Abstract:
Mechanical, electronic, and business method facets are combined to create a highly integrated transportable power plant. A vehicle system incorporates and transports and electrical system capable of using alternating current and direct current electrical power inputs to charge onboard energy storage modules. The electrical system also provides alternating current and direct current electrical outputs via a bank of interoperable connectors whereby appliances such as cell phones and battery operating lighting products may be efficiently recharged. An enclosure of the vehicle system protects the electrical components, provides shelter for the operator, supports roof-mounted, flexible photovoltaic panels, and provides shelf surfaces for organizing and protecting devices being recharged.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority to, and the benefit of copending U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/729,574 filed Nov. 24, 2012 which is incorporated herein by reference hereto in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The field of invention is the field of transportable power systems. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    There is a clear need for electric power in most areas of the world. The need is present and often persists unaddressed where electric infrastructure is lacking, where electric infrastructure has sustained damage with prolonged power outages, and where events draw large crowds of individuals under circumstances where electric outlets are not readily accessible. 
         [0004]    As an example of an area lacking electric infrastructure, consider developing regions of Africa, rural areas in particular. Some estimates place the number of individuals living in grid-deprived circumstances to approach two billion worldwide. The lack of electric infrastructure becomes significant when one considers the cell phones and rechargeable electric lights that have become mainstays of life quality in these areas. Current estimates suggest that the cell phone users in Africa now outnumber those in North America. At present, there are very few options open to those individuals needing to recharge these important appliances. The present invention addresses this need in an innovative and efficient way. As a further benefit, it opens micro-business opportunities to the constituents in these regions: namely the opportunity to own and operate the transportable power plant for profit and for the welfare of indigenous customers. 
         [0005]    Soon after a weather or manmade disaster causes a widespread power outage, the cell phones, flashlights, and other electric appliances the effected population depends upon become discharged and useless. The present invention is easily deployed on an emergency basis and will provide portable power for use by those effected individuals. 
         [0006]    Circumstances such as sporting events, religious gatherings, political events and particular venues such as amusement parks and musical concert settings draw large numbers of people, most of whom rely upon rechargeable electronic devices such as cell phones, digital cameras, video cameras, tablet computers, etc. for the duration of the event. Electricity is joining resources such as water, food, and sanitation as a basic safety and comfort requirement at such events. The present invention, analogous to a food or beverage vending cart, provides transportable electric power for event goers. 
         [0007]    The transportable power plant utilizes a variety of alternating current and direct current power sources to replenish its onboard energy stores, and can provide alternating current and direct current power outputs to recharge the aforementioned appliances. Useable power sources include photovoltaic panels (solar panels), wind power, grid power, and many other sources. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    Although this patent application emphasizes the use of the invention for charging cell phones, rechargeable lights, and such small appliances, it is an important goal of the invention to be readily adaptable to many different transportable electric power applications. 
         [0009]    This invention combines the mechanical, electronic, and business method facets needed to create a transportable power plant and operate a micro-business based upon its use. One transportable power plant can be deployed for several hundred users who will continue to utilize it for recharging cell phones and other appliances every two to three days. 
         [0010]    Being transportable is a particular advantage because the power can be brought to the users in need. This is vastly more efficient than all of the users having to travel to obtain the needed electric power. Transportability is also important when the power plant needs to travel to available energy sources to replenish its onboard energy stores. 
         [0011]    The present invention incorporates features for ease of use and maintainability. Power outlets use universal connector designs that accept electrical plug styles from around the world. Energy subsystems are modular providing redundancy protection against point component failures. Modules may be easily removed from and installed to the plant facilitating both external charging of the modules, external use of a module as a standalone generator, and expeditious replacement of a discharged or failed module with a charged functioning module. The latter feature allows the plant energy stores to be “instantly” rejuvenated by exchanging a discharged module for a charged one. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a transportable power plant, perspective view. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a transportable power plant, perspective view, door open. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is an electrical power output distribution module, retracted position, looking upward through door opening. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is an internal shelf looking downward through door opening. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is an energy storage subsystem looking downward through door opening with internal shelf removed. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is an energy storage subsystem looking downward with enclosure removed. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is an energy storage module receiving structure. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is an energy module. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is an electrical power output distribution module, forward position, looking through door opening. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is an electrical power output distribution module, forward position, looking through door opening. 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is an electrical power output distribution module, rear view. 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is an alternating current electrical power input and distribution module output perspective view. 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is an alternating current electrical power input and distribution module input perspective view. 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is an alternating current electrical power input and distribution module output perspective view. 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is an direct current electrical power input and distribution module input perspective view. 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  is an energy storage subsystem. 
