AU2017361122A1 - A modular power system - Google Patents
A modular power system Download PDFInfo
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- AU2017361122A1 AU2017361122A1 AU2017361122A AU2017361122A AU2017361122A1 AU 2017361122 A1 AU2017361122 A1 AU 2017361122A1 AU 2017361122 A AU2017361122 A AU 2017361122A AU 2017361122 A AU2017361122 A AU 2017361122A AU 2017361122 A1 AU2017361122 A1 AU 2017361122A1
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- Australia
- Prior art keywords
- container
- vtol
- power system
- power
- autonomous vehicle
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- 238000009429 electrical wiring Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 14
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000012806 monitoring device Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000010248 power generation Methods 0.000 description 2
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011810 insulating material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007726 management method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64F—GROUND OR AIRCRAFT-CARRIER-DECK INSTALLATIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH AIRCRAFT; DESIGNING, MANUFACTURING, ASSEMBLING, CLEANING, MAINTAINING OR REPAIRING AIRCRAFT, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; HANDLING, TRANSPORTING, TESTING OR INSPECTING AIRCRAFT COMPONENTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B64F1/00—Ground or aircraft-carrier-deck installations
- B64F1/22—Ground or aircraft-carrier-deck installations for handling aircraft
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64F—GROUND OR AIRCRAFT-CARRIER-DECK INSTALLATIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH AIRCRAFT; DESIGNING, MANUFACTURING, ASSEMBLING, CLEANING, MAINTAINING OR REPAIRING AIRCRAFT, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; HANDLING, TRANSPORTING, TESTING OR INSPECTING AIRCRAFT COMPONENTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B64F1/00—Ground or aircraft-carrier-deck installations
- B64F1/22—Ground or aircraft-carrier-deck installations for handling aircraft
- B64F1/222—Ground or aircraft-carrier-deck installations for handling aircraft for storing aircraft, e.g. in hangars
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64U—UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES [UAV]; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
- B64U70/00—Launching, take-off or landing arrangements
- B64U70/80—Vertical take-off or landing, e.g. using rockets
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64U—UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES [UAV]; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
- B64U80/00—Transport or storage specially adapted for UAVs
- B64U80/70—Transport or storage specially adapted for UAVs in containers
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H1/00—Buildings or groups of buildings for dwelling or office purposes; General layout, e.g. modular co-ordination or staggered storeys
- E04H1/12—Small buildings or other erections for limited occupation, erected in the open air or arranged in buildings, e.g. kiosks, waiting shelters for bus stops or for filling stations, roofs for railway platforms, watchmen's huts or dressing cubicles
- E04H1/1205—Small buildings erected in the open air
- E04H1/1238—Shelters for engines, e.g. electrical meter housings
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H5/00—Buildings or groups of buildings for industrial or agricultural purposes
- E04H5/02—Buildings or groups of buildings for industrial purposes, e.g. for power-plants or factories
- E04H5/04—Transformer houses; Substations or switchgear houses
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H6/00—Buildings for parking cars, rolling-stock, aircraft, vessels or like vehicles, e.g. garages
- E04H6/44—Buildings for parking cars, rolling-stock, aircraft, vessels or like vehicles, e.g. garages for storing aircraft
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
- H02J7/34—Parallel operation in networks using both storage and other dc sources, e.g. providing buffering
- H02J7/35—Parallel operation in networks using both storage and other dc sources, e.g. providing buffering with light sensitive cells
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64U—UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES [UAV]; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
- B64U2201/00—UAVs characterised by their flight controls
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H1/00—Buildings or groups of buildings for dwelling or office purposes; General layout, e.g. modular co-ordination or staggered storeys
- E04H1/12—Small buildings or other erections for limited occupation, erected in the open air or arranged in buildings, e.g. kiosks, waiting shelters for bus stops or for filling stations, roofs for railway platforms, watchmen's huts or dressing cubicles
- E04H2001/1283—Small buildings of the ISO containers type
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H02J2300/00—Systems for supplying or distributing electric power characterised by decentralized, dispersed, or local generation
- H02J2300/20—The dispersed energy generation being of renewable origin
- H02J2300/28—The renewable source being wind energy
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H02J2310/00—The network for supplying or distributing electric power characterised by its spatial reach or by the load
