AU2021104142A4 - Apparatus for powering an electrical load - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for powering an electrical load comprises a container having a prime mover and a generator housed inside of the container. The prime mover is operatively configured to drive the generator and the generator is connectable to the electrical load. The apparatus also comprises a solar assembly attached to the container, wherein the solar assembly comprises a plurality of solar panels connectable to the electrical load. The solar panels are actuable between a retracted condition and an extended condition. In the retracted condition, the solar panels are disposed inwardly toward the container. In the extended condition, the solar panels are arranged generally end-to-end and outwardly extend away from the container in a pair of opposed directions. 1/6 1 7 105 0 2 FIG.I1

Description

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APPARATUS FOR POWERING AN ELECTRICAL LOAD

Field

[0001] The present invention relates to electrical power generation and, more particularly, to an apparatus for powering an electrical load.

Background

[0002] A variety of electrically powered devices and machines are commonly used in remote locations in industry. For example, electric submersible pumps (ESPs), which commonly contain alternating current (AC) induction motors, are used to pump groundwater in mining and construction projects. When a grid-based supply of electricity is not available to power the pumps, electricity must be created and supplied locally using an electric generator assembly. A generator assembly may comprise a prime mover, such as an internal combustion engine or gas turbine, mechanically coupled to a generator, such as to an alternator, to produce AC power.

[0003] Electric generator assemblies consume substantial quantities of fuel, such as diesel or natural gas, which is expensive to procure and transport. If electric power for a mining or construction project can only be supplied using fossil fuel-based generators, then the running of these generators can constitute a substantial operating expense of the project. Further, if fuel supply is restricted for any reason then this can result in project downtime and delay. Fossil fuel-based generators are also environmentally unfriendly. Renewable energy generators, such as solar generators, may be used to power electrical loads but only when the weather or relevant environmental conditions are favorable. If a renewable generator is only capable of supplying some, but not all, of the power necessary to operate an electrical load, then the generator becomes effectively redundant and a fossil fuel-based generator must be used instead. Swapping between renewable and non-renewable generators is time consuming and does not allow electrical loads, such as ESPs and other motor-driven devices, to be powered in a fuel efficient manner.

[0004] It is to be understood that, if any prior art is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary

[0005] According to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for powering an electrical load, comprising: a container having a prime mover and a generator housed inside of the container, wherein the prime mover is operatively configured to drive the generator and wherein the generator is connectable to the electrical load; and a solar assembly attached to the container, wherein the solar assembly comprises a plurality of solar panels connectable to the electrical load, and wherein the solar panels are actuable between a retracted condition and an extended condition, wherein in the retracted condition the solar panels are disposed inwardly toward the container, and wherein in the extended condition the solar panels are arranged generally end-to-end and outwardly extend away from the container in a pair of opposed directions.

[0006] The solar panels also may be actuable between the retracted condition and a stowed condition, wherein in the stowed condition the solar panels are disposed inside of the container.

[0007] The solar assembly may be mounted onto the container by an actuable support arrangement, wherein the actuable support arrangement is configured such that the solar panels are tiltable relative to the container when they are in the extended condition.

[0008] The actuable support arrangement may be configured such that the solar panels are rotatable about a vertical axis relative to the container when they are in the extended condition.

[0009] The apparatus may comprise a sun sensor and a system controller, wherein the system controller is connected to the sun sensor and to the actuable support arrangement, the system controller being configured to adjust a tilt angle of the solar panels, and to adjust a rotational orientation of the solar panels relative to the vertical axis, using the actuable support arrangement in response to information received from the sun sensor.

[0010] The prime mover may comprise an engine and the generator may comprise an alternator, wherein the alternator is mechanically coupled to the engine for generating and supplying a first alternating current to the electrical load.

[0011] The alternator may comprise a voltage regulator, such as an excitation controller, operatively configured to control a voltage of the first alternating current, and the engine may comprise a throttle controller for controlling a rotational speed of the engine and, therefore, frequency of the first alternating current.

