MOBILE SOLAR AND STORAGE POWER GENERATION SYSTEM AND METHOD
20240106243 ยท 2024-03-28
Assignee
Inventors
- Shauna McCartney (Louisville, CO, US)
- Ryan Conlan (New York, NY, US)
- Christopher Boyer (Louisville, CO, US)
- Joseph Uddo (Alexandria, VA, US)
Cpc classification
H02J2300/10
ELECTRICITY
B65D85/62
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
H02J3/28
ELECTRICITY
International classification
H02J3/38
ELECTRICITY
B65D88/12
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B65D90/00
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
Abstract
A method and system for a mobile power generation system is disclosed. The mobile power generation system may comprise one or more shipping containers, which may be pre-wired and pre-configured so that configuration and deployment at the deployment site is simplified. The one or more shipping containers may include a PV subsystem, a battery subsystem, PCS, control electronics, and the like. The one or more shipping containers may be pre-configured for power transfer and for communication between the various devices so that less configuration is necessary at the deployment site.
Claims
1. A mobile power generation system comprising: one or more shipping containers configured for one or more of housing, transportation, or deployment of a renewable hybrid energy system; one or both of: at least one photovoltaic (PV) subsystem for shipping within the one or more shipping containers and deployment at a deployment site; or at least one battery subsystem for shipping within the one or more shipping containers and storage at the deployment site within the one or more shipping containers; mechanical structure for shipping of the one or both of the at least one PV subsystem or the at least one battery subsystem within the one or more shipping containers; at least one power conversion system (PCS) for shipping within the one or more shipping containers and storage at the deployment site within the one or more shipping containers; mechanical structure for shipping of the at least one PCS within the one or more shipping containers; and at least one load output connector integrated in or positioned on at least one side of the one or more shipping containers, the at least one load output connector being electrically wired to the at least one PCS prior to shipment of the one or more shipping containers to the deployment site and configured to transmit AC power to a load electrically connected to the at least one output connector.
2. The mobile power generation system of claim 1, wherein the one or more shipping containers includes at least one chassis, the at least one chassis including a metal portion for electrical connection to earth ground at the deployment site; and wherein the at least one PCS is electrically wired to the at least one chassis prior to shipment of the one or more shipping containers to the deployment site.
3. The mobile power generation system of claim 2, wherein the at least one battery subsystem is electrically wired to the at least one PCS; and wherein the at least one battery subsystem is electrically wired to the at least one chassis prior to shipment of the one or more shipping containers to the deployment site.
4. The mobile power generation system of claim 3, further comprising a DC bus wired within the one or more shipping containers; and wherein both the at least one battery subsystem and the at least one PCS are electrically wired to DC bus prior to shipment of the one or more shipping containers to the deployment site.
5. The mobile power generation system of claim 4, wherein both the at least one PV subsystem and the at least one battery subsystem are housed within a respective shipping container for shipping; and further comprising at least one DC input connector integrated in or positioned on the at least one side of the one or more shipping containers, the at least one DC input connector electrically wired to the DC bus prior to shipment of the one or more shipping containers to the deployment site and configured to transmit DC power, generated by the at least one PV subsystem deployed at the deployment site and electrically cabled to the at least one DC input connector, to the at least one PCS via the DC bus.
6. The mobile power generation system of claim 4, further comprising an AC bus electrically wired within the one or more shipping containers; wherein both the at least one PCS and the at least one load output connector are electrically wired to the AC bus prior to shipment of the one or more shipping containers to the deployment site; and wherein the AC bus is electrically wired to the at least one chassis.
7. The mobile power generation system of claim 6, further comprising at least one input connector electrically integrated in or positioned on the at least one side of the one or more shipping containers; and wherein the at least one input connector electrically wired to the AC bus prior to shipment of the one or more shipping containers to the deployment site and configured to receive AC power generated by a generator.
8. The mobile power generation system of claim 1, further comprising control electronics for shipping within the one or more shipping containers and storage at the deployment site within the one or more shipping containers; wherein the control electronics is configured for communication with one or both of the at least one PCS or the at least one battery subsystem prior to shipment of the one or more shipping containers to the deployment site; and wherein the control electronics is configured to control the one or both of the at least one PCS or the at least one battery subsystem during operation at the deployment site.
9. The mobile power generation system of claim 8, further comprising a user interface integrated in or positioned on at least one side of the one or more shipping containers; wherein the user interface is configured for communication with the control electronics prior to shipment of the one or more shipping containers to the deployment site; and wherein the user interface is configured to perform one or both of: output status of the one or both of the at least one PCS or the at least one battery subsystem during operation at the deployment site; or input one or more commands in order to control at least one aspect of the mobile power generation system.
