GB2566439B - Welfare unit with electricity producing means - Google Patents

Welfare unit with electricity producing means Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2566439B
GB2566439B GB1712673.1A GB201712673A GB2566439B GB 2566439 B GB2566439 B GB 2566439B GB 201712673 A GB201712673 A GB 201712673A GB 2566439 B GB2566439 B GB 2566439B
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
battery
welfare unit
level
welfare
device circuit
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
GB1712673.1A
Other versions
GB201712673D0 (en
GB2566439A (en
Inventor
Fletcher Simon
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Easycabin Holdings Ltd
Original Assignee
Easycabin Holdings Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Easycabin Holdings Ltd filed Critical Easycabin Holdings Ltd
Priority to GB1712673.1A priority Critical patent/GB2566439B/en
Publication of GB201712673D0 publication Critical patent/GB201712673D0/en
Publication of GB2566439A publication Critical patent/GB2566439A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2566439B publication Critical patent/GB2566439B/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/34—Parallel operation in networks using both storage and other dc sources, e.g. providing buffering
    • H02J7/35—Parallel operation in networks using both storage and other dc sources, e.g. providing buffering with light sensitive cells
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/34—Parallel operation in networks using both storage and other dc sources, e.g. providing buffering
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H1/00—Buildings or groups of buildings for dwelling or office purposes; General layout, e.g. modular co-ordination or staggered storeys
    • E04H1/12—Small buildings or other erections for limited occupation, erected in the open air or arranged in buildings, e.g. kiosks, waiting shelters for bus stops or for filling stations, roofs for railway platforms, watchmen's huts or dressing cubicles
    • E04H1/1205—Small buildings erected in the open air
    • E04H1/1216—Public W.C.s
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/14—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from dynamo-electric generators driven at varying speed, e.g. on vehicle
    • H02J7/1415—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from dynamo-electric generators driven at varying speed, e.g. on vehicle with a generator driven by a prime mover other than the motor of a vehicle
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/14—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from dynamo-electric generators driven at varying speed, e.g. on vehicle
    • H02J7/1423—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from dynamo-electric generators driven at varying speed, e.g. on vehicle with multiple batteries
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J9/00—Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting
    • H02J9/04—Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting in which the distribution system is disconnected from the normal source and connected to a standby source
    • H02J9/06—Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting in which the distribution system is disconnected from the normal source and connected to a standby source with automatic change-over, e.g. UPS systems
    • H02J9/061—Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting in which the distribution system is disconnected from the normal source and connected to a standby source with automatic change-over, e.g. UPS systems for DC powered loads
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J2300/00—Systems for supplying or distributing electric power characterised by decentralized, dispersed, or local generation
    • H02J2300/20—The dispersed energy generation being of renewable origin
    • H02J2300/22—The renewable source being solar energy
    • H02J2300/24—The renewable source being solar energy of photovoltaic origin
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
    • Y02B10/70—Hybrid systems, e.g. uninterruptible or back-up power supplies integrating renewable energies
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy
    • Y02E10/56—Power conversion systems, e.g. maximum power point trackers

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Charge And Discharge Circuits For Batteries Or The Like (AREA)

