FR2830993A1 - Autonomous low voltage alternating current supply for equipment in motor vehicle, uses wind turbine or solar panel to supply battery which delivers power to inverter to provide AC supply - Google Patents

Abstract

The AC power is provided through a DC/AC inverter (4) which is supplied from a battery (3). The battery is charged by a wind turbine (2) or a solar panel (2') fitted to the roof of the vehicle. The AC power is distributed in the vehicle interior and to a connection on the exterior of the vehicle. The battery and inverter are housed in a box inside the vehicle.

Description

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The present invention relates to a stand-alone device for supplying low voltage alternating current to electrical equipment, in particular for vehicles.

In the context of this invention, we are more particularly interested in supplying electrical equipment located far from an electrical network. Different solutions provide a solution to this problem.

In a known manner, a first solution consists in using solar panels comprising photovoltaic cells which, under the effect of light, produce a very low voltage direct current CCTBT, for example at 12 V. Via a circuit electric, these solar panels make it possible to supply CCTBT current with various electrical equipment such as, for example, lighting, televisions, refrigerators installed for example in chalets, camper vans or on boats. This solution is however limited to low power equipment and is not suitable for supplying ACBT low voltage alternating electric current to higher power electrical equipment.

A second solution consists in using generators to which soD1 connected the electrical equipment. This solution is often used by craftsmen during renovation, modification and / or construction sites on buildings that do not have a suitable electrical supply. These generator sets thus make it possible to get rid of expensive EDF construction sets, the installation of which requires a prior request, often lengthy and complicated administrative procedures which generate an additional waiting time before being able to start work. These generator sets are, however, bulky, heavy to handle, noisy, polluting for

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 the environment, not always available and moreover, large consumers of energy since they operate permanently and consume diesel even between two effective uses of the electric current produced.

A third solution is to use independent batteries. The characteristics and the number of these batteries will be adapted according to the needs. To allow reaching a reasonable power supply autonomy, the number of these batteries is generally large and the space required for their storage quickly becomes a difficult problem to solve. This solution, sometimes used for power supply in isolated chalets or refuges, is absolutely not suitable for carrying out work on several isolated sites such as those carried out by craftsmen. Indeed, such use of independent batteries requires a lot of handling and a large storage area. In addition, it is common to break down in electricity, independent batteries often have not been sufficiently recharged.

No existing solution therefore makes it possible to meet this need in an economical, simple, inexpensive and space-saving manner.

The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks by proposing an ACBT current supply device for electrical equipment intended to be installed in a vehicle and making it possible to generate autonomously, ecologically, without noise, at low cost and with a reduced bulk. ACBT current in places where there is no electrical network or in places where the electrical network is not accessible to artisans.

To this end, the invention relates to a device of the type indicated in the preamble, characterized in that it comprises means for capturing at least one natural energy, means for transforming this natural energy into current

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 very low voltage DC electric power, means for accumulating this CCTBT current, means for converting this CCTBT current into ACBT low voltage alternating electric current, and a first electric circuit comprising distribution means arranged to supply the electrical equipment with ACBT current.

According to a preferred embodiment, the collection means and the transformation means are chosen from the group comprising at least one solar panel with photovoltaic cells, an aerogenerator.

The means of accumulation advantageously comprise at least one service battery, the means for converting at least one electronic converter from CCTBT current to ACBT current and, the means for distributing at least one bomier provided with at least one electrical outlet for connection in ACBT current.

According to a first alternative embodiment, the device comprises a second electrical circuit mounted in parallel to the first electrical circuit and intended to be connected to the vehicle's storage battery, the first and second electrical circuits being connected by at least distribution means arranged to select one or other of the storage or service batteries according to its level of charge.

The distribution means preferably comprise at least one distributor associated with a microprocessor for detecting the charge level of at least one of the storage or service batteries and with a switch for controlling the electrical supply of this storage battery. or service depending on its charge level.

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The first electrical circuit may include means for regulating the voltage of the current CCTBT arranged after the transformation means.

The first electrical circuit may advantageously comprise, after the regulation means, at least one terminal block provided with at least one electrical outlet for CCTBT current connection and comprise a wiring box arranged to allow the connection of measuring devices in order to evaluate the operation of the device The service battery is preferably coupled to means for displaying its charge level.

