AU2021101825A4

AU2021101825A4 - Portable solar generation and storage system

Info

Publication number: AU2021101825A4
Application number: AU2021101825A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Phillip Wilson
Original assignee: Solar Daily Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Solar Daily Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2021-04-09
Filing date: 2021-04-09
Publication date: 2021-05-27
Anticipated expiration: 2029-04-09

Abstract

A portable solar energy generation and storage system, the system comprising: one or more solar panels having an array of photovoltaic cells for converting light energy into dc electrical energy; an enclosed housing comprising a base with side walls extending therefrom and a top wall adapted to be positioned over the side walls to provide an enclosed internal volume; the enclosed housing comprising: one or more couplers for electrically coupling the solar panels to a charge controller located within the housing for regulating the flow of dc current from the solar panel; and an energy storage module comprising one or more batteries being electrically connected to the charge controller to allow the batteries to be charged when the photovoltaic cells generate dc electrical energy; a dc-to-ac inverter module comprising at least one dc-to-ac inverter, each inverter comprising: at least one input terminal being arranged for receiving dc electrical energy from the photo-voltaic cells and/or the batteries; and at least one output terminals located along an outer surface of the housing for providing ac electrical current for powering electrical appliances; a system controller being electrically connected with the charge controller and the inverter module wherein the system controller comprises: a first electrical circuit to interrupt the flow of dc current between the batteries and the inverter module when dc voltage across the one or more batteries drops below a first predefined set point; and a second electrical circuit to interrupt flow of dc current from the photovoltaic cells to the batteries when the dc voltage across the one or more batteries exceeds a second predefined set point. 150 2xM330PA UP TO SIX ARRAYS 12 x 330 = 3.96kW 20A RCD GENERAL LOAD RELAY LOAD ACTIVE MAIN INVERTERI BATTERY RELAY LOAD NEUTRAL ISOLATORA 2 x 160AN-E2ARC 20A RCD 16 x 100oAh 48V INVERTER 2 :LITILM ATTERUIE MAISWITCH 1 BATTER0ES SWITCH 150B .GENERAL LOAD RELAY LOAD ACTIVE INVERTER 2 CONTROLLED LOAD RELAY LOAD NEUTRAL 160 FIGURE 1

Description

2xM330PA UP TO SIX ARRAYS 12 x 330 = 3.96kW

20A RCD

GENERAL LOAD RELAY LOAD ACTIVE MAIN INVERTERI BATTERY RELAY LOAD NEUTRAL ISOLATORA 2 x 160AN-E2ARC 20A RCD 16 x 100oAh 48V ATTERUIE MAISWITCH INVERTER 2 :LITILM SWITCH 150B .GENERAL LOAD RELAY 1 BATTER0ES LOAD ACTIVE INVERTER 2 CONTROLLED LOAD RELAY

LOAD NEUTRAL

160

FIGURE 1

PORTABLE SOLAR GENERATION AND STORAGE SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present invention relates to providing portable solar powered electrical

generation system.

BACKGROUND

[002] Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to

be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of

the common general knowledge.

[001] It is desirable to provide electrical power to ac appliances through sources,

which are independent of a national electric power grid. In many instances, electrical

power is required in remote places that are currently not connected to the grid. A

need for powering ac appliances might also arise in the aftermath of a natural

disaster like a storm, floods or earthquake where grid infrastructure may have been

damaged.

[002] Many types of electrical power generators have been used to generate power

as alternatives to the utility power grid including diesel and gasoline powered

generator driven generators. Solar powered systems have been used to generate

electrical power and are often seen to be advantageous over fossil fuel powered

generators because solar power supplies are quiet, do not generate hydrocarbon

emissions, and use a renewal source that can be available when gasoline or diesel

fuels are not available.