- H02J2310/10—The network having a local or delimited stationary reach
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H02J2310/00—The network for supplying or distributing electric power characterised by its spatial reach or by the load
- H02J2310/40—The network being an on-board power network, i.e. within a vehicle
- H02J2310/44—The network being an on-board power network, i.e. within a vehicle for aircrafts
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Remote Sensing (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Charge And Discharge Circuits For Batteries Or The Like (AREA)
Abstract
A modular power system comprises a container with one or more openings for receiving electrical components including batteries and power control systems; a plurality of racks mounted to at least one inside wall of the container to which can be coupled one or more adjustable shelves inside the container for holding the electrical components; electrical wiring installed within the container for connecting the electrical components; and one or more power outputs connected to the electrical wiring for connection to another modular power system and/or to a power sink. There is also a portable power station housed within a container at a site. The container comprises a platform with a charging station for receiving and charging the Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) autonomous vehicle. The container comprises one or more automatic doors which are controlled by a processor that is configured to open the doors when the VTOL is approaching.
Description
A Modular Power System
Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a modular power system for supplying electrical power.
Background [0002] Geographically remote areas, or areas where electrical power from a power grid is unavailable require portable power generation whenever electrical power becomes necessary. A mine site, an emergency event, or a military camp are examples of the situations where sufficient power is required and for which mains power is not available or is unreasonably expensive to install, or where the requirement is temporary. The means by which power in these and other circumstances can be provided is generally diesel generators. On a smaller scale solar panels or wind turbines with inverters and batteries can also be provided, but these generally do not have the scale to provide sufficient power for many situations, without making them into a permanent installation. Arranging a system which combines solar, wind and fuel based power generation, storage and deployment can require particular expertise and is suboptimal; the systems are put together in ad-hoc fashion, taking up time and involving considerable planning and manipulation of the components and electrical wiring.
[0003] The present invention seeks to provide a more effective means for arranging power systems in off-grid use.
Summary of the Present Invention [0004] According to the present invention there is provided a modular power system comprising:
a container with one or more openings for receiving electrical components including batteries and power control systems;
a plurality of racks mounted to at least one inside wall of the container to which can be coupled to one or more adjustable shelves inside the container for holding the electrical components; electrical wiring installed within the container for connecting the electrical components; and one or more power outputs connected to the electrical wiring for connection to another modular power system and/or to a power sink.
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PCT/AU2017/051259 [0005] In an embodiment, the racks are arranged to adjustably support shelves within the container for holding the electrical components.
[0006] In an embodiment, the container comprises a covering on at least part of the interior floor of the container allowing for electrical wiring to be located within a space between the covering and the floor of the container. In an embodiment the covering is a grate.
[0007] In an embodiment, the container comprises one or more apertures in the container wall with corresponding power sockets retained within the apertures allowing for the sockets to be accessible from the outside of the container. In an embodiment the power sockets receive the power outputs.
[0008] In an embodiment, the container comprises a plurality of power sockets in close proximity to each other.
[0009] In an embodiment the container comprises thermal insulation. In an embodiment the roof of the container comprises a thermal reflector.
[0010] In an embodiment, the container comprises an opening adapted to receive a Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) autonomous aircraft.
[0011] In an embodiment, the container comprises a platform within the container with a charging station for receiving and charging the VTOL autonomous vehicle.
[0012] In an embodiment, the container is height adjustable to enable electrical components including batteries and power systems to be retained below the platform.
[0013] In an embodiment, the container comprises one or more automatic doors. In an embodiment the doors are controlled by a processor that is configured to open the doors when the VTOL autonomous vehicle is approaching.
[0014] In an embodiment the container comprises a communications device for communicating with the VTOL autonomous vehicle.
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PCT/AU2017/051259 [0015] In an embodiment the container comprises a communication device for receiving remote command and control instructions for control of the VTOL autonomous vehicle.
[0016] In an embodiment, the container with one or more automatic doors has one or more solar panels attached to the automatic doors.
[0017] In an embodiment, the container is an intermodal shipping container.
[0018] In an embodiment, the container comprises an attachment for attaching solar panels to the housing.
[0019] In an embodiment, the attachment for attaching solar panels to the container is one or more brackets.
[0020] In an embodiment, the container further comprises a means for attaching a wind turbine to the housing.
[0021] In an embodiment, the container is of a size suited to contain a power system capable of delivering between 22.5kW and 135kW of power.
[0022] In an embodiment, the container is of a size suited to contain a power system capable of delivering up to 1.4MW of power.
[0023] According to the present invention there is provided a method of providing portable power to a site comprising:
providing a container with one or more openings for receiving electrical components including batteries and power control systems, installing batteries on a plurality of racks mounted to at least one inside wall of the container according to power production needs and connecting the batteries to electrical wiring pre-installed within the container for connecting the electrical components;
transporting the container to the site; and connecting one or more power outputs connected to the electrical wiring to another modular power system and/or to a power sink.
[0024] According to the present invention there is provided a portable power station housed within a container to a site, wherein the container comprises a platform with a charging station
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PCT/AU2017/051259 for receiving and charging the VTOL autonomous vehicle, and wherein the container comprises one or more automatic doors which are controlled by a processor that is configured to open the doors when the VTOL is approaching.
[0025] According to the present invention there is provided a method of deployment of a VTOL autonomous vehicle, comprising providing a portable power station housed within a container to a site, wherein the container comprises a platform with a charging station for receiving and charging the VTOL autonomous vehicle, and wherein the container comprises one or more automatic doors which are controlled by a processor that is configured to open the doors when the VTOL autonomous vehicle is approaching or is to leave the container; and opening the doors for the VTOL autonomous vehicle to depart or return.
[0026] In an embodiment the method further comprises providing communication between the VTOL autonomous vehicle and the container.
[0027] In an embodiment the VTOL autonomous vehicle is controlled from a remote control centre by transferring control signals via the container to the VTOL autonomous vehicle.
[0028] In an embodiment controls comprise a processor that is configured to open the doors when the VTOL autonomous vehicle is approaching or is about to depart.
[0029] In an embodiment the container comprises a communications device for communicating with the VTOL autonomous vehicle.
[0030] In an embodiment the container comprises a communication device for receiving remote command and control instructions for control of the VTOL autonomous vehicle.
[0031] Also according to the present invention there is provided a sealed, waterproof box for storing on or more batteries inside of the box, wherein the box comprises a sealed opening for allowing access to the inside of the box and to prevent water incursion to the batteries, wherein the box further comprises water proof electrical plugs for allowing electrical power to be drawn from the batteries.
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PCT/AU2017/051259 [0032] Also according to the present invention there is provided a UAV deployment system comprising:
a plurality of containers distributed over an area;
a command centre arranged to communicate with each container;
wherein each container comprises: a self-generating power generator and a power storage device; a UAV able to be stored within and launched from the respective container; a communications module for communicating with the command centre and for controlling launch of the UAV;
wherein the container is arrange to receive a returning UAV and the deliver power to the returned UAV.
[0033] Also according to the present invention there is provided a method of deployment of a UAV comprising:
selecting a deployment destination;
selecting one of a plurality of containers distributed over an area to deploy a UAV from based on the selected deployment destination;
sending to the selected container a deployment command;
deploying from the selected container a UAV in respond to the deploy command;
receiving a returned UAV;
delivering power to the returned UAV.
