AU2021221723A1

AU2021221723A1 - Apparatus, System and Method for Off-Grid Facilities & Traffic Management

Info

Publication number: AU2021221723A1
Application number: AU2021221723A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Peter Robert Dodds; Christopher Mathew McVicar
Original assignee: Hyperion Technology Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Hyperion Technology Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2021-08-25
Filing date: 2021-08-25
Publication date: 2022-01-13
Also published as: AU2021107619A4; AU2021107620B4; AU2021107621B4; AU2021107619B4; AU2021107620A4; AU2021107621A4

Abstract

A system (5) for providing off-grid power. The system (5) may include at least one of a solar power generation means (16) and a wind power generation means (18), a structure (20) adapted to support and elevate the at least one solar and wind power generation means (16, 18) and powered equipment (21) relative to a ground surface, and a battery and control unit (12) in electrical communication with the at least one of a solar and wind power generation means (16, 18) and the powered equipment (21). The battery and control unit (12) includes a controller (43) and at least one battery (34), the controller (43) being configured to monitor one or more charge parameters associated with the at least one battery (34) and selectively operate the powered equipment (21) based on the one or more charge parameters. An apparatus, variations of the system and methods are also disclosed. 23

Description

Apparatus, System and Method for Off-Grid Facilities & Traffic Management

Technical Field

[001] The invention relates to an apparatus, system and method for off-grid traffic and facilities management. In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus, system and method adapted to manage off-grid power generation and consumption to enable functionality for a time period.

Background

[002] Facilities & traffic management systems may be required to perform a multitude of functions such as capturing images or video, providing light and providing communication.

[003] Such facilities & traffic management systems may need to be in areas with little or no infrastructure and may need to rely on power derived from off-grid sources such as batteries and alternative generated power sources such as solar power or wind power. Accordingly, such facilities & traffic management systems may need to be compact, robust, reliable and have the capability to function off-grid.

[004] In the event of poor weather conditions, such as low sunlight, rain or low wind, the systems may become low on power or even run out of power completely, especially if the poor weather conditions continue for a prolonged time period.

[005] The invention disclosed herein seeks to provide an apparatus and system for off grid traffic and facilities management with improved functionality and, in particular, the capability to provide and manage off-grid power for longer periods of time.

Summary

[006] In accordance with a first broad aspect there is provided, a system for providing off-grid power, the system including: at least one of a solar and a wind power generation means; a structure adapted to support and elevate the at least one solar and wind power generation means and powered equipment relative to a ground surface; and a battery and control apparatus in electrical communication with the at least one of a solar and wind power generation means and the powered equipment, wherein the battery and control apparatus includes a controller and at least one battery, the controller being configured to monitor one or more charge parameters associated with the at least one battery and selectively operate the powered equipment based on the one or more charge parameters.

[007] In an aspect, the controller is configured to selectively operate the powered equipment in one or more load shedding modes.

[008] In another aspect, the one or more load shedding modes includes an order of operational priority of the powered equipment.

[009] In yet another aspect, the order of operational priority of the powered equipment includes categorising powered equipment into at least one of an essential and non essential category.

[0010] In yet another aspect, one or more load shedding modes includes at least one of a normal mode, a reduced power mode and a critical power mode.

[0011] In yet another aspect, the one or more load shedding modes includes a normal mode and a poor weather mode.

[0012] In yet another aspect, the controller is configured to determine a poor weather condition based on received weather data from either local sensors or remotely.

[0013] In yet another aspect, in at least one of the reduced power mode and the critical power mode select ones of the powered equipment to be at least one of operated at a reduced power or switched off.

[0014] In yet another aspect, the battery and control apparatus includes further powered equipment, and is configured to selectively operate the further powered equipment based on the one or more charge parameters and one or more load shedding modes.

[0015] In yet another aspect, the controller is configured to compare the one or more charge parameters with corresponding predetermined charge values, and if the one or more charge parameters are below the predetermined charge values, the controller is configured to change to a lower power one of the load shedding modes.

[0016] In yet another aspect, the powered equipment includes one or more of a light, camera, an electronic sign and communication devices.

[0017] In yet another aspect, the one or more charge parameters include one or more of a current battery charge and an estimated battery charge.

[0018] In yet another aspect, the controller is configured to: compare the one or more charge parameters with corresponding predetermined charge values including a normal charge value, and determine an estimated charge condition parameter based on a weather data input, wherein if the one or more charge parameters are below the normal charge value and the weather data input indicates a forecast of low charge condition, the controller is configured to change to a lower power one of the load shedding modes.

[0019] In yet another aspect, the controller is configured to: compare the one or more charge parameters with corresponding predetermined charge values including a normal charge value and a critical charge value, and determine an estimated charge condition parameter based on a weather data input, wherein if the one or more charge parameters are below the normal charge value and above the critical charge value, and the weather data input indicates a forecast of high charge condition, the controller is configured to operate on a normal one of the load shedding modes.

[0020] In yet another aspect, the controller is configured to: Determine a forecasted charge parameter for a predetermined operating period; and compare a current power usage parameter with the forecasted charge parameter.

[0021] In accordance with a second broad aspect there is provided, a system for providing off-grid power, the system including: at least one of a solar and wind power generation means; a structure adapted to support and elevate the at least one solar and wind power generation means and powered equipment relative to a ground surface; and a battery and control apparatus in electrical communication with the at least one of a solar and wind power generation means and the powered equipment, wherein the battery and control apparatus includes a controller and at least one battery, the controller being configured to monitor one or more charge parameters associated with at least one battery and selectively operate the powered equipment based on the one or more charge parameters and an order of operational priority of the powered equipment.

[0022] In accordance with a third broad aspect there is provided, a method of power management of an off-grid system, the method including the steps of: monitoring one or more charge parameters associated with a battery of the off-grid system to determine charge level data; monitoring one or more weather parameters to determine forecast charge data; and determining an operating state based on at least the charge level data and forecast charge data, the operating state being at least one of a normal and a relatively lower power mode, wherein in the lower power mode selected powered equipment of the off-grid system is configured to be in at least one of a low power setting and switched off.

[0023] In an aspect, the method further includes the steps of: in the lower power mode, selecting powered equipment to be configured in at least one of a low power setting and switched off based on a selection criteria.

[0024] In another aspect, the selection criteria includes an order of operational priority of the powered equipment.

[0025] In yet another aspect, the selection criteria includes categorising powered equipment into at least one of an essential and non-essential category.

[0026] In yet another aspect, the predetermined settings include one or more of reduced power settings or being switched off.

[0027] In yet another aspect, the step of determining the operating state being at least one of the normal and the relatively lower power mode further includes: determining if the charge data indicates the battery charge is below a predetermined charge value and the forecast charge data indicates a low charge condition, and if so, changing the operating state to the lower power mode.

[0028] In accordance with a fourth broad aspect there is provided, an apparatus for providing off-grid power, the apparatus including: a pole structure including a common stem, a first generally vertical branch, and a second generally lateral branch; a solar panel supported by the first generally vertical branch, a wind generator supported by the second generally lateral branch, and power equipment support by one or more of the common stem, the first generally vertical branch, and the second generally lateral branch, and a battery and control apparatus in electrical communication with the panel, the wind generator and the powered equipment.

[0029] In accordance with a fifth broad aspect there is provided, an apparatus for providing off-grid power, the apparatus including: a pole structure including a common stem, a first generally vertical branch, and a second generally lateral branch; a solar panel supported by the first generally vertical branch, a wind generator supported by the second generally lateral branch, and power equipment support by one or more of the common stem, the first generally vertical branch, and the second generally lateral branch, and a battery and control apparatus in electrical communication with the panel, wind generator and the powered equipment, wherein the battery and control apparatus include a battery and a controller.

[0030] In accordance with a sixth broad aspect there is provided, a battery and control apparatus for an off-grid power system, the battery and control apparatus including a cabinet with a door, and a controller and battery bank housed by the cabinet, wherein the battery bank is carried by a sliding mechanism adapted to allow the battery bank to be moved between a stowed condition within the cabinet and a maintenance condition laterally of the stowed condition in which one or more batteries of the battery bank are accessible.

Brief Description of the Figures

[0031] The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, by reference to the accompanying figures, in which;

[0032] Figure 1 is a front perspective view illustrating an example of an apparatus

& system for traffic and facilities management;

[0033] Figure 2 is a rear perspective view illustrating the example of the apparatus

& system for traffic and facilities management;

[0034] Figure 3 is a side view illustrating the example of the apparatus & system for traffic and facilities management;

[0035] Figure 4 is a front perspective view illustrating a second example of a support pole for an apparatus & system for traffic and facilities management;

[0036] Figure 5 is a side view illustrating the second example of the support pole for the apparatus & system for traffic and facilities management;

[0037] Figure 6 is a front perspective view illustrating an example of a power and control unit of the apparatus & system for traffic and facilities management;

[0038] Figure 7 is another front perspective view illustrating the power and control unit;

[0039] Figure 8 is a front perspective view illustrating the power and control unit with some parts removed to reveal the internal configuration;

[0040] Figure 9 is a front view illustrating the power and control unit;

[0041] Figure 10 is a top view illustrating the power and control unit;

[0042] Figure 11 is a side view illustrating the power and control unit;

[0043] Figure 12 is a block diagram illustrating components of the apparatus and system; and

[0044] Figures 13a to 13f are a flow diagrams illustrating methods performed by software modules as executed by the system, the modules respectively including a real time and overall power usage module, a power generation module, a weather data module, a battery and load control module, detection model and a load shedding module.

Detailed Description

[0045] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 there is shown an example of a system 5 including apparatus 10 for traffic and facilities management. Such a system 5 may be installed at locations such as, but not limited to, roadside stops, boat ramps, car parks. The system may include multiples of the apparatus 10 installed nearby or at different locations that communicate and function together.

[0046] In this example, each apparatus 10 generally includes a battery and control unit 12 and an alternative power generation arrangement 14 which in this example includes a solar panel 16 and a wind turbine or generator 18 supported by a structure 20. A common ground structure 22 may also be provided with bollards 24 to protect the apparatus 10. The structure 20 may also support powered or electronic equipment 21 including cameras 26, 28 that may be, but not limited to, CCTV, Machine Vision and number plate recognition cameras respectively and an electronic sign 27. Other electronic equipment 21 such as radar, weather sensors or the like may also be provided.

[0047] It is noted that the alternative power generation arrangement 14 may be formed of multiple separate components and the battery and control unit 12 may be located away from the alternative power generation arrangement 14 on a separate ground structure (not shown). However, in this example, the battery and control unit 12 and the alternative power generation arrangement 14 are supported on the common ground structure 20.

[0048] The structure 20 includes a pole arrangement 21 including a common stem 23, a first generally vertical branch 25 and a second lateral branch 27. The solar panel 16 is supported atop the first generally vertical branch 25 and the wind turbine 18 is supported by the second lateral branch 27. The first generally vertical branch 25 enables the solar panel 16 to be positioned relatively higher than the second lateral branch 27 and the wind turbine 18. The second lateral branch 27 may include an elbow 20 and extend laterally of the first generally vertical branch 25 such that the wind turbine 18 is clear of and laterally offset from the first generally vertical branch 25. The lateral offset may be about between I to 10, preferably about 2 to 5 times the diameter of the vertical wind turbine 18. The height of the second lateral branch 27 may be, but not limited to, about at least about half of the height of the overall pole arrangement 21.

[0049] Figures 4 and 5 show another example of the structure 20 supporting the alternative power generation arrangement 14 which is more compact in comparison to the first example with a smaller solar panel 16 and less lateral distance to the wind turbine 18. Such an example could be placed away from the battery and control unit 12 and more than one of the structure 20 supporting the alternative power generation arrangement 14 may be associated with each battery and control unit 12. Thereby increasing the capacity of the alternative power generation arrangement 14.

[0050] Referring now to Figures 6 to lIthe battery and control unit 12 is shown in more detail. The battery and control unit 12 includes an enclosure or cabinet 30 with a door 29 in which a battery and control arrangement 32 is located. The enclosure 30 and door 29 may be arranged to seal and lock with one another. In more detail, the enclosure and door 29 include corresponding frames 31, 33 adapted to inter fit with one another and at least the door frame 33 carries a seal 35 and a locking mechanism (not shown) to secure and seal the door 29 in a locked condition. The enclosure 30 may include one or more vents 39 with filters (not shown).

[0051] The enclosure 30 supports one or more batteries 34 that in this example are supported on a slide out mechanism 36 (shown best in Figures 8 and 9) that enables the batteries 34 to be slid laterally outwardly for maintenance access or to change the batteries. The slide out mechanism 36 includes a tray 37 supported by rails 38 with sliding runners 40 located under the tray 37 that supports and allows all of the batteries 34 to be slid out together. The batteries 34 and/or slide out mechanism 36 may include a handle 41 and a further lock (not shown) to secure the batteries 34 within the enclosure 30.

[0052] In this example, the batteries 34 may include six batteries that are each 2 Volt direct current, 1000Ah batteries installed in series providing a 12 Volt direct current system. However, other numbers of batteries and configurations may be used. Each of the batteries 34 may be accessed and replaced when the slide out mechanism 36 is in an outward position.

[0053] Referring more specifically to Figures 8 and 9, the battery and control arrangement 32 further includes a fan 41, communication equipment including an antenna 40, a controller 43, a network switch 44, an antenna surge protector 45, a power over the ethernet injector 46 in communication with camera 28 and a surge protector 47, and solar/power equipment including a power regulator 42, a solar isolator 49, a battery isolator 50, load isolator 51, solar surge protection 52, fuse terminals 53, control relays 54, and, of course, the batteries 34. The components may be connected to via cables (not shown) within cable ducts 60.

[0054] Figure 12 illustrates a more detailed block diagram of the system 5 and apparatus 10 including additional features and the connection between the various components. Central to the system 5 is the controller 43 that interfaces between internal or onsite components and offset or remote components. The controller 43 includes a processor 43a, 43b and an input/output (I/O) interface 43c. The controller 43 is configured by software to perform the functions and methods as outlined herein.

[0055] The internal or onsite components that communicate with the controller 43 include the regulator 42 which is connected between the solar panels 16, wind power generator 18, the batteries 34 and the controller 43. A battery temperature sensors 62 is also provided in communication with the regulator 42 and ultimately provides battery temperatures to the controller 43. A local communication device 64 is also provided in communication with the controller 43 which may form part of the communication equipment for providing a local wireless connection point.

[0056] The controller 43 also interfaces with electronic or power equipment including the cameras 26, 28, a weather station 66 that may be configured to provide local temperature, light and wind data, the digital or electronic sign 27 and a streetlight 68 that may be a light emitting diode (LED) streetlight. The enclosure or cabinet 30, namely the battery and control arrangement 32 therein, may include sensors including a door switch 70, a temperature and humidity sensor 72, a vibrations sensor 74 and an accelerometer 76 and a smoke detector 78. These sensors are configured to monitor the conditions in which the batteries 34 are housed, and provide additional safety and security features such as the ability to detect an impact, or smoke.

[0057] The offset or remote components in communication with the controller 43 may include modem 80 in communication with a remote server 82, in this example a cloud server, via one or more of a wireless access network 84, satellite 86 and a wired network 88. The remote server 82 may enable access to one or more of weather data 90, further one of the system and apparatus 92, a client portal or computing device 94, a public accessible website 96 and public mobile application. The controller 43 may further communicate with an onsite public wireless internet (WiFi) device 97 and a further server 95 that may perform additional operations such as storing historical data and performing additional calculations such as estimated power usage.

[0058] Turning now to the operation of the system 5 and apparatus 10, being off-grid, the system 5 and apparatus 10 is configured to be able to manage the charge of the batteries 34 including the charging via the solar and wind generators 16, 18 and discharge to the consumption of power by various electronic and powered requirement. In particular, the system 5 and apparatus 10 are configured to manage charge levels of the batteries 34 to enable operation over a time period such as, but not limited to, 7 days in which the batteries 34 are not recharged. For example, 7 days of rain and no wind which would result in minimal recharging of the batteries 34.

[0059] To accommodate this time period, the system 5 and apparatus 10, more specifically the controller 43, is configured to monitor one or more charge parameters, such as, but not limited to, present charge level, current and estimated power usage, and estimated future power charging, associated with the batteries 34 and selectively operate the powered equipment based on the one or more charge parameters. The controller 43 is also configured to monitor weather data.

[0060] The selective operation may include the controller 43 selecting between one or more load shedding modes, as is further detailed below, and/or a ranking or categorisation of powered equipment based on importance of the powered equipment. For example, in a lower mode less important powered equipment may be put in a low power state or turned off and critical systems, such as the controller 43 itself, may be maintained in an operational state as is further detailed below. The operational modules performed by the controller 43 are now described in further detail with reference to Figures 13a to 13f which respectively show flow diagrams illustrating methods performed by software modules as executed by the controller 43.

[0061] The modules respectively including a real time and overall power usage module 100 shown in Figure 13a, a power generation module 200 shown in Figure 13b, a weather data module 300 shown in Figure 13c, a battery and load control module 400 shown in Figure 13d, a detection module 450 shown in Figure 13e, and a load shedding module 500 shown in Figure 13f. The system 5, namely the controller 43, functions in a real-time manner and continuously receives, processes, and assesses data whilst performing the various operations such as executing the methods shown in the software modules described below.

[0062] Referring to Table 1 below and Figure 13a, in the overall power usage module 100, the controller 43 is configured to determine and store a real-time power usage of all electronic components by a tally 102 of the current consumed over time. This data is continuously captured stored by the system 5 and provides power usage as a function of time, such as hourly or daily overall power usage. The overall power usage data may then be stored as a function of time at 104.

[0063] The electronic components may be ranked according to importance being critical, high priority, medium priority and low priority and associated with different load shedding modes as is further detailed below. Such a Table may be stored as a look up table or the like, and accessed by the controller 43 to determine the actions or settings in the various load shedding modes.

Description Critical Low/Critical Medium/Low Poor Weather Normal MV Sensor 1 x x x x MV Sensor 2 x x x MV Sensor 3 x x x MV Sensor (ANPR 1) x x MV Sensor (ANPR 2) x x Edge Controller x x x x x Communication Switch x x x Modem (Wireless) x x x Public Wifi x x x Local Weather Station x x x Digital Sign x (low) x (low) x LED Street Light x (low) x (low) x x x Environmental Sensors x x x Fans x x x Modem Satellite x

Table 1: Operational States of Electronic Components in various Load Shedding Modes

[0064] Turning now to the power generation module 200, at step 202, the system 5 including the controller 43 is configured to communicate with and receive power from the solar panels 16, and at step 204 sums the generated power and records the solar charge data at step 206. The generated solar power and generated wind power at step 222 are combined at step 207 to provide charge to the batteries 34 at step 208. The generated wind power is recorded at step 210.

[0065] The system 5 is further configured to monitor local wind conditions at step 212, manage the wind turbine speed at step 214 and apply a brake at step 216 if the speed is above or outside a predetermined operating range or deactivate the brake 216 of the speed is within an operating range. The wind speed may be recorded at step 220 and the power generator is monitored at step 222 for its charge data recorded at step 210.

[0066] Turning now to the weather data module 300, this module is configured to monitor current and forecasted weather to assist to determine operational modes such as load shedding modes in the event of poor weather for power generation. The weather date module includes determining a location at 302 such as by GPS (Global Positioning System), at step 304, providing the location to weather service, such as the Australian bureau of meteorology, and obtaining a forecast at step 306 for a period of time, in this case, 7 days. The system 5, namely the processor 43, may then determine at step 308 if the forecast is in normal state, such as fine weather, or a low power expectancy state, such as overcast and/or no wind. In a normal state, at step 310 the operational mode is determined as normal. If the forecast data indicates a low power expectancy state, then at step 318, the processor 43 may be configured to communicate this information to the load control module 600 at step 318.

[0067] At step 320, the controller 43 is configured to receive wind speed data 322, solar charge data at step 324, and the weather forecast data and determine if these parameters are within an operational range, and at step 326, determine if the data is within a normal state or low power expectancy state. In the normal state, at step 328 the operational mode is determined as normal. If the real time parameters indicate a low power expectancy state, then at step 318, the processor 43 may be configured to communicate this information to the load control module 600 at step 316.

[0068] Referring now to the battery load control module 400, the battery load control module 400 is configured to receive inputs including the battery level at step 402, receive design and historical power consumption data 406 at step 406 and determine at step 408 if the power consumption is within tolerance of predetermined tolerance values. Further inputs, include receipt of weather conditions at step 410 from the weather module 300 and current power consumption data from the power generation module 200.

[0069] The system 5, namely the controller 43, is configured to assess the battery charge levels in a cascading matter and depending on the battery levels enter different load shedding modes. At step 414, the controller 43 is configured to determine if the battery is above a high % threshold value (say 75%) and then selected a normal operation mode at step 420. At 424, if the battery levels are less than a high % threshold and above a medium % threshold value, at step 426, the real time power consumption is compared to a tolerance level and determine to be within or outside of tolerance.

[0070] If inside of tolerance, at step 416 a signal is passed back to initiate a normal operating mode at step 420. If the power consumption is outside of tolerance, the weather forecast data is analysed to determine if the conditions are normal or favourable to charging, or poor for a time period, in this example 3 days. If the weather conditions are considered normal, then at step 418 a signal is passed back to initiate the normal operating mode at step 420. However, if the weather conditions indicate poor charging conditions, then the controller 43 is configured to initiate a "poor weather" load shedding mode at step 430, which is further detailed below.

[0071] At step 432, if the battery levels are determined to be below a medium threshold % and above a low-level threshold %, at step 434 a battery medium alarm may be triggered and at step 436 a medium to low load shedding mode may be initiated. At step 438, if the battery levels are determined to be below a low threshold % and above a critical threshold %, at step 440 a battery low alarm may be triggered and at step 436 a medium to low-critical load shedding mode may be initiated. At step 444, if the battery levels are determined to be below a critical threshold %, at step 446 a battery critical alarm may be generated, and at step 448 a critical load shedding mode may be entered.

[0072] Referring to the Figure 13e, the detection module 450 includes one or more sensors 452, 454, 456 configured to respectively detect vehicles, number plates or objects in an area proximate the system 5. The controller 43 may be configured to enable the sensor 452, 454, 456 to scan and receive data of the relevant areas at steps 458, 468, 470, and determine at steps 472, 474, 476 if there is a vehicle, person or object in the area. If there is a vehicle, person or object in the area, then the controller 43 is configured perform functions including determining a vehicle length 478, determining a number plate 480 and determining an object in the area 482. The output of the detection module 450 may be used to trigger or change the load shedding state as is further outlined below. For example, if no vehicle or objects are detected, then the system 5 may be configured in a lower power mode such as the light being in a dim or lower power state.

[001] Referring now to the load shedding module 500, the system 5, namely the controller 43 may be configured to switch between a plurality of load shedding modes or operating states includes mode A "Normal" 502, mode B "Poor Weather" 504, mode C "medium/low" 506, mode D "low/critical" 508 and mode E "critical" 510. Each mode selects and reduces power to or switches off various electrical components to preserve the battery charge for the time period that in this example is about 7 days.

[002] Starting with the normal mode at 502, the system 5 is configured to detect movement at step 512 such as motion of a vehicle or movement of a person via one of the cameras 26,28, and if there is no movement, at step 514 turn off the electronic sign and at step 516 determine via a light senor if it is dark or low light, and at step 518 turn on the LED light, at a low level of brightness. If there is motion detected, at 520 the system 5 is configured to turn on the digital sign and at step 524 determine via a light senor if it is dark or low light, and at step 524 turn on the LED light, at a high level of brightness. If it is not dark, the system 5 continues to monitor for movement at step 526.

[003] Next, in load shedding mode B "poor weather" 504, the system 5 is configured to determine if the battery levels are above the high % threshold level and if not, load shedding actions are undertaken at step 530 including, but not limited to, limiting sign brightness level, limit light brightness level, turn-off back up communications, turn-off non-critical items. At step 532, if the battery levels are above the high % threshold level or the load shedding actions have been taken, the system 5 reinterrogates weather forecast data at step 532 and determines at step 534 if the weather data is still outside of tolerance values (i.e inclement weather is expected for more than a 36 hour period, rain or storms are expected within the next 48 hours), if the weather data is still outside of tolerance values then the system 5 remains in load shedding mode B. However, if the weather data is not within tolerance, then at step 536 the system 5 may switch the load shedding mode to normal mode A.

[004] In load shedding mode C "medium/low" 506, the system 5 is configured to undertake further load shedding actions including, but not limited to, limiting sign brightness, limit street light brightness, turn off backup communications, turn off sensors such as radar, turn off non-crucial system and turn of motion detection system. The system 5 then reinterrogates the weather data at step 540 and determines if the weather data is within tolerance at step 542 and if it is the system 5 continues in load shedding mode C. If the weather data is out of tolerance at step 542, then the system 5 is configured to, at step 544, determine the charge rates of the batteries and the battery levels and at step 546 determine if the charge rates of the batteries and the battery levels are within a tolerance level. If outside of tolerance, then the system 5 is configured to enter the low-critical load shedding mode. If the charge rates of the batteries and the battery levels are within tolerance, then the system 5 remains in the medium-low load shedding mode.

[005] In load shedding mode D "low-critical" 508, the system 5 is configured to undertake still further load shedding actions including, but not limited to, the actions of the medium-low mode and in addition, deactivate the sign, deactivate the modem, deactivate the public Wi-Fi and maintain only one active camera. The system 5 then reinterrogates the weather data at step 552 and determines if the weather data is within tolerance at step 554 and if it is within tolerance, the system 5 continues in load shedding mode D. If the weather data is out of tolerance at step 554, then the system 5 is configured to, at step 556, determine the charge rates of the batteries and the battery levels and at step 558 determine if the charge rates of the batteries and the battery levels are within a tolerance level. If outside of tolerance, them the system 5 is configured to enter the critical load shedding mode. If the charge rates of the batteries and the battery levels are within tolerance, then system 5 remains in the low-critical load shedding mode.

[006] In load shedding mode E "critical" 510, the system 5 is configured to undertake still further load shedding actions including, but not limited to, the actions of the medium-low mode and also the critical-low mode and in addition, turn off camera, turn the LED light to low mode, and maintain the controller 43 on. The system 5 then reinterrogates the weather data at step 564 and determines if the weather data is within tolerance at step 566 and if it is within tolerance, the system 5 continues in load shedding mode E. If the weather data is out of tolerance at step 566, then the system 5 is configured to, at step 568, determine the charge rates of the batteries and the battery levels and at step 570 determine if the charge rates of the batteries and the battery levels are within a tolerance level. If outside of tolerance, them the system 5 is configured to, at step 572, turn all electronic powered components off to allow charging. The controller 43 will be maintained on, and monitor the battery levels and once the battery levels recharge above a predetermined level, for example 50%, the controller 43 may turn electronic powered components of the system 5 back on. If the charge rates of the batteries and the battery levels are within tolerance, then system 5 remains in the low critical load shedding mode.

[007] An advantage of the system is that it provides an automated power load shedding control system that ensures the system can meet the operational needs without any manual intervention. They system utilises a range of local sensors to determine operational requirements along with local and external weather information to provide short and long term power management planning.

[008] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[009] The reference in this specification to any known matter or any prior publication is not, and should not be taken to be, an acknowledgment or admission or suggestion that the known matter or prior art publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the field to which this specification relates.

[0010] While specific examples of the invention have been described, it will be understood that the invention extends to alternative combinations of the features disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

[0011] Many and various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

Claims

The claims defining the Invention are as follows:

1. A system for providing off-grid power, the system including: at least one of a solar and a wind power generation means; a structure adapted to support and elevate the at least one solar and wind power generation means and powered equipment relative to a ground surface; and a battery and control apparatus in electrical communication with the at least one of a solar and wind power generation means and the powered equipment, wherein the battery and control apparatus includes a controller and at least one battery, the controller being configured to monitor one or more charge parameters associated with the at least one battery and selectively operate the powered equipment based on the one or more charge parameters.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to selectively operate the powered equipment in one or more load shedding modes.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the one or more load shedding modes includes an order of operational priority of the powered equipment.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the order of operational priority of the powered equipment includes categorising powered equipment into at least one of an essential and non-essential category.

5. The system according to claim 2, wherein one or more load shedding modes includes at least one of a normal mode, a reduced power mode and a critical power mode.

6. The system according to claim 2, wherein the one or more load shedding modes includes a normal mode and a poor weather mode.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the controller is configured to determine a poor weather condition based on received weather data.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein in at least one of the reduced power mode and the critical power mode select ones of the powered equipment to be at least one of operated at a reduced power or switched off.

7. The system according to claim 2, wherein the battery and control apparatus includes further powered equipment, and is configured to selectively operate the further powered equipment based on the one or more charge parameters and one or more load shedding modes.

8. The system according to claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to compare the one or more charge parameters with corresponding predetermined charge values, and if the one or more charge parameters are below the predetermined charge values, the controller is configured to change to a lower power one of the load shedding modes.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the powered equipment includes one or more of a light, camera, an electronic sign and communication devices.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more charge parameters include one or more of a current battery charge and an estimated battery charge.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to: compare the one or more charge parameters with corresponding predetermined charge values including a normal charge value, and determine an estimated charge condition parameter based on a weather data input, wherein if the one or more charge parameters are below the normal charge value and the weather data input indicates a forecast of low charge condition, the controller is configured to change to a lower power one of the load shedding modes.

12. The system according to claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to: compare the one or more charge parameters with corresponding predetermined charge values including a normal charge value and a critical charge value, and determine an estimated charge condition parameter based on a weather data input, wherein if the one or more charge parameters are below the normal charge value and above the critical charge value, and the weather data input indicates a forecast of high charge condition, the controller is configured to operate on a normal one of the load shedding modes.

13. The system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to: Determine a forecasted charge parameter for a predetermined operating period; and Compare a current power usage parameter with the forecasted charge parameter.

14. A system for providing off-grid power, the system including: at least one of a solar and wind power generation means; a structure adapted to support and elevate the at least one solar and wind power generation means and powered equipment relative to a ground surface; and a battery and control apparatus in electrical communication with the at least one of a solar and wind power generation means and the powered equipment, wherein the battery and control apparatus includes a controller and at least one battery, the controller being configured to monitor one or more charge parameters associated with at least one battery and selectively operate the powered equipment based on the one or more charge parameters and an order of operational priority of the powered equipment.

15. A method of power management of an off-grid system, the method including the steps of: Monitoring one or more charge parameters associated with a battery of the off grid system to determine charge level data;

Monitoring one or more weather parameters to determine forecast charge data; and Determining an operating state based on at least the charge level data and forecast charge data, the operating state being at least one of a normal and a relatively lower power mode, wherein in the lower power mode selected powered equipment of the off-grid system is configured to be in at least one of a low power setting and switched off.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the method further includes the steps of: In the lower power mode, selecting powered equipment to be configured in at least one of a low power setting and switched off based on a selection criteria.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the selection criteria includes an order of operational priority of the powered equipment.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein the selection criteria includes categorising powered equipment into at least one of an essential and non-essential category.

19. The method according to claim 16, wherein the predetermined settings include one or more of reduced power settings or being switched off.

20. The method according to claim 15, wherein the step of determining the operating state being at least one of the normal and the relatively lower power mode further includes: Determining if the charge data indicates the battery charge is below a predetermined charge value and the forecast charge data indicates a low charge condition, and if so, changing the operating state to the lower power mode.

21. An apparatus for providing off-grid power, the apparatus including: a pole structure including a common stem, a first generally vertical branch, and a second generally lateral branch; a solar panel supported by the first generally vertical branch, a wind generator supported by the second generally lateral branch, and power equipment support by one or more of the common stem, the first generally vertical branch, and the second generally lateral branch, and a battery and control apparatus in electrical communication with the panel, the wind generator and the powered equipment.

22. An apparatus for providing off-grid power, the apparatus including: a pole structure including a common stem, a first generally vertical branch, and a second generally lateral branch; a solar panel supported by the first generally vertical branch, a wind generator supported by the second generally lateral branch, and power equipment support by one or more of the common stem, the first generally vertical branch, and the second generally lateral branch, and a battery and control apparatus in electrical communication with the panel, wind generator and the powered equipment, wherein the battery and control apparatus include a battery and a controller.

23. A battery and control apparatus for an off-grid power system, the battery and control apparatus including a cabinet with a door, and a controller and battery bank housed by the cabinet, wherein the battery bank is carried by a sliding mechanism adapted to allow the battery bank to be moved between a stowed condition within the cabinet and a maintenance condition laterally of the stowed condition in which one or more batteries of the battery bank are accessible.

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