Abstract:
The present invention relates to an alternative power generation system, comprising a portable electricity harvesting device for generating electrical power, a power unit coupled to said portable electricity harvesting device including circuitry for processing electrical power generated by said portable electricity harvesting device and storing said electrical power in a battery within said power unit, and a plurality of distribution components in electrical communication with said power unit and a plurality of devices to be electrically powered.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a divisional of, and claims the benefit of priority to, U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 13/360,162, filed Jan. 27, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,006,940, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/462,074, filed on Jan. 28, 2011, the entire disclosures of which are expressly incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to the field of energy production and distribution. More specifically, the present invention relates to a modular portable energy system (or kit) that can be easily transported and set up to generate electrical power in a variety of environments. 
         [0004]    2. Related Art 
         [0005]    Renewable energy is an important and growing field, particularly in connection with solar energy. Various systems have been implemented to harness solar energy, including solar panels installed on roofs and in other locations. However, many current solar panel applications are not easily transportable. Indeed, such systems are often large and cumbersome to set up, and are not user-friendly. Additionally, existing solar energy systems are often not intended for personal use, nor are they easily attachable or removable from permanent and/or temporary structures. 
         [0006]    Flexible solar panel technology is known in the art. However, such systems are often deployed as “pass-through” systems, such that energy is not stored locally, i.e., at or near the point of generation. Further, such systems do not include adequate circuitry for balancing accumulated power. Moreover, known flexible solar panel systems are “stand alone” and isolated units without complex distribution systems that can send electrical energy to multiple appliances at once. Further, other flexible panel systems don&#39;t offer lightweight, high-wattage energy to power appliances for different environmental needs, i.e., survival, recreational, military, communication, etc. 
         [0007]    Moreover, in view of existing technology in this field, what would be desirable is a system, or kit, that generates solar energy, and which is easily collapsible and transportable. Further, what would be desirable is the use of such a system with power generating and harvesting technologies, as well as in connection with other advantageous devices and/or applications, such as in connection with personal power systems, portable shelters, as well as other alternate energy sources. Even further, it would be desirable to create a scalable network of such energy systems capable of communicating with each other, such as by wireless technology, and sharing and allocating power to meet various electrical consumption needs. Accordingly, what would be desirable, but has not yet been provided, is a modular portable energy system which addresses the foregoing needs. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention relates to modular portable energy systems and associated equipment. In a first embodiment, the modular portable energy system is in the form of a personal solar kit that includes a flexible solar panel, a power module in electrical communication with the flexible solar panel, one or more appliance kits in electrical communication with the power module via one or more distribution components, and a carrying unit of a sufficient size to contain at least one of the power module, the one or more distribution components, and the one or more appliance kits. The carrying unit can have many different shapes and sizes, and could be tubular in shape and comprises a central subcontainer positioned between a bottom subcontainer and a top subcontainer. The carrying unit could also be much larger, such as a suitcase. Additionally, a carrying retainer having an integral handle can be provided, and wrapped around the flexible solar panel to retain same for storage/transportation. The flexible solar panel could be foldable and tent poles could be utilized to support the flexible solar panel when in use. 
         [0009]    In a second embodiment, the modular portable energy system comprises a portable shelter system with power generation capabilities comprising a portable and collapsible (or popup) structure having a top portion and a solar panel system attached to the top portion of the structure. The portable structure may be in the form of a tent, umbrella, gazebo, awning, lean-to, lamp, etc., and could have one or more power access points dispersed throughout, with each access point in electrical communication with the solar panel system. The solar panel system could be removably attached to the top portion or embedded in the fabric of the top portion, or at other locations. Specifically, the solar panel system could comprise a unitary removable solar attachment, or a plurality of flexible radially arrayed flexible solar panels suspended from a support frame, configured to correspond to the geometry of the top portion of the portable structure. A carrying unit of sufficient size to contain the structure and the solar panel system can be provided. 
