Transportable hybrid power system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for providing power and water treatment in remote or emergency locations, such as emergency relief situations and construction sites, are inefficient, particularly relying on gasoline-powered generators and limited portable solar systems that cannot generate sufficient power or treat water effectively.

Innovation Solution

A transportable hybrid power box system incorporating solar panels, wind turbines, fuel cells, fuel reformers, and integrated water treatment capabilities, allowing for the generation of electrical power and treatment of both potable and wastewater, with automated deployment and security features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If gasoline-powered generators are used to provide power in remote locations, then power can be generated, but the system becomes inefficient and polluting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidpower supply reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple power generation technologies (solar panels, wind turbines, fuel cells, and traditional generators) into a single hybrid system. This merging allows the system to leverage the advantages of each technology while compensating for their individual limitations, achieving both high efficiency and reliable power supply.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hybrid power system is designed to perform multiple functions: generating power through solar panels, wind turbines, and fuel cells; storing energy in batteries; and providing backup through traditional generators. This multi-functionality ensures the system can maintain reliable power supply under various conditions while optimizing energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Power

If small portable solar-powered systems are used for charging devices, then portability is achieved, but the power generation capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower generation capacityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges solar panels with wind turbines, fuel cells, and battery storage systems into an integrated hybrid power unit. This combination significantly increases the overall power generation capacity beyond what small solar systems alone can provide, while the modular design manages the inherent complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is divided into modular components (solar panels, wind turbines, fuel cells, battery banks) that can be independently configured and scaled. This segmentation allows the power generation capacity to be increased by adding modules without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If a hybrid power system with multiple energy sources is deployed, then power generation capacity and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple power generation technologies are merged into a single integrated hybrid system with unified control and coordination. This merging improves reliability through diverse power sources while the integrated design manages complexity by providing centralized management of all components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hybrid system incorporates automated control mechanisms that allow it to self-regulate power generation, storage, and distribution. The system automatically switches between different power sources based on availability and demand, reducing the need for complex manual intervention and operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If the power box is designed to be transportable for remote deployment, then mobility is improved, but the power generation capacity may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedeployabilityVSAvoidpower generation capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The power system is segmented into modular units that can be easily transported and deployed. Each module contains essential components (solar panels, wind turbine, battery) that can function semi-independently, allowing the system to maintain adequate power generation capacity while being divided into transportable sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple compact power generation technologies (solar, wind, fuel cell) are merged into a single transportable box, maximizing power generation capacity within the constrained volume. This combination allows the system to deliver high power output despite the portability requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 reliable, efficient, and scalable solution for power generation and water treatment in remote locations, offering immediate power production and water purification capabilities, suitable for emergency response, off-grid applications, and military use, while being transportable and adaptable.

Implementation Method 1

The power box may contain a variety of energy-producing means in a variety of combinations. An exemplary embodiment will include a wind turbine, a solar panel array...

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolar energy conversion: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

An exemplary embodiment will include a wind turbine, a solar panel array, and a number of fuel cells or fuel reformers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWind power generation: Wind Power

Implementation Method 3

An exemplary embodiment will include a wind turbine, a solar panel array, and a number of fuel cells or fuel reformers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFuel cell energy conversion: Fuel Cell

Data Source

PatentUS9780720B2Transportable hybrid power system
Publication Date: 2017.10.03 HCI ENERGY LLC
  • US9780720B2 patent drawing
  • US9780720B2 patent drawing
  • US9780720B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A transportable, deployable power system comprising a hybrid power box containing solar panels, wind turbine(s), fuel cells, fuel reformers, and other energy sources. The system could also include waste water and potable water inlet and outlet ports for water treatment. It will also allow for shelf mounted solar and wind turbine installation for disaster recovery, backup power for telecommunication, military power, Homeland Security power, off grid homes and water and wastewater packaging domestically and internationally. The present invention is ideal for any situation requiring immediate power and/or water treatment, such as remote construction sites or in emergency situations. The hybrid power box can be mounted to a standard shipping truck, train, or ship, and transported over land to the desired location.