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

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/769,113, filed Feb. 15, 2013, which claims priority in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/600,094, filed Feb. 17, 2012, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to transportable, deployable renewable energy power boxes, and more specifically, to a power box for use in remote locations and emergency situations to provide renewable power and other temporary or semi-permanent services. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    During emergency relief situations, military deployment situations, on construction sites, and in remote locations far from population centers, the problem of power and water treatment looms large. Often people rely on gasoline powered generators to provide temporary power, but this is an extremely inefficient method. 
         [0006]    Small portable solar-powered systems have been created for charging portable electronic devices, such as laptop computers and cellular phones, but existing system have limited use. 
         [0007]    What is needed is a way to transport a means for generating a large amount of electrical power and/or water treatment solutions at an isolated location quickly. 
         [0008]    Heretofore there has not been available a deployable hybrid power box with the advantages and features of the present invention. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention relates to a transportable, deployable system comprising a hybrid power box containing solar panels, wind turbine(s), fuel cells, fuel reformers, and other energy sources. The system could also include waste water and potable water inlet and outlet ports for water treatment. It will also allow for shelf-mounted solar and wind turbine installation for disaster recovery, backup power for telecommunication, military power, Homeland Security power, off grid homes and water and wastewater packaging domestically and internationally. 
         [0010]    In use, the invention is placed at a remote location, at the site of an emergency, or may alternatively be used as a backup power source for an otherwise powered location. 
         [0011]    The power box may contain a variety of energy-producing means in a variety of combinations. An exemplary embodiment will include a wind turbine, a solar panel array, and a number of fuel cells or fuel reformers. The box can be placed at a localized site where power is needed, and the various energy-creating devices can be deployed. The box may contain a number of rechargeable batteries for storing power generated in excess to power being used. 
         [0012]    A box may also contain a means for the treatment of waste water or potable drinking water. The box may contain a water storage tank, similar to modern recreational vehicles, or it may have a way to purify water input into the system. The box may store waste water in a similar container, or may actually process the wastewater internally and output treated water. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrating various objects and features thereof. 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the same, as viewed from the opposite corner. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of an embodiment of the present invention displaying the internal components through a cut-away. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is an isometric view of an embodiment of the present invention demonstrating the internal components being deployed. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5A  is an isometric view of an embodiment of the present invention demonstrating a wind turbine being ejected from the main body. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5B  is an isometric view of the same, showing the wind turbine being rotated and lifted into a final position. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is another isometric view thereof, showing a cutaway view inside of the alternative embodiment. 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is another isometric view thereof, showing an array of solar panels extending from the container. 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is another isometric view thereof, showing the array of solar panels fully extended and opened. 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  is a side elevational view thereof, including a diagrammatic representation of components located within the container. 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  is a flowchart diagramming the steps taken in practicing an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     I. Introduction and Environment 
       [0026]    As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. 
         [0027]    Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientated in the view being referred to. The words, “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning. 
         [0028]    The present invention solves issues with the remote commissioning of power generation by completing and testing the complete renewable energy system in a single transportable package. That package can be shipped to a job site or remote location for immediate power production and/or water treatment. 
         [0029]    The present invention features a transportable power box system  2  comprising generally a transport container  4  containing a plurality of power generation elements and water treatment elements for use in specific situations and locations, including emergency response situations, isolated off-grid locations, construction sites, military zones, and third-world countries. A preferred embodiment occupies a standard ISO shipping container with dimensions of 8 feet by 10 feet by 20 feet, or 8 feet by 10 feet by 40 feet. Sizes may vary though, depending on what components are necessary for a particular box. Ideally, renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power are used; however, gas-powered generators or other power sources can be included for additional power production. 
       II. Preferred Embodiment or Aspect Transportable Hybrid Power System  2   
       [0030]    The embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific manners in which to make and use the invention and are not to be interpreted as limiting the scope of the instant invention. 
         [0031]    Referring to the drawings in detail,  FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a hybrid power system  2  taken from one corner. The system primarily includes a transport container box  4 , typically an ISO shipping container. A pair of doors  6  are hingedly mounted to one side of the box  4 . These doors could alternatively be a rolling vertical door, or any other type of common opening. These doors provide access to the internal components stored within the box  4 . 
         [0032]    A wind turbine access window  8  is shown in a close position. This window panel is cut into a side of the box  4 , and allows the wind turbine power generation sub-system  26  to be ejected from within the box  4 . 
         [0033]    As shown more clearly in  FIG. 2 , a number of roof brackets  10  and side brackets  18  may be mounted to the exterior of the box  4  for use in anchoring the solar panel array  20  for optimal alignment. 
         [0034]      FIG. 2 , shown from the opposite corner as  FIG. 1 , shows a side window  12  and rear window  14  which allow access to power generation elements within the box  4 , including a fuel cell power sub-system  42 . Another window  16  allows the solar panel array  20  to extend out from within the confines of the box  4 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 3  provides a view to the interior of the box  4 , including a variety of power generating elements and other elements for use with the transportable power system  2 . The embodiment displayed in  FIG. 3  includes a wind turbine power sub-system  26 , a solar panel array  20 , a fuel cell power sub-system  42 , a storage closet  38 , and a number of batteries  40  for storing power generated by the various power generating sub-systems. 