           [0028]      FIG. 17  is a block diagram of the electrical subsystem. 
           [0029]      FIG. 18  is a process diagram of the transportable power plant operation. 
           [0030]      FIG. 19  is a detailed diagram of the process of charging a customer device. 
           [0031]      FIG. 20  is a detailed diagram of the process of charging the plant energy modules. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0032]      FIG. 1  shows a preferred embodiment  100  of the instant transportable power plant invention. 
         [0033]    The transportable power plant (plant hereafter) comprises a vehicle, a full-sized industrial tricycle in the preferred embodiment. The tricycle may be powered by operator pedaling. A three speed or alternative transmission may also be utilized to provide advantageous gear ratios for travel over a variety of terrain conditions. Because the plant has onboard electrical energy, it is contemplated in the present invention to provide electric drive motor assistance as well as regenerative braking energy capture to further expand the range of use of the vehicle. Other types of vehicles are contemplated as part of the instant invention including but not limited to carts, boats, rail cars, automobiles, trucks, and aircraft. Each of these vehicles types can be readily adapted to the electrical subsystem of this invention and provide accessibility to a wide range of geographic locations where the plant is needed and useful. 
         [0034]    The vehicle has an enclosure  106  mounted upon a platform over the rear axle. 
         [0035]    The enclosure has an access door  104  for accessing the inside of the enclosure. The enclosure also has a wire access port  105  through which wires carrying input or output power may pass even when the aforementioned access door is closed and secured with lock  107 . The enclosure also has a roof  102 . The roof provides shelter from elements for the operator and supports flexible photovoltaic panels  101  which provide input power to the plant. 
         [0036]    A headlight  103  operates on stored energy when needed for safe operation in darkness. A tail light (not shown) is also energized using onboard energy for safe operation when required. 
         [0037]      FIG. 2  shows another view of the preferred embodiment  200  with the door opened. The enclosure houses an electrical power input and distribution module  203 . The wire access port  105  is shown opened exposing through hole  201  leading to the interior of the enclosure. Door  104  when opened as shown provides a shelf surface  208  which has adhesive material such as the hook fabric of a hook-and-loop fastening system  207  affixed to it. Cell phones  206  having bands of hook-and-loop material attached loop side out  205  are attached to the shelf. Charging cables  209  are run from the phones to the interior of the enclosure where the charging modules are plugged into the power output panel shown in a subsequent view. Locking post  210  is also shown with the lock removed to allow the door to be opened as shown. 
         [0038]    Looking from the front of the tricycle slightly upward into the interior of the enclosure,  FIG. 3  shows the electrical power output module in the retracted position with phone charger  306  plugged in to alternating current power output connector  302  and phone charger  307  plugged in to direct current power output connector  303 . Switch  305  is used to control an energy storage module (shown in subsequent figures) and light  304  indicates the status of the energy module. A retaining clip  308  retains the electrical power output module in the retracted position until the clip is pressed and moved to disengage the retracted module allowing the module to swing downward and forward on hinge  301  into the door opening. 
         [0039]      FIG. 4  is a view  400  looking from the front of the plant slightly downward through door opening  401  into the interior of the enclosure wherein interior utility shelf  402  can be seen. Shelf  402  is useable for general storage of equipment and materials and can also be used to support appliances such as cell phones being recharged by the plant. The energy modules reside below and support shelf  402 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 5  is a front-downward view  500  similar to  400  with shelf  402  removed to bring energy storage subsystem  503  into view. Energy module handles  502  can be seen and are used to conveniently lift the energy module up and out of the enclosure when desired. Wire duct  501  is used to organize and route the wires carrying power inputs and outputs between the energy modules and the power input and power output distribution modules. 
         [0041]      FIG. 6  is a directly downward view  600  of the energy storage subsystem with the enclosure removed for easy visualization of four energy modules  601 . 
