GB2577142A

GB2577142A - Off-grid power supply unit with solar panels and back-up electricity generation means

Info

Publication number: GB2577142A
Application number: GB1903061.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Fletcher Simon
Original assignee: Easycabin Holdings Ltd
Current assignee: Easycabin Holdings Ltd
Priority date: 2018-08-28
Filing date: 2019-03-07
Publication date: 2020-03-18
Also published as: GB201903061D0; GB201813955D0

Abstract

An off-grid power supply unit 1 comprising a housing, which comprises a base 2 and a plurality of faces 3, wherein a first of the faces 3a is arranged at an oblique angle to the base and is substantially entirely covered by solar panels 4, and the housing houses one or more batteries for storing power from the solar panels and a backup electricity generation means, wherein a control means is provided for controlling operation of the generation means. The power supply unit may include a water tank within the housing. The control grid may allow simultaneous delivery of power from the solar panels, batteries and generator at times of high load or high demand. The power supply unit may also comprise a wind turbine. Also defined is an off grid power supply unit which is substantially closed other than an opening that is closed by a lockable door.

Description

(56) Documents Cited:

GB 2529806 A

US 5969501 A

US 20140028241 A1

WO 2009/045349 A2

US 20140285160 A1

US 20120104785 A1 (71) Applicant(s):

Easycabin Holdings Ltd

Unit 10 Cosgrove Way, LUTON, Bedfordshire, LU1 1XL, United Kingdom (58) Field of Search:

INT CL H02J

Other: WPI, EPODOC (72) Inventor(s):

Simon Fletcher (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Doi ley mores

Rickmansworth Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 0JU, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: Off-grid power supply unit with solar panels and back-up electricity generation means Abstract Title: Off-grid power supply unit with solar panels and back-up generation means (57) An off-grid power supply unit 1 comprising a housing, which comprises a base 2 and a plurality of faces 3, wherein a first of the faces 3a is arranged at an oblique angle to the base and is substantially entirely covered by solar panels 4, and the housing houses one or more batteries for storing power from the solar panels and a backup electricity generation means, wherein a control means is provided for controlling operation of the generation means. The power supply unit may include a water tank within the housing. The control grid may allow simultaneous delivery of power from the solar panels, batteries and generator at times of high load or high demand. The power supply unit may also comprise a wind turbine. Also defined is an off grid power supply unit which is substantially closed other than an opening that is closed by a lockable door.

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Fig. 1

Fig. 2

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Fig. 3

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Fig. 4

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Fig. 5

Off-grid power supply unit with solar panels and back-up electricity generation means

The present disclosure relates to an off-grid power supply unit that comprises solar panels and a back-up electricity generation means.

There are numerous instances on building sites, or otherwise, when power is required and no mains power supply is available. Traditionally generators that are powered by non-renewable energy sources, such as diesel generators, have been used to provide the necessary power. Generators are, however, noisy and polluting.

The present invention arose in a bid to provide an improved means of providing off-grid power.

According to the present invention in a first aspect, there is provided an offgrid power supply unit comprising a housing, which comprises a base and a plurality faces, wherein a first of the faces is arranged at an oblique angle to the base and is substantially entirely covered by solar panels, and the housing houses one or more batteries for storing power from the solar panels and a backup electricity generation means, wherein a control means is provided for controlling operation of the backup electricity generation means.

By the provision of a face of the housing at an oblique angle that is substantially entirely covered with solar panels, there is provided a large solar collection area in a package that is robust and compact in use. The solar panels are fixed to a rigid structure. The area under the solar panels is effectively used for storage of the one or more batteries and backup electricity generation means. A structure can be provided that is highly secure.

The backup electricity generation means may comprise a generator that is powered by a fossil fuel, such as diesel, or a fuel cell, which may comprise a hydrogen fuel cell.

The unit may be further enhanced by the provision of a second face of the housing, which is adjacent to the first face, and is further substantially entirely covered by solar panels. Most preferably, in use, the first face lies at an oblique angle of between 30 and 60 degrees to the horizontal and the second face is substantially horizontal. The faces preferably abut one another. It has been determined that solar collection is further enhanced by such a structure.

To allow a particularly compact arrangement, the solar panels may comprise one or more fixed panels and a plurality of moveable panels, wherein the unit is configured to have a retracted state and an extended state, each of the moveable panels being adapted to at least partially overlap with one or more of the fixed panels in the retracted state and being adapted such that in the extended state the degree of overlap is less than in the retracted state or there is no overlap.