[0012] The solar assembly may comprise a DC-to-AC converter for converting DC electrical power generated by the solar panels into a second alternating current to be supplied to the electrical load.

[0013] The apparatus may also comprise a control system connected to the throttle controller, voltage regulator and DC-to-AC converter, wherein the control system is configured to: control the frequency and the voltage of the first alternating current supplied to the electrical load by controlling, respectively, the throttle controller and the voltage regulator; and control the frequency and the voltage of the second alternating current supplied to the electrical load by controlling the DC-to-AC converter.

[0014] The control system may be configured to optimise relative amounts of the first alternating current and second alternating current supplied to the electrical load based on load conditions of the electrical load and operating characteristics of the prime mover and solar assembly to minimise fuel consumption of the prime mover.

[0015] The control system may cause the generator and DC-to-AC converter to operate synchronously such that the first and second alternating currents are in phase with each other.

[0016] The control system may implement a control mode wherein either only the first alternating current or only the second alternating current is supplied to the electrical load.

[0017] The DC-to-AC converter may include an inverter for converting the DC electrical power generated by the solar panels into the second alternating current, and a variable speed drive for controlling the frequency and voltage of the second alternating current.

[0018] The variable speed drive may comprise: a rectifier for converting the second alternating current into an unfiltered direct current; a filter for transforming the unfiltered direct current into a smoothed direct current; and a second inverter for converting the smoothed direct current into an alternating current to be supplied to the electrical load.

[0019] The solar assembly may comprise at least one battery charged by the solar panels, and the control system may be configured to cause electricity stored in the battery to be supplied to the inverter.

[0020] The solar assembly may comprise a regulator connected between the solar panels and the inverter for controlling the DC electrical power supplied to the inverter.

[0021] The electrical load may be an electric motor.

[0022] The system may comprise a storage device coupled to the control system that stores at least one set point relating to an operating environment or condition of the electric motor. In response to receiving signals from one or more sensors connected to the control system, the control system may automatically vary the rotational speed of the electric motor to maintain the set point.

[0023] The electric motor may drive a pump, such as a submersible pump, and the set point may relate to an operating environment or condition of the pump.

[0024] The control system may be configured to vary the rotational speed of the electric motor in response to feedback received from one or more motor sensors connected to the control system that measure operating conditions of the electric motor.

[0025] The motor sensors may comprise a temperature sensor for measuring an operating temperature of the electric motor.

[0026] The apparatus may comprise a communications interface for connecting the control system to a control center or device that is remote from the apparatus, and the control system may be configured to send and receive data to and from the control center or device relating to operation of the system via the communications interface.

[0027] The control system may be configured to operate in accordance with control instructions received from the control center or device via the communications interface.

[0028] The control system may be configured to transmit data relating to operating conditions or parameters of the apparatus to the control center or device via the communications interface.

[0029] The control system may be configured to transmit warnings or alerts to the control center or device via the communications interface, wherein the warnings or alerts relate to operating conditions of the apparatus.

[0030] The control system may be configured to transmit the warnings or alerts when the control system predicts when the operating conditions of the apparatus may occur or arise.

[0031] The control system may be configured to predict when the operating conditions of the apparatus may occur or arise based on a mode of operation and/or duration of operation of the apparatus tracked by the control system.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0032] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side elevation view of an apparatus for powering an electrical load according to an example embodiment of the invention; Figure 2A is a side elevation view of the apparatus, wherein solar panels of the apparatus are in an extended condition; Figure 2B is a side elevation view of the apparatus, wherein the solar panels are in a partially retracted condition; Figure 2C is a side elevation view of the apparatus, wherein the solar panels are in a fully retracted condition; Figure 3A is a side elevation view of the apparatus, wherein the solar panels are in a partially stowed condition; Figure 3B is a side elevation view of the apparatus, wherein the solar panels are in a partially stowed condition; Figure 3C is a side elevation view of the apparatus, wherein the solar panels are in a partially stowed condition; Figure 3D is a side elevation view of the apparatus, wherein the solar panels are in a fully stowed condition; Figure 4A is a side elevation view of the apparatus, wherein the solar panels are fully extended and shown tilted relative to a container of the apparatus toward a first direction; Figure 4B is a side elevation view of the apparatus, wherein the solar panels are shown tilted relative to the container toward a second direction; Figure 4C is a plan view of the apparatus with the solar panels fully extended; Figure 4D is a plan view of the apparatus, wherein the solar panels are shown rotated relative to the container about a vertical axis;