         [0042]    The structure that accepts and retains the energy modules is the energy module receiving structure depicted in  FIG. 7  in perspective view  700 . Several components are assembled to create energy module receiving bays  701 . These components include a base plate  702  which is perforated in a fashion to both reduce weight and improve airflow from the base up through the energy modules for cooling purposes. Vertical strut  703  in combination with vertical septum  704  forms a wall dividing the receiving structure into four receiving bays. The interlocking horizontal flange  705  ties the dividing walls together and to the infrastructure frame of the enclosure. The dividing walls so constructed and interlocked with the enclosure frame provide robust support for the inserted energy modules. Additional spacing blocks  706  sit on top of the horizontal flange  705  creating support for previously described shelf  402  and clearance for wire organizing duct  501 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 8  shows an individual energy module in perspective view  800 . It is an important aspect of the invention that anywhere from one to many energy modules may be used in the operation of a single plant. Four such modules are depicted in the preferred embodiment, but even then the plant may operate with three, two, or a single module. More than four modules may be utilized in alternate embodiments. Electrical energy storage components  815  are preferentially lightweight, high-energy rechargeable battery modules such as batteries of the lithium-ion chemistry type. Alternatively, rechargeable batteries of other chemistries such as NiCd, NiMH, lead-acid, and other types may be utilized without deviating from the intent of the instant invention. 
         [0044]    Alternating current to direct current converter  805  receives alternating current power via connector  810  producing direct current output power which is routed to charge controller module  807 . Charge controller module  807  also receives power from input connector  811  and controls charge power delivered to the aforementioned energy storage component  815 . 
         [0045]    Output power is produced by direct current to alternating current conversion module  806  which receives direct current power from energy storage components and the charge controller and provides alternating current output power via fuse  802  and ground fault detector and interrupter  804  to output connector  803 . Direct current output power is also provided directly from energy storage components and charge controller via fuse  801  and output connector  812 . Control inputs and status output signals are interfaced by connector  813 . The aforementioned connectors are mounted upon interconnection circuit board  809 . Over discharge of energy storage components is prevented by protection module  808 . 
         [0046]    The energy storage components are tied electrically and mechanically by positive bus bar  814  and negative bus bar  816 . Intra-module wiring is facilitated by direct, screw-terminal connection to the aforementioned positive and negative bus bars. Additional mechanical function is provided by the energy storage component retaining bar  817 . Two vertical flanges  819  and  821  provide structural rigidity for the energy module and are the interfacing surfaces for the energy module receiving structure receiving bays described previously. A vertical interior wall  820  provides separation of the energy storage components and support for the various converter modules. An end plate  822  mounts interface connectors and fuses. 
         [0047]      FIGS. 9 ,  10  and  11  show various aspects of the electrical power output distribution panel.  FIG. 9  is a view from the front of the plant  900  showing the output distribution panel in the lowered position. The module can be seen to be constructed from a main panel  901  with mounting locations for output connector sub panels  902 .  FIG. 10  shows the front side of the output module isolated in a front view  1000 . Notch  1001  of the main panel  901  interengages retaining clip  308  when the output panel is in the previously shown retracted position.  FIG. 11  shows the output panel isolated in a rear view  1100 . The alternating current power input connection  1101  and direct current power input connection  1102  to the output panel are also shown. 
         [0048]      FIGS. 12 and 13  show an alternating current electrical power input and distribution module in perspective views  1200  and  1300 . The power input connector  202 , power output fuse  1201 , and power output connector  1202  are shown. It should be noted that power input connector  202  may be connected to any suitable alternating current electrical power source including grid power, AC generator power, distributed generation and alternative power, etc. 
         [0049]      FIGS. 14 and 15  show a direct current electrical power input and distribution module in perspective views  1400  and  1500 . The power input connector  1501 , power output fuse  1401 , and power output connector  1402  are shown. It should be noted that power input connector  1501  may be connected to any suitable source of direct current power including photovoltaic panels, vehicle power, external battery power, etc. 
         [0050]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view  1600  of the energy storage subsystem comprising the energy storage module receiving structure  700  and energy storage modules  800 . Two modules can be seen to be seated in place. One module is shown as it is extracted or inserted into a receiving bay. An empty receiving bay  1601  is also shown. It can be seen that vertical flanges  819  and  821  previously described interface the surfaces of vertical septa  704 . 