The movable panels may be slidable and may be supported by runners.

With a compact arrangement, it becomes possible to tow the unit between locations by provision of a conventional tow hitch. For this purpose, wheels may be provided. In a particularly preferred arrangement, the wheels may be retractable, wherein the wheels in a deployed state support the unit with the base raised from the ground, and the wheels in a retracted stated are raised above the level of the base so that the base may rest upon the ground. The wheels may retract into the unit through openings in the base. A retraction mechanism for retracting the wheels may be provided, which is hydraulically or electrically powered.

It is further preferable that the unit contains a water tank. The water tank can provide a large scale water supply to an off-grid location. The water may be potable.

The unit may comprise a cooling means for controlling the internal temperature of the unit and/or the temperature of components within the unit. Any conventional cooling means may be implemented, including any of an air conditioning unit, an air to air heat pump or an air source heat pump.

Further, preferred, features of the off-grid power supply unit are presented in the dependent claims.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective front view of an off-grid power supply unit according to a first embodiment;

Figure 2 shows a rear view of the off-grid power supply unit of Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a perspective front view of an off-grid power supply unit according to a second embodiment, in a retracted state;

Figure 4 shows a perspective front view of the off-grid power supply unit of Figure 3, in an extended state; and

Figure 5 shows a cutaway view of the off-grid power supply unit of Figure 3.

With reference to the figures, there is shown an off-grid power supply unit 1, which, in broadest terms, comprises a base 2 and a plurality faces 3, wherein a first of the faces 3a is arranged at an oblique angle to the base 2 and is substantially entirely covered by solar panels 4, and the housing houses one or more batteries (not shown) for storing power from the solar panels and a backup power generation means (not shown), wherein a control means (not shown) is provided for controlling operation of the backup power generation means.

The backup electricity generation means may comprise a generator that is powered by a fossil fuel, such as diesel, or a fuel cell, which may comprise a hydrogen fuel cell. In the present arrangement the backup electricity producing means comprises a generator, wherein references to the generator are applicable to the alternative of a fuel cell in arrangements where the generator is replaced by a fuel cell.

In use, the off-grid power supply unit rests on its base 2. The unit is arranged to be lifted from the base 2. For this purpose, it is preferably provided with forklift pockets 10. It is further provided with lifting points 11 on its corners to allow for cane lifting. The lifting points 11 in the present arrangement comprise tabs with holes for receiving a chain or hook but could take any alternative suitable form. The base is substantially rectangular, as shown.

In the present arrangement, a second face 3b ofthe housing, which is adjacent to the first face 3a is also substantially entirely covered by solar panels. The second face 3b lies at an oblique angle to the first face. The second face 3b preferably lies parallel to the base 2. It is preferable that the second face 3b is the uppermost face of the body in use. The first and second faces 3a, 3b may abut one another.

The arrangement, as depicted, is such that a rear face 3c and opposed side faces 3d extend substantially perpendicular to the base (i.e. vertically) and are joined by their proximal (i.e. basal) edges to the rear and side peripheral edges of the base 2 respectively. The second face 3b is substantially rectangular and comprises front, rear and side peripheral edges. Distal (i.e. upper) edges of the rear and side faces 3c, 3d are joined to the rear and side edges of the second face 3b respectively, and the first face 3a has a rear (i.e. upper) edge joined to a front edge of the second face 3b.

A front face 3e, having a reduced height relative to the rear face 3c, is provided in the present arrangement, which extends substantially perpendicular to the base (i.e. vertically) and is joined by its proximal (i.e. basal) edge to the front edge of the base 2 and by its distal (i.e. upper) edge to a front (i.e. lower) edge ofthe first face 3a.

Upstanding from the front face is a guard 6, for protecting the lower front edge of the solar panels from damage. In the present arrangement, the guard 6 comprises a suitable rail 7, mounted on upstanding posts 8 spaced from one another and provided intermittently along the length of the housing. The guard may take numerous alternative forms, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art.

It should be noted that whilst an arrangement, as depicted, is particularly preferred, alternative arrangements are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, the second face 3b could be omitted with the first face 3a extending between the front and rear faces 3e, 3c. Alternatively, the front face 3e may be omitted with the front edge of the first face 3a joined to the front edge of the base 2. Otherwise, the front face 3e and the second face 3b could be omitted with the first face 3a extending between the distal edge of the rear face and the front edge of the base 2.