[003] Conventional solar power systems use an array of solar cells to charge a

battery. The battery, in turn, powers an inverter, which coverts the dc power provided

by the battery into ac power at the current, voltage and frequency (e.g. 120 volts and

or 60 Hz) for powering conventional appliances. However solar cell systems of

this type are not without their own problems. Accordingly, there is at least a need for

providing an improved solar generation and storage system which is portable and

compact and addresses at least some of the shortcomings of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[003] In an aspect, the invention provides a portable solar energy generation

and storage system, the system comprising:

one or more solar panels having an array of photovoltaic cells for

converting light energy into dc electrical energy;

an enclosed housing comprising a base with side walls extending

therefrom and a top wall adapted to be positioned over the side walls to provide

an enclosed internal volume;

the enclosed housing comprising:

one or more couplers for electrically coupling the solar panels to

a charge controller located within the housing for regulating the flow of dc current

from the solar panel; and

an energy storage module comprising one or more batteries

being electrically connected to the charge controller to allow the

batteries to be charged when the photovoltaic cells generate dc

electrical energy; a dc-to-ac inverter module comprising at least one dc-to-ac inverter, each inverter comprising: at least one input terminal being arranged for receiving dc electrical energy from the photo-voltaic cells and/or the batteries; and at least one output terminal located along an outer surface of the housing for providing ac electrical current for powering electrical appliances; a system controller being electrically connected with the charge controller and the inverter module wherein the system controller comprises: a first electrical circuit to interrupt the flow of dc current between the batteries and the inverter module when dc voltage across the one or more batteries drops below a first predefined set point; and a second electrical circuit to interrupt flow of dc current from the photovoltaic cells to the batteries when the dc voltage across the one or more batteries exceeds a second predefined set point.

[004] In an embodiment, the top wall is hingedly affixed to a top portion of said side

walls to for providing access into the internal volume of the enclosed housing.

[005] In an embodiment, the dc-to-ac inverter module comprises at least a first dc

to-ac inverter and a second dc-ac-inverter, the system further comprising controlling

circuitry to selectively disconnect any one of said dc-to-ac inverters whilst the other

of said dc-to-ac inverters are electrically connected to the battery and the

photovoltaic cells.

[006] In an embodiment, the electrical ac outlets of at least one of the dc-to

ac inverters are provided with indicia to provide a subset of electrical outlets

that are differentiated from the electrical outlets of the other dc-to-ac inverters.

[007] In an embodiment, the system further comprises inverter controlling circuitry

comprising a switch coupled with one of the dc-to-ac inverters to operate said one of

the dc-to-ac inverter between a first operable configuration and a second operable

configuration wherein:

in the first operable configuration the dc-to-ac inverter operates to provide

output ac electrical current when voltage across the battery is greater than a first pre

determined set point value; and

in a second operable configuration, the dc-to-ac inverter operates to provide

output ac electrical current when voltage across the battery is greater than a second

pre-determined set point value whereby the second pre-determined set point value is

less than the first pre-determined set point value.

[008] In an embodiment, the portable solar energy generation and storage system

comprises a battery control circuit for electrically isolating the batteries in the energy

storage module from the one or more dc-to-ac inverters when voltage across the

batteries drops below a pre-determined set point value.

[009] In an embodiment, one or more of the side walls of the enclosure comprises a

recessed cavity for mounting said electrical outlets and switchgear for controlling

operation of the energy storage module and dc-to-ac inverter module.

[0010] In an embodiment, the portable solar energy generation and storage system

comprises wheels, preferably castor wheels, mounted onto the base for supporting

the enclosed housing during use.

[0011] In an embodiment, the one or more batteries are lithium-ion batteries.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be

discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient

information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed

Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of

the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number

of drawings as follows:

Figure 1 is a circuit diagram of a portable solar energy generation and storage

system 100.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Figures 1 illustrates the circuit diagram of a portable solar energy generation

and storage system 100. The system 100 comprises solar panels 110A and 11OB

with an array of solar cells mounted to a frame supporting each panel. The solar

cells are photovoltaic cells, which convert sunlight directly into electrical power. The

solar cells are connected in combinations to produce the solar panels 110 capable of

generating the required voltage and current for charging a batteries 120 located in

the energy storage and conversion unit 150. The solar panels 110 are connected to

the energy storage and conversion unit 150 through a two-conductor jacketed supply cord that terminates in a connector that releasably mates with a connector 115 disposed on an outer wall of the energy storage and conversion unit 150.

