Solar Light Bar Battery Isolator for Vehicle Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light bars for emergency warning lighting often rely on vehicle batteries, which can lead to power drain and reduced battery life, and lack efficient solar energy harvesting capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A light bar system incorporating a solar panel, battery isolator, and light source switch that allows for independent charging and power supply from solar energy, auxiliary batteries, and vehicle charging systems, ensuring the light source is energized without draining the vehicle battery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the light bar is powered by the vehicle battery, then the light bar can operate continuously, but the vehicle battery will deplete and cause power loss when the vehicle is not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into multiple independent power sources: the vehicle battery, the auxiliary battery, and the solar panel. Each source can independently supply power to the light bar, eliminating the dependency on a single battery and preventing power depletion issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar panel provides self-powered operation by converting sunlight into electrical energy, allowing the light bar to operate independently of the vehicle battery when parked or not in use, thus eliminating the need for continuous battery power.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the solar panel is added to power the light bar, then solar energy can be utilized, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel, auxiliary battery, and light bar are merged into an integrated system where the solar panel charges the auxiliary battery, which then powers the light bar. This combination creates a cohesive unit that simplifies installation and operation while maximizing solar energy utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary battery serves multiple functions: it stores energy from the solar panel, provides power to the light bar, and can be charged by the vehicle battery when needed. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system.
3Reliability
If the battery isolator is used to isolate the vehicle battery, then the vehicle battery is protected from power draw, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery isolator acts as an intermediary component between the vehicle battery and the auxiliary battery. It selectively connects or disconnects the vehicle battery from the auxiliary battery based on operational requirements, protecting the vehicle battery from unnecessary power draw while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolator system extracts and separates the power flow path between the vehicle battery and the auxiliary battery, allowing independent operation of each battery. This extraction prevents direct power draw from the vehicle battery while maintaining the ability to charge the auxiliary battery when needed.
4Reliability
If the light bar is designed to operate independently from the vehicle battery, then the vehicle battery is protected, but the light bar requires additional power sources
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary battery is pre-charged by the solar panel during periods when the vehicle is not in use. This preliminary charging action ensures that the light bar has sufficient power reserves to operate independently for extended periods, reducing the need for complex power management systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The power system is designed to be dynamic, automatically switching between different power sources based on availability and demand. The isolator dynamically connects or disconnects power flows, allowing the system to adapt to varying operational conditions while maintaining independent operation.
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 isolates the vehicle battery, allowing the light bar to operate independently and maintain battery life by utilizing solar energy and auxiliary charging, ensuring continuous operation without power drain.
Implementation Method 1
a solar panel (208) electrically connected to the bus (206) for generating electricity and for providing generated electricity to the bus (206)
Data Source
AI summary
A solar light bar includes a battery isolator adapted to be connected between a bus and a vehicle charging system for isolating a vehicle battery from the bus and for selectively connecting the bus to the charging system. A light source switch connects the light source and the bus for selectively electrically connecting the light source to the bus. When the light source switch is closed, the light source is energized by electricity from at least one of the solar panel, the charging system and the auxiliary battery. When the light source switch is open, the light source is isolated from the bus. The auxiliary battery is adapted to be selectively charged by electricity from at least one of the solar panel and the charging system.