         [0010]    In a third embodiment, the modular portable energy system comprises an alternative power generation system that includes a transducer and/or human electricity harvesting device for generating electrical power. A power unit is coupled to the transducer or harvesting device and has circuitry for processing the electrical power generated and storing the electrical power in a battery within the power unit. The system could also include a plurality of distribution components in electrical communication with the power unit and a plurality of devices to be electrically powered, such as wireless devices, video, kitchen appliances, light, cellphone, or a battery charger. 
         [0011]    In a fourth embodiment, the modular portable energy system comprises a thin, multi-layered solar power generation device and includes a substrate, a first layer formed on the substrate including battery electronics therein, a second layer formed on the first layer including a circuit having power electronics therein, and a third layer formed on the second layer including photovoltaic materials for generating electricity. The layers could be laminated, printed using conductive inks, and/or have interstitial wiring in between. 
         [0012]    In a fifth embodiment, the modular portable energy system comprises an energy network system where any of the previous embodiments could be networked to share power amongst a plurality of power consuming devices. Each system in the network could have a power module or the entire network could have one power module shared among the systems. Any of the previous embodiments could further comprise wireless devices in electrical communication with the system. Also, any of the previous embodiments could be used with one or more appliance kits in electrical communication with the system via distribution components. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The foregoing features of the invention will be apparent from the following Detailed Description of the Invention, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is a diagram showing a first embodiment of the modular portable energy system comprising a personal solar kit; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a diagram showing the personal solar kit  10  of  FIG. 1  in greater detail; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is an electrical schematic showing electrical components of the power module of  FIGS. 1-2 ; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 4A-4C  are views showing the personal solar kit  10  in greater detail, including a carrying retainer with an integral handle with a pouch; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 5A-5C  are views showing the power module and power distribution components of  FIGS. 1-2  in greater detail; 
           [0019]      FIGS. 6A-8D  are views showing the personal solar kit of the present invention in greater detail; 
           [0020]      FIGS. 9-15F  are views showing various possible configurations of a second embodiment of the present invention, which provides a portable shelter system with power generation capabilities; 
           [0021]      FIG. 16  is a diagram illustrating various configurations of a third embodiment of the present invention, wherein alternative power generation systems are provided; 
           [0022]      FIGS. 17A-17D  are views of various wireless devices, human electricity harvesting technology, and transducers capable of being used with the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIGS. 18A-18C  are diagrams of a fourth embodiment of the present invention, wherein a multi-layered solar power generation device is provided; and 
           [0024]      FIGS. 19-20  are views of a fifth embodiment of the present invention, wherein an energy network system is provided and can be used with any of the previous embodiments of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0025]    The present invention relates to a modular portable energy system, as discussed in detail below in connection with  FIGS. 1-21 . 
         [0026]      FIG. 1  is a diagram showing a first embodiment of the modular portable energy system comprising a personal solar kit  10 . As shown, the personal solar kit  10  includes a carrying unit  12  containing a flexible solar panel  14 , a power module  16 , one or more distribution components  18  (e.g., a plurality, for example, of 5-15), and one or more appliance kits  20 . In use, the flexible solar panel  14  generates electrical energy stored in the power module  16  which is connected to, and provides power to, one or more appliance kits  20  via one or more distribution components  18 . As discussed in greater detail below, the power module  16  includes a rechargeable battery (charged by the flexible solar panel  14 ) and associated power electronics operating at and providing, for example, but not limited to, 12 volts of electricity. 
         [0027]      FIG. 2  is a more detailed diagram of the personal solar kit  10  of  FIG. 1  showing the flexible solar panel  14  connected to a solar panel input  22  of the power module  16 . Appliance kits  20  are in communication with a distribution component output  24  of the power module  16  via distribution components  18 , where the power module is capable of providing, for example, 12 volts of electricity. The power module has a modular expansion port  26  for connecting to other systems  10  to create a network of such systems, as later shown and described in more detail. 
         [0028]      FIG. 3  shows a circuit  27  of power module  16  of  FIGS. 1-2  including the solar panel input  22 , the distribution component output  24 , and the modular connection port  26 . As shown, the circuit  27  includes a rechargeable lithium-ion polymer battery  28   a  which operates at about 4 Amperes/hour and about 12-16.8 volts, provide about 13 watts, and be fully charged when the flexible solar panel is exposed to the sun for about 12 hours. Additionally, if two or more units are connected together, the total wattage output could be increased (e.g., if six power modules are networked together the total output would be in the area of approximately 98 watts). Of course any suitable battery  28   a  could be used, such as lithium-ion, alkaline, nickel-cadmium, and nickel metal hydride. Additionally, the operating parameters provided are only exemplary and the battery  28   a  could operate at any other suitable parameter. The battery stores power during time periods of little or no sunlight, or when a system&#39;s power generation is greater than the power use. 
         [0029]    The circuit  27  also comprises a volt meter  28   b  displaying wattage, amperage, and/or other electrical parameters, and is analog or digital. Further, the circuit  27  comprises a number of electronic components, discrete and/or integrated, including diodes  28   c ,  28   d , a potentiometer  28   e , comparators  28   f ,  28   g , transistors  28   h ,  28   i , and resistors  28   j . Such electronic components could include a 12 volt Fairchild semiconductor Zener diode  28   c , a 16.8 volt Vishay Siliconix Zener diode  28   d , Linear Technology micropower dual comparators  28   f ,  28   g , high voltage and/or low voltage analog switch power metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFET), and a 1000 Ohm resistor  28   j . As these electronic components are only exemplary, any manufacturer or suitable type of diode, comparator, transistor, or resistor could be used, and additionally, the specifications of such components could be varied as desired. 
         [0030]    The power module  16  and circuit  27  can perform one or more of the following functions: control uniform, fast, and safe charging of the battery; cycle the display of state of charge of the battery; detect and prevent overcharging; enable user selectable display of LEDs; detect minimum allowed battery voltage and prevent discharge below that level; detect overheating during both charge and discharge cycles; disable battery charging when heat or charge levels are inconsistent with battery specifications; change solar panel voltages to match battery module charging requirements and appliance discharge requirements; prevent damage to solar panel by preventing excessive current backflow; and prevent excessive current between power modules. Additionally, the power module could utilize meters and LEDs to display information, such as by using LEDs to display the state of charge of the battery. 
         [0031]    Shown in  FIGS. 4A-4C  are views of the personal solar kit  10  in greater detail.  FIG. 4A  depicts the flexible solar panel  14  and power module  16  of the present invention. The flexible solar panel  14  rolls up into a compact cylindrical shape. Examples of flexible solar panels  14  that could be used with the present invention include those provided by Konarka, Ascent, UniSolar, or PowerFilm, or any other suitable manufacturer. It is also anticipated that the flexible solar panel  14  could be rigid or foldable, such as those provided by SunForce, PowerFilm, or Brunton. As shown in  FIGS. 4B-4C , the flexible solar panel  14  could be rolled up and secured within a carrying retainer  30  having a handle  32 , where the carrying retainer  30  is wrapped around the flexible solar panel  14 . The carrying retainer  30  could include a pouch to hold the distribution components  18 , and a canister  34  could also be provided. For example, the flexible solar panel  14  is made of weather proof Power Plastic, bendable to a two inch radius, 27×44 inches, 0.97 pounds, produces up to 22 volts, 0.8 amps, and 13 watts under a full bright sun and no load. Of course, other panels could be used, if desired. 
         [0032]      FIGS. 5A-5C  are views showing the power module  16  and power distribution components  18  in greater detail.  FIGS. 5A-5B  show the power module  16  with distribution component output  24  and distribution components  18  connected thereto, where the power module  16  provides, for example, 12 volts of electricity.  FIG. 5C  shows a variety of appliance kits  20  connected to the distribution components  18 . As shown, the distribution components  18  of  FIG. 1  include USB hub  36 , 12 volt socket adapter  38 , cabling expansion  42 , and 12 volt socket/USB combination power hub  44 . Also as shown, appliance kits  20  of  FIG. 1  include a light  40 , cellphone  46 , a smartphone  48 , a battery charger  50 , a tablet computer  52 , and a fan  54 . Of course, other appliances could be provided, depending upon the application, e.g., survival, recreation, military, or technological applications. The power module could be of various sizes depending on the type of usage required, such as heavy duty, medium duty, or lightweight. For example, an ultra-lightweight kit could provide sufficient power for 3 days, a lightweight kit could provide power for 10 days, and a midweight kit could provide power for 3 weeks. 
         [0033]    Shown in  FIGS. 6A-8D  are various embodiments of the personal solar kit with carrying unit  12  or carrying retainer  30 . The carrying unit could be waterproof and made of nylon or other suitable material. The sizes of the carrying unit  12  will depend on the length of the trip and the number of appliance kits  20 , and any other materials that may be required. In one embodiment, the system, as shown in  FIG. 6A , includes a lightweight pouch  56 , which may be best suited for daily use or short trips. Shown in  FIG. 6B  are further embodiments of the personal solar kit comprising a computer case  57   a  or backpack  57   b , which are intended for longer trips and to store appliances kits  20  or other supplies. 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIGS. 7A-7B , one embodiment of the carrying unit is shown, although the figures are not to scale and are for illustrative purposes only. The carrying unit  57   c  comprises solar panel subcompartment  58  containing flexible solar panel  14 , power module subcompartment  59  containing power module  16 , distribution component subcompartment  60  containing distribution components  18 , appliance kit subcompartments  62  containing appliance kits  20 , as well as other subcompartments  64  for general usage. The carrying unit  57  also comprises a retractable handle  66 . This carrying unit  57  is larger than the lightweight pouch  56  and thus can hold more material and appliance kits  20  for longer trips. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIGS. 8A-8D , another embodiment of the carrying unit is shown. As shown in  FIG. 8A , a duffel bag  122 , or any other suitable container, could be used with the carrying unit  112  to hold extra distribution components  18 , appliance kits  20 , or any other components or devices. As shown generally in the assembled view of  FIG. 8B  and the exploded view of  FIG. 8C , the carrying unit  112  is tubular in shape and comprises a strap  114  and a central subcontainer  116  positioned between a top subcontainer  118  and a bottom subcontainer  120 . The carrying unit  112  and subcontainers  116 ,  118 , and  120  contain a flexible solar panel  14 , power module  16 , socket splitter  40 , electrical wire  76 , plug  78 , and a variety of components for supporting and positioning the flexible solar panel, such as industrial Velcro  68 , cord  70 , ground stakes  72 , and poles  74 .  FIG. 8D  is a general view of the carrying unit  112  comprised of subcompartments  113   a - 113   h  which contain and organize various components and devices of the present invention. 
         [0036]    Turning now to  FIGS. 9-15F , the second embodiment of the present invention, relating to a portable shelter system with power generation capabilities, will now be described. 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , shown generally is the portable shelter system  124  with power generation capabilities comprising carrying unit  125  containing portable structure  126 , solar panel system  127 , power module  128 , and appliance kits  129 . The portable shelter system  124  has various possible configurations that include a variety of portable and collapsible (or popup) structures, such as umbrellas, tents, awnings, and lean-tos. 
         [0038]      FIG. 10A-10D  show unitary removable solar attachments  132 ,  142  configured to match the geometry of a top of a portable structure such as a lamp or an umbrella. The top of the portable structure is one of a variety of shapes, such as a square, hexagon, or octagon. The unitary solar attachments  132 ,  142  are preferably a flexible copper solar panel, although other materials, including more rigid materials, could be used. When used with a lamp  134 , as in  FIG. 11A , the solar attachment  132  would preferably charge a battery during the day, which would then power the lamp  134  at night. 