The first face 3a (and thereby the solar panels, which lie parallel to or define the front face) is preferably provided at an angle of between 30 and 60 degrees to the base. Most preferably at an angle of substantially 45 degrees. The solar panels comprise photovoltaic cells.

Suitable power connectors will be mounted on the outer faces of the housing. Most preferably one or more power connectors will be provided on the rear face. These may comprise conventional 32 amp or 64 amp sockets.

The base preferably has a length of between 5 and 7m and a width of between 2 and 3m. The housing preferably has a height of between 2 and 3m. In the arrangement shown, the base has a length (running in the direction of the front and rear edges of the base) of 6.55m and a width of 2.75m. The height of the body is 2.95m.

The unit further comprises a water tank (not shown) within the housing. The water tank preferably has a capacity of at least 500 litres, more preferably at least 1000 litres. It may be filled with potable water. A suitable hose pipe or tap connection will be provided.

The housing is of a sufficient size that in addition to containing the necessary components for providing an uninterrupted supply of on-demand power, there may be included additional welfare facilities. In this regard, the unit may double as a welfare unit. The interior may be suitably divided into separate spaces, providing one or more rooms/areas for all of the power generation/water distribution components and one or more separate rooms/areas for welfare purposes. The spaces may be accessed by a single external door or separate external doors. Example welfare facilities include, but are not limited to, a toilet, a sink, a storage room/space.

The control means is arranged to start the generator when the stored power falls to a predetermined minimum level. By default, power will be drawn from the batteries. The control means is also arranged to permit delivery of power simultaneously from the solar panels, one or more batteries and backup generator simultaneously at times of high load. A wireless data connection to the control means may be provided for connecting to a cellular or local wireless network to allow for dial in diagnostics, software updates or otherwise.

In some arrangements, the off-grid power supply unit may further comprise a wind turbine. In such cases, power generated by the wind turbine may supplement power generated by the solar panels. The wind turbine may operate independently of the solar panels and may operate simultaneously or at different times to the solar panels. Power from the wind turbine will be stored in the one or more batteries and in times of high load may be drawn directly, as in the case of the solar panels, as discussed above.

As clearly shown, the unit is entirely self-contained and is closed other than an opening that is closed by a lockable door 9.

With reference to Figures 3 to 5, there is shown an alternative arrangement of the off-grid power supply unit. The unit again comprises a base 2 and a plurality of faces 3, wherein a first of the faces 3a is arranged at an oblique angle to the base 2 and is substantially entirely covered by solar panels 4. The housing houses one or more batteries 20 for storing power from the solar panels and a backup power generation means 21, which in the present arrangement is a diesel generator but could alternatively comprise a fuel cell. A control means (not shown) is provided for controlling operation of the backup power generation means.

As should be appreciated by those skilled in the art, features of the arrangement of Figures 1 and 2 and features of the arrangement of Figures 3 to 5 may be combined. Numerous features are shared between the arrangements. The key difference between the arrangements is the provision of movable panels 4a and wheels 23 in the arrangement of Figures 3 to 5.

By the provision of movable panels, the same solar collection area and same power generation capacity is achieved with a more compact unit. A more compact unit may be more easily transported. For this purpose, the unit of the present arrangement is provided with wheels 23 and a tow hitch 24. The wheels and tow hitch could, however, be omitted in alternative arrangements. Moreover, whilst the present arrangement omits lifting hooks and forklift pockets either or both could be provided, irrespective of the provision of wheels.

Considering the solar panels, the unit comprises a plurality of fixed panels 4b and a plurality of moveable panels 4a, wherein the unit is configured to have a retracted state (as seen in Figure 3) and an extended state (as seen in Figure 4). In the retracted state, each of the moveable panels 4a is arranged to overlap with one of the fixed panels 4b. In the extended state, there is no overlap.

There is preferably a total overlap of panels in the retracted state so as to minimise the size of the unit for transport or storage. In the extended state, there is preferably no overlap, as shown, so as to maximise the solar capacity.

The panels are slidable in the present arrangement, as is preferred. Runners 22 are provided, which support the movable panels. Numerous alternative slidable support means will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art. Suitable locking means may be provided to lock the movable panels in the retracted and/or extended positions. In the depicted arrangement, the movable panels slide over the fixed panels. In alternative arrangements, they could slide under the fixed panels.

Any suitable movement mechanism may be implemented for moving the panels. The panels may be manually moved or there may be a powered arrangement using one or more electric motors or hydraulic actuators. The sliding of the panels may be guided using alternative mechanisms to the depicted runners, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Moreover, instead of being slidable, the movable panels could be pivotally mounted. Although such an arrangement is less preferable.

As mentioned, the unit comprises wheels 23. The wheels 23 are most preferably retractable. In a deployed state, as seen in Figures 3 to 5, the wheels can support the unit during transportation with the base raised from the ground. In a retracted state, the wheels will be raised above the level of the base so that the base may rest upon the ground. This is preferable to provide a solid, planted, structure in use. Of course, to save costs, the wheels may be otherwise arranged so that they do not retract, in which case, the unit will be supported by the wheels at all times.

In the present arrangement, the wheels retract into the unit through openings in the base (not shown). A retraction mechanism (not shown) for retracting the wheels is provided, which may be hydraulically or electrically powered.

Claims

1. An off-grid power supply unit comprising a housing, which comprises a base and a plurality faces, wherein a first of the faces is arranged at an oblique angle to the base and is substantially entirely covered by solar panels, and the housing houses one or more batteries for storing power from the solar panels and a backup electricity generation means, wherein a control means is provided for controlling operation of the backup electricity generation means.

2. An off-grid power supply unit as claimed in Claim 1, wherein a second face of the housing, which is adjacent to the first face is substantially entirely covered by solar panels.

3. An off-grid power supply unit as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the second face lies at an oblique angle to the first face.

4. An off-grid power supply unit as claimed in Claim 2 or 3, wherein the second face lies parallel to the base.

5. An off-grid power supply unit as claimed in any of Claims 2 to 4, wherein, in use, the second face is the uppermost face of the body.

6. An off-grid power supply unit as claimed in Claim 2 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the base is substantially rectangular and comprises front, rear and side peripheral edges, the faces comprise a rear face and side faces that extend substantially perpendicular to the base and are joined by proximal edges thereof to the rear and side edges of the base respectively, wherein the second face is substantially rectangular and comprises front, rear and side peripheral edges, distal edges of the rear and side faces are joined to the rear and side edges of the second face respectively, and the first face has an edge joined to the front edge of the second face.

7. An off-grid power supply unit as claimed in any preceding claim which further comprises a water tank within the housing.

8. An off-grid power supply unit as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the water tank has a capacity of at least 1000 litres.

9. An off-grid power supply unit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the control means is arranged to start the generator when the stored power falls to a predetermined minimum level.

10. An off-grid power supply unit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the control means is arranged to permit delivery of power simultaneously from the solar panels, one or more batteries and backup electricity generation means at times of high load.

11. An off-grid power supply unit, which is substantially closed other than an opening that is closed by a lockable door.

12. An off-grid power supply unit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the solar panels comprise one or more fixed panels and a plurality of moveable panels, wherein the unit is configured to have a retracted state and an extended state, each of the moveable panels being adapted to at least partially overlap with one or more of the fixed panels in the retracted state and being adapted such that in the extended state the degree of overlap is less than in the retracted state or there is no overlap.

13. An off-grid power supply unit as claimed in Claim 12, wherein, in the retracted state, each moveable panel overlaps entirely with a respective one of the fixed panels.

14. An off-grid power supply unit as claimed in Claim 12 or 13, wherein the movable panels are slidable.

15. An off-grid power supply unit as claimed in Claim 14, wherein the movable panels are supported by runners.

16. An off-grid power supply unit as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising retractable wheels, the wheels in a deployed state supporting the unit during transportation with the base raised from the ground, the wheels in a retracted stated being raised above the level of the base so that the base may rest upon the ground.

17. An off-grid power supply unit as claimed in Claim 16, wherein the wheels retract into the unit through openings in the base.

18. An off-grid power supply unit as claimed in Claim 16 or 17, wherein a retraction mechanism for retracting the wheels is hydraulically or electrically powered.

19. An off-grid power supply unit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the base has a length of between 3 and 7m and a width of between 2 and 3m.

20. An off-grid power supply unit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the housing has a height of between 2 and 3m.

21. An off-grid power supply unit as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a wind turbine.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1903061.8