Abstract:
The renewable mobile resource station of the present disclosure may contain all or some of the following systems: self-contained, self-sustaining, mobile renewable power systems, employing solar, wind, internal combustion, diesel, and other portable power generation systems. The enclosed portable station may also preferably include portable resource systems such as water purification and storage systems; chemical and biological water treatment and waste treatment systems; lighting; heating and cooling systems; refrigeration; cooking systems; communication systems; and fire and chemical/biological containment systems. A control module and system may be provided to control the separate systems either on-site or remotely, or automatically such as by a software program.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/511,757 filed Jul. 26, 2011, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to systems which provide mobile utility services where such services are either otherwise unavailable or interrupted. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    A known problem exists with safely and efficiently providing educational, nutritional, humanitarian or military aid or other emergency services in remote areas where no utility services are available or unreliable, or in areas afflicted by natural or manmade disasters where utility services have been interrupted. In addition, it is sometimes necessary to conduct research and other such activities in remote or environmentally sensitive areas where no utility services are readily available. Utility services generally include water, electricity, communications, and the like. 
         [0004]    In such instances where utilities services are required, it has been known to obtain individual component systems to provide power, purified water, communications, and cooking/housekeeping/sanitary facilities from separate sources which most often operate independently. Such systems must be obtained, transported to the required location, set-up, operated, and then subsequently taken down, transported and/or stored independently of each other. Although such independent systems can generally be expected to operate as designed in an independent manner, problems arise when integration is necessary such as when cooking and/or communications equipment have power or connection requirements which are not compatible with the power generation equipment. Accordingly, a need exists for a modular self-contained scalable mobile system for providing such utility services. A need also exists to provide such utility services in a rugged and protected housing. In addition, there is a need for providing such services so that the separate utility components are fully compatible and operational under rapid response deployment requirements. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present disclosure defines a renewable mobile resource station for providing utility services such as power, potable water, cooking facilities, communications equipment and the like. In the system of the present disclosure, many of the separate and distinct elements are commercially available; however, the system of the present disclosure provides such separate elements in a complete, cost-effective system which is a highly transportable, completely compatible, and rugged resource station. In this way, the station of the present disclosure can be transported to an area where utilities are not otherwise available, or where utility service has been interrupted, and set-up in a rapid manner such that all components cooperate together so as to be available to provide the power, resource, water, communication, and other needs in an efficient manner. It is contemplated that the renewable mobile resource station of the present disclosure may be capable of use in the following exemplary environments which include small isolated communities and developing countries and/or locations having no connection to a reliable electrical grid or resource; recreational, research, construction and industrial applications in areas where utilities are unavailable or interrupted; humanitarian aid such as disaster relief from natural or manmade disasters such as FEMA disaster relief in the event of hurricane, tsunami, flood, tornado, or the like; USAID refugee camps and other national and international humanitarian efforts; military and defense mobile utility, power and communication efforts; and educational mobile laboratories. 
         [0006]    The renewable mobile resource station of the present disclosure may contain all or some of the following systems: self-contained, self-sustaining, mobile renewable power systems, employing solar, wind, internal combustion, diesel, and other portable power generation systems. The enclosed portable station may also preferably include portable resource systems such as water purification and storage systems; chemical and biological water treatment and waste treatment systems; lighting; heating and cooling systems; refrigeration; cooking systems; communication systems; and fire and chemical/biological containment systems. A control module and system may be provided to control the separate systems either on-site or remotely, or automatically such as by a software program. 
         [0007]    These and other aspects, objects, features and advantages of the renewable mobile resource station of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent upon careful consideration of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment and any accompanying drawings. The disclosure may further provide methods and structures of varying scope. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a renewable mobile resource station of the present disclosure. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a front plan view of a renewable mobile resource station of the present disclosure depicting one embodiment for deploying auxiliary solar arrays. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is the renewable mobile resource station of  FIG. 2  with the auxiliary solar arrays stowed for travel. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a prospective view of an exemplary wind turbine for use with a renewable mobile resource station of the present disclosure. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram of the power system for a renewable mobile resource station of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0013]    The renewable mobile resource station according to the present disclosure is a mobile, self-contained, scalable, and rugged system that provides immediate availability of utility resources such as electrical power, potable water, communications, cooking facilities, lighting, heated or cooled air, and the like. Embodiments of the renewable mobile resource station could include multiple combinations of any of the above systems contained and packaged in one unit, such as a rugged trailer housing assembly such that the station can be easily transported, and quickly and completely assembled so as to provide power, lighting, cooking, communications and other utility requirements in remove and/or emergency response situations. The renewable mobile resource station of the present disclosure is easy and cost-efficient to transport and operate and is fully fueled by solar, wind, or other known power methods and can be deployed anyplace in the world as required for immediate, renewable, power where such power may be unavailable, interrupted, or unreliable, or where one wants to simply be “off the grid.” 
         [0014]    With reference to  FIG. 1  a renewable mobile resource station  10  of the present disclosure is depicted. The renewable mobile resource station  10  includes generally a mobile enclosure, housing or trailer  12  which serves to contain the system components of station  10 . Trailer  12  could be configured in any required manner. In addition, station  10  of the present disclosure is scalable such that trailer  12  could be of any size or configuration suitable for a required application. In addition, trailer  12  could be configured in a manner such that the structure is reinforced and includes enhanced suspension and tire systems so as to be taken off-road and in remote locations. In a preferred embodiment, the floor of trailer  12  in station  10  includes a metal sub-floor plate, preferably on the exposed bottom portion for protection against ground material penetrating the floor of trailer  12  such as tree branches, rocks, or even small improvised explosive devices (IED&#39;s), etc. Trailer  12  may include a ramp  14  which folds down to access the interior of trailer  12  and provide a ramp for easy removal and insertion of system components within the housing of trailer  12 . Ramp  14  preferably forms the rear enclosure of trailer  12  when secured for transport. Trailer  12  may include all necessary lighting, braking, and other accessories necessary for legal road travel in any particular geographic location. 
         [0015]    The mobile enclosure/trailer of the renewable mobile resource station of the present disclosure preferably includes the following specifications:
       Custom off road heavy duty under carriage including 5,000-6,000 lb frame, heavy duty axels, heavy duty leaf springs, and electric brakes   Large tires/16 to 18 inch preferred.   6 in Extra Height/LTF: Inside has 6 ft 6 inch clearance   Convenience Package Includes: (1) 12v Dome Light w/Wall Switch, (2) Flow Thru Vents, 24 in ATP Front Stoneguard and (2) Stainless Steel Center Caps   Sound Insulation for better reception and communications   Med Duty Ramp with Anti-Slip Protection   54 in Triple Tube Tongue; ILO Std/EA (removable of security—anti theft)   LTF Undercoating applied to wall as well as frame to protect against sand, dirt and rusting   Corner Post Drop Down Jacks with holes for grounding and stability stakes 3000#/PR   R5 Fiberglass Ceiling sound proofing LTF Insulation/LTF   R5 Fiberglass Wall Insulation/LTF   Kemlite Smooth Wall   Lauan Ceiling/LTF LTF   60A Breaker Box w/110v Lifeline GWS model GWS2100 has 2 Breaker Boxes for independent power backup   Cable Hatch/EA Notes: Plastic Cable Access Hatch (Large)—30 or 50 amp shoreline access doors. May include redundancy systems   ATP Floor Runner/Sq Ft; 12″ tall on side and front walls   3-6 Brackets for Solar Panels   4-6 LED Exterior Lights   Wall and under floor protection could be added as desired/required   Hurricane tie down systems could also be added       
 