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of electrical and mechanical components included in a solar power system and a generator system included in the apparatus; Figure 6A is a side elevation view of an apparatus for powering an electrical load according to a further example embodiment of the invention, wherein solar panels of the apparatus are in an extended condition; Figure 6B is a side elevation view of the apparatus of Figure 6A, wherein the solar panels are in a partially retracted condition; and Figure 6C is a side elevation view of the apparatus of Figure 6A, wherein the solar panels are in a fully retracted condition.

Description of Embodiments

[0033] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, an example embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus 1 for powering an electrical load 2. The apparatus 1 comprises a container 3 having a prime mover 4 and a generator 5 housed inside of the container 3, wherein the prime mover 4 is operatively configured to drive the generator 5 and wherein the generator 5 is connectable to the electrical load 2. The apparatus 1 also comprises a solar assembly 7 attached to the container 3, wherein the solar assembly 7 comprises a plurality of solar panels 8 connectable to the electrical load 2. The solar panels 8 are actuable between a retracted condition and an extended condition. In the retracted condition, the solar panels 8 are disposed inwardly toward the container 3, as depicted in Figure 2C. In the extended condition, the solar panels 8 are arranged generally end-to-end and outwardly extend away from the container 3 in a pair of opposed directions, as depicted in Figure 2A.

[0034] More particularly, the solar panels 8 may also be actuable from the retracted condition (as shown in Figure 2C) into a stowed condition (as shown in Figure 3D). When in the stowed condition, the solar panels 8 are housed inside of the container 3. The solar panels 8 may be provided with a set of linear tracks and carriage assemblies (not shown) that enable the panels 8 to slide telescopically relative to one another back and forth between the extended and retracted condition. The solar assembly 7 may include a set of servo motors, such as rotary actuator servo motors or linear actuator servo motors, that cause the panels 8 to slide automatically in a controlled manner. Sensors may be coupled to the servo motors and/or panels 8 to provide position feedback. A servo controller may be used to control the servo motors in response to the position feedback and, therefore, to actuate the panels 8 by closed-loop control.

[0035] As best shown in Figure 3A, the solar panels 8 may comprise a pair of outwardly-extendable wing panel sections (8.1, 8.2). The wing panel sections 8.1, 8.2 may each be pivotably connected to a single solar panel section 6 that is disposed between the two wing sections 8.1, 8.2 and held elevated above the container 3 by a support arrangement. Once the panels 8 on each of the wing sections 8.1, 8.2 have been slid into the retracted condition, the wing sections 8.1, 8.2 may then be pivoted in a downward direction relative to the centre panel 6. This allows the solar panels 8 to be lowered down into the container 3 as shown in Figures 3B through to 3D. Once inside the container 3, the panels 8 are advantageously shielded from the external environment and allow the apparatus 1 to be conveniently transported and stored. The apparatus 1 may be provided with a set of linear actuators, such as hydraulic or pneumatic actuators, for pivoting the wing sections 8.1, 8.2 and for lowering and raising the panels 8 into and out of the container 3 respectively.

[0036] The support arrangement that holds the solar assembly 7 elevated above the container 3 may be actuable such that the solar panels 8 may be tilted relative to the container 3 together when the panels 8 are in their fully extended condition. For example, Figures 4A and 4B show the solar panels 8 being titled in clockwise and anti-clockwise directions respectively. The actuable support arrangement may also be configured such that the solar panels 8 are rotatable together about a vertical axis relative to the container 3 when the panels 8 are fully extended. For example, Figure 4D shows the solar panels 8 tilted slightly clockwise about the vertical axis. The apparatus 1 may comprise a sun sensor and a system controller (not shown) for automatically tilting and rotating the solar panels 8. In one example, the system controller may be connected to the sun sensor and to the actuable support arrangement and be configured to adjust the tilt angle of the solar panels 8 and the rotational orientation of the solar panels 8 relative to the vertical axis automatically in response to information received from the sun sensor. In this configuration, the apparatus 1 advantageously directs the solar panels 8 to face the sun on an automatic basis to optimise the usage of solar light energy during use.

[0037] In the examples depicted in Figures 1 to 4, when the solar panels 8 are fully extended they provide a canopy that extends over the container 3. The canopy shields the container 3 from the sun and ensures that the container 3 is kept in shade which advantageously assists to keep the prime mover 4 and generator 5 cool during use. The container 3 may comprise one or more vents provided in a side of the container 3 to allow air to circulate into and out the container 3 to further help keep the prime mover 4 and generator 5 cool during use.

[0038] The apparatus 1 may be used to generate and supply power to a range of electrical loads used at remote locations when a grid-based power supply is not readily available. For example, in Figure 1 the apparatus 1 is shown being used to provide power to an ESP 2 that is deployed in a borehole at a mining or construction site. The ESP 2 may be powered by the apparatus 1 and used to remove groundwater from the local water table surrounding the borehole. The apparatus 1 may be provided with a power outlet 9 that electrical power produced by the solar panels 8 and the generator 8 is supplied to. One or more electrical cables may be connected to the power outlet 9 to supply the power to the ESP 2.

[0039] Referring to Figure 5, in embodiments the solar panels 8, prime mover 4 and generator 5 may form part of a hybrid power generation system 10 included in the apparatus 1 that can be used to power and control an electrical load, such as an electric motor 12. The system 10 may comprise a generator assembly 14 that comprises the prime mover 4 and the generator 5. More particularly, the prime mover 4 and the generator 5 may comprise, respectively, an engine 16 and an alternator 18 mechanically coupled to the engine 16 for supplying a first alternating current to the electric motor 12. The alternator 18 may have a voltage regulator 20, which may comprise an excitation controller, operatively configured to control a voltage of the first alternating current. The engine 16 may comprise a throttle controller 22 for controlling a rotational speed of the engine 16 and, therefore, frequency of the first alternating current produced by the alternator 18.

[0040] The system 10 may also comprise a solar power system 24, that includes the solar panels 8, for supplying a second alternating current to the electric motor 12. The system 10 may also comprise a control system 26 that is connected to the generator assembly 14 and to the solar power system 24. The control system 26 may be configured to control a rotational speed of the electric motor 12 by (i) controlling the frequency and the voltage of the first alternating current supplied to the motor 12 by controlling, respectively, the throttle controller 22 and the voltage regulator 20, and (ii) controlling the frequency and the voltage of the second alternating current supplied to the motor 12 by controlling the solar system 24.

[0041] More particularly, the solar power system 24 may comprise the solar panels 8 that operate to generate electric power independently of the generator assembly 14. This electric power produced by the solar power system 24 may be supplied to the electric motor 12 in the form of the second alternating current. The solar power system 24 may comprise a variable speed drive (VSD) 28 to control the frequency and voltage of the second alternating current supplied to the electric motor 12. The VSD 28 may comprise a pulse width modulation (PWM) circuit with the following internal components (not shown): (i) an AC to DC rectifier for converting the second alternating current generated by the solar power system 24 into an unfiltered direct current, (ii) a filter for transforming the unfiltered direct current into a smoothed/filtered direct current and (iii) a DC to AC inverter for converting the smoothed/filtered direct current back into an alternating current that is output from the VSD 18 and supplied to the electric motor 12. The rectifier may comprise a diode bridge circuit and the filter may comprise a capacitor bank. The inverter may comprise transistors that are configured to implement a PWM process that outputs the alternating current from the VSD 28 at a particular frequency and voltage as determined by the control system 26.