According to a second alternative embodiment, at least the storage means and the conversion means are integrated in a fixed housing comprising means for connection to the vehicle's storage battery, to the capture means and to the distribution means so that the distribution means are accessible from outside the fixed housing and allow the connection of electrical equipment.

According to a third alternative embodiment, the device comprises at least one portable box comprising at least one service battery, a converter and distribution means, this portable box comprising means for connection to the first electrical circuit.

The capture means are advantageously arranged to be mounted on the vehicle body and the distribution means of the fixed housing are preferably arranged to be accessible from outside the vehicle.

The present invention and its advantages will appear more clearly in the following description of an exemplary embodiment, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

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 - Figure 1 is a schematic view of a particular alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention, and Figure 2 is a schematic side view of a vehicle equipped with the device according to the invention.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the device 1 according to the invention is intended to supply ACBT low voltage alternating current to electrical equipment 21. This device 1 is designed to be mounted on a vehicle 20 comprising in particular a storage battery 9 and makes it possible to supply, in isolated places, ACBT current to electrical equipment 21 such as, for example, drills, hammers, grinders, screwdrivers, and any type of similar tool. The vehicle 20 is for example a motor vehicle of the utility type commonly used by building tradesmen. This vehicle 20 can of course be of any other type, motorized or not, land or not.

This device 1 comprises means 2, 2 ′ for capturing natural energy, means for transforming this natural energy into very low voltage direct current CCTBT, means for accumulating 3 of current CCTBT, means for converting 4 from current CCTBT in current ACBT and means for distributing ACBT current to electrical equipment 21 external to the device 1. These means are associated with a first electrical circuit 6.

The capture means 2,2 ′ and the transformation means associated therewith make it possible to capture natural energy which can be in different forms and to transform this natural energy into CCTBT current. These capture means 2, 2 ′ and the transformation means are for example fixed on the body of the vehicle 20, for example above the roof of the vehicle 20, on the top of its wall

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 front or on one of its side or rear walls. Their fixing is for example carried out by means of fixing lugs placed on a cushioning layer for example of rubber, then bolted into the bodywork.

In the case of natural energy in the form of air displacements, the capture means and the transformation means can be constituted by one or more aerogenerators 2. The air displacements used can come directly from the wind or relative displacements air with respect to the wind generator 2 during the movement of the vehicle 20, whether this movement takes place in the presence or not of wind. The rotation of the turbine of the wind turbine 2 caused by these air displacements generates a current CCTBT.

In the case of natural energy in the form of light rays, the capture means and the transformation means can be constituted by one or more solar panels 2 ′ comprising photovoltaic cells based on silicon. These cells excited by the light rays coming from the sun cause an electrolysis generating a CCTBT current.

The characteristics of the capture means 2,2 ′ and of their transformation means used are chosen in particular, in terms of power and efficiency, as a function of the CCTBT current to be produced. These capture means 2,2 ′ and their transformation means can be used individually or in combination, thus making it possible to combine the sources of natural energy.

The capture means 2,2 ′ and their transformation means are electrically connected to the accumulation means 3 by means of a first branch 6a of the first electrical circuit 6. These accumulation means comprise at least one service battery 3 of all types, for example lead. The capacity and characteristics of this service battery 3 will be chosen depending in particular on the autonomy

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 desired for the device 1 and the electrical power necessary for the supply of electrical equipment 21. In general, the service batteries 3 used have a power of between 500 W and 4 kW enabling the daily requirements of the plasterers to be met, ie 800 W and masons and electricians, 2 kW minimum. In general, the autonomy of the service batteries 3 used is approximately 4 hours, which corresponds to a current maximum duration of use of the electrical equipment 21 by the craftsmen. It is obvious that a service battery 3 of higher power and / or autonomy can be used for particular applications. We can also use a modular service battery 3 to easily adapt its power and autonomy as needed. The service battery 3 can finally be coupled to display means 7 of its charge level making it possible to estimate its operating autonomy.

The service battery 3 is electrically connected to the conversion means 4 by means of a second branch 6b of the first electrical circuit 6. The conversion means 4 make it possible to transform the current CCTBT coming from the service battery 3 into AC current ACBT . The conversion means comprise for example at least one standard type DC / AC electronic converter 4.

