Solar Fuel Portable Light Tower Dual Power System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable light towers used in large-scale operations generate environmental and sound pollution, which is a concern for achieving LEED certification, and they lack efficient backup power sources for continuous operation.

Innovation Solution

A portable light tower that combines a solar-powered primary source with a fuel-powered secondary source, allowing for dual operation of light panels and other devices, with the solar power serving as the primary source and the fuel power acting as a backup, reducing pollution and noise levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If fuel powered generators are used to power portable light towers, then sufficient light output is achieved, but environmental pollution and sound pollution are generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight outputVSAvoidenvironmental pollution and sound pollution

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines solar powered energy source and fuel powered energy source into a single integrated portable light tower system. The solar panels charge batteries during the day, and the fuel generator serves as backup or supplemental power, merging two different power sources into one unified system that reduces pollution while maintaining sufficient light output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional fuel-powered mechanical generator system with a solar-powered electrical system. Solar panels convert sunlight directly to electricity through the photovoltaic effect, charging batteries that power LED lights, substituting the mechanical combustion-based power generation with a clean electrical system that produces no emissions or noise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Duration of action of moving object

If fuel powered energy source operates continuously, then light panels remain lit during night shifts, but fuel consumption costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operationVSAvoidfuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The solar panels perform preliminary action by charging the batteries during daytime when sunlight is available. This stored energy in the batteries is then used to power the light panels during nighttime operations, eliminating the need for continuous fuel consumption while maintaining continuous operation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic action by operating the solar panels during daytime to charge batteries, then switching to battery power during nighttime. The fuel generator operates only periodically when additional power is needed or when solar charging is insufficient, rather than running continuously, thereby reducing fuel consumption while maintaining operational duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If solar powered energy source is used as primary power source, then renewable resources credits are achieved, but backup power capability is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverenewable energy capabilityVSAvoidbackup power capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates beforehand cushioning by including a fuel-powered generator as backup power capability. This ensures that if solar power is insufficient due to weather conditions or extended nighttime operations, the fuel generator can provide the necessary power to maintain continuous operation of the light panels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 dual-power system reduces environmental impact, noise pollution, and fuel consumption, enabling continuous operation while meeting LEED certification requirements and providing a cost-effective, renewable energy solution for large-scale operations.

Implementation Method 1

a solar powered energy source, which is the primary power source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolar energy conversion: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

a fuel powered energy source functions as the secondary power source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFuel combustion: Combustion

Data Source

PatentUS9810387B2Solar and fuel powered portable light tower

Publication Date: 2017.11.07 KNODEL JEREMY WALTER

AI summary

A solar and fuel powered portable light tower includes a portable base, a light panel arm, a primary power source, a secondary power source, and a control box. The light panel arm, that includes a plurality of light panels, is connected to the portable base while the primary and secondary power sources are positioned within the portable base. The control box, which is positioned within the portable base, controls the solar and fuel powered portable light tower. An insulated wall within the portable base separates the primary power source and the secondary power source for safety purposes. The plurality of light panels is preferably powered the primary power source that includes a plurality of photovoltaic panels and batteries. The plurality of light panels is also powered by the secondary power source that also acts as an onsite generator.