[0042] The throttle controller 22 of the generator assembly 14 may comprise an actuated governor or, as depicted in FIG. 5, an engine control unit (ECU) 22 that controls electrically the fuel supplied to the engine 16 to control the speed of the engine 16. The control system 26 may send control signals to the ECU 22 to vary the speed of the engine 16 and, consequently, the frequency of the first alternating current that is generated by the alternator 18. The AC voltage regulator 20 may comprise an excitation controller or system that is provided with field coils. An excitation current, typically a direct current, flowing through the field coils determines the voltage of the alternating current that is generated by the alternator 18. The voltage regulator 20 may be operatively configured to receive control signals from the control system 26 and then control the excitation current on an automatic basis so that the first alternating current output from the alternator 18 has the required voltage. In this configuration, the control system 26 uses the throttle control and the voltage regulator 20, together, to control the final frequency and voltage of the first alternating current that is received by the electric motor 12 to, therefore, control the operating speed of the electric motor 12.

[0043] The solar power system 24 may comprise an inverter 32 to convert DC electricity produced by the solar panels 8 into AC electricity that is supplied to the VSD 28. The solar power system 24 may also comprise at least one battery 34 that is charged by the solar panels 8. Electrical power stored in the battery 34 may be used to supply DC power to the inverter 32 when the control system 26 determines that the solar panels 8 are incapable of supplying the necessary electric power to operate the electric motor 12 at a required speed. The solar power system 24 may also comprise a regulator 42 that is connected between the solar cells 8 and the inverter 32 for controlling the direct current supplied to the inverter 32.

[0044] The control system 26 may comprise a processor, a programmable logic controller (PLC), a programmable logic array (PLA) or similar electronic controller device. The control system 26 may comprise a single integrated electronic controller device or multiple controller devices (including multiple processors or PLAs) connected together via a network, buses or similar communication system. In examples where the control system 26 comprises a processor, the processor may be a device capable of executing instructions encoding arithmetic, logical and/or 1/O operations and includes both a physical and a virtual processor. The processor may, for example, comprise an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a control unit and a plurality of registers. The processor may comprise a single core processor capable of executing one instruction at a time (or process a single pipeline of instructions) or a multi-core processor which simultaneously executes multiple instructions. The processor may be implemented as a single integrated circuit, two or more integrated circuits, or may be a component of a multi-chip module.

[0045] The various internal components that are included in the generator assembly 14 and solar power system 24 may each be sized and rated such that the system 10 is capable of supplying the necessary power required by the electric motor 12 based on its speed and torque requirements. For example, where the electric motor 12 is used to drive an ESP deployed in a borehole for groundwater control, the system 10 may be capable of supplying a total of between 22 and 150 kilowatts (kW) of power to the electric motor 12.

[0046] The control system 26 may implement a fuel optimization algorithm that controls the extent or ratio at which the first and second alternating currents are supplied to the electric motor 12 by, respectively, the generator assembly 14 and solar power system 24. The algorithm may perform this algorithm in real time, or near real time, based on the current load conditions and demands of the electric motor 12 and the current operating characteristics and conditions of the generator assembly 14 and solar power system 24. The algorithm may balance the first and second alternating currents such that the necessary power is supplied to the electric motor 12 in the most efficient way possible that minimises fuel consumption of the engine 16.

[0047] For example, the solar power system 24 may be capable of generating and supplying a maximum of 50 kW of electric power. The generator assembly 14 may be capable of generating and supplying a maximum of 100 kW of power. If the electric motor 12 requires 120 kW of electric power to operate, in optimal weather conditions the control system 26 may cause the solar power system 24 to supply 50 kW of power and the generator assembly 14 to supply 70 kW of power. This ensures that the solar generator 24 is used to its maximum advantage and minimises fuel consumption of the engine 16. In sub-optimal weather conditions, the control system 26 may cause the solar power system 24 to supply 20 kW of power and the generator assembly 14 to supply 100 kW of power.