Description

Welfare Unit with Electricity Producing Means
The present disclosure relates to a welfare unit. In particular to welfare unit comprising electricity producing means.
Welfare units are movable enclosures, typically in the form of self-contained cabins, providing temporary accommodation and welfare facilities, such as basic sanitary and kitchen facilities, to site personnel at work locations, such as building sites or similar, where no other accommodation or welfare facilities may be provided. With recent changes to health and safety legislation, virtually all outside work sites will have to provide temporary accommodation and welfare facilities for site personnel.
Welfare units are commonly powered using generators that are powered by non-renewable energy sources, such as diesel generators. The generators are housed within the welfare units themselves. Such generators, whilst offering a reliable source of power, tend to be noisy and pollute the environment.
The present invention arose in a bid to provide an improved welfare unit, offering reliable power but a reduced impact on the environment.
According to the present invention in a first aspect, there is provided a welfare unit as recited by Claim 1.
Further, preferred, features are presented in the dependent claims.
The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a power and control circuit for a welfare unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention operating in a mode in which power is provided by a first battery;
Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the circuit of Figure 1 operating in a mode in which power is provided by a second battery;
Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a power and control circuit for a welfare unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention operating in a mode in which power is provided by a first battery; and
Figure 4 is a schematic representation of the circuit of Figure 3 operating in a mode in which power is provided by a second battery.
In accordance with a first embodiment there is provided a welfare unit comprising a self-contained cabin (not shown) provided with: an electricity producing means 1, a generator 2, a first battery 3, a second battery 4, and a control means 5.
The welfare unit may be used on building sites, or the like, in particular where lavatory facilities are not otherwise available. The cabin may be free standing and transportable, for example, by a flat-bed vehicle, or may be formed as a trailer and provided with its own wheels. It could alternatively, and less preferably, be arranged to be permanently located (by the connection to services, such as plumbing). The welfare unit preferably comprises a typical rectangular box shape.
It may be equipped, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, in accordance with any conventional welfare unit. It may, for example, be provided with one or more toilets and/or showers. It may comprise kitchen facilities. It may be configured as an office or as living accommodation. The present invention is not to be limited to any specific configuration. The welfare unit will, however, feature a number of electrical devices connected to a device circuit 6.
In a particularly preferred arrangement, the welfare unit comprises a main user compartment, which may be split into one or more rooms and a control compartment, in which is located apparatus for use in the operation of the cabin, including, the generator 2, the first battery 3, the second battery 4, and the control means 5.
The electricity producing means 1 uses a renewable energy source. In the present arrangement, the electricity producing means 1 comprises a solar panel made up of a plurality of photovoltaic cells. The solar panel is located on the roof or sides of the cabin. In alternative arrangements multiple solar panels may be provided. It should be noted that whilst the use of one or more solar panels is preferred, the invention is not to be limited as such. The electricity producing means may be arranged to use any alternative renewable energy source. For example, it could comprise a wind turbine connected to a dynamo.
The generator 2 is powered by a non-renewable energy source. Most preferably the generator 2 is driven by fossil fuel, such as petrol or diesel. The generator 2 provides an assured source of power. It provides a backup to the electricity producing means 1. By default, the system is configured to use clean energy from the electricity producing means 1. Electricity generated by the generator 2 is only used when there is insufficient energy available from the electricity producing means 1.
The first battery 3 is connected to the electricity producing means 1 for storing electrical energy generated exclusively by the electricity producing means 1 in order to supply electrical power on demand to devices within the cabin through a device circuit 6. The second battery 4 is connected to the generator 2 for storing electrical energy generated exclusively by the generator 2 in order to supply electrical power on demand to devices within the cabin through the device circuit 6.
In the present arrangement, the control means 5 is powered by the first and second batteries, however, in alternative configurations only one ofthe batteries may power the control means. The control means 5 is adapted to automatically control an isolation state of the first and second batteries 3, 4 from the device circuit 6, with only one of the first and second batteries providing on demand power through the device circuit at a time. The control means monitors the charge level of the first battery 3 and, upon the level of stored charge falling below a first predetermined level, isolates the first battery 3 from the device circuit and integrates the second battery 4 into the device circuit 5 in place of the first battery 3. Accordingly, as mentioned, the default power source is the electricity producing means (solar panel) 1. Power from the generator is only used when the stored energy from the solar panel is depleted.
Considering a specific, exemplary configuration, as seen in Figures 1 and 2:
The solar panel 1 is connected to the first battery 3 via a solar charger 7. The solar charger 7 provides charge to the first battery 3 only, no power is provided to the second battery 4. The charge level of the first battery is monitored by a first battery guard 8, which forms part of the control means 5. The first battery guard 8 is connected to a first battery isolation relay 9, which in turn is connected to a main switch relay 14 and a control relay 10, these elements again forming part of the control means 5.
The generator 2 is connected to the second battery 4 via a charger 11. The charger 11 provides charge to the second battery 4 only, no power is provided to the first battery 3. The charge level of the second battery is monitored by a second battery guard 12, which forms part of the control means 5. The second battery guard 12 is connected to a second battery isolation relay 13, which in turn is connected to the main switch relay 14 and the control relay 10. The second battery isolation relay again forms part of the control means 5.
In Figure 1, a state is shown in which the welfare unit is powered by the first battery 3. The first battery 3 is integrated with the device circuit 6 whilst the second battery 4 is isolated from the device circuit 6. The first battery guard 8 is in an “ON” position. The first battery isolation relay 9 is energised providing power to the main switch relay 14. The control relay 10 is energised, which de-energises the second battery relay 13.
This state will be maintained until such time as the first battery guard 8 monitors a drop in charge stored in the first battery 3 to a predetermined (minimum) level. At this time the battery guard will switch to an “OFF” position. Note that the first battery will be charged by the solar panel during this time. The first battery, unless fully charged, is preferably always receiving charge from the solar panel, when available, to maintain its charge level.
In Figure 2, the first battery guard is switched to the “OFF” position, accordingly, a state is shown in which the welfare unit is powered by the second battery 4. The second battery 4 is integrated with the device circuit 6 whilst the first battery 3 is isolated from the device circuit 6. The first battery isolation relay 9 is deenergised, which disconnects power to the main switch relay 14. The control relay 10 is de-energised, which energises the second battery relay 13. The second battery relay 13 provides power to the main switch relay 14.
An indicator may be provided in the welfare unit to confirm when the first battery 3 is isolated. The indicator may take any conventional form. In the present arrangement an LED light source 15 is provided.
The control means 5 of the present arrangement is adapted to isolate the second battery from the device circuit and integrate the first battery in place of the second battery when the level of stored charge in the second battery reaches a second predetermined level above the first predetermined level. Such a changeover will occur automatically when the first battery guard 8 detects that the charge level of the first battery 3 has reached the second predetermined level. At this point, the first battery guard will switch to the “ON” position, energising the first battery relay, and following the operation of the system as discussed above, switching from the state shown in Figure 2 to the state shown in Figure 1 automatically and thereby defaulting to using clean energy from the first battery 3.
In the present arrangement, the control means 5 is adapted to monitor the charge level of the second battery 4 and, upon the level of stored charge falling below a first predetermined level, to start the generator 2 to charge the second battery 4. This leads to automatic charging of the second battery 4. Such charging will stop when the battery is fully charged.
In an alternative arrangement, which is shown in Figures 3 and 4, the control means 5 is still adapted to monitor the charge level of the second battery 4, however, upon the level of stored charge falling below the first predetermined level, the control means simply isolates the second battery 4 from the device circuit 6. In such arrangement, a switch (not shown) may be provided for manually switching on the generator to charge the second battery following its isolation. Suitable indicator means, such as an LED light, may be provided to alert a user to the situation, whereupon they can choose to activate the generator if they wish.
It must be appreciated that numerous alternative circuit arrangements will be possible, within the scope of Claim 1, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art. The exemplary arrangements discussed above and shown in Figures 1 to 4 are not limiting. A heater 16 that is powered by a non-renewable energy source is preferably provided. Most preferably the heater is driven by fossil fuel, such as petrol or diesel. The heater 16 receives electrical power exclusively from the second battery. There is most preferably a second control means (not shown) that is integrated with the heater 16. In alternative arrangements an electric heater may be provided. A sensor may be provided for detecting entry of a user into the cabin. The sensor may automatically activate an electric light within the cabin when a user enters the cabin and deactivate the light when the cabin is vacated. Such an arrangement will further enhance the energy efficiency of the welfare unit.

Claims (11)

Claims
1. A welfare unit comprising a self-contained cabin provided with: an electricity producing means using a renewable energy source; a generator that is powered by a non-renewable energy source; a first battery connected to the electricity producing means for storing electrical power generated exclusively by the electricity producing means in order to supply electrical power on demand to devices within the cabin through a device circuit; a second battery connected to the generator for storing electrical power generated exclusively by the generator in order to supply electrical power on demand to devices within the cabin through the device circuit; and a control means powered by the first and/or second battery, wherein the control means is adapted to automatically control an isolation state of the first and second batteries from the device circuit, with only one of the first and second batteries providing on demand power through the device circuit at a time, the control means monitoring the charge level of the first battery and, upon the level of stored charge falling below a first predetermined level, isolating the first battery from the device circuit and integrating the second battery into the device circuit in place of the first battery.
2. A welfare unit as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the control means is adapted to isolate the second battery from the device circuit and integrate the first battery in place of the second battery when the level of stored charge in the second battery reaches a second predetermined level above the first predetermined level.
3. A welfare unit as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the control means is adapted to monitor the charge level of the second battery and, upon the level of stored charge falling below a first predetermined level, to start the generator to charge the second battery.
4. A welfare unit as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the control means is adapted to monitor the charge level of the second battery and, upon the level of stored charge falling below a first predetermined level, to isolate the second battery from the device circuit.
5. A welfare unit as claimed in Claim 4, wherein a switch is provided for manually switching on the generator to charge the second battery following its isolation.
6. A welfare unit as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a heater that is powered by a non-renewable heater energy source.
7. A welfare unit as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the heater receives electrical power exclusively from the second battery.
8. A welfare unit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the electricity producing means comprises at least one solar panel made up of a plurality of photovoltaic cells.
9. A welfare unit as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the solar panel or panels are located on the roof or sides of the cabin.
10. A welfare unit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a sensor is provided for detecting entry of a user into the welfare unit.
11. A welfare unit as claimed in Claim 10, wherein the sensor automatically activates an electric light within the welfare unit when a user enters the welfare unit and deactivates the light when the welfare unit is vacated.
GB1712673.1A 2017-08-07 2017-08-07 Welfare unit with electricity producing means Active GB2566439B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1712673.1A GB2566439B (en) 2017-08-07 2017-08-07 Welfare unit with electricity producing means