         [0036]    In order to provide power services, it is contemplated that two main systems including solar panels  16  as well as a wind turbine  18  may be supported from trailer  12  in order to generate electricity from solar power or wind power in known ways. In addition, station  10  may include an awning  20  which may be supported from trailer  12  on one side and supports collectively  22  on the other. Awning  20  preferably includes solar panels on its top surface so as to provide additional surface area for collection and generation of solar power. In addition, awning  20  provides a work space underneath which is shaded and protected from the elements. 
         [0037]    With reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3  which are schematic representations of a renewable mobile resource station  10  from a front view.  FIG. 2  depicts an alternative embodiment for the storage and deployment of additional auxiliary solar panels. Auxiliary solar panels  32  and  34  may be attached to trailer  12  such that they are capable of deployment and then retraction for storage and transport. Auxiliary solar panels  32  and  34  may be attached to trailer  12  by hinge mechanisms  36  and  38 . A deployment mechanism, such as screw jacks  38  and  40  may be secured to trailer  12  on one end and to auxiliary solar panels  32  and  34  at a second end. Screw jacks  38  and  40  are capable of extension such that when extended auxiliary solar panels  32  and  34  are deployed so as to be level with the top surface of trailer  12 . Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 3 , screw jacks  38  and  40  may be retracted so as to withdraw auxiliary solar panels  32  and  34  so that they are perpendicular to the top surface of trailer  12  and thus flush with the side surfaces of trailer  12  for storage and transport. It is contemplated that a second set of screw jacks (not shown) would be placed on the rear of trailer  12  or along the length of the sides of trailer  12  in order to provide additional support for auxiliary solar panels  32  and  34 . It is further understood that additional solar panels would be placed on the top of trailer  12  such that when the auxiliary solar panels  32  and  34  deployed a substantial surface area is present to collect solar energy. In an alternate embodiment, the auxiliary solar panels  32  and  34  may slide over the top of the photovoltaic arrays on the top of trailer  12 . In this embodiment screw jacks may be positioned to deploy or retract (slide) the auxiliary panels  32  and  34  outward or inward as required. 
         [0038]    With reference to  FIG. 4 , an exemplary wind turbine for use with the renewable mobile resource station  10  of the present disclosure shall next be described. As depicted wind turbine generator  18  may be secured to a tower  42  and secured to trailer  12  as shown in  FIG. 1 . Wind turbine generator  18  would be electrically connected to the renewable resource station  10  via a positive electrical connection  44  and a negative electrical connection  46 . Electrical grounds would be provided for the tower at  48  and for the turbine  50  which could be grounded to the earth at  52 . In addition, tower  42  may include an antenna array  54  for radio or such related communication purposes. 
         [0039]      FIG. 5  depicts a block diagram for the power generation and control system for the renewable mobile resource station of the present disclosure. With specific reference to  FIG. 5 , power is generated by either wind turbine generator  60  or by photovoltaic array  62 . The electrical energy harnessed from multiple photovoltaic arrays  62  is combined at a source circuit combiner box  64 . Electrical energy from both wind turbine  60  and the photovoltaic array source circuit combiner box  64  pass through a DC breaker and ground fault detection enclosure  66  which includes a charge controller  68  and into inverter  70 . From inverter  70  electrical energy may pass through an AC disconnect, inverter bypass and standby load breaker  72  to either distribution panel or subpanel  74  and onto supply energy to an electrical load or to a storage battery array  76  for use at a later time to supply electrical energy to an electrical load. It is evident, the power control system is capable of either operation “on grid” or “off grid” as necessary. For example, power could be derived from an electrical grid or from the portable power generator systems such as a generator or the photovoltaic arrays or the wind turbine generator. 
         [0040]    Power generated from solar collectors  16  and power wind turbine  18  may be stored in a battery bank contained within trailer  12 . Power may be accessed directly, or through an inverter through standard electric outlets positioned on or supported from trailer  12  which may include any power requirements/configurations as necessary for a particular geographic application. Power generated and stored by station  10  may be employed for lighting applications which may include high efficiency lights such as weatherproof LED flood lights or the like. In addition, additional rechargeable lanterns may be supplied in station  10 . 
         [0041]    Power may also be directed to systems such as portable water purification systems housed within trailer  12  of station  10 . Such portable water purification systems are available commercially and can be adapted for application in trailer  12  in order to provide a source of potable water. 
         [0042]    An exemplary preferred water purification system for use with the station of the present disclosure is a Stationary, Wall Mount Solar Battery 12-volt Powered Water Purification System designed for Remote Applications. This system has the capabilities of producing cleaner and safer drinking water from almost any creek, stream, pond, well, lake or most any fresh water source at a volume production rate of 10 gallons (37 liters) per minute where water purification and electrical power are impractical or unattainable. The daily water production from the solar battery mode is up to 1,800+ gallons (6,600+liters) per day. This System does not require any outside electrical power; nor is there a need for chemical additives. 
         [0043]    These preferred Stationary, 12-volt Powered Water Purification Systems pull the water from the source and through a 5.0 micron Sediment Pre-Filter. The water is then pushed through a Carbon Block Polishing Filter that has the capabilities of removing Giardia and Cryptosporidium Cysts, Herbicides, Pesticides, Trihalomethanes (THMs), certain Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs), Chlorine and Chlorine By-Products, Sediment, Bad Taste, Odors, Color, Smell, and many other Harmful Chemicals and Contaminants down to a 0.5 micron. The polished filtered water is then channeled past an Ultraviolet Light Disinfecting Process that has the ability to kill Bacteria, Viruses, Typhoid Fever, Coliform, Dysentery, Cholera, Infectious Jaundice, Hepatitis &amp; Influenza Virus,  E - coli , Enteric Fever and many other unwanted microorganisms to a 99.999% purity. The preferable water purification system may have the following specifications:
       6-10 gallon (37 liters) per minute   Installation time under 1.5 hour   Stationary Wall Mount with Mounting Flange 27″ wide×30″ long×8″ deep   40 lbs.   Power Sources: Solar Charged Battery=180 minutes up to 360 minutes       
 
         [0049]    Additionally, power may be used for refrigeration of food, medical supplies, or the like or may be employed for other air treatment systems such as air conditioning or heating systems which may be portable and installed in trailer  12 . 
         [0050]    Station  10  may also include a cooking facility such as a solar cooker  24 . Cookers such as solar cooker  24  are known in the art and may be capable of large cooking functions for serving multiple meals for a group of people as may be required. Multiple miscellaneous equipment such as tables  26 , chairs  28  may be supplied with station  10 . In addition small appliances such as microwave ovens  30  or the like may also be supplied. 
         [0051]    Communications systems including communications antennas, satellite antennas and the like are contemplated for inclusion within station  10 . In addition, computer systems are contemplated which may have access through the Internet or other global or network communication system with other computers or computer networks such as for educational, military, or research applications. Cell phone and other such battery charging stations are contemplated to maintain communications as necessary. 
         [0052]    An operation and monitoring system may be supplied with station  10  which may operate the systems for greatest efficiency and output and may be operated manually, automatically, such as through software, or even remotely via the Internet. 
         [0053]    The renewable mobile resource station  10  is a self-contained, self-sustaining, mobile renewable power system which provides electricity, water purification, lighting (including LED lighting), refrigeration, cooking equipment, all serviced with solar and wind power. In this way, a system having the following components is contemplated: immediate power upon deployment; solar panels, generating up to 3600 watts; small wind turbine, generating up to 1600 watts; 4.5 to 9.0KWH battery storage; water purification system; 4.5 cu. ft. refrigeration; LED lighting; sunshine solar cooker™=up to 1,200 meals/day; 110AC; cell phone recharging/battery power; fire extinguisher; power for instant communications; complete assembly in approximately 60-90 minutes. 
         [0054]    An exemplary station of the present disclosure is depicted in the following table. The 110V AC exemplary station is ready to provide renewable off grid or on grid energy anywhere in the world, fuelled by the sun and wind. It should be understood, however, that the following specifications are for the purpose of exemplification only and other components could be easily substituted. An embodiment of the renewable mobile resource station  10  of the present disclosure may be configured as: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Storage Trailer 
                 Dimensions: 7′ × 12′ 
               