Description of Drawings [0034] In order to provide a better understanding of the present invention, preferred embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is an isometric view of a modular power system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is an isometric view of a modular power system according to another embodiment of the invention;
Figure 3 is an exploded view of the embodiment of the invention of Figure 2;
Figure 4 is another exploded view, from a different point of view of the embodiment of the invention of Figure 2;
Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 4;
Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a side elevation of an embodiment of the invention;
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Figure 7 is an isometric drawing showing a further embodiment of the invention;
Figure 8 is an isometric view of a module for insertion in the embodiment of Figure 2;
Figure 9 is a schematic representation of a side cross sectional view of a modular power system according to another embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 10 is a schematic representation of an end cross-sectional view of the modular power system of Figure 9;
Figure 11 is an isometric view of the modular power system of Figure 9; and
Figure 12 is a plan view of an electronic map showing deployment of modular power systems of Figure 9.
Description of Embodiments of the Invention [0035] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the invention, in which there is a modular power system comprising a container 10 having side walls 20 and doors 12 at the ends to allow access to the interior of the container 10. Inside the container 10 is a panel 14 that is able to be seen because the doors 12 are open. The panel 14 has control and monitoring devices 22. The container 10 has a solar panel 16 mounted to its roof. There is also a wind turbine 18 mounted to a lifting point 58 (shown in Figure 2) at the bottom of the container 10. The container 10 is preferably an intermodal shipping container, generally using the shorter lengths of container available, that is, 20 foot, or less. An adjacent container 10’ is also shown.
[0036] Figure 2 shows the container 10 in more detail with variations. There are a plurality of power outlets 24 for coupling electrical cable thereto for connection to a power sink or another container 10. In this case there are three outlets 24, in the form of sockets in this embodiment, one of which has a cable 26 coupled thereto. The outlet couplings penetrate the side wall 20 of the container so that electrical components inside the container can be connected to the couplings 24.
[0037] The roof 28 comprises a thermally reflective panel. An antenna 30 is mounted to the corner of the roof for enabling the control devices 22 to communicate via radio transmission. A microwave or satellite communication antenna 32 may also be provided to communicate over greater distances I with satellites. Lifting loops 34 are provided on the edges of the roof. Lifting pockets 58 are provided on the base of the container for receiving forklift tines for lifting the container 10.
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PCT/AU2017/051259 [0038] A floor covering preferably in the form of a grated floor 40 is shown on the bottom of the container. The grated floor 40 is able to support electrical equipment. A space is provided between the grated floor 40 and the bottom of the container (the container floor) for receiving electrical wiring, which can be preinstalled and connected as required for a particular deployment. Securing mounts 92 are attached to the grated floor 40 and to the equipment inside the container 10 so as to secure the equipment to the grating.
[0039] As seen in Figure 3, underneath the panel 28 is a thermal insulating panel 50 which rests on the roof 52 of the container 10.
[0040] The control monitoring devices are shown as switches 62, meters and plugs 60, although other devices are possible, including a computer device, such as a laptop 80, or inverter 70. In this case there may be a spare inverter as well as redundancy in the fit out of the container 10 so as to make it modular and able to accommodate variations in deployment requirements as well as handling a breakdown without needing to deploy the whole container 10. The laptop 80 is shelved in a modular chest container 72, as are the inverters 70.
[0041] Panel 14 is shown with fans for providing cooling airflow.
[0042] In Figure 4 shelves 110 are shown which are mounted on racks 56 disposed inside on the side walls 20 of the container 10. The shelves 110 hold battery packs 100, which comprise high storage capacity rechargeable batteries 104. The batteries 104 are interconnected by use of electrical cable 102. The batteries 104 are able to be connected by electrical cable 106 to the control devices 22.
[0043] Figure 5 shows the racks 56 in more detail. The racks 56 are vertically extending posts fastened to the wall 20. The posts have slots therein for receiving mounting pins to hold the shelves 110. It also schematically shows thermal insulating material 120 on the wall 20 of the container so as to keep the interior of the container at a desired temperature irrespective of the outside temperature. Battery modules of varying power capacity can be placed on the shelves 110, connected to wiring via an electrical wiring micro grid, with the wiring being run under the grate 40 to separate it from the remainder of the container 10.