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1712673.1A GB2566439B (en) 2017-08-07 2017-08-07 Welfare unit with electricity producing means

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201712673D0 GB201712673D0 (en) 2017-09-20
GB2566439A GB2566439A (en) 2019-03-20
GB2566439B true GB2566439B (en) 2019-10-09

Family

ID=59894743

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB1712673.1A Active GB2566439B (en) 2017-08-07 2017-08-07 Welfare unit with electricity producing means

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2566439B (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2579879B (en) * 2018-09-28 2021-03-17 Boss Cabins Ltd Energy-efficient, self-contained welfare cabin

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2236681A1 (en) * 2009-04-03 2010-10-06 Sanit Avenir Stand-alone sanitary module, transportable toilet facility comprising such a module and method of constructing such a module
GB2491349A (en) * 2011-05-26 2012-12-05 Advanta Ltd Power supply for welfare unit

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2236681A1 (en) * 2009-04-03 2010-10-06 Sanit Avenir Stand-alone sanitary module, transportable toilet facility comprising such a module and method of constructing such a module
GB2491349A (en) * 2011-05-26 2012-12-05 Advanta Ltd Power supply for welfare unit

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201712673D0 (en) 2017-09-20
GB2566439A (en) 2019-03-20

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7893346B2 (en) Integrated voltaic energy system
US10020721B2 (en) Self-recharging electric generator system
CN104737407A (en) Power supply system and method for an electric vehicle
KR20160013862A (en) Magnetic field detection apparatus for a wireless power transfer system
US8994215B1 (en) Self-recharging electric generator system
US9966791B2 (en) Central battery interconnected smoke detector system with single wire AC and DC pass-through relay
WO2015170270A2 (en) Improved energetic efficacy electrical system for generating power to rechargeable battery from versatile energy sources
AU2006346382A1 (en) Electrical energy source
GB2566439B (en) Welfare unit with electricity producing means
JP2019080428A (en) Charging/discharging device
KR101933653B1 (en) Power management system for camping car
CN102583126A (en) Emergency power supply system of elevator
EP2432097A3 (en) Uninterruptible power supply system
GB2466511A (en) Power supply having multiple power sources
ITPI20110142A1 (en) ENERGY TRANSFORMATION EQUIPMENT PRODUCED BY RENEWABLE SOURCES AND RELATIVE MANAGEMENT METHOD
TWI668940B (en) Mobile solar energy storage device
WO2016089630A2 (en) Battery interconncected smoke detector system with single wire ac and dc pass-through relay
CN104201975A (en) Photovoltaic power source
JP7272190B2 (en) Power conversion equipment, grid connection system
GB2582008A (en) Power system
KR20180106045A (en) System for car solar energy generation
KR20150033963A (en) Photovoltaic device
GB2567177A (en) Welfare unit with electric water boiler
GB2581950A (en) Welfare unit with electricity producing means
KR20150135640A (en) A Mobile generator system and method of operation

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
COOA Change in applicant's name or ownership of the application

Owner name: EASYCABIN HOLDINGS LTD

Free format text: FORMER OWNER: AJC TRAILERS LIMITED

732E Amendments to the register in respect of changes of name or changes affecting rights (sect. 32/1977)

Free format text: REGISTERED BETWEEN 20181213 AND 20181219