         [0051]    A block diagram of the electrical system of the plant is shown in  FIG. 17  as  1700 . Energy modules  800  are shown labeled as “ENERGY MODULE” 1 through 4. The features of  FIG. 8  including AC to DC converter  805 , charge controller  807 , and DC to AC converter  806  along with energy storage components BATT  815  are shown. Note the power input and output connectors  810 ,  811 , and  812 , control and status connector  813 , GFCI  803 , and fuses  801  and  802 . Also note the incorporation of diode functions to control current flow in the assembly. 
         [0052]    The direct current electrical power input and distribution module  1400  is shown connected to PV1 ( 101 ) through PV6 while the alternating current electrical power input and distribution module  1200  is shown with the AC INPUT MODULE block  202  inside. The switch  305  and both a red and green light  304  are shown. The power output distribution module  902  is shown as OUTLET STRIP 1 through 4. 
         [0053]      FIG. 18  is a process flow diagram  1800  of the operation of the plant in an efficient and straight forward manner. Overall operation occurs in repeating charge-discharge cycles. Beginning with the energy modules in the charged state at step  1801 , the operator drives the vehicle to the area where he wishes to sell recharging services at step  1802 . During transit, if sunlight is available, additional charge energy may be captured from the roof-mounted PV panels also at step  1802 . Arriving at the desired charging location, step  1803 , the operator parks the vehicle, step  1804 , opens the enclosure door, step  1805 , and lowers the output module panel, step  1806 . If auxiliary PV panels are available they may be deployed and connected at step  1807 . Grid, generator, wind, or alternative power may be available at the marketplace and may be likewise connected to the plant at this time at step  1808 . The operator may now offer charging service to interested customers at step  1809 . A customer presents his cell phone or other appliance for charging, step  1810 . The operator attaches a hook-and-loop band around the phone and affixes the phone to the mating hook material on the plant shelf at step  1811 . The operator then plugs the phone charger into either an alternating current or direct current output in the output panel, step  1812 . Alternatively, the operator may use an AC or DC to USB (universal serial bus) adapter to charge the phone. Alternatively, the operator may use a universal cell phone battery charger, remove the battery from the phone and insert it into the universal charger, and plug the universal charger into either an AC or DC outlet charging the customer&#39;s cell phone battery outside and separate from the phone. This process is repeated as long as there are additional customers and available output connectors for charging, step  1813 . At any time, the phones being securely affixed to the enclosure shelf, the door may be closed and optionally secured with a lock. The operator can even move the vehicle to a new location to take on additional phones for charging circling back to deliver the first phones as they become charged. 
         [0054]    As mentioned previously, the transportable power plant provides the features and functions that work in conjunction with the operator to enable the business process.  FIG. 19  depicts the process by which the energy transfer is controlled from the on-board energy modules to the customers&#39; devices being charged. 
         [0055]    Upon completion of charge as indicated by either the phone, phone charging device, or simply the amount of elapsed time on charge, the operator may declare the charging to be complete, step  1814 , disconnect the phone, step  1815  and return it to the customer in exchange for an appropriate fee payment for the charging service, steps  1816  and  1817 . 
         [0056]    Additional phones may be accepted for charging replacing phones that have been already charged and removed. This process can continue until the energy in the onboard energy modules is completed depleted at step  1818 . Without any incremental power input, it is envisioned that  100  to several hundred or more phones may be charged depending on the number and type of energy modules on board. It should also be noted that, when input power is available such as solar or grid power, it may be connected during the charging operations to extend charging capability indefinitely. 
         [0057]    The operator may monitor the amount of energy in the onboard energy modules by measuring the DC output voltage of the module at any available DC output connector at any time. 
         [0058]    Once stored energy is completely depleted or the hours for operation have expired the opportunity to recharge the onboard energy modules is imminent. This can be accomplished by continued solar charging if sunlight remains viable, plugging into a grid powered electricity outlet, or exchanging modules, step  1824 . In the latter case, spent energy modules are removed by first disconnecting the quick-connect style connections to the power input, power output, and control and status connectors. The disconnected energy module can then be lifted out of the energy module receiving structure bay and optionally placed on charge. A previously externally charged energy module can then be inserted and connected to the power, control, and status connections. The module is then ready for use. 
