliminating fuel consumption and associated environmental impacts.
2Use of energy by moving object
If other power generation technologies are implemented, then fuel consumption is reduced, but weight and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solar power system is designed to serve multiple functions: generating electricity for onboard devices, charging energy storage batteries, and providing a renewable power source that eliminates fuel consumption. This multi-functional design reduces overall system complexity compared to dedicated systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar panels provide self-service power generation without requiring external fuel supply infrastructure or complex mechanical systems. The system generates its own power directly from sunlight, reducing dependency on external resources and simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Use of energy by moving object
If solar power generation array is used, then fuel consumption is reduced, but power supply consistency may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage batteries store solar energy generated during periods of high sunlight availability, making it available for use during periods of low or no sunlight. This preliminary energy accumulation ensures consistent power supply regardless of immediate solar conditions, resolving the stability contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage batteries act as an intermediary between the solar panels and the onboard devices. They buffer the intermittent nature of solar power generation, providing stable and consistent electrical output to power devices even when solar input varies, thus maintaining power supply consistency.
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 provides a sustainable, efficient, and consistent power supply to refrigeration units in movable storage containers, reducing fuel consumption and environmental impact while minimizing the need for component modifications.
Implementation Method 1
a solar power generation array affixed to an outer surface of at least one of the walls
Data Source
AI summary
A movable storage container includes: a plurality of walls defining an enclosure for storing items; a solar power generation array affixed to an outer surface of at least one of the walls; an energy storage device configured to receive power from the solar power generation array; a switch assembly configured to: selectively receive power from a source selected from (i) the energy storage device, (ii) an auxiliary generator, and (iii) an electrical grid input, and direct the received power to a refrigeration unit; a polyphase inverter assembly connected between the energy storage device and the switch assembly, and a controller connected with the switch and configured to transmit source selection commands to the switch.