The DC / AC electronic converter 4 is connected to the distribution means 5 by means of a third branch 6c of the first electrical circuit 6. The distribution means 5 make it possible to supply the ACBT current coming from the electronic DC / AC converter 4 electrical equipment external to the device 1 and compatible with such an electrical supply. The distribution means 5 comprise for example at least one bomier provided with at least one and preferably with several electrical connection sockets in ACBT current arranged so as to be accessible from outside the device 1 and thus allow the connection of the equipment. 21 to device 1. These electrical connection sockets 5 in

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 ACBT current are for example fixed on one of the interior walls of the vehicle 20 so as to be accessible inside this vehicle 20, or on the body of the vehicle 20 so as to be accessible outside this vehicle 20.

The first electrical circuit 6 may also include regulation means 11 comprising for example a regulator making it possible to stabilize the voltage of the current CCTBT supplied by the capture means 2,2 ′ and their transformation means to at least the service battery 3. This supplied voltage is generally variable between 8 and 17 V. Its stabilization will generate a constant voltage without peak allowing to considerably increase the service life of the service battery 3.

The first branch 6a of the electrical circuit 6 can be connected to one or more bomiers provided with at least one and preferably with several electrical connection sockets 12 in CCTBT current arranged so as to be accessible from outside the device 1 and allow thus the connection of electrical equipment 21 with CCTBT current.

The first electrical circuit 6 can be connected to a wiring box 13 allowing the connection of measuring devices serving for example to evaluate the operation of the device 1 and of its various means. This wiring box 13 is for example a distributor allowing access to the electrical inputs and outputs of the various means of the device 1.

According to a first alternative embodiment, the device 1 comprises a second electrical circuit 8, mounted in parallel with the first electrical circuit 6, making it possible to connect the service battery 3 of the device 1 to the storage battery 9 of the vehicle 20.

This alternative embodiment makes it possible to increase the autonomy of the device 1 by allowing the successive use of accumulator 9 and service batteries 3. The first 6 and second electrical circuits 8 can be connected to each other by of the

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 distribution means 10 which make it possible to select one or other of the storage batteries 9 or of service 3 as a function of their respective charge rate These distribution means 10 thus allow, as will be detailed below, supply one or other of the storage batteries 9 or service 3 and supply and / or use one or the other of the storage batteries 9 and service 3 according to their level respective charging The distribution means 10 may comprise a microprocessor (not shown) analyzing the charging voltage and therefore the charge level of the accumulator or batteries 9 and of service 3, and a switch (not shown) opening temporarily the electrical circuit or circuits 6,8 so that the accumulator or batteries 9 and of service 3 are no longer supplied and / or can no longer supply the electrical circuit according to their respective charge level These distribution means 10 pe m thus avoid that the maximum and / or minimum charge thresholds for storage batteries 9 and service 3 are exceeded. The maximum charge threshold corresponds to the maximum energy accumulative threshold in a battery. This maximum charge threshold depends on the type of battery and its characteristics. The minimum charge threshold for a battery generally corresponds to 45% of the total charge capacity of the battery. This minimum charge threshold also depends on the type of battery and its characteristics. In current practice, in particular with lead-acid batteries, it is avoided to exceed this limit charge threshold in order not to "completely" discharge the battery and to allow it to be charged under optimal conditions.

The distribution means 10 can also be coupled to a light and / or sound indicator (not shown) which they actuate when run or the two maximum and / or minimum load thresholds of one or the other, or both storage batteries 9 and service 3 is or are reached.

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According to a second alternative embodiment, the service battery 3 and the electronic converter 4 CC / AC are integrated in a fixed box 14 comprising means for connection to the storage battery 9, to the capture means 2,2 ′ and to the distribution means 5. In this alternative embodiment, the distribution means 5 are arranged so as to be accessible from the outside of the fixed housing 14 and to allow the electrical equipment 21 to be connected to the device 1. The distribution means 5 can for example be fixed on one of the walls of the fixed housing 14.

This alternative embodiment allows the device 1 to be advantageously in the form of a kit to be integrated into the vehicle 20 requiring only a simple installation of the fixed housing 14 in the vehicle 20, the fixing of the capture means 2.2 'on the vehicle 20, the connection of this fixed housing 14 to the storage battery 9 of the vehicle 20. In order to facilitate the mounting of the device 1, the connection means can for example be produced by quick couplings by means of plugs whose different shapes avoid connection errors.

According to a third alternative embodiment, the device 1 comprises a portable housing (not shown) comprising in particular a service battery, a converter and distribution means and is arranged to provide a supply of ACBT current.

This portable box also includes connection means making it possible to connect it electrically to the first electrical circuit 6 to recharge its portable battery. The portable battery can, like the service battery 3, be coupled to means for displaying its charge level. The portable unit is intended to be disconnected from the fixed unit 14 to be used independently in order to supply ACBT current with any type of electrical equipment 21 compatible with this type of electrical supply. By way of nonlimiting example, the portable unit can have an autonomy of approximately 1.5 hours and an electrical power of 1500 W making it possible to meet needs for electrical supply on a ground for example distant from the vehicle 20.

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The operation of the device 1 is simple, modular and can be broken down into a phase for charging the batteries and a phase for consuming electrical energy, these phases being able to be carried out simultaneously or successively.

In the charging phase, the service battery 3 is generally charged by means of the capture means 2,2 ′. These collect natural energy which is transformed into CCTBT current and then stabilized by the regulator 11. The service battery 3 is thus charged and can supply CCTBT current.

In the electrical energy consumption phase, the current CCTBT coming from the service battery 3 supplies the electronic converter DC / AC which transforms the current CCTBT for example 12 V into ACBT current for example 220 V. The electrical equipment 21 can be connected to one of the electrical connection sockets 5 in ACBT current or 12 in CCTBT current provided respectively at the output of the electronic DC / AC converter 4 or of the regulator 11.

Whatever the electrical connection socket 5 in ACBT current or 12 in CCTBT current used the distribution means 10 make it possible to supply this socket electrically from the service battery 3 as long as its charge level allows it. When its charge level is below the minimum charge threshold, the distribution means 10 open the electrical circuit coming from the service battery 3 until the latter is charged again.

During the entire electrical energy consumption phase, the display means 7 make it possible to check the level of charge, in particular of the service battery 3. In general, these display means 7 make it possible to check the amount of energy stored daily in the service battery 3.

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In the case of the first variant in which the device 1 comprises a second electrical circuit 8 mounted in parallel to the first electrical circuit 6, the service battery 3 is connected to the storage battery 9 of the vehicle 20.

In this alternative embodiment, during the charging phase, the distribution means 10 are arranged so that the current CCTBT coming from the capture means 2,2 'is initially directed towards the service battery 3 or accumulators 9 until it reaches its maximum charge level then, towards the other battery respectively of accumulators 9 or of service 3 until it in turn reaches its maximum charge level. When the two storage batteries 9 and service 3 have reached their maximum charge levels, the distribution means 10 open the electrical circuit to interrupt the supply of storage batteries 9 and service 3. The indicator light (s) and / or sound coupled to the microprocessor then make it possible to signal that the maximum charging thresholds for storage batteries 9 and for service 3 are reached.

Of course, this charging phase for the storage battery 9 complements that carried out by the alternator of the vehicle 20 while traveling.

The vehicle's alternator 20 can also, if necessary, charge the service battery 3 in addition to natural energies.

In some cases, it may be necessary to recharge the service battery 3 when natural energies are lacking or when the capture means 2,2 ′ are not able to function. This is for example the case when the vehicle 20 is stopped at night or when the wind generator 2 or the solar panels 2 'are being repaired.

In this case, the service battery 3 can be charged via the vehicle alternator 20 or by direct connection to the mains by means of a

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 electrical power outlet 13 in ACBT current connected to the electronic converter 4 AC / DC.

In this alternative embodiment, during the phase of consumption of electrical energy, the distribution means 10 are arranged so that the ACBT current comes via the electronic DC / AC converter 4 selectively, initially from the service battery 3 or accumulators 9 until it reaches its minimum charge level then, in a second step from the other battery respectively of accumulators 9 or of service 3 until it also reaches its minimum level dump. When the two storage batteries 9 and service 3 are at their minimum charge levels, the distribution means 10 open the electrical circuit between the storage batteries 9 and service 3 and the distribution means via the electronic converter 4 DC / AC.

In the case of the second variant in which the service battery 3 and the electronic converter 4 are integrated in a fixed housing 14, the operation of the device 1 is similar.

In the case of the third alternative embodiment, in which the device 1 comprises a portable box, during the charging phase, its portable battery can be supplied last.

The portable box can be disconnected from the fixed box 14 to be used independently and to supply ACBT current to any type of compatible electrical equipment 21. The ACBT current coming from the portable battery via its DC / AC converter can be used by direct connection of the electrical equipment 21 to the sockets provided directly on the portable box. By way of nonlimiting example, the portable box can have an autonomy of approximately 1.5 hours and an electrical power of 1500 W to meet power needs

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 electric in an area for example distant from the vehicle 20. This portable box can for example be used for the maintenance of the commons in large residential buildings not equipped with electrical connection socket or not accessible to craftsmen.

It is clear from this description that the device 1 according to the invention makes it possible to meet the set goals. Indeed, the fact of using natural energies in possible combination with the energy of the vehicle and / or of the sector to charge the service battery 3, associated with the regulation means and the distribution means, makes it possible to supply sufficient current. ACBT to supply the electrical equipment 21 of artisans daily during work on isolated sites. This device 1 also makes it possible to equip the vehicles 20 "à la carte" according to the specific needs of the craftsmen, these vehicles 20 being able to be new and pre-equipped in the factory or existing and equipped in after sales, the device 1 being able to sold in kit ready to assemble.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described but extends to any modification and variant obvious to a person skilled in the art while remaining within the scope of the protection defined in the appended claims.

Claims (13)

Claims 1. Device (1) for supplying ACBT low-voltage alternating current to electrical equipment (21), in particular for a vehicle (20) comprising a storage battery (9), characterized in that it comprises means for collecting (2.2 ′) of at least one natural energy, means for transforming said natural energy into very low voltage direct electric current CCTBT, means for accumulating (3) said current CCTBT, conversion means (4) of said current CCTBT in ACBT current, and a first electrical circuit (6) comprising distribution means (5) arranged to supply said electrical equipment (21) with ACBT current. 2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said collection means (2, 2 and said transformation means are chosen from the group comprising at least one panel of photovoltaic cells, an aerogenerator. 3. Device (1) according to at least any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said accumulation means comprise at least one service battery (3), in that said conversion means comprise at least one converter ( 4) electronic CC / AC of said current CCTBT in current ACBT and in that said distribution means comprise at least one bomier provided with at least one electrical outlet for connection (5) in ACBT current. 4. Device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises a second electrical circuit (8) mounted in parallel with said first electrical circuit (6) and intended to be connected to said storage battery (9) of said vehicle (20), said first (6) and second (8) electrical circuits being connected by at least distribution means (10) arranged to select one or the other of said storage batteries (9) or service (3) depending on its charge level. <Desc / Clms Page number 16> 5. Device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that said distribution means (10) comprise at least one distributor associated with a microprocessor for detecting the charge level of at least one of said storage batteries (9) or service (3) and a switch for controlling the power supply to this storage battery (9) or service (3) according to said charge level. 6. Device (1) according to at least any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first electrical circuit (6) comprises means for regulating (11) the voltage of the current CCTBT disposed after said means of transformation. 7. Device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that said first electrical circuit (6) comprises after said regulation means (11) at least one terminal block provided with at least one electrical connection socket (12) for current ACBT. 8. Device (1) according to at least any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first electrical circuit (6) comprises a wiring box (13) arranged to allow the connection of measuring devices in order to evaluate the operation of said device (1). 9. Device (1) according to at least any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least said service battery (3) is coupled to display means (7) of its charge level. 10. Device (1) according to at least any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least said accumulation means (3) and said conversion means (4) are integrated in a fixed housing (14) comprising ways to <Desc / Clms Page number 17>  connection (5) to said storage battery (9) of said vehicle (20), to said collection means (2, 2 ') and to said distribution means (5), said distribution means (5) being are accessible from the outside of said fixed housing (14) and allowing the connection of said electrical equipment (21). 11. Device (1) according to at least any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one portable box comprising at least one service battery, a converter and distribution means, this portable box comprising means for connection to said first electrical circuit (6). 12. Device (1) according to at least any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least said capture means (2, 2 ') are arranged to be mounted on the body of said vehicle (20). 13. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said distribution means (5) are arranged to be accessible from the outside of said vehicle (20).