10. The mobile power generation system of claim 8, further comprising one or more sensors positioned within the one or more shipping containers; wherein the one or more sensors are configured for the communication with the control electronics prior to shipment of the one or more shipping containers to the deployment site; and wherein, after deployment at the deployment site, the control electronics is configured to control at least a part of the mobile power generation system based on sensor readings generated by the one or more sensors and transmitted via the previously configured communication between the one or more sensors and the control electronics.
11. The mobile power generation system of claim 10, further comprising at least one fan; wherein the at least one fan is configured for communication with the control electronics prior to shipment of the one or more shipping containers to the deployment site; wherein the one or more sensors comprises a temperature sensor; and wherein, after deployment at the deployment site, the control electronics is configured to control the fan based on temperature sensor readings generated by the temperature sensor and transmitted via the previously configured communication between the temperature sensor and the control electronics.
12. The mobile power generation system of claim 11, further comprising a user interface integrated in or positioned on at least one side of the one or more shipping containers; wherein the user interface is configured for communication with the control electronics prior to shipment of the one or more shipping containers to the deployment site; wherein the user interface is configured to perform one or both of: output status of the one or both of the at least one PCS or the at least one battery subsystem during operation at the deployment site; or input one or more commands in order to control at least one aspect of the mobile power generation system; and wherein a single side of the one or more shipping containers includes a plurality of inlet and outlet vents and the user interface.
13. The mobile power generation system of claim 8, further comprising a universal power supply (UPS) for shipping within the one or more shipping containers and storage at the deployment site within the one or more shipping containers; and wherein the UPS is electrically wired to the control electronics prior to shipment of the one or more shipping containers to the deployment site.
14. The mobile power generation system of claim 13, wherein the UPS, via electrical wiring, is configured to supply power to the control electronics in order for the control electronics to route power from the at least one battery subsystem to the UPS.
15. The mobile power generation system of claim 1, further comprising one or more power meters positioned in or on the one or more shipping containers; wherein the one or more power meters are electrically wired prior to shipment of the one or more shipping containers to the deployment site so that power input or power output sensed by the one or more power meters at the deployment site is used to control operation of or by the at least one PCS; and wherein, after deployment at the deployment site, the at least one PCS is configured to control power in at least a part of the mobile power generation system based on one or both of: the one or more power meters sensing the power input from a generator or other source of power; or the one or more power meters sensing the power output to at least one load.
16. The mobile power generation system of claim 1, wherein the one or more shipping containers includes a first container and a second container; wherein the first container includes the at least one battery subsystem and the at least one PCS with the at least one battery subsystem is electrically wired to the at least one PCS; wherein the second container includes the at least one PV subsystem; and wherein the first container further includes at least one DC input connector integrated in or positioned on the at least one side of the first container, the at least one DC input connector electrically wired to the at least one PCS prior to shipment of the one or more shipping containers to the deployment site and configured to transmit DC power, generated by the at least one PV subsystem deployed at the deployment site and electrically cabled to the at least one DC input connector, to the at least one PCS.
17. The mobile power generation system of claim 16, wherein the second container includes at least one deployment system configured to remove the at least one PV subsystem from the second container and to deploy the at least one PV subsystem at the deployment site.
18. A method of performing one or more of housing, transportation, or deployment of a renewable hybrid energy system, the method comprising: transporting one or more shipping containers to a deployment site, the one or more shipping containers comprising: one or both of: at least one photovoltaic (PV) subsystem for shipping within the one or more shipping containers and deployment at the deployment site; or at least one battery subsystem for shipping within the one or more shipping containers and storage at the deployment site within the one or more shipping containers; mechanical structure for shipping of the one or both of the at least one PV subsystem or the at least one battery subsystem within the one or more shipping containers; at least one power conversion system (PCS) for shipping within the one or more shipping containers and storage at the deployment site within the one or more shipping containers; mechanical structure for shipping of the at least one PCS within the one or more shipping containers; and at least one load output connector integrated in or positioned on at least one side of the one or more shipping containers, the at least one load output connector being electrically wired to the at least one PCS prior to shipment of the one or more shipping containers to the deployment site and configured to transmit AC power to a load electrically connected to the at least one output connector; removing the at least one PV subsystem from the one or more shipping containers; deploying the at least one PV subsystem; electrically connecting the at least one PV subsystem to the at least one PCS; and electrically connecting a load to the at least one load output connector for the at least one PCS to route AC power to the load.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the one or more shipping containers includes at least one DC input connector integrated in or positioned on the at least one side of the one or more shipping containers, the at least one DC input connector electrically wired to the at least one PCS; and further comprising connecting a cable from the deployed at least one PV subsystem to the at least one DC input connector in order for the at least one PCS to receive power generated by the at least one PV subsystem.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the one or more shipping containers includes a first container and a second container; wherein the first container includes the at least one battery subsystem and the at least one PCS with the at least one battery subsystem is electrically wired to the at least one PCS; wherein the second container includes the at least one PV subsystem; wherein the at least one PV subsystem is removed from the second container and deployed at the deployment site; wherein the first container further includes the at least one DC input connector integrated in or positioned on the at least one side of the one or more shipping containers; wherein the cable is connected from the deployed at least one PV subsystem to the at least one DC input connector on the first container.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the second container includes at least one deployment system configured to remove the at least one PV subsystem from the second container and to deploy the at least one PV subsystem at the deployment site; and wherein the deployment system from the second container is used to remove and deploy the at least one PV subsystem at the deployment site.
22. The method of claim 19, wherein connecting the cable from the deployed at least one PV subsystem to the at least one DC input connector results in the at least one PCS receiving the power generated by the at least one PV subsystem without additional connection of cabling needed since the at least one DC input connector was previously electrically connected to the at least one PCS prior to shipping.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the at least one battery subsystem, upon being powered at the deployment site, immediately supplies power to the at least one PCS due to the at least one battery subsystem being previously electrically wired to the at least one PCS prior to shipping of the one or more shipping containers.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein the one or more shipping containers are shipped with a universal power supply (UPS) resident therein; wherein, prior to shipment of the one or more shipping containers, the UPS is electrically wired to one or more electronic devices within the one or more shipping containers; and wherein, after arrival of the one or more shipping containers at the deployment site, the UPS supplies power to the at least one battery subsystem without any further electrical connections being performed.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein the UPS supplies power to control electronics resident within the one or more shipping containers; and wherein, prior to shipment of the one or more shipping containers, the control electronics is electrically wired to the at least one battery subsystem; and wherein, after arrival of the one or more shipping containers at the deployment site, the UPS supplies power via the control electronics to the at least one battery subsystem without any further electrical connections being performed.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein the one or more shipping containers includes a user interface on the at least one side; wherein, prior to shipment of the one or more shipping containers, the control electronics is electrically wired to the at least one PCS; wherein, prior to shipment of the one or more shipping containers, the user interface is electrically wired to the control electronics; and wherein, after arrival of the one or more shipping containers at the deployment site, a user receives status of one or both of the at least one battery subsystem or the at least one PCS via the user interface without any further electrical connections being performed.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The present application is further described in the detailed description which follows, in reference to the noted plurality of drawings by way of non-limiting examples of exemplary implementations, in which like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings. In this regard, the appended drawings illustrate only exemplary implementations and are therefore not to be considered limiting of scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments and applications.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0034] The methods, devices, systems, and other features discussed below may be embodied in a number of different forms. Not all of the depicted components may be required, however, and some implementations may include additional, different, or fewer components from those expressly described in this disclosure. Variations in the arrangement and type of the components may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims as set forth herein. Further, variations in the processes described, including the addition, deletion, or rearranging and order of logical operations, may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims as set forth herein.
[0035] It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to particular devices or methods, which may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms a, an, and the include singular and plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, the words can and may are used throughout this application in a permissive sense (i.e., having the potential to, being able to), not in a mandatory sense (i.e., must). The term include, and derivations thereof, mean including, but not limited to. The term coupled means directly or indirectly connected. The word exemplary is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect described herein as exemplary is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects. The term uniform means substantially equal for each sub-element, within about ?10% variation.
[0036] As used herein, obtaining data generally refers to any method or combination of methods of acquiring, collecting, or accessing data, including, for example, directly measuring or sensing a physical property, receiving transmitted data, selecting data from a group of physical sensors, identifying data in a data record, and retrieving data from one or more data libraries.
[0037] As used herein, terms such as continual and continuous generally refer to processes which occur repeatedly over time independent of an external trigger to instigate subsequent repetitions. In some instances, continual processes may repeat in real time, having minimal periods of inactivity between repetitions. In some instances, periods of inactivity may be inherent in the continual process.
[0038] If there is any conflict in the usages of a word or term in this specification and one or more patent or other documents that may be incorporated herein by reference, the definitions that are consistent with this specification should be adopted for the purposes of understanding this disclosure.
[0039] As discussed in the background, a variety of locations, including remote and non-remote locations (e.g., remote mining), requiring electric power have traditionally relied on diesel generators. However, such applications may present logistical risks. Merely by way of example, remote locations may present logistical risks, such as fuel deployment (including logistical difficulty regarding global fuel supply chains), safety risks associated with fuel delivery in some applications (e.g., military applications), potentially hazardous emissions risks, and carbon emissions risks. Likewise, typical solar-based power solutions are either overly limited in the power generated or overly large/complicated (e.g., difficult to transport and/or deploy/install). As one example, existing larger off-grid systems may be capable of supplying residential, commercial, or industrial loads, but typically have mobility or transportability issues or are unable to be rapidly and easily deployed. As another example, smaller portable solar and storage solutions with sizes on the order of 100 W may be used for camping or other outdoor recreational purposes but are incapable of providing clean mobile power for operations in the range of 50 kW to multiple MWs.
[0040] In this regard, in one or some embodiments, a system is disclosed that is configured for simple or easy transportability and/or mobility. Alternatively, or in addition, a system is disclosed for rapid and/or easy deployment. As such, in one or some embodiments, a system is disclosed which may be configured for remote and/or non-remote locations, and may include any one, any combination, or all of: tailored to be easily transported, including challenging environments; tailored to be easily deployed, configured, maintained, and re-packed and re-deployed without needing excessive special expertise or training.
[0041] Typically, the system includes any one, any combination, or all of: power conversion system (PCS); batteries; a PV subsystem; or one or more safety mechanisms. However, these different systems are typically packaged, transported, and deployed in a disjointed manner. For example, the PCS may include one or more functions, such as any one, any combination, or all of: one or more electrical power converts configured to convert DC power to AC power and/or vice versa (e.g., by using one or more PCS or inverting functionality); maintain continuous operation of a load (e.g., provide constant power to the load); supply power to load(s) (e.g., for a local microgrid or to the utility grid); include one or more safety mechanisms, such as contactors, breakers, fuses or the like. Thus, one function of the PCS is for power conversion (e.g., PCS may perform power conversion, such as one or both of DC to AC conversion or vice versa). In this regard, any discussion herein regarding the PCS may be generally applied to power conversion, such as one or both of DC to AC conversion or vice versa. For example, an inverter is a device that includes one type of power conversion (e.g., either DC to AC conversion or vice versa). As such, any discussion herein regarding the PCS may be generally applied to an inverter.
[0042] Batteries may be in the form of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), which comprises a plurality of batteries configured to provide or store electrical power. The PV subsystem may be composed of PV modules (with each PV module including a plurality of PV cells). The PV modules may be both physically and electrically connected together into a PV string prior to installation within the container. Any discussion herein regarding a container may comprise a shipping container. In one or some embodiments, the shipping container comprises a container with strength suitable to withstand shipment, storage, and handling. In a specific embodiment, the shipping container may comprise large reusable steel boxes used for intermodal shipments. For example, one type of shipping container comprises an intermodal container, also called a shipping container or ISO Container, which is a large standardized container designed and built for intermodal freight transport. The ISO container may be used across different modes of transport, such as from ship to rail to truck, without unloading and reloading their cargo.
[0043] Further, a plurality of PV strings may comprise a PV unit. Thus, PVs may be arranged into various groupings including PV modules, PV strings, PV units, etc. Therefore, any discussion herein regarding PV grouping or PV subsystem may include any one, any combination, or all of the various types of groupings contemplated herein. The one or more safety mechanisms may be configured to address associated risks with power generation systems (batteries, electrical, environmental, etc.).
[0044] Thus, in one or some embodiments, a container may be pre-configured, such as one or both of electrical pre-configuration or mechanical pre-configuration, for efficient transport, deployment and/or operation. In one or some embodiments, electrical pre-configuration may comprise any one, any combination, or all of the following: pre-wiring for purposes of power transfer; pre-configuration for communication between the different elements within the container or external to the container (e.g., in one instance, pre-wiring for communication between the different elements; in another instance, pre-configuring for wireless communication with wireless receivers/transmitters so that, upon powering the wireless receivers/transmitters at the deployment site, communication may be performed without additional configuration); or pre-wiring for purposes of grounding. Alternatively, or in addition, electrical pre-configuration may comprise including one or more electrical devices within or on the container.
[0045] As one example, pre-wiring for purposes of power transfer may comprise pre-configuring one or both of an AC bus or DC bus that is resident within the container. As discussed in more detail below, in one or some embodiments, the AC bus may be pre-wired for electrical connection to the AC output of the PCS and to one or more electrical connectors (e.g., an output electrical AC connection for driving a load; one or more input electrical AC connections for receiving AC input from generator(s), other AC sources, or the like), with the electrical connectors being resident on the container (e.g., accessible on an exterior of the container). In this way, pre-wiring may enable all AC electrical connections, except for plugging in the AC cables into the output electrical AC connection in order to drive the load or except for plugging in the AC cables into the input electrical AC connection in order to receive AC power input from generator(s) or other AC sources. Alternatively, or in addition to an AC bus resident in the container, a DC bus may be pre-wired for electrical connection to any one, any combination, or all of: the BESS; the PV; the DC input to the PCS; or one or more electrical connectors (e.g., one or more input electrical DC connections for receiving DC input from a deployed PV, a BESS that is resident in a separate container, etc.).
[0046] Alternatively, or in addition to an AC bus and/or a DC bus, pre-wiring may be used to supply power to one or more electronic devices (e.g., electronic devices resident within the container) and/or route power. As one example, the Aux power, which may comprise an uninterruptible power supply, may be electrically pre-wired to one or more electrical devices within the container, such as any one, any combination, or all of the control electronics, the PCS, the sensor(s), or the fan(s). In this way, the electronic devices may be immediately powered upon deployment. Alternatively, or in addition, the Aux power may be pre-wired for electrical connection to the PCS for recharging during operation. As another example, the DC output of the BESS may be wired directly to the DC input of the PCS.
[0047] In another example, pre-configuration for purposes of control may comprise wired and/or wireless pre-configuration so that the control electronics may communicate with one or more electronic devices (e.g., receive data input from electronic devices resident within the container and/or send commands for controlling electronic devices resident within the container). As discussed above, the pre-configuration may comprise pre-wiring. Alternatively, or in addition, the pre-configuration may comprise installing wireless communication (with or without receivers/transmitters) between the different electronic devices so that upon powering the receivers/transmitters at the site, wireless communication may be performed without any additional configuration at the deployment site. In a first particular example, pre-wiring may enable one or more sensors resident within the container to communicate with control electronics. In turn, using the sensor data (transmitted via the pre-wiring from the one or more sensors resident in the container to the control electronics), the control electronics may transmit one or more commands to various electronic devices resident within the container (e.g., the PCS, the BESS and/or the fan). In a second particular example, pre-wiring may enable the control electronics to control of various devices resident within the container, such as the PCS and/or the BESS resident within the container. In a third particular example, pre-wiring may enable control, via one or more electrical connectors positioned on an exterior of the container, of various devices resident external to the container, such as a PCS and/or a BESS that is resident in a separate container (e.g., the PCS and/or the BESS may electrically connect to the control electronics via the electrical connectors in order to receive commands via the electrical connectors). Thus, pre-wiring for purposes of control may be entirely performed prior to transport with little to no configuration needed at the site.
[0048] As yet another example, pre-wiring for purposes of grounding may comprise electrically connecting the electronics housed within the container (e.g., individual devices housed within the container, such as the PCS, BESS, control electronics, etc.; the AC bus; or the DC bus) to the chassis of the container. In practice, with a portion of the chassis exposed, at the site, a user may electrically connect a metal connector to exposed portion of the chassis, with the metal connector being electrically wired to a metal stake, which is driven into earth ground. In this way, for purposes of grounding the electronics, the user need only electrically connect the metal connector to the chassis and to drive the metal stake into the ground.
[0049] In one or some embodiments, electrical pre-configuration may comprise including one or more electrical devices within or on the container. As one example, the container may include a user interface that is mounted to or on the container (such as to an external panel of the container). In particular, the user interface may comprise a display, such as a touchscreen, and may be embedded or integrated into an exterior, such as a wall, of the container. Further, the user interface may be pre-wired to the control electronics. In one or some embodiments, the user interface may include a cover that is hinged so that during transit of the container or during inclement weather, the user interface may be covered. In one or some embodiments, the user interface may be configured for one or more functions, such as one or both of: requesting the status of any part of the system (e.g., the state of charge of the BESS, the current amount of energy production of the PV subsystem); or controlling any part of the system (e.g., fans, control electronics). As another example, the container may include one or more electrical connectors, as discussed above.
[0050] Alternatively, or in addition, mechanical pre-configuration may comprise any one, any combination, or all of the following: co-locating both for transport and for operation within the container (e.g., BESS, PCS, controls, Aux power, sensor(s), fan(s)); co-locating the PV subsystem for transport within the container with any one, any combination, or all of the BESS, PCS, controls, Aux power, sensor(s), fan(s)); or including within the container one or more deployment systems for deploying part or all of the PV subsystem. As one example, any one, any combination, or all of the BESS, PCS, controls, Aux power, sensor(s), fan(s) may be positioned within and mechanically supported within the container using one or more racks for transport within the container and for use at the ultimate site. As another example, part of all of the PV subsystem may be positioned within the container for transport. In one or some embodiments, the container may house one or more PV subsystems. As still another example, one or more deployment systems may be resident in, and transported with, the container. In this way, the one or more deployment systems may be used to deploy the PV subsystems when the container is delivered to the final site.
[0051] Thus, as discussed above, the system includes any one, any combination, or all of: PV subsystem(s) (e.g., glass solar panels, glassless solar panels, flexible solar panels, or non-flexible solar panels, such as laminated solar panels, that resist breaking during movement or deployment); batteries (e.g., ruggedized batteries that can resist breaking during movement or deployment); or control electronics tailored to be transported, deployed, packed, and re-deployed (e.g., the PCS is configured to operate with or without communication with one or more other electronic devices in the environment). In one or some embodiments, ruggedized may comprise being configured to perform any one, any combination, or all of: resist wear; resist tear; perform under stress; or resist abuse to the electronics. In one or some embodiments, the components of the various may be ruggedized based on features associated with the respective components. As one example, the PV subsystem may be ruggedized in one or more features, such as being glassless. As another example, the batteries may be ruggedized by being sealed, maintenance-free batteries with a rugged battery enclosure.
[0052] In this regard, container(s) to transport parts of the system are configured for easier transport and/or for easier configuration than traditional distributed energy resources (DERs). Thus, various embodiments are contemplated in order to tailor the mechanical and/or electrical configuration of the containers. In one particular example, the container may be configured for transport of both the PV subsystem and the BESS. In another particular example, separate containers may be tailored for the PV subsystem and for the BESS subsystem, such as a PV container tailored for transport and/or configuration of the PV subsystems and a Battery container tailored for transport and/or configuration of the BESS.
[0053] In a first embodiment, the PV container includes both of: (i) a plurality of PV strings; and (ii) power electronics to convert from DC to AC (e.g., the PCS). In practice, the PV subsystems generate DC power. Further, in practice, separate strings of PVs (see
[0054] Further, the PV container may be tailored to the power electronics. As discussed above, the PCS(s) may be integrated in one or more ways with the container, such as one or both of: mechanically integrated in the container (e.g., physically mounted within or bolted to the container); or electrically integrated in the container (e.g., internal wiring, such as grounding, of the PCS(s) may be electrically connected to the chassis of the PV container, and in turn to an exposed ground pad of the PV container; during configuration of the PCS on site, the ground pad of the PV container may be connected to physical earth in order to remotely ground the PCS(s). In this regard, configuration may be much easier than the prior art, which requires physically transporting the PCS(s) to the PV panels (interchangeably termed PVs) since the PV panels and the PCS(s)are transported in different containers. Moreover, part or all of the wiring, including grounding of the electronics, power, or communication, may be entirely (or nearly entirely) performed while configuring the container. As one example discussed above, in practice, to ground the PCS, the operator need simply electrically connect the exposed ground pad from the chassis to the physical earth via a grounding stake. As such, configuration is considerably easier by using the PV container (e.g., the chassis of the container and the wiring) to ground the PCS.
[0055] In addition, the PV container may be tailored to easily deploy the PVs stored therein. In one or some embodiments, wheel-based system(s), such as deployment system(s), may be integrated within the PV container that contains the PVs in order to remove the PVs from within the PV container in order to deploy at the final site. In one or some embodiments, the wheel-based system(s) are connected to the PVs while the container is in transport, thereby obviating the need to connect the wheel-based system(s) to the PVs prior to deployment at the site. In this way, connecting both the PVs and the wheel-based system(s) in transport may provide additional rigidity so as to reduce the possibility of damage of the constituent parts in transport. Alternatively, one, some, or each of the wheel-based system(s) in the PV container are disconnected from the PVs during transport, and are connected to the PVs only after transport of the PV container to the site.
[0056] In one or some embodiments, the PV container may include one or more PV groupings (e.g., whether one or more PV strings; one or more PV units; etc.). In practice, a respective set of PV grouping(s) include structure both to hold the plurality of PV grouping(s) while in transit and to remove the respective PV grouping(s) from the PV container for deployment. In a first embodiment, a wheel-based deployment system, which may include tracks, is assigned to each PV grouping. For example, a container that includes three sets of PV strings may include three separate deployment systems, each assigned to a respective one of the three sets of PV strings. In one embodiment, one, some, or each of the deployment systems are connected to the respective PV string in transit. Alternatively, none of the deployment systems in the PV container are connected to its respective PV string in transit, and are only connected to the respective PV string after arriving at the final site. Alternatively, the number of deployment systems in the PV container is less than the number of PV strings within the container. For example, a PV container may contain three sets of PV strings, but only include one deployment system (either connected in transit or disconnected in transit) assigned to a first PV string. The remaining two PV strings need not be assigned a track drive in transit. Rather, the remaining two sets of PVs may include a respective slot for insertion of a track drive. In practice, after the first set of PVs is deployed using the assigned track drive, the assigned track drive may be removed from the first set of PVs and connected to one of the remaining two sets of PVs (which are still in the PV container) for removal and deployment.
[0057] Further, the PV container may include guide rails that may be integrated work within the structure of the container and may work in combination with the wheel-based system(s). For example, the guide rails may be hinged at one end and may be connectable on the other end (e.g., connectable at a top of the container). When the container is in transit, the guide rails may be connected at the other end in order for the guide rails to be positioned in the stowed position. Thus, in the stowed position, the guide rails may provide additional rigidity to the PV grouping(s) while in transit. After the container reaches the site, the guide rails may be disconnected at the one end so that the guide rails may create a ramp which may be used by the wheel-based system(s), such as the track drive(s), to remove the set(s) of PVs from the PV container.
[0058] As discussed above, in a second embodiment, the Battery container includes both: (i) a plurality of PV grouping(s); and (ii) power electronics to convert from DC to AC.
[0059] More specifically, in one or some embodiments, the system may include control devices in (or associated with) one, some, or all of the PVs, the battery energy storage system(s) (BESS), or electronics (such as electrical connectors) to receive power from one or more generator(s). As discussed above, the control electronics may be configured to control the associated device(s) dependent on whether communication is available with other device(s). One example control device comprises a PCS. Other control devices are contemplated. As discussed above, the system may be configured to operate autonomously and, as such, need not rely on wired and/or wireless communication. In this regard, the system may be easily and quickly deployed, packed, and re-deployed. Moreover, in one or some embodiments, the various components in the system may be co-located, such as the PCS with the BESS subsystem, thus allowing for pre-wiring of the container prior to shipment, such as installing pre-wired communication (e.g., Ethernet cabling) and/or wireless communication (e.g., local wireless communication networks, mesh networks, or the like) between components, as discussed above. Alternatively, parts of the system may be deployed remotely from one another (e.g., the PV grouping(s) may be remote from the BESS subsystem) so that wired communication or wireless communication is either infeasible or unavailable. For example, certain parts of the system may be co-located (e.g., PV strings and BESS subsystem; PV strings and generator; BESS subsystem and generator) thus allowing for communication whereas other parts may not be co-located thus making communication infeasible. As such, in one or some embodiments, the controls of the device(s) in the system may be tailored (e.g., to take advantage of communication between one or more components if available at all) to deployment in such environments and configured to operate even without communication with one or more other devices in the system (e.g., the PVs are unable to communicate with BESS and vice-versa).
[0060] As discussed above, in one embodiment, the PV grouping(s) are removed from the PV container prior to deployment at the site. Alternatively, the PV grouping(s) may be deployed at the site while still connected to the PV container. In particular, the PV grouping(s) may include structure that both: (i) connects to the PV container (including structure directly connects the PV grouping(s) to the PV container or structure that connects the PV grouping(s), via one or more intermediary structures, to the PV container) in order to provide structural support for the PV; and (ii) enables deployment of the PV grouping(s) while structurally supported by the PV container. Various types of deployment of the PVs are contemplated. In one embodiment, the PV grouping(s) may be hinged on at least one side, and may be configured in a stored position (e.g., the PV strings are folded, such as at least partly overlapping one another and/or at least partly within the PV container) and in a deployed position (e.g., the PV strings are then opened, not overlapping one another and not within the PV container). Alternatively, or in addition, the PV grouping(s) may be multi-tiered, such as multi-tiered in the stored position (e.g., the PV strings are at least partly on top of one another) and in the deployed position (e.g., the PV strings, when deployed, do not overlap one another and also are positioned at different heights relative to the top of the PV container).
[0061] As such, in one or some embodiments, the system may be easily configurable, in one of several ways including any one, any combination, or all of: easily packaged for transport; easily deployed at the final site; and easily configurable at the site. Merely by way of example, the system may comprise a plug and play power distribution, which may allow for spot generation or distributed microgrid capability and which may or may not require the installation of multiple relays, power meters, etc. to effectively provide power to multiple loads. In addition, the system may include an intuitive Human Machine Interface (HMI), controls and power distribution connections, which do not require substantial training, thereby enabling straightforward configuration at the site.
[0062] Referring to the figures,
[0063] In practice, power may be provided to load(s) 110 via one or more means, such as from PV subsystem 102 (via PCS 104) through 114, from BESS subsystem 106 (via PCS 104) through 116, and/or from Generator 108 through 118. Further, when not routing power to the load(s) 110, PV subsystem 102 may route power to the BESS subsystem 106, such as via line 112 and PCS 104. The system may further include any one, any combination, or all of: various controllers; wiring; heat exchangers; power meters; or uninterruptable power supplies (UPSs). Further, one or more parts of the system (such as the PVs) may generate DC power, whereas the loads may operate on AC power. As such, the architecture may include DC-to-AC conversion, such as by one or more PCSs. The DC-to-AC conversion may be performed in one of two ways including: (1) de-centrally, such as proximate to where the DC power is generated (e.g., the PVs generate DC power; PCS(s) at the output of the PVs convert the DC power to AC, with the AC power then being transported to a central location, such as where storage batteries are housed); or (2) centrally (e.g., meaning that the DC power generated by the PV panels is transported to the central location, with the DC-to-AC power conversion being performed there). In this regard, the containers for deployment at the site may be tailored to either the decentralized or the centralized DC-to-AC conversion. As one example, decentralized DC-to-AC conversion may be performed so that one or more containers may locally perform the DC-to-AC conversion, such as illustrated in
[0064] In addition, the various devices in
[0065] It is noted that
[0066] Moreover, the system, as illustrated in
[0067]
[0072] Thus,
[0073] Controls 136 may include control electronics and include computational functionality as described below with regard to
[0074] As discussed above, controls 136 may further initially power the batteries. In this regard, one or more power meters may be used to assist the PCS in power control. In a specific example, a first power meter may measure the power input from one or more power sources, such as a general AC source (e.g., a generator, to the extent a generator is used in the system and inputs its power via generator input 138) and/or a general DC source. Further, a second power meter may measure the power leaving the container (e.g., at load output 137) so that the PCS 104 knows the amount of power being output, and can adjust the power output accordingly. Thus, the PCS 104 may use the one or more power meters installed in a pre-wired to sense the various inputs or outputs as described. Alternatively, or in addition, controls 136 may control one or more of BESS subsystem 106, PCS 104, or user interface 146.
[0075] Further,
[0076] Load output 137 may comprise electrical connection(s), such as illustrated in
[0077] Chassis ground connection 142 is discussed in further detail in schematic in
[0078] User interface 146 may comprises a touchscreen or the like in order for a user to perform one or both of: obtaining status of one or more electronic devices in the system (e.g., interacting with controls 136 in order to determine level of charge of BESS subsystem 106; to determine operation of PCS 104; to determine amount of power generated by PV subsystem 102 (that is connected to one of additional AC input 140 or additional DC input 144)); or controlling one or more electronic devices in the system (e.g., controlling PCS 104, BESS subsystem 106; PV subsystem 102, Aux power 132; or additional electronics 134, such as fan).
[0079] Container 131 may further include mechanicals 148 on an exterior of the container 131, such as one or more vents, which is illustrated in
[0080] As discussed above, container may be pre-wired for power and/or for communication prior to transport to the final site. An example of this is illustrated in
[0081] Finally,
[0082]
[0083] As mentioned above, the container may include one or both of an AC bus or a DC bus.
[0084]
[0085] Further, as discussed above, the container 131 may be tailored to various needs. In one or some embodiments, any one, any combination, or all of the PV subsystem 102, the BESS subsystem 106, or the PCS 104 may be resident within (and pre-wired) in the container 131. Alternatively, only two of PV subsystem 102, the BESS subsystem 106, or the PCS 104 may be resident within (and pre-wired) in the container 131. As one example,
[0086] As still another example, container 131 may include only PV subsystem 102 and BESS subsystem 106, without PCS 104 being included in container 131 for transport (e.g., the DC power output from both PV subsystem 102 and BESS subsystem 106 may be routed to a container 131 with a PCS 104 included therein and with multiple additional DC input 144 connectors for electrical connection to the DC power output from both PV subsystem 102 and BESS subsystem 106; after which, PCS 104 may convert the DC power from PV subsystem 102 and BESS subsystem 106 into AC power).
[0087] Still alternatively, only one of PV subsystem 102, the BESS subsystem 106, or the PCS 104 may be resident within (and pre-wired) in the container 131. This is illustrated, for example, in FIGS. II, in which the PV subsystem 102 is deployed (as shown by arrow 183), with its DC power electrically connected via cable 185 to additional DC input 144. Because PCS 104 is not resident in container 131 in
[0088] As discussed above, more than one shipping container may be used to ship the PV subsystem 102, the BESS subsystem 106, and the PCS 104. As one example,
[0089] Alternatively, AC power may be routed between containers, