Abstract:
A portable solar power station is disclosed herein. The power station is contained and configured with sufficient power to support a plurality of industrial devices and appliances. The devices and appliances can be utilized for a variety of professional and recreational activities. The power station is easily transported because it can fit, e.g., into a truck&#39;s bed or a van&#39;s cargo area and is not so heavy, e.g., that a person of mild to average strength would have difficulty pushing, lifting or otherwise moving the power station.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The technology generally relates to providing a power source to electronic appliances. The technology more particularly relates to a portable solar power source. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Industrial devices use electrical power to function, but may be situated a distance away from a convenient power source. A mobile DJ or audio-visual presenter, for example, may employ the use of industrial equipment for audio-visual purposes, but may often find themselves too remote for convenient access to a power source. Needs for a power source may similarly arise at other remote locations such as major special events, concerts, or constructions sites. 
         [0003]    AC power generators are conventionally used to deliver power to remotely located devices. Though useful to deliver temporary power, power generators can be very noisy. Noise produced by power generators is primarily comprised of engine noise and exhaust noise, and can easily exceed 100 decibels. The exhaust poses an additional problem, namely that usage in confined areas may pose a health hazard to persons, animals or other living organisms by virtue of the fumes or other gases emitted. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    Disclosed herein are embodiments of solar power station device which is mobile, contained, and provides sufficient power for a plurality of activities and including special events and gatherings. According to some embodiments, the solar power station device is of a form factor which enables portability in a truck bed or van cargo room. Further, the solar power station, in such embodiments, may be pushed easily by a person possessing mild to average strength. 
         [0005]    In some embodiments, the solar power station device is equipped with a solar panel and a rechargeable battery pack. The DC current provided by the panel and battery pack is converted to AC by an inverter, and an inductor converts the inverter&#39;s square wave output into sine waves. A plurality of electric outlets receive the sine waves and transmit the power to attached industrial devices and/or appliances. 
         [0006]    In some embodiments, a portable entertainment system is equipped with a portable AC power source (such as a solar power station) and comprises speakers, possibly also a display, and a media storage and playback unit, all of which are powered by the AC power source. The power source, speakers, display and storage and playback unit are portable and can be transported easily by a person possessing mild to average strength. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a mobile power station, according to various embodiments; 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of a mobile power station with a solar panel mounted on an articulating mast, according to various embodiments; 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a transparent view of the internal components of a mobile power station, according to various embodiments; 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a transparent view of the internal components of a mobile power station with liquid cooling, according to various embodiments; 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is an isometric view of a self-contained mobile entertainment apparatus, according to various embodiments; and 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  is an isometric view of a self-contained mobile entertainment apparatus including a display screen, according to various embodiments. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0013]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a mobile power station  2 , according to various embodiments. The mobile solar power station  2  comprises a solar panel  4 , including a plurality of photovoltaic cells, mounted atop a container  6 . 
         [0014]    In accordance with various embodiments, the technology is directed to utilizing solar panels for generating energy for the mobile power station  2 . Among other benefits, such use of the solar panels for the mobile power station  2  to produce electrical energy advantageously provides a system that emits appreciably less noise than AC power generators. Solar panels convert the energy of sunlight into electrical energy which can be used by industrial devices. By relying on the energy in sunlight, solar power systems do not require the transportation and maintenance of additional fuel (e.g. gasoline) in order to function. This property renders solar power systems comparatively more convenient to transport and operate than AC power generators. In some embodiments, photovoltaic solar panels may be used in implementing the technology. Examples of solar panels  4  include: Sharp ND-250QCS, Kyocera KD325GX-LPB, LG 275S1C-B3 and other suitable panels known in the art. 
         [0015]    In some embodiments, the external features of a container  6  are comprised of the following: a set of wheels  8 , an intake vent  10  through which external air is drawn in, a battery charge indicator  12  affixed to the outside of the container, an outlet bank  14  affixed to the outside of the container and an outtake vent  16  through which internal air is be sent out of the container  6 . 
         [0016]    The battery charge indicator  12  may be attached to the exterior of the container  6  and display various quantitative information pertaining to the current charge status of the power station  2  or to prior electrical energy use, including but not limited to: percent of battery power used, percent of battery power remaining and amp hour usage. 
         [0017]    The outlet bank  14  contains a plurality of AC current outlets  18  including stagepin connector(s), standard AC connector(s) and L5-20 connector(s) or any combination of AC current connector(s) compatible with electric-powered industrial devices. 
         [0018]    In some embodiments, the size and weight of a power station  2  can be constrained to provide convenient appliance access to power. For example, a mobile DJ or audio-visual presenter may employ the use of industrial equipment and appliances for audio-visual purposes in an area inaccessible to motor vehicles, such as on a rooftop or in a park. In such an example, the presenter may require a power source which is both small and capable of being transported by a person of average strength. To meet the demands of these situations, the physical height profile of the mobile solar power station  2 , in some embodiments, may be limited to under five feet tall. The container  6  is configured for human powered transport so it can be pushed, pulled and/or carried to the location of its use. These features increase the ease with which the power station  2  may be transported by a person of average strength to areas in which access to power is not otherwise supported. 
         [0019]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of a mobile power station  2  with a solar panel  4  mounted on an articulating mast  19 , according to various embodiments. In this detached view, the mast  19  upon which the solar panel rests is visible. The mast  19  is mounted on top of the container  6 . In some embodiments, the mast  19  is configured for quick-release detachment from the container  6 . The solar panel  4  mounts atop the mast  19  to an articulable joint  20 . When mounted, the solar panel  4  is enabled to pivot about the joint  20 . In some embodiments, the solar panel  4  is configured for a quick release detach from the panel&#39;s  4  position atop the articulable joint  20 . 
         [0020]    The solar panel  4  is enabled to pivot down toward the container  6  and lock into a position through the use of articulation locks  21 . In some embodiments, there are four articulation locks  21  placed along the top face of the container  6 : two locks  21  along the front edge and two locks  21  along the back edge. The solar panel  4  has four latching points  22 , two along the front edge and two along the back edge, which can be locked into the articulation locks  21  when the latching points  22  are brought into contact with the locks  21 . 
         [0021]      FIG. 3  is a transparent view of the internal components of a mobile power station  2 , according to various embodiments. In this embodiment, the container  6  has an internal support structure  23  is configured to secure a voltage regulator  24 , rechargeable battery pack  25 , a power inverter  28 , inductor coils  30  and the internal portion of the outlet bank  14  observed in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . A plurality of insulated wires  32  connect the electrical components of the power station  2 . The support structure  23  also secures components of the cooling system  36 . Embodiments which use an air-based cooling system  36 A can include a cooling vent  38  and a fan  40 . 
         [0022]    The container&#39;s  6  interior support structure  23 , configured to secure the power station&#39;s  2  internal components, may be substantially comprised of wood, plastic, metal, carbon-fiber material, or other suitable materials known in the art. Lighter materials increase the ease with which the power station  2  may be transported by a person of average strength to areas in which access to power is not otherwise easily accessible. 
         [0023]    In some embodiments, the power station  2  can contain a voltage regulator  24 . The regulator  24  can allow a user to control the power output by the solar panel  4  and used by other components of the power station  2 . In some embodiments, the regulator  24  is mounted to the internal support structure  23  of the container  6 . In other embodiments, the regulator is mounted to the solar panel  4 . Some solar panels  4  are configured with a voltage regulator  24  as a component of the panel  4 . The voltage regulator  24  is connected to the rechargeable battery pack  25  using an insulated wire  32 A and connected to the solar panel using an insulated wire  36 B. Since the panel  4  will be connected to the battery pack  25  via an insulated wire  32 C, this means that the voltage regulator  24  and solar panel  4  are wired in series. 
         [0024]    Some embodiments include a rechargeable battery pack  25  that includes one or more rechargeable batteries  26 . The rechargeable batteries  26  store the electrical output received from the solar panel  4 . In some embodiments, non-flooded batteries can be utilized to prevent issues inherent with flooded batteries. For example, flooded batteries can leak acid if the flooded batteries are not maintained in an upright position. Non-flooded batteries advantageously neutralize the risk of the batteries  26  being stored in a non-vertical manner. Examples of non-flooded batteries  26  include AGM, lithium-ion, lithium-air or other suitable rechargeable non-flooded batteries. In some embodiments, the combined voltage of the batteries  26  in the battery pack  25  is at least 24 VDC. In some embodiments the combined current of the batteries  26  in the battery pack  25  is configured to be at least 10 amps. 
         [0025]    In order to provide devices with alternating current, a power inverter  28  can be used to convert the direct current supplied by the solar panel  4  into alternating current. The power inverter  28  is configured to be connected to the rechargeable battery pack  25  at the inverter&#39;s input terminals via insulated wires  32 D. 
         [0026]    The power inverter  28  and the battery pack  25  are wired in parallel with the solar-panel/voltage regulator system. 
         [0027]    Included in  FIG. 3  are two inductor coils  30 , each of which is attached to an output terminal of the power inverter  28  via insulated wires  32 E. The inductor coils  30  are configured to convert the power inverter&#39;s square wave output into sine waves. The inductor coils  30  can be rated at 3 mH of inductance and can be air-cored or feature other cores which are known in the art. The square wave-sine wave conversion results in a variable current that may increase the efficacy of the power station  2  in providing significant electrical power to a plurality of industrial devices over a significant period of time. The insulated wires  32 F transmit the converted sinusoidal waves to the outlet bank  14 . In particular, the converted sinusoidal waves can be received by the outlets  18  in the outlet bank  14 . The outlets  18  can be configured to enable industrial devices, once plugged in, to draw power from the power station&#39;s  2  rechargeable battery pack  25 , from the solar panel  4 , or from both simultaneously. 
         [0028]    In an enclosed system containing electrical components such as is the case within the container  6 , a cooling system  36  may be important to promote safe and effective use. In  FIG. 3 , the cooling system is primarily designed to cool the power inverter  28 . Any method of cooling which relies on electric power may be powered by the solar power  4  directly or it may receive power from the rechargeable battery pack  25 , or from both simultaneously. 
         [0029]    An air-based cooling system  36 A is depicted in  FIG. 3  including an intake pipe  38  and a fan  40 . The intake pipe  38  is connected to the air exterior because the pipe  38  connects to an intake vent  10 . The power inverter  28  is configured to allow air to pass through. Exterior air taken in through the pipe  38  can be drawn by the fan  40  through the inverter  28 . This air is then sent outside the container  6  through an outtake vent  16  adjacent to the fan  40 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 4  presents an embodiment of the invention which employs a liquid cooling system  36 B to cool the inverter  28 . Water is stored and cooled in a cooling apparatus  44  which is secured to the container  6 . The cooled water is pumped by a pump apparatus  46  through a hose  48  which runs directly through and cools the inverter  28 . The water is warmed in the process of passing through the inverter  28 . The warmed water passes through the pump apparatus  46  and is pumped back into the cooling apparatus  44  through a hose  48 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 5  is an isometric view of a self-contained mobile entertainment apparatus  52 , according to various embodiments. In some embodiments, the apparatus  52  is comprised of a mobile solar power station  2 , speakers  54  and an audio file storage and playback apparatus  58 . 
         [0032]    The mobile solar entertainment system  52  can be used to provide audio entertainment in locations that lack convenient access to electrical power. For example, a DJ can use the system to conduct her business in a park, on a roof or in a large conference center where access to electricity may otherwise prove logistically difficult. 
         [0033]    The speakers  54  emit sound waves based on an output signal communicated to the speakers by the audio file storage and playback apparatus  58  and transmitted via audio cables  60 . The speakers are powered by the solar power station  2 , connected via a power cable  56  that is plugged into an electrical outlet  18  in the power station&#39;s  2  outlet bank  14 . The transportability of the speakers may be improved if they are mounted atop wheels so that they may be pushed or pulled in the same manner as the solar power station  2 . In some embodiments the speakers  54  and the solar power system  2  may be of similar size and/or have a substantially similar physical height profile. Not only can this serve as an aesthetic feature but may also functionally improve the transportability of the entertainment system  52 . 
         [0034]    The audio file storage and playback apparatus  58  may be a portable computer, CD/DVD player, cell phone or any other device capable of outputting audio signals to speakers  54 . This apparatus is powered by the solar power station  2 , connected via a power cable  56  that is plugged into an electrical outlet  18  in the solar power station&#39;s  2  outlet bank  14 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 6  is an isometric view of a self-contained mobile entertainment apparatus  62  including a display screen  64 , according to various embodiments. A power generator  66 , comprising a solar panel  4  and an AC power unit  68 , powers speakers  54 , a display screen  64  and a media playback and storage apparatus  70  via power cables  56  plugged into an outlet  14  in the power unit&#39;s  68  electrical outlet bank  18 . 
         [0036]    In some embodiments, the power generator  66  is enabled to store DC power collected by a solar panel  4  and convert DC power (stored or directly from the solar panel  4 ) into an AC output for use by industrial devices and appliances. Varying embodiments resemble a portable power station  2 . 
         [0037]    The media playback and storage apparatus  70  transmits a media signal to an amplifier  72  via a cable capable of transmitting audio media  74 . Embodiments utilize a 500 watt amplifier  72  which is powered by the power generator  66 . Speakers  54  receive the media signal from the amplifier  72  via cables capable of transmitting audio media  60 . In some embodiments, the media playback and storage apparatus  70  transfers a media signal to a display  64  via a cable capable of transmitting video and/or audio media  76 . Embodiments comprise LCD TVs, digital projectors and other display technologies known in the art. The display  64  may be used to supplement audio entertainment with video. For example, a DJ can use the display  64  to provide a music video or to project music lyrics for her customers to sing along with. 
         [0038]    While the components of the entertainment apparatus  62  are designed to be individually portable by a human, certain embodiments include design features which render the apparatus  62  increasingly mobile. In some embodiments, the generator  66  and the speakers  54  are equipped with wheels. In some embodiments the speakers  54  and the power generator  66  may be of similar size and/or have a substantially similar physical height profile. 
         [0039]    Average pushing force for a person&#39;s arms at the most efficient angle is between 400 and 600 Newtons. Converted into pounds-force, this amount is 90 to 135 pounds. This does not include additional force provided by a person&#39;s legs. The first standard deviation ranges roughly 225 Newtons, or roughly 50 pounds force. 
         [0040]    Moving an object, especially an object with wheels, involves a sensible direction of applied force. When discussing the maximum required force to move the object, this refers to the force required to overcome the object&#39;s inertia in a direction where the wheels are utilized effectively. Further, the discussion for maximum force required takes into account a substantially flat surface to move the object across. 
         [0041]    Substantially flat surfaces include, but are not limited to, paved ground, interior flooring materials, dried concrete, substantially even grassy surfaces, and substantially even dirt roads. 
         [0042]    Once an object&#39;s inertia is overcome, moving an object over a flat surface uses less force to maintain a constant speed. Accordingly, in many circumstances, a person applies constant force to move an object, though less than the initial force required to move the object.