               
                   
                 Tires: All Terrain 
               
               
                   
                 5,000-6,000 lb. frame, heavy duty axels, heavy 
               
               
                   
                 duty leaf springs, electric brakes 
               
               
                 Solar Array 
                 Number of Modules: 12 Cell type: 
               
               
                   
                 Monocrystalline 
               
               
                   
                 Watts per module: 220 watts peak power 
               
               
                   
                 Total array watts: 2,640 watts 
               
               
                   
                 ±kWh per day*: 9.8 kWh 
               
               
                 Wind Turbine 
                 Rated Power: 400 watts at 28 mph 
               
               
                   
                 Voltage: 48 VDC 
               
               
                   
                 kWh per month: 38 at 12 mph 
               
               
                   
                 Survival Wind Speed: 110 mph 
               
               
                   
                 Marine Grade 
               
               
                   
                 Warranty: 3 years 
               
               
                 Power Inverter 
                 Surge: 6,000 VA 
               
               
                   
                 Rated Output: 3,600 VA 
               
               
                   
                 AC Voltage: 120 volts VAC 60 Hz 
               
               
                   
                 Efficiency: 93% 
               
               
                   
                 Rated Amps: 30 A 
               
               
                 Charge Controller 
                 Max Amps DC: 80 A 
               
               
                 Battery Bank 
                 Capacity (20 Hr Rate): 108 Ah 
               
               
                   
                 Bank Voltage: 48 VDC 
               
               
                   
                 Bank Storage: 5.2 kWh 
               
               
                   
                 Type: AGM 
               
               
                   
                 Maintenance Free 
               
               
                   
                 100% Recyclable 
               
               
                 Monitoring System 
                 Creates and stores performance logs 
               
               
                   
                 Can be accessed remotely 
               
               
                 Standard Electric  
                 Voltage: 110 VAC 
               
               
                 Outlets 
                 Current: 15 Amps (limited by circuit breaker) 
               
               
                 Weatherproof 99 LED 
                 Power usage: 6.5 Watts 
               
               
                 Floodlights 
                 Voltage: 12.5 VDC 
               
               
                   
                 Lifetime: 30,000 Hours 
               
               
                 Portable Water Purifier 
                 Rate: 10 gallons (37 liters) per minute 
               
               
                   
                 Power: Solar charged battery or external 12 VDC 
               
               
                   
                 Capacity on solar battery: up to 18,000 gal+ (6,600 
               
               
                   
                 liters+) per day 
               
               
                   
                 Capacity on external power: 720+ gallons per day 
               
               
                   
                 Does not require external power, nor are chemical 
               
               
                   
                 additives required. 
               
               
                 Refrigerator 
                 Capacity: 4.5 cu. ft. 
               
               
                   
                 Voltage: 110 VAC 
               
               
                   
                 Current: 1.3 Amps 
               
               
                 25 LED Rechargeable 
                 Portable lighting for many uses 
               
               
                 Lanterns 
                   
               
               
                 Recharging station with  
                 Recharge cell phones, power tools, lanterns, etc. 
               
               
                 18 outlets 
                   
               
               
                 25 Sunshine Family 
                 Sunshine Community Solar Cooker also available 
               
               
                 Cookers 
                   
               
               
                 Fold down Table and 2 
                   
               
               
                 chairs 
                   
               
               
                 Fire extinguisher 
                   
               
               
                 Spare parts 
                 Solar panel, water filters, etc. 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0055]    It is understood that other component systems may be included, and particularly waste treatment facilities, advanced life saving and medical equipment, or the like. The exemplary station is preferably equipped with: PV solar panels, wind turbine, battery bank, charge controller, power inverter, water purification system, LED lighting, solar cooker, cell phone and battery device charging station, cooking pots, spare parts. The station provides self-contained, easily transported light, power communication and solar cooking in a rugged portable container. 
         [0056]    Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned above as well as those inherent therein. While presently preferred embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, numerous changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are encompassed within the spirit of this invention as defined by the appended claims.