         [0036]    An exemplary wind turbine sub-system includes a turbine base  28  hingedly mounted to a slide base  32  via a pair of mounting rails  30 . A hydraulic extension arm  34  is affixed to the turbine base to raise and lower the wind turbine sail  36 . As shown in more detail in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the wind turbine power sub-system  26  slides through the space left by window panel  8  when that panel is opened or removed. The wind sub-system slides out from the box  4  on a pair of rails  37  which are connected to a rail base  35  attached to the floor of the box. Once the wind sub-system slides out, as shown in  FIG. 5A , the turbine base  28  can be rotated 90 degrees, as shown in  FIG. 5B , and the wind sail  36  can be raised into the air to generate clean electricity from the wind. 
         [0037]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , an exemplary solar panel array  20  includes a plurality of solar panels  22  mounted onto a solar panel frame  21 . An embodiment of such an array may include multiple sets of panels which are folded on top of one another when stored, as shown in  FIG. 3 , but which are hingedly connected and may be extended for additional solar collection as shown in  FIG. 4 . In an embodiment of the present invention, the solar array  20  includes a number of frame members  24  which connect to roof brackets  10  and side brackets  18  for securing the array when it is in use. 
         [0038]    An embodiment of the present invention may also include a water treatment sub-system. As shown in  FIG. 3 , potable water inlet  44  and outlet  46  ports would allow for water to be added to a storage tank (not shown) within the box  4 , or into a water treatment device (not shown) where the water is treated and then stored. The water may then be used as drinking water. 
         [0039]    Similarly, a wastewater inlet  48  and outlet  50  port could allow for the storage and draining and/or treatment of waste water. This could be especially effective in an emergency situation where waste water is a health concern. 
         [0040]    Because the entire system is contained within a standard shipping container, the system can be delivered to a remote location via transport truck, railcar, or shipping barge. Smaller systems stored in smaller boxes can be delivered in the backs of standard commercial pick-up trucks or on trailers. 
       III. Alternative Embodiment or Aspect Transportable Hybrid Power System  102   
       [0041]      FIGS. 6-10  show an alternative embodiment of a transportable hybrid power system  102 .  FIG. 6  shows a container unit  104  including a panel  118  connected to the container via a hinge  120  or other suitable connection element which allows the panel  118  to move, exposing an opening  116  for the solar panel array  115 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 7  shows a cut-away view of some of the internal construction of the container  104 . A pair of tracks  124  are mounted to either end of the container  104 . Corresponding rails  126  are affixed to either end of the solar panel array  115 , the rails  126  mounting the array  115  to the tracks  124  and allowing the entire array to slide in and out of the opening  116  in the container  104  exposed by the panel  118 . In a preferred embodiment, the array  115  includes several solar panels  122  mounted to a frame  121  or built directly into a frame. The array  115  includes an upper set of panels  122  and lower set of panels  122  as shown more clearly in  FIGS. 8 and 9 .  FIG. 8  shows the array  115  completely extended from within the container  104 . The array  115  may be moved along the tracks  124  by using a hydraulic arm, pulleys, or any other suitable mechanical or electrical means of guiding the array out of the opening  116  of the container. 
         [0043]      FIG. 9  shows the array  115  as the upper and lower sets of panels are pushed out to an optimal angle to receive solar light for providing electrical power. As shown in  FIG. 10 , an upper hydraulic arm  128  connected to an upper frame  130  pushes the upper set of panels upward, while a lower hydraulic arm  129  connected to a lower frame  131  pushes the lower set of panels downwards and outwards away from the starting position shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 10  further shows a variety of instruments included within the power system  102 . A computer having a CPU and data storage  133  controls and automates much of the power system  102 . The computer is ideally connected to a wireless computer network  136  for communicating with external sources, such as a source providing weather data  138 . Other sensors may be connected to the computer, such as a daylight sensor  134  for indicating when sunlight is present and a proximity sensor  132  for detecting the presence of persons in proximity to the container  104 . The proximity sensor may be a motion sensor, sound sensor, or some variation or combination thereof. The proximity sensor and daylight sensor may also be replaced by external sources transmitting data through the wireless network  136  to the computer CPU  133 . 
         [0045]    The purpose of the computer  133  is to control when the solar panel array  115  is deployed or retracted into the container. To prevent damage from weather, tampering, theft, or other negative actions, the system is automated to retract the solar panel array  115  in a variety of circumstances. 
         [0046]      FIG. 11  shows the steps required for practicing the automated portions of the present invention, preventing the damage and theft as discussed above. The process starts at  150 . The computer receives information from sensors or other third party sources via the wireless network to check to see if there is sunlight at step  152 . If there is sunlight, the system will check to make sure the proximity is clear at  154 . This step detects for potential threats of theft or vandalism. If there are no threats, the system checks the weather to make sure there is no potential for storms that may damage the array at  156 . If any of these three checks fail, the system continues checking until all required checks are satisfied. Other checks may also be employed. 
         [0047]    If all of the checks are passed, the solar array is extended at  158  and begins collecting solar energy and creating power. The computer then activates a security check at  160 . Again, the computer will actively monitor for daylight at  162 . When the sun is blocked or goes down, the solar array will retract at  168  and the process ends at  170 . Similarly, if a threat is detected by the proximity sensor or other similar device at  164 , the solar array retracts at  168  and the process ends at  170 . Also, if the computer receives a weather report indicating potentially damaging weather approaching the container  104  at  166 , the solar array automatically retracts at  168  and the process ends at  170 . If no checks are negative, the security check continues monitoring the system  102 . 
         [0048]    It is to be understood that while certain embodiments and/or aspects of the invention have been shown and described, the invention is not limited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects.