AU2009227832A1

AU2009227832A1 - Portable Power Generation Device

Info

Publication number: AU2009227832A1
Application number: AU2009227832A
Authority: AU
Inventors: James Andrew Thomson
Original assignee: JUSTJIM Pty Ltd
Current assignee: JUSTJIM Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2009-10-16
Filing date: 2009-10-16
Publication date: 2011-05-12
Also published as: AU2012100403A4

Description

ORIGINAL AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Invention title: "PORTABLE POWER GENERATION DEVICE" Applicant: JUSTJIM PTY LTD The following statement is a full description of the invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: 2 "PORTABLE POWER GENERATION DEVICE" Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable power generation device that can 5 be transported to, and used in, remote locations and relates particularly, though not exclusively, to such a device that generates electrical power from renewable energy sources. Background to the Invention In Australia electrical power utilities are often required to provide power to 10 remote regions and this requires immense expense in installing power lines and transmission facilities over long distances. Some locations in the Australian outback are simply too remote to make it feasible to provide mains power by connection to the power grid. There is therefore a need in such remote locations to install alternative power generation facilities for 15 domestic and commercial dwellings. However typical prior art power generation facilities, for such remote locations, incur substantial installation costs in both labour and materials. Construction and installation personnel need to be paid, housed and fed, and building materials and machinery need to be transported to the remote site. 20 Support structures and foundations need to be installed for the power generation facility. This is particularly the case for facilities that rely on renewable energy, such as solar energy and wind energy. An array of solar panels requires a suitable foundation for erecting a support frame for the array. Likewise a wind turbine requires a suitable foundation to support the 25 mast which holds the turbine at a sufficient height to catch the prevailing wind. The present invention was developed with a view to providing a portable power generation device that can be easily transported to a remote location and that also provides a suitable support structure for a solar panel array 30 and/or wind turbine.

3 References to prior art in this specification are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not to be taken as an admission that such prior art is part of the common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere. 5 Summary of the Invention According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a portable power generation device for generating electrical power in a remote location, the device comprising: a portable enclosure that can be readily transported to a remote location; 10 an array of solar panels adapted to be mounted on the enclosure for converting solar energy into electrical power; a wind turbine adapted to be mounted on a wall of the enclosure for converting wind energy into electrical power; and, electrical power control means housed within the enclosure and adapted to 15 control the generation of electrical power from the solar panels and wind turbine wherein, in use, the device can generate sufficient electrical power to act as a replacement for conventional mains power supply. Preferably the wind turbine is mounted on a collapsible mast. Advantageously a base of the mast is adapted to be pivotally mounted on a 20 wall of the enclosure. Preferably the base of the mast is attached to a mounting bracket, the mounting bracket being adapted to be pivotally attached to a mounting plate provided on a wall of the enclosure. In a preferred embodiment the mounting plate is fixed to a side wall of the enclosure. Typically the enclosure is a sea container and the mounting plate 25 is welded to a lower corner of a side wall of the container. Preferably the array of solar panels is adapted to be mounted on a roof of the enclosure. Advantageously the array of solar panels is adapted to be mounted on a support structure provided on the roof and a side wall of the enclosure. Preferably the support structure is designed to position the array 4 of solar panels so that it is angled with respect to the enclosure at an angle adapted to expose the array to maximum sunlight. Advantageously the support structure is adapted to move the array of solar panels with the movement of the sun wherein, in use, it maintains the array at an angle 5 adapted to expose it to maximum sunlight throughout the day. In one embodiment the device further comprises a diesel-powered electrical generator for generating electrical power when the electrical power generated by the solar panels and/or the wind turbine is insufficient to meet the demand. 10 Preferably the device further comprises a bank of batteries for storing electrical power generated by the solar panels and/or wind turbine. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a portable power generation device for generating electrical power in a remote location, the device comprising: 15 a portable enclosure that can be readily transported to a remote location; an array of solar panels adapted to be mounted on the enclosure for converting solar energy into electrical power; and, a support structure for the array of solar panels, arranged to position the array of solar panels so that it is angled with respect to the enclosure at an 20 angle adapted to expose the array to maximum sunlight. Advantageously the support structure is movable between a collapsed condition wherein the solar panels are supported substantially flush with the walls of the enclosure in a position suitable for transport, and an expanded condition wherein the array of solar panels are supported at an angle 25 adapted to expose the array to maximum sunlight. Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but 5 not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Likewise the word "preferably" or variations such as "preferred", will be understood to imply that a stated integer or group of integers is desirable but not essential to the working of the invention. 5 Brief Description of the Drawings The nature of the invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the portable power generation device, given by way of example only, with reference to the 10 accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of a portable power generation device according to the invention; Figure 2 is an end elevation of the portable power generation device of Figure 1 with the wind turbine omitted; 15 Figure 3 is an enlargement of a preferred mounting arrangement for a mast of the wind turbine employed in the portable power generation device of Figure 1; Figures 4 (a), (b) and (c) are a front elevation, top plan view and end elevation respectively of a mounting bracket for the mast; 20 Figures 5 (a), (b) and (c) are a front elevation, top plan view and end elevation respectively of a mounting plate for the mounting bracket of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a top plan view of a preferred layout of the interior of the portable power generation device of Figure 1; 25 Figure 7 is a top plan view of an alternative layout of the interior of another embodiment of the portable power generation device according to the invention; Figure 8 is an end elevation of the interior of the portable power generation device of Figure 1; 30 Figure 9 is an end elevation from the other end of the interior of the portable power generation device of Figure 1; 6 Figure 10 is a rear elevation of the portable power generation device of Figure 1; Figure 11 is a front elevation of the portable power generation device of Figure 1; 5 Figure 12 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a portable power generation device according to the present invention, showing a support frame for the solar panel array in an expanded condition; and, Figure 13 is a front perspective view of the portable power generation 10 device of Figure 12 showing the support frame for the solar panel array in a collapsed condition. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments A preferred embodiment of a portable power generation device 10 in 15 accordance with the invention, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 11, comprises a portable enclosure 12 that can be readily transported to a remote location. In the preferred embodiments the enclosure is a sea container 12. However it will be appreciated that other types of enclosure may be custom-built to suit the location. Sea containers are the preferred enclosure and are particularly 20 advantageous as they can be readily transported by road, air or sea to the remote location using existing infrastructure. An array of solar panels 14 is adapted to be mounted on the enclosure 12 for converting solar energy into electrical power. The array of solar panels 14 is preferably adapted to be mounted on a support structure 16 provided on a 25 roof and a side wall of the container 12. The device 10 further comprises a wind turbine 18 adapted to be mounted on a wall of the container 12 for converting wind energy into electrical power. An electrical power control means 20 is housed within the container (see Figures 6, 7 and 8) and is adapted to control the generation of electrical 30 power from the solar panels 14 and wind turbine 18. The electrical power control means 20 may include, for example, an inverter 22 for converting DC 7 to AC power, and other power control equipment 24 for providing a regulated supply of electrical power. When the device 10 has been installed, and assuming exposure to sufficient sunlight and suitable wind strength, it can generate sufficient electrical power to act as a replacement for conventional 5 mains power supply. Preferably the wind turbine 18 is mounted on a collapsible mast 28. The mast 28 is typically made from a re-engineered light pole and comes in two halves that can be temporarily stored in the container 12 during transport to a remote location. Advantageously a base of the mast 28 is adapted to be 10 pivotally mounted on a wall of the container 12. The pivotal mount of the base of the mast 28 greatly simplifies the installation process for the wind turbine, as will be further described below. Preferably the base of the mast 28 is attached to a mounting bracket 30. A typical mounting bracket 30 is illustrated in Figure 4. The mounting bracket 15 30 is adapted to be pivotally attached to a mounting plate 32 provided on a wall of the container 12. The mounting bracket 30 comprises a base plate 33 which is welded at right angles to a pivot plate 34. A pair of triangular webs 36, extending orthogonally between the base plate 32 and pivot plate 34 provides additional strength and rigidity for the mounting bracket 30. All four 20 parts of the mounting bracket 30 are made from 16mm steel plate and all joints are fully welded. A central aperture 40 is provided in the pivot plate 34 for pivotally connecting the mounting bracket 30 to the mounting plate 32. A series of six additional apertures 42 are provided in the pivot plate 34 for securing the mounting 25 bracket 30 in position once the mast 28 has been moved to a vertical position. Four apertures 44 are provided in the base plate 32 for bolting the base of the mast 28 to the mounting bracket 30. In the preferred embodiment the mounting plate 32 is welded to a lower corner of a side wall 38 of the container 12, as can be seen in Figures 3, 5 30 and 10. The mounting plate 32 can be fitted to any corner of the container 12 and is set flush with the outside face of the container wall 38, as shown in 8 Figure 5 (c). All the joints are fully welded and a brace 46 made from angle iron is also welded to the outside wall of the floor of the container 12, as shown in Figure 5 (b). One end of the brace 46 is welded to the floor frame and the other end is welded to the mounting plate 32. 5 As shown in Figure 5 (a) the mounting plate 32 is formed with a central aperture 48 for receiving a pivot bolt on which the mounting bracket 30 pivots when the mast 28 is being erected. Six additional apertures 50 are provided in the mounting plate 32 for securing the mounting bracket 30 in place once the mast 28 has been moved to an upright position. 10 During the preferred installation process on site, the mounting bracket 30 is firstly bolted onto the mounting plate 32 with a suitable bolt that passes through the respective central apertures 40 and 48, and on which the mounting bracket 30 with the mast 28 mounted thereon will be pivoted. The base of the mast 28 has typically been bolted onto the base plate 33 of the 15 mounting bracket 30 prior to transport. Then secondly, while the bottom half of the mast 28 with its base bolted onto the mounting bracket 30 is still in a horizontal position, the top half of the mast 28 is connected to the bottom half and the wind turbine 18 is attached to the top end of the mast 28. The mast 28 is now ready to be pivoted to an upright position. This can be done 20 with a simple winch arrangement, as most of the weight will be carried by the pivot bolt connecting the mounting bracket 30 to the mounting plate 32. Once the mast 28 reaches an upright position, the remaining six bolts are inserted through the additional apertures 42 and 50 in the mounting bracket 30 and mounting plate 32 respectively, which will then be aligned, to secure 25 the mounting bracket 30 to the wall of the container 12. This preferred method of installing the wind turbine 18 is quick and easy, and obviates the need for a crane which is typically required during installation of prior art wind turbines. The mast 28 for the wind turbine 18 typically stands about 9m high when in its upright position, which is 30 sufficiently high to catch the prevailing wind in most locations.

9 In the illustrated embodiments, the array of solar panels 14 is mounted on a support structure 16 provided on the roof and a side wall of the container 12. Preferably the support structure 16 is designed to position the array of solar panels 14 so that it is angled with respect to container 12 at an angle 5 adapted to expose the array to maximum sunlight. In an alternative embodiment, (not illustrated), the support structure may be adapted to move the array of solar panels 14 with the movement of the sun wherein, in use, it maintains the array at an angle adapted to expose it to maximum sunlight throughout the day. In this regard, the solar panels may 10 be moved automatically so as to track the sun in the north-south plane. With this option, the panels would be attached at the top of the side wall of the container and the north side of the roof, by an attachment means in the form of a pole supported in bearing blocks. Rotation of the attachment means would allow the panels to move from vertical to near horizontal during the 15 course of the day. An option would be to have the rotation effected by actuators (electrically driven arms), most likely mounted on the end of the wall of the container that will either push or pull the attachment means. The control mechanism for this would be carried out electronically, and would be self powered by the power generation system. The panels would be 20 supported at their rear edge for the top, and bottom for the side, by the appropriate strength gas filled struts. Computer modelling studies of this tracking of the sun's movement have shown a power output gain of about 20% (over fixed framing). By way of example, in the morning when the sun is low in the horizon, the panels would be near vertical, and as the sun 25 traverses the sky the panels would be angling up (side) or down and back (top-roof) to maximise the capture at midday. Thereafter the panels would travel back to vertical towards the afternoon, and after dusk the array would return to the vertical position ready for the next morning. A wind speed sensor may be incorporated to send a signal to the actuators to fold the 30 array of panels into the container walls and roof, when strong winds are increasing beyond the rated wind speed of the deployed panels' framing 10 specifications. This enhances safety and increases the range of areas including cyclonic to which the system may be deployed. Advantageously the support structure 16 for the array of solar panels 14 comprises a plurality of support frames 60. In the first embodiment shown in 5 Figure 1, a first support (upper) frame 60a supports six solar panels 14 in a rectangular array, whereas a second (lower) support frame 60b supports four solar panels 14 in a rectangular array. The support frames 60 are preferably of substantially planar construction for reasons that will become apparent below. However it is possible that in some applications the support 10 frames 60 may have a degree of curvature to more effectively capture the sunlight. Advantageously the support frames 60 are movable between a collapsed condition wherein the solar panels are supported substantially flush with the roof and wall of the container 12 and in which the array is in a position 15 suitable for transport, and an expanded condition wherein the array of solar panels 14 is supported at an angle adapted to expose the array to maximum sunlight. The support frames 60 are shown in an expanded condition in Figures 1 and 2 with the array of solar panels 14 in a position ready for use. However in the embodiment of Figures 12 and 13, the support frames 60 are 20 shown in an expanded and a collapsed condition respectively. In the embodiment of the portable power generation device 70 shown in Figures 12 and 13, the upper support structure 60a supports twelve solar panels 14 in a rectangular array, and the lower support structure 60b likewise supports twelve solar panels 14 in a rectangular array. In other 25 respects the device 70 is similar to that of the first embodiment and therefore the same reference numerals are used to refer to the similar parts and will not be described again. The number, configuration and angle of the solar panels 14 and support frames 60 will vary depending on the needs of the end user and the location. 30 As shown in Figure 12, the support frames 60 are in an expanded condition in which the array of solar panels 14 is supported at an angle adapted to 11 expose the array to maximum sunlight. However during transport of the container 12 to the site in the remote location, the support frames are moved to a collapsed condition as shown in Figure 13. The container 12 is much easier to handle and transport with the support frames in the collapsed 5 condition. Furthermore, since the support frames 60 with the solar panels 14 supported thereon are already mounted on the container 10 in the factory prior to transport, this is one less operation that needs to be done during installation in situ. In both the illustrated embodiments the support frames 60 are pivotally 10 attached to the roof and the side wall of a container 12. The upper support frame 60a is pivotally attached at its lower edge 62a to an edge of the roof of the container 12, whereas the lower support frame 60b is pivotally attached at its upper edge 62b to an upper edge of a side wall 58 of the container 12. When the container 12 is installed in situ the support frames 60 are released 15 from their lock down transport position and pivoted upwards and outwards from the roof and side wall respectively of the container to the desired angle. The container 12 is itself positioned so that the array of solar panels 14 will be facing the sun when the support frames 60 are pivoted to their expanded condition. 20 Preferably the support structure 16 further comprises a plurality of frame members 64 which are used to support and brace the support frames 60 in their expanded condition. The frame members 64 are pivotally attached at their upper ends to the respective support frames 60. Figure 11 illustrates the position of a plurality of frame mounting plates 66 provided on the side 25 wall 58 of the container 12 which are used to attach the frame members 64 to the wall. The side wall 58 on which the solar panels are mounted is typically the opposite side wall from the one on which the mast of the wind turbine is mounted. A plurality of frame lock down plates 68 are also illustrated for securing the frame members 64 to the wall 58 during transport. 30 A similar arrangement of frame mounting plates and frame lock down plates is provided on the roof of the container.

12 In some embodiments the device may further comprise a diesel-powered electrical generator 80 for generating electrical power when the electrical power generated by the solar panels 14 and/or the wind turbine 18 is insufficient to meet the demand. Figures 6 and 7 illustrate two possible 5 layouts of the interior of the container 12 for the portable power generation device. In the embodiment of Figure 6, the layout includes an inverter 22, other power control equipment 24, a diesel-powered generator 80 and a battery bank 82. In the embodiment of Figure 7, the layout includes an inverter 22, other power control equipment 24 and a larger battery bank 82. 10 In each case the size and configuration of the inverter, power control equipment, battery bank and generator are selected for the particular application. Typically the interior of the container 12 is divided into two or more sections separated by partition walls and individually vented. In the layout of Figure 6, 15 a first partition wall 90 separates a control room 92 from a battery compartment 94, and a second partition wall 96 separates the battery compartment 94 from a generator section 98. The partition wall 94 is fire rated and designed to seal-off the generator section 98 from remainder of the interior of the container 12. The layout of Figure 7 does not include a 20 generator 80, and hence there is no separate generator section 98. In other respects the layout of Figure 7 is similar to that of Figure 6, and therefore the similar parts are identifies with the same reference numerals. Access for personnel into the control room 92 is via a doorway 93. Figure 8 is a perspective view through doorway 93 into the control room 92 inside the 25 container 12. Access into the generator section 98 is via the front doors 100 of the container 12. Figure 9 is a perspective view though the rear doors 100 of the container into the generator section 98 inside the container 12. Air vents 102 together with rotary roof ventilation fan 106 provide adequate ventilation for each section inside the container 12. A radiator vent 104 may 30 also be provided for the diesel-powered generator 80 (see also Figure 10).

13 When the container 12 is delivered to site, no digging or concreting is required as the container itself provides the support structure and foundations for the solar panel array, wind turbine and generator. Some levelling of the ground may be required to seat the container 12, depending 5 on the site. Now that preferred embodiments of the portable power generation device have been described in detail, it will be apparent that the described embodiments provide a number of advantages over the prior art, including the following: 10 (i) The use of a sea container means that the device is fully transportable; (ii) The device is fully constructed and quality control tested at the workshop prior to delivery to the site location, which minimises on site works and concurrent accommodation costs. 15 (iii) The container acts as a support structure in situ for the array of solar panels as well as the mast for the wind turbine and therefore no on-site excavations, foundations or crane are required. (iv) All components disassemble and fold flat pack readily after works commissioning and prior to shipping. The device can be easily 20 reassembled and installed on site with minimum labour costs. (v) By employing renewably energy sources for power generation the device is environmentally friendly and also attracts government subsidies. It will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the relevant arts that various 25 modifications and improvements may be made to the foregoing embodiments, in addition to those already described, without departing from the basic inventive concepts of the present invention. For example, it may be preferable in some instances to store the solar panels inside the container during transport of the device to the location. Therefore, it will be 14 appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described and is to be determined from the appended claims.

Claims

1. A portable power generation device for generating electrical power in a remote location, the device comprising: 5 a portable enclosure that can be readily transported to a remote location; an array of solar panels adapted to be mounted on the enclosure for converting solar energy into electrical power; a wind turbine adapted to be mounted on a wall of the enclosure for converting wind energy into electrical power; and, 10 electrical power control means housed within the enclosure and adapted to control the generation of electrical power from the solar panels and wind turbine wherein, in use, the device can generate sufficient electrical power to act as a replacement for conventional mains power supply.

2. A portable power generation device as defined in claim 1, wherein the 15 wind turbine is mounted on a collapsible mast.

3. A portable power generation device as defined in claim 2, wherein a base of the mast is adapted to be pivotally mounted on a wall of the enclosure.

4. A portable power generation device as defined in claim 3, wherein the base of the mast is attached to a mounting bracket, the mounting bracket 20 being adapted to be pivotally attached to a mounting plate provided on a wall of the enclosure.

5. A portable power generation device as defined in claim 4, wherein the mounting plate is fixed to a side wall of the enclosure.

6. A portable power generation device as defined in any one of claims 1 to 5, 25 wherein the enclosure is a sea container.

7. A portable power generation device as defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the array of solar panels is adapted to be mounted on a roof of the enclosure. 16

8. A portable power generation device as defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the array of solar panels is mounted on a support structure provided on the roof and a side wall of the enclosure.

9. A portable power generation device as defined in claim 8, wherein the 5 support structure is designed to position the array of solar panels so that it is angled with respect to the enclosure at an angle adapted to expose the array to maximum sunlight.

10. A portable power generation device as defined in claim 8, wherein the support structure is adapted to move the array of solar panels with the 10 movement of the sun wherein, in use, it maintains the array at an angle adapted to expose it to maximum sunlight throughout the day.

11. A portable power generation device as defined in claim 8, wherein the support structure comprises a plurality of support frames for supporting the array of solar panels. 15

12. A portable power generation device as defined in claim 11, wherein the support frames are of substantially planar construction.

13. A portable power generation device as defined in claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the support frames are movable between a collapsed condition wherein the solar panels are supported substantially flush with the roof 20 and/or wall of the container and in which the array is in a position suitable for transport, and an expanded condition wherein the array of solar panels is supported at an angle adapted to expose the array to maximum sunlight.

14. A portable power generation device as defined in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a diesel-powered electrical generator 25 for generating electrical power when the electrical power generated by the solar panels and/or the wind turbine is insufficient to meet the demand.

15. A portable power generation device as defined in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a bank of batteries for storing electrical power generated by the solar panels and/or wind turbine. 17

16. A portable power generation device for generating electrical power in a remote location, the device comprising: a portable enclosure that can be readily transported to a remote location; an array of solar panels adapted to be mounted on the enclosure for 5 converting solar energy into electrical power; and, a support structure for the array of solar panels, arranged to position the array of solar panels so that it is angled with respect to the enclosure at an angle adapted to expose the array to maximum sunlight.

17. A portable power generation device as defined in claim 16, wherein the 10 support structure is movable between a collapsed condition wherein the solar panels are supported substantially flush with the walls of the enclosure in a position suitable for transport, and an expanded condition wherein the array of solar panels are supported at an angle adapted to expose the array to maximum sunlight. 15

18. A portable power generation device as defined in claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the support structure comprises a plurality of support frames for supporting the array of solar panels.

19. A portable power generation device as defined in claim 18, wherein the support frames are of substantially planar construction.

20 20. A portable power generation device as defined in claim 19, wherein the support structure further comprises a plurality of frame members for supporting the support frames at an angle adapted to expose the array to maximum sunlight.

21. A portable power generation device substantially as herein described 25 with reference to and as illustrated in any one or more of the accompanying drawings. Justjim Pty Ltd by its Patent Attorneys Janet Stead & Associates