         [0039]      FIGS. 10B-10D  show a portable shelter system  150  with power generation capabilities, comprising a unitary solar attachment  142  used with an umbrella comprising a top  152 , a pole  154 , and a stand  156 . A power module  144  could be located within the stand  156  and connected to the solar attachment  142  via wiring  158  running from the stand  156  through the interior of the pole  154  and to the top  152 . The umbrella could comprise one or more power access points  160 , or power outlets, dispersed throughout allowing a user to connect and power an electronic device. The umbrella is collapsible (or popup) and thereby easily transportable with the solar attachment  142 . As a result, the portable shelter system  150  and umbrella may be part of a kit  146  which includes a carrying case  148  capable of housing the solar attachment  142  and at least parts of the umbrella, among other things. 
         [0040]      FIG. 11A-11B  is a portable shelter system  161  with power generation capabilities comprising a removable solar attachment  166  having a plurality of flexible solar panels  168  radially arrayed and suspended from a support frame  170 . The support frame  170  is rigid or flexible and configured to fit the top  152  of an umbrella. The unitary solar attachment  142  of  FIGS. 10A-10D  could be used in combination with the radially arrayed solar attachment  166 . As with the previous embodiments, the solar attachment  166  could be part of a kit  162  comprising a carrying case  164 . The solar attachment  166  could have any number of solar panels and be one of a variety of shapes, such as a square solar attachment  166   a , a hexagonal solar attachment  166   b , and an octagonal solar attachment  166   c.    
         [0041]      FIGS. 12A-12C  are views of a portable shelter system  176  with power generation capabilities comprising a unitary solar attachment  172  applied to a tent. The solar attachment  172  connects to a power module  174  and is shaped to attach to the top  178  of a tent having a plurality of poles  180 . Preferably, the tent also further comprises one or more tables  182  and the power module  174  is stored underneath the table  182 . Although a tent is specifically mentioned, it should be appreciated that the present invention could be used with any number of structures including gazebos and pavilions. 
         [0042]      FIGS. 13-15F  show a variety of applications of solar energy system  200  of the present invention applied to other structures. Specifically,  FIGS. 13-14  show the present invention applied to awnings. The awnings could be retractable or collapsible and the solar energy system  200  is removably attached or embedded in the fabric. The system is utilized with awnings as used by pools, restaurants, apartment buildings, trucks, boats, or trailers. Specifically,  FIGS. 15A-15F  show the solar system  200  applied to boat awnings and truck awnings, as well as tents, lean-tos, and bunkers. 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIG. 16 , shown is a diagram illustrating various configurations of a third embodiment of the present invention comprising alternative power generation systems  300  used with wireless devices  302 , transducers  304 , and/or human electricity harvesting devices  306  (e.g., by Microchip Technology, Inc.). Wireless devices  302  include Bluetooth, Zigbee, WiFi, WiMax, or other wireless technology, which communicate with other systems, sensors, or devices. The wireless technology could be embedded such as an embedded Zigbee/mesh network (e.g., by EnOcean, Inc.). Further, the alternative power generation system  300  could be used with wireless devices for home automation, such as for use with video, architectural features, kitchen appliances, or TV/radio. It is also contemplated that wireless devices  302  could include those devices capable of wirelessly transmitting power. The alternative power generation system  300  could also be used with embedded LED systems, remote controls, worldwide data, and environmental monitoring systems, such as those that measure rain, air pressure, CO 2 , or light. 
         [0044]    Further, the alternative power generation system  300  could also be used with transducers  304 , such as components and/or sensors, which include technology related to steady state and scavenged vibration, linear motion, waste energy, electromagnetic fields, fluid flow fluctuation (such as from rain, tides, waves, or wind turbines), machine oscillations (such as from a car/truck, airplane, or train), and piezoelectric transducers (such as provided by MicroGen). 
         [0045]    Still further, the alternative power generation system  300  could be used with human electricity harvesting devices  306  which include thermoelectric generators, electrostatic energy harvesters, conductive body technology, scalp tapping, mitochondria energy pulsation, hand, feet, and body exercise electrical converter, power skins (including fabric and paper), and fiber conductive electronic fabrics (Eeonyx Corp.). The power skins are formed from printed or laminated multi-layer structures, as discussed in greater detail below. To the extent any power can be conducted or generated by the human body, the alternative power generation system  300  can be used with any electricity harvesting device capable of utilizing such power. The alternative power generation system  300  can also be used with hand power energy printers to print the circuit, such as provided by Methode Electronics. 