[0044] Figure 6 is a schematic representation of modes of configuring the container 10. Batteries 150 can be loaded into module 104 to create a battery module with increased power
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PCT/AU2017/051259 output and/or increased storage capacity. The module 104 can be loaded into container 10 (also labelled Chassis Type A). A module 72 with electrical equipment for data logging, remote monitoring and a Battery Management System can also be loaded into container 10 and connected to batteries module 104 to create a power system, as shown in Figure 7.
[0045] A multiplicity of components 150/104/72 can be loaded into the container 220 and connected to create a single or a multiplicity of systems as required.
[0046] Referring to Figure 8, a diesel generator 122 with exhaust outlet 124 and controls 126 can be housed in a module 120, which can be fitted into container 10 and connected accordingly using the electrical micro-grid (not shown).
[0047] Referring to Figure 1, the solar panel 16 may be attached to the container 10 by means of a bracket, and power conducting cables may be connected to the electrical components to receive power from the solar panel 16.
[0048] Referring to Figure 2, in an embodiment of the invention container 10 may be sufficient in size to contain electrical equipment capable of producing between 22.5 kW and 135 kW of power. Container 10 may be of a sufficient size to contain electrical equipment capable of producing up to 14 MW of power.
[0049] Referring to Figures 9 to 11, container 300 is adapted to receive an autonomous vertical take off and landing vehicle (VTOL), also known as a drone 310. Lightweight Carbon Solar Panels 216 are attached to one or more doors 212 of container 300, which can open allowing access to the interior of the container 300 through a top opening in the container 300. The doors 212 are connected to the container 300 by hinges and have an automatic opening system, such as an electronically controlled ram. Inside the container 300 is a platform 250. A drone 310 can land on the platform 250 and recharge on touch down charge station 252 mounted on the platform 250. The charge station can provide power to the drone 310 from batteries 100 as managed by the controls, charger and communications components in module 222 in container 300 and preferably underneath the platform 250. The drone 310 may then exit via the open doors 212. The platform 250 may be adjustable in height.
[0050] Referring to Figure 12, a plurality of containers 300 can be deployed around a city/ metropolitan area. In Figure 12 a plurality of these are deployed around Perth, Western
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Australia metropolitan areas. These may house drones under control of, for example a command centre of emergency services and or utility companies. When needed, such as to view an incident, such as for example a fire, or vehicle accident, or other emergency, or for a power line failure, for example, the nearest available drone can be deployed to rapidly attend the incident and provide command and control personnel quick vision of the incident in order to assess the severity of the issue and/or to deploy appropriate resources.
[0051] Thus in an embodiment a method of deployment of a UAV comprising:
selecting a deployment destination, eg the 1 ;
selecting one of a plurality of containers distributed over an area to deploy a UAV from based on the selected deployment destination, eg the Pearce container, or that that is unavailable the Hearne Hill container;
sending to the selected container a deployment command;
deploying from the selected container a UAV in respond to the deploy command;
receiving a returned UAV;
delivering power to the returned UAV so that it is able to be deployed again.
[0052] In use the container is able to be deployed with a fit out of battery packs and controls systems to accommodate the power requirements of the deployment. The container can then be transported to site. If there is a large power requirement, two or more containers can be connected to jointly provide for the power requirement. The container(s) 10 can then be connected to a power sink (equipment needing the power provided by the container(s) 10).
[0053] Batteries can be stored in battery modules which comprise a box and a lid. The box and lid are designed to be waterproof after sealing, protecting against water incursion into the box and thereby protecting the battery. This is shown at 104 in Figure 7.
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Claims (29)
1. A modular power system comprising:
a container with one or more openings for receiving electrical components including batteries and power control systems;
a plurality of racks mounted to at least one inside wall of the container to which can be coupled one or more adjustable shelves inside the container for holding the electrical components; electrical wiring installed within the container for connecting the electrical components; and one or more power outputs connected to the electrical wiring for connection to another modular power system and/or to a power sink.
2. A modular power system according to claim 1, wherein the racks are arranged to adjustably support shelves within the container for holding the electrical components.
3. A modular power system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the container comprises a covering on at least part of the interior floor of the container allowing for electrical wiring to be located within a space between the covering and the floor of the container. In an embodiment the covering is a grate.
4. A modular power system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the container comprises one or more apertures in the container wall with corresponding power sockets retained within the apertures allowing for the sockets to be accessible from the outside of the container. In an embodiment the power sockets receive the power outputs.
5. A modular power system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the container comprises a plurality of power sockets in close proximity to each other.
6. A modular power system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the container comprises thermal insulation.
7. A modular power system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the roof of the container comprises a thermal reflector.
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8. A modular power system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the container comprises an opening adapted to receive a Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) autonomous aircraft.
9. A modular power system according to claims 1 to 8, wherein the container floor is height adjustable to enable electrical components including batteries and power systems to be retained below the platform.
10. A modular power system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the container comprises a platform within the container with a charging station for receiving and charging the VTOL autonomous vehicle.
11. A modular power system according to claim 10, wherein the container comprises one or more automatic doors.
12. A modular power system according to claim 11, wherein the doors are controlled by a processor that is configured to open the doors when the VTOL autonomous vehicle is approaching.
13. A modular power system according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the container comprises a communications device for communicating with the VTOL autonomous vehicle.
14. A modular power system according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the container comprises a communication device for receiving remote command and control instructions for in-flight control of the VTOL autonomous vehicle.
15. A modular power system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the automatic doors comprise one or more solar panels attached thereto.
16. A modular power system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the container is an intermodal shipping container.
17. A modular power system according to claim 1, wherein the container comprises an attachment for attaching solar panels to the housing.
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18. A modular power system according to claim 1, wherein the container further comprises a means for attaching a wind turbine to the housing.
19. A method of providing portable power to a site comprising:
providing a container with one or more openings for receiving electrical components including batteries and power control systems; installing batteries on a plurality of racks mounted to at least one inside wall of the container according to power production needs; and connecting the batteries to electrical wiring pre-installed within the container for connecting the electrical components;
transporting the container to the site; and connecting one or more power outputs connected to the electrical wiring to another modular power system and/or to a power sink.
20. A portable power station housed within a container at a site, wherein the container comprises a platform with a charging station for receiving and charging a Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) autonomous vehicle, wherein the container comprises one or more automatic doors which are controlled by a processor that is configured to open the doors when the VTOL is approaching.
21. A station according to claim 20, wherein the controls comprise a processor that is configured to open the doors when the VTOL autonomous vehicle is approaching or is about to depart.
22. A station according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the container comprises a communications device for communicating with the VTOL autonomous vehicle.
23. A station according to claim 21 or 21, wherein the container comprises a communication device for receiving remote command and control instructions for control of the VTOL autonomous vehicle.
24. A method of deployment of a Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) autonomous vehicle, comprising providing a portable power station housed within a container to a site, wherein the container comprises a platform with a charging station for receiving and charging the VTOL autonomous vehicle, and wherein the container comprises one or more automatic
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PCT/AU2017/051259 doors which are controlled by a processor that is configured to open the doors when the VTOL autonomous vehicle is approaching or is to leave the container; and opening the doors for the VTOL autonomous vehicle to depart or return.
25. A method according to claim 24, wherein the method further comprises providing communication between the VTOL autonomous vehicle and the container.
26. A method according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the VTOL autonomous vehicle is controlled from a remote control centre by transferring control signals via the container to the VTOL autonomous vehicle.
27. A sealed, waterproof box for storing on or more batteries inside of the box, wherein the box comprises a sealed opening for allowing access to the inside of the box and to prevent water incursion to the batteries, wherein the box further comprises water proof electrical plugs for allowing electrical power to be drawn from the batteries.