[0048] In examples where both the first and second alternating currents are supplied to the electric motor 12 (i.e., the two currents are combined together), the control system 26 may cause the generator assembly 14 and the solar power system 24 to operate synchronously such that the two alternating currents are in phase with each other. In other examples, the control system 26 may implement a control mode wherein either only the first alternating current or only the second alternating current is supplied to the electric motor 12 on a selective basis. The control system 26 may execute this control mode for a variety of reasons, including because the generator assembly 14 or solar power system 24 has run out of fuel or is incapable of operating. The control system 26 may control whether only the first alternating current or only the second alternating current is supplied to the electric motor 12 automatically or in response to an instruction issued to the control system 26 by a human operator using an input device.

[0049] A storage device 36 may also be coupled to the control system 26. The storage device 36 may comprise a volatile or non-volatile memory device, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM or flash memory, a magnetic or optical disk, a network attached storage (NAS) device or any other device capable of storing data. The storage device 36 may be integral with the control system 26 or it may be an external storage device in communication with the control system 26 via a wired or wireless communication means such as, for example, a USB cable, optical fibre, ethernet or WiFi.

[0050] The storage device 36 may store at least one set point relating to an operating environment of the electric motor 12. Further, in response to receiving signals from one or more environment sensors (not shown) connected to the control system 26, the control system 26 may automatically vary the rotational speed of the electric motor 12 to maintain the set point. For example, the electric motor 12 may drive a pump such as an ESP deployed in a borehole for controlling ground water. The set point may relate to an operating environment or condition of the pump, such as a constant fluid flow rate, fluid pressure or fluid level of the borehole in which the ESP is operating. In examples where the set point relates to a constant fluid level, if the fluid level in the borehole rises above the set level in use, the control system 26 may automatically increase the speed of the motor 12 so that the ESP works harder to bring the fluid level down to the set level (and vice versa if the fluid level falls below the set level). The one or more sensors may comprise a fluid pressure sensor, fluid flow rate sensor, fluid level sensor, temperature sensor, mechanical vibration sensor or any other type of sensor that provides information allowing the relevant set point to be maintained. In examples where a fluid level set point needs to be maintained, such as a level of water in a borehole, the sensor may be a hydrostatic sensor that operates by measuring a fluid pressure indicative of the relevant fluid level. The sensor may also be a guided radar device, an ultrasonic device, a magnetostrictive level transmitter or a conductivity sensor when required to measure a fluid level.

[0051] The control system 26 may also control the rotational speed of the electric motor 12 in response to feedback received from one or more sensors that measure operating conditions of the electric motor 12. The sensors may, for example, comprise a temperature sensor that measures an operating temperature of the electric motor 12 or a vibration sensor that measures mechanical vibrations of the electric motor 12.

[0052] In one example, the control system 26 may be configured to implement a safety feature wherein the speed of the electric motor 12 is reduced when a temperature sensor installed in the motor 12 indicates that the temperature of the motor 12 has met or exceeded a particular maximum value set by an operator of the system 10. The temperature sensor may, for example, comprise a positive temperature coefficient resistor, or similar temperature measuring device, communicatively coupled to the control system 26. The control system 26 may also be configured to stop the electric motor 12 altogether when the maximum temperature value is exceeded.

[0053] The control signals that are issued by the control system 26 to the various components of the system 10 connected to the control system 26 may comprise digital control signals. For example, the system 10 may comprise a communications bus connecting the control system 26 to the components and the control signals may comprise digital machine code instructions transmitted via the communications bus. In other examples, the control system 26 may be connected to the components via an internal packet-switched network and the control signals may comprise data packets transmitted over the network. The internal network may be a controller area network that implements an industry standard message-based protocol such as CANbus or Modbus. In other examples, the control system 26 may be configured to issue analogue control signals, such as reference voltages, to the components.

[0054] The system 10 may also comprise a communications interface 38 for connecting the control system 26 to a control center or device that is remote from the control system 26. For example, the communications interface 38 may comprise a radio transceiver or network interface that enables a remote control device to be connected via a LAN, WAN, WLAN, the Internet, cellular or mobile network or other computer or digital network. The control system 26 may be connectable to an individual remote control device that comprises a touch-screen display, or similar electronic user interface, that enables a human operator to set, activate and monitor the operation of the system 10. In other examples, the control system 26 may be connectable to a remote control centre that contains various UI control devices that human operators may use to control the system 10.

[0055] The control system 26 may also be configured to transmit data relating to operating conditions or parameters of the system 10 to the remote control center or device. This enables the operation and performance of the system 10 to be monitored and assessed during use. The control system 26 may also be configured to operate in accordance with control instructions received from the remote control center or device via the communications interface 38. For example, the user control center or device may be used by an operator to set and store a particular set point on the storage device 36 and cause the control system 26 to operate in accordance with a control mode corresponding to the set point. For example, if the motor 12 is used to drive an ESP, the operator may store a constant water flow rate in the storage device 36 and cause the control system 26 to enter into a pump control mode wherein the speed of the ESP's electric motor is regulated by the control system 26 to maintain the constant flow rate during use.

[0056] The control system 26 may also be configured to transmit warnings or alerts relating to operating conditions of the system 10 to the remote control center or device via the communications interface 38. For example, the control system 26 may transmit an alert when the temperature of the electric motor 12 exceeds a particular operating range stored on the storage device 36. The control system 26 may also be configured to transmit warnings or alerts when it predicts when particular operating conditions of the system 10 may occur or arise in the future. The control system 26 may make such predictions based on the historical mode of operation and/or duration of operation of the system 10 that is tracked and recorded by the control system 26.

[0057] A circuit breaker (not shown) may be disposed between the system 10 and the connected electric motor 12 that prevents the electric motor 12 from drawing too much current from the system 10 during use. The control system 26 may be communicatively connected to the circuit breaker and configured to monitor and reset the circuit breaker in accordance with programmed logic executed by the control system 26 and/or operator instructions manually issued using the remote control centre or device.

[0058] The control system 26 may comprise a master controller 26 that is connected to first and second sub-controllers 46, 48. The first sub-controller 46 may be responsible for controlling the components included in the generator assembly 14 and the second sub-controller 48 may be responsible for controlling the components included in the solar power system 24. The two sub-controllers 46, 48 may receive instructions from the master controller 26 and, in turn, cause the generator assembly 14 and solar power system 24 to operate in accordance with the relevant instructions.

[0059] In other examples, the apparatus 10 may also comprise a wind turbine provided on the container 3 (not shown) or a thermoelectric generator (not shown) connected to the inverter 32 for generating additional electrical power that is also supplied to the motor 12. In examples where a thermoelectric generator is used, the thermoelectric generator may convert surplus heat created by the engine 16 or ambient heat of air surrounding the components of the system 10, and/or its supporting frame or housing, into direct current that is supplied to the inverter 32.

[0060] Referring to Figures 6A to 6C, a further example embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus 50 for powering an electrical load. The apparatus 50 comprises a container 52 having a prime mover 54 and a generator 56 housed inside of the container 52, wherein the prime mover 54 is operatively configured to drive the generator 56 and the generator 56 is connectable to the electrical load. The apparatus also comprises a solar assembly 58 attached to the container 52, wherein the solar assembly 58 comprises a plurality of solar panels 60 connectable to the electrical load. The solar panels 60 are actuable between a retracted condition and an extended condition. In the retracted condition, the solar panels 60 are disposed inwardly toward the container 52, as depicted in Figure 6C. In the extended condition, the solar panels are arranged generally end-to-end and outwardly extend away from the container 52 in a pair of opposed directions, as depicted in Figure 6A.

[0061] The solar panels 60 may be arranged as a pair of winged panel sections that are outwardly extendable away from the container 52 in opposed directions. The two winged panel sections may be pivotably connected to a base end of the container 52. In this configuration, the winged sections may be pivoted between a fully retracted condition, as shown in Figure 6C, and a partially retracted condition (or partially extended/deployed condition), as shown in Figure 6B. The panel sections 60 may also each be provided with a set of linear tracks and carriage assemblies (not shown) that enable the panels in each section 60 to slide relative to one another back and forth telescopically between the partially retracted condition (Figure 6B) and the extended condition (Figure 6A). The solar assembly 58 may include a set of servo motors that cause the panels 60 to slide in a controlled manner between the partially retracted and extended conditions. In the example depicted in FIGS. 6A to 6C, each of the two panel sections 60 comprises a total three solar panels. In other examples, however, a different number of panels may be provided in each section. For example, each section may comprise six panels to increase the total surface area of each section when fully extended and to ensure that any shade cast onto the panels by the container 52 does not materially affect the power generated by the panels.

[0062] In other examples, each panel section 60 may be detachable from the container 52 to allow the sections 60 to be moved away from the container 52, and extended, at positions that allow for optimum sunlight absorption. Each of the sections 60 may comprise power cabling to transfer the power generated by the solar panels back to the container 52. The apparatus 50 may also be provided with a pair of tracks (not shown) that can be detached from the container 52 and deployed on the ground adjacent to the container 52. The panel sections 60 may be slidably mounted onto the tracks to allow the sections 60 to be slid along the tracks into their optimal positions. The container 52 may also comprise solar cells built into its uppermost surface, and/or its sides, to supplement the power generated by the panel sections 60.

[0063] The solar assembly 58 may also include linear actuators for pivoting the solar panels 60 between the partially retracted and fully retracted conditions. In other examples, the panels 60 may be manually moveable back and forth in a sliding manner between the extended and partially retracted conditions, and manually pivotable between the partially retracted and fully retracted conditions, by operating personnel. In other examples, the apparatus 50 may only comprise one of the winged panel sections that is outwardly extendable (pivotably and/or telescopically) from one side of the container 52 in a manual or automatically-actuated manner.

[0064] Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods that are useful for powering and controlling electrical loads, including ESPs.

[0065] For the purpose of this specification, the word "comprising" means "including but not limited to", and the word "comprises" has a corresponding meaning.

[0066] The above embodiments have been described by way of example only and modifications are possible within the scope of the claims that follow.

Claims (5)

Claims

1. An apparatus for powering an electrical load, the apparatus comprising: a container having a prime mover and a generator housed inside of the container, wherein the prime mover is operatively configured to drive the generator and wherein the generator is connectable to the electrical load; and a solar assembly attached to the container, wherein the solar assembly comprises a plurality of solar panels connectable to the electrical load, and wherein the solar panels are actuable between a retracted condition and an extended condition, wherein in the retracted condition the solar panels are disposed inwardly toward the container, and wherein in the extended condition the solar panels are arranged generally end-to-end and outwardly extend away from the container in a pair of opposed directions.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the solar panels are actuable between the retracted condition and a stowed condition, wherein in the stowed condition the solar panels are disposed inside of the container.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the solar assembly is mounted onto the container by an actuable support arrangement, wherein the actuable support arrangement is configured such that the solar panels are tiltable relative to the container when in the extended condition.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the actuable support arrangement is configured such that the solar panels are rotatable about a vertical axis relative to the container when in the extended condition.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the apparatus comprises a sun sensor and a system controller, wherein the system controller is connected to the sun sensor and to the actuable support arrangement, the system controller being configured to adjust a tilt angle of the solar panels and a rotational orientation of the solar panels relative to the vertical axis automatically using the actuable support arrangement in response to information received from the sun sensor.

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FIG. 1 5 3

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