         [0059]    The flexible options for recharging the plant allows operation to continue more or less around the clock if so desired. This allows prioritization of recharging. For example, lights needed at night can be recharged during daylight hours and cell phones needed during the day can be preferentially recharged during night time hours. 
         [0060]      FIG. 19  is the process flow  1900  by which the plant charges customer devices. Once the operator accepts a customer&#39;s device for charging at step  1810  the device is connected to the appropriate power outlet, steps  1812  and  1901 . DC power is delivered from the energy storage modules  815  via positive bus bar  814  to the protection circuit  808  as in step  1902 . The protection circuit measures the state of charge of the energy storage modules and, if the energy level is not low at step  1903 , delivers power to either the AC or DC output branch of the system at step  1904 . If, however, the energy level is low at step  1903 , the protection module disables any further transfer of power to the output branches, step  1917 , and the red LED on the output panel is illuminated indicating low energy. 
         [0061]    If the customer&#39;s device requires AC power at step  1804 , DC power is delivered from the protection module to the DC to AC converter module, step  1905 . DC to AC converter module converts the power to AC form at step  1906  and delivers the AC power to the AC fuse at step  1907  and hence to the GFCI connector at step  1908 . From the GFCI connector power is conducted to the customer&#39;s device attached to an AC output connector at the output panel module in step  1910 . If the customer&#39;s device is fully charged, the device may be disconnected at steps  1915  and  1916  and returned to the customer as in  FIG. 18 . If not fully charged, the process repeats beginning with the protection module at step  1902 . 
         [0062]    If the customer&#39;s device requires DC power, a similar process is implemented in steps  1911  through  1914  without the need of the DC to AC conversion step and with power following the DC paths to a DC connector at the output panel module instead of the AC paths as described in the previous paragraph. The same steps are followed when the customer&#39;s device is fully charged or when the protection module determines the energy level is too low to continue. 
         [0063]    Once the energy stored in the plant is depleted it must be replenished (recharged). As mentioned previously, energy replenishment can also occur continuously during plant operation even if the energy stored is not much depleted.  FIG. 20  is a process flow  2000  depicting the details of the recharging of the energy modules of the plant. Given that the energy storage modules are not fully charged at step  2001 , the system determines whether input power is connected. As mentioned throughout, input power can come in the form of AC power from the grid, portable generators, or other AC sources, or DC power from the integral photovoltaic panels, auxiliary PV panels, external batteries or vehicles, or other DC sources. If an AC power source is connected at step  2002  and the AC input power switch is enabled at step  2003  then the AC input power is transferred to the fuse at step  2004 . From the fuse, the AC input power routes to the AC input connector of the energy module, step  2005 , and on to the AC to DC converter module, step  2006 . The AC to DC converter module performs the power conversion, step  2007 , and the resulting DC power is routed on to the charge controller at step  2011 . 
         [0064]    If a DC power source is connected at step  2008 , the DC power is routed through the fuse, step  2009 , and on to the DC input connector of the energy module at step  2010 . From there it arrives, along with any DC power from other sources, at the charge controller, step  2011 . The charge controller implements a peak power tracking process with the goal of extracting the maximum power from whichever input power sources are available. To achieve this, the charge module sets a charge power level higher or lower based upon whether the input source voltage is higher or lower than a given threshold, respectively. This sub-process is depicted in steps  2012 ,  2013 ,  2014 , and  2015 . Once an optimum charge level is decided, the charge controller transfers charge power to the protection module at step  2016 . The protection module then delivers the charge energy via the positive bus bar to the energy storage modules, step  2017 . From here, the process repeats checking whether full charge has been achieved at step  2001 . When full charge is achieved, no further input power is transferred to the energy modules and the process is suspended via step  2018 . 
         [0065]    All the while the above-described charge process is proceeding, the system can concurrently transfer energy via the process described in  FIGS. 18 and 19 . Whether the energy stored in the energy storage modules increases, decreases, or remains at a constant level depends on the balance of energy being delivered from power inputs versus delivered to customer devices. 
         [0066]    The invention described herein has been set forth by way of example only. Those of average skill in the art will readily recognize that changes may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the text and figures of this disclosure.