28. A UAV deployment system comprising:
a plurality of containers distributed over an area;
a command centre arranged to communicate with each container;
wherein each container comprises: a self-generating power generator and a power storage device; a UAV able to be stored within and launched from the respective container; a communications module for communicating with the command centre and for controlling launch of the UAV;
wherein the container is arrange to receive a returning UAV and the deliver power to the returned UAV.
29. A method of deployment of a UAV comprising:
selecting a deployment destination;
selecting one of a plurality of containers distributed over an area to deploy a UAV from based on the selected deployment destination;
sending to the selected container a deployment command;
deploying from the selected container a UAV in respond to the deploy command;
receiving a returned UAV;
delivering power to the returned UAV.
PCT/AU2017/051259
WO 2018/090089
1/8
Priority Applications (2)
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AU2022100032A AU2022100032A4 (en) | 2016-11-15 | 2022-02-09 | A Modular Power System |
AU2023233085A AU2023233085A1 (en) | 2016-11-15 | 2023-09-19 | A Modular Power System |
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AU2016904668A AU2016904668A0 (en) | 2016-11-15 | A Modular Power System | |
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PCT/AU2017/051259 WO2018090089A1 (en) | 2016-11-15 | 2017-11-15 | A modular power system |
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CN110043094B (en) * | 2019-04-16 | 2020-04-07 | 同济大学 | On-vehicle unmanned aerial vehicle parking garage |
CN111959808B (en) * | 2019-05-20 | 2022-04-12 | 北京京东乾石科技有限公司 | Carrying structure |
CN110116818B (en) * | 2019-05-24 | 2021-02-02 | 中国科学院地理科学与资源研究所 | Automatic unmanned aerial vehicle hangar charges |
CN110725593B (en) * | 2019-09-29 | 2021-09-24 | 沈阳航空航天大学 | Fan-shaped intelligent unmanned aerial vehicle hangar based on automatic centering charging device |
US11689025B2 (en) * | 2020-06-05 | 2023-06-27 | Patriot-Nrg, Llc | Mobile autonomous solar-wind electrical station |
CN115347666B (en) * | 2022-08-27 | 2023-08-08 | 国网新疆电力有限公司乌鲁木齐供电公司 | DC power supply system for modularized station |
WO2024073807A1 (en) * | 2022-10-05 | 2024-04-11 | R.I. Pty Ltd | Portable power hub |
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KR100462465B1 (en) * | 2003-11-20 | 2004-12-23 | 정천수 | A charging battery case having uni-jack, and a jack plug for the case |
US8593102B2 (en) * | 2006-12-27 | 2013-11-26 | Ecosphere Technologies, Inc. | Portable, self-sustaining power station |
US20130164567A1 (en) * | 2011-06-24 | 2013-06-27 | Seektech, Inc. | Modular battery pack apparatus, systems, and methods |
US8872366B2 (en) * | 2013-01-31 | 2014-10-28 | APR Energy, LLC | Scalable portable modular power plant |
CN203367577U (en) * | 2013-04-08 | 2013-12-25 | 富士康(昆山)电脑接插件有限公司 | Electric connector |
CN203278310U (en) * | 2013-05-07 | 2013-11-06 | 深圳市德朗能电池有限公司 | Waterproof and shockproof power bank |
US9545852B2 (en) * | 2014-10-02 | 2017-01-17 | Swift Engineering, Inc. | Transportable ground station for an unmanned aerial vehicle |
US20170225802A1 (en) * | 2014-10-13 | 2017-08-10 | Systems Engineering Associates Corporation | Systems and methods for deployment and operation of vertical take-off and landing (vtol) unmanned aerial vehicles |
US9915956B2 (en) * | 2015-01-09 | 2018-03-13 | Workhorse Group Inc. | Package delivery by means of an automated multi-copter UAS/UAV dispatched from a conventional delivery vehicle |
US9760087B2 (en) * | 2015-01-16 | 2017-09-12 | International Business Machines Corporation | Distributed, unmanned aerial vehicle package transport network |
WO2016205415A1 (en) * | 2015-06-15 | 2016-12-22 | ImageKeeper LLC | Unmanned aerial vehicle management |
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