[0014] Referring to Figures 2 to 5, the system 100 comprises an enclosed housing

200 comprising a base 210 with side walls 220 extending therefrom and a top wall

230 adapted to be positioned over the side walls 220 to provide an enclosed internal

volume that forms the enclosure provided by the enclosed housing 200. The

enclosure 200 presents a compact and portable configuration for the energy

generation and storage system 100. The top wall 230 is hingedly affixed to one of

the side walls 220 to allow a user to access the internal components positioned

within the enclosed housing 200. The housing 200 is also provided with a plurality of

castor wheels 255 to enable the housing 200 to be easily transported over short

distances.

[0015]The enclosed housing 200 comprises the connector 115 that are mounted on

the side walls 220 of the enclosed housing 200 (See Figure 3) for electrically

coupling the solar panels 110 to a charge controller 130 (that includes a charge

relay) located within the housing 200 for regulating the flow of dc current from the

solar panel. The energy storage module for the system 100 comprising one or more

lithium ion batteries 120 that are electrically connected to the charge controller 130

to allow the batteries to be charged when the photovoltaic cells of the solar panels

110 generate dc electrical energy.

[0016] The enclosed housing 200 also comprises a dc-to-ac inverter module 150

comprising two dc-to-ac inverters 150A and 150B. Each of the inverters 150A and

150B comprises a respective input terminal being arranged for receiving dc electrical energy from the photo-voltaic cells of the solar panels 110 and/or the batteries 120 from the energy storage module. Output terminals 154 for providing ac electrical current associated with each of the two inverters 150A and 150B are mounted within a recessed cavity of the enclosure 200 (See Figure 5) which is accessible from outside the enclosure. In the preferred embodiment, a lockable cover 155 may be provided with a lock to control access to the output terminals (See Figures 2 and 5).

Each of the outlets associated with the respective inverters 150A and 150B may be

electrically connected with residual current devices (RCD-20A) that would

immediately stop ac current output from the associated outlets if there is an electrical

fault.

[0017]The system 100 also includes a system controller 160 being electrically

connected with the charge controller 130 and the inverter module 150 wherein the

system controller 160 comprises a voltage controller which monitors the voltage

across the batteries 120 in the energy storage module. A first electrical circuit is

provided to interrupt the flow of dc current between the batteries 120 and the inverter

module 150 when dc voltage across the one or more batteries drops below a first

predefined set point. In the preferred embodiment, 16 units of 100Ah lithum ion

batteries are used. In the preferred embodiment, if the voltage across the batteries

120 drops below 49V then the flow of dc current from the batteries to the inverters

150 is interrupted. Similarly, a second electrical circuit in conjunction with the system

controller 160 is provided to interrupt flow of dc current from the photovoltaic cells to

the batteries when the dc voltage across the one or more batteries exceeds a

second predefined set point. In the preferred embodiment, charging of the batteries

120 is interrupted when the system controller 160 when voltage across the batteries

120 exceeds 53V. In addition, a main switch 125 is also provided to electrically

isolate the batteries 120 from any of the electrical circuitry of the system 100.

[0018] The system 100 further comprises controlling circuitry arranged in connection

with the system controller 160 to selectively disconnect one of the two dc-to-ac

inverters 150. Specifically, the circuitry allows only one of the inverters (150A or

150B) to be operational for providing ac electrical output via their respective outlets.

[0019]The system 100 further comprises controlling circuitry comprising a control

switch 180 coupled with one of the dc-to-ac inverters, namely inverter 150B, to

operate the dc-to-ac inverter 150B between two separate operating configurations. In

the first operable configuration the dc-to-ac inverter 150B operates to provide output

ac electrical current when voltage across the battery 120 is greater than a first pre

determined set point value. By way of example, the controlling circuitry may form a

part of the system controller 160 and allow the inverter 150B to operate when the

voltage across the batteries 120 is greater than 53V. In other words, the inverter

150B, in the first operating configuration would provide ac electrical output only when

excess power is available once the batteries 120 have been charged. In the second

operating configuration, the inverter 150B may operate to provide output ac electrical

current when voltage across the battery is greater than a second pre-determined set

point value whereby the second pre-determined set point value is less than the first

pre-determined set point value. In an embodiment, the second pre-determined set

point value may be set at 49V such that inverter 150B is operational for normal loads

and is able to draw current from the batteries 120 unless the voltage across the

battery drops significantly below a critical level (49V in the preferred embodiment).

The control switch 180 may be provided at an accessible location relative to the outer walls of the enclosed housing 200 to allow the user to switch between the first and second operating configurations. Advantageously, outlets associated with the second inverter 150B may be provided with specific indicia so that the user can identify and use these marked outlets specifically for non-essential loads (particularly when the inverter 150B is operating only when excess power is available).

[0020] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language

more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term "comprises" and

its variations, such as "comprising" and "comprised of" is used throughout in an

inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features.

[0021] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features

shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of

putting the invention into effect.

[0022] The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within

the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in

the art.

Claims

1. A portable solar energy generation and storage system, the system

comprising:

one or more solar panels having an array of photovoltaic cells for converting light

energy into dc electrical energy;

an enclosed housing comprising a base with side walls extending therefrom and a

top wall adapted to be positioned over the side walls to provide an enclosed internal

volume;

the enclosed housing comprising:

one or more couplers for electrically coupling the solar panels to a charge

controller located within the housing for regulating the flow of dc current from the

solar panel; and

an energy storage module comprising one or more batteries being electrically

connected to the charge controller to allow the batteries to be charged when the

photovoltaic cells generate dc electrical energy;

a dc-to-ac inverter module comprising at least one dc-to-ac inverter, each

inverter comprising:

at least one input terminal being arranged for receiving dc electrical energy

from the photo-voltaic cells and/or the batteries; and

at least one output terminals located along an outer surface of the housing for

providing ac electrical current for powering electrical appliances;

a system controller being electrically connected with the charge controller and

the inverter module wherein the system controller comprises: a first electrical circuit to interrupt the flow of dc current between the batteries and the inverter module when dc voltage across the one or more batteries drops below a first predefined set point; and a second electrical circuit to interrupt flow of dc current from the photovoltaic cells to the batteries when the dc voltage across the one or more batteries exceeds a second predefined set point.

2. A portable solar energy generation and storage system wherein the top wall is

hingedly affixed to a top portion of said side walls to for providing access into the

internal volume of the enclosed housing.

3. A portable solar energy generation and storage system wherein the dc-to-ac

inverter module comprises at least a first dc-to-ac inverter and a second dc-ac

inverter, the system further comprising controlling circuitry to selectively disconnect

any one of said dc-to-ac inverters whilst the other of said dc-to-ac inverters are

electrically connected to the battery and the photovoltaic cells.

4. A portable solar energy generation and storage system in accordance with

any one of the preceding claims wherein the electrical ac outlets of at least one of

the dc-to-ac inverters are provided with indicia to provide a subset of electrical

outlets that are differentiated from the electrical outlets of the other dc-to-ac

inverters.

5. A portable solar energy generation and storage system in accordance with

any one of the preceding claims further comprising inverter controlling circuitry comprising a switch coupled with one of the dc-to-ac inverters to operate said one of the dc-to-ac inverter between a first operable configuration and a second operable configuration wherein: in the first operable configuration the dc-to-ac inverter operates to provide output ac electrical current when voltage across the battery is greater than a first pre determined set point value; and in a second operable configuration, the dc-to-ac inverter operates to provide output ac electrical current when voltage across the battery is greater than a second pre determined set point value whereby the second pre-determined set point value is less than the first pre-determined set point value.

6. A portable solar energy generation and storage system in accordance with

any one of the preceding claims comprising a battery control circuit for electrically

isolating the batteries in the energy storage module from the one or more dc-to-ac

inverters when voltage across the batteries drops below a pre-determined set point

value.

7. A portable solar energy generation and storage system in accordance with

any one of the preceding claims wherein one or more of the side walls of the

enclosure comprises a recessed cavity for mounting said electrical outlets and

switchgear for controlling operation of the energy storage module and dc-to-ac

inverter module.

8. A portable solar energy generation and storage system in accordance with

any one of the preceding claims further comprising wheels, preferably castor wheels,

mounted onto the base for supporting the enclosed housing during use.

9. A portable solar energy generation and storage system in accordance with

any one of the preceding claims wherein the one or more batteries are lithium ion

batteries.

2021101825

130 110A 150A

120 150B 110B

160

FIGURE 1

230 155

200

220

210 255

FIGURE 2

150

FIGURE 3

FIGURE 4

155

FIGURE 5 180