         [0046]    Shown in  FIGS. 17A-17D  are various depictions of the types of devices and technology, as discussed above, that can used with the system of the present invention including body conductivity, Zigbee communication, piezoelectric disk (e.g., for a guitar pick), and wireless sensor network. 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIGS. 18A-18C , shown are diagrams of a fourth embodiment of the present invention, wherein a multi-layered solar power generation device  400  is provided. The multi-layered solar power generation device  400  could be used in connection with any of the previous embodiments, where the device  400  would provide the same functionality as the flexible solar panel  14  and power module  16 . As shown in  FIG. 18A , the device  400  could comprise a layer of substrate  408  with a first layer  406  formed on the substrate including battery electronics therein, a second layer  404  formed on the first layer and including power electronics therein, and a third layer  402  formed on the second layer and including photovoltaic material for generating electricity. The multi-layered solar power generation device  400  is lightweight and is produced by layering solar cells, batteries, circuits, and sensors into a multi-layered, thin device to create an integrated energy delivery system. Referring to  FIG. 17B , the multi-layered solar power generation device  400  could be flexible and wrapped around a tent pole, umbrella stand, human appendage, or other objects. The multi-layered solar power generation device  400  could be made into a large scale roll to wrap around building columns, posts, and beams. As referenced in  FIG. 17C , the printed power device could be printed using conductive inks (such as silver, copper, or carbon) that can print solar cells, batteries, circuits, and sensors onto plastic slices, paper, curved glass, fabric, or foil, such as provided by Vorbeck Materials. The layers can be laminated individually or laminated together with bi- and tri-laminates that comprise layers of moisture resistant translucent film with electronic connection capabilities embedded in each layer. 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIGS. 19-20 , shown are views of a fifth embodiment of the present invention, wherein an energy network system is provided and can be used with any of the previous embodiments of the present invention. As shown generally in  FIG. 20 , an energy network system  420  comprises a plurality of flexible solar panels  14  and a plurality of power modules  16  in electrical communication with one another by a distribution bus  422 , which are connected by the modular connection port  26  of the power module  16  as discussed above. Such cabling can be carried within carrying unit  12 . Such a network system has the advantage of sharing and allocating power among the various energy systems  10 , which is advantageous if one of the systems  10  malfunctions, if one of the flexible solar panels  14  is temporarily blocked from sunlight, or if one system  10  produces more energy than it requires at that time. Referring to  FIG. 21 , an alternative is to create an energy network system  430  where each system of the present invention shares one power module  16 , rather than each system having its own power module. 
         [0049]    The modular portable energy system, in all of the embodiments disclosed herein, has many applications including recreational activities, military applications, etc. For example, the modular portable energy system can be attached to trees, tent roofs, cars, or boats, or can be worn over a person&#39;s body as a poncho. Moreover, the system could be used to provide energy in situations where a home must be evacuated, or power has been cut off or disrupted, by a flood, hurricane, tornado, earthquake, or any other disaster situation. It could be used by staffed personnel, evacuees, or others to provide energy quickly and effectively to power medical equipment, communication equipment, cooking equipment, and/or any other electronic device. Additionally, the system could be used in military applications. For instance, it may be necessary to set up and take down camp quickly and efficiently, especially when in foreign territory, thus requiring an effective means to provide energy to soldiers, officers, or other military personnel to power communications equipment, monitoring equipment, personal devices, and/or other electronic devices. To this end, the system could be used with large military tents or smaller personal tents. Importantly, the modular portable energy system represents an entirely new platform for generating electrical energy with scaleability and flexibility to accommodate the power needs of not only one person, but indeed, entire communities of people. 
         [0050]    Having thus described the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the foregoing description is not intended to limit the spirit or scope thereof. What is desired to be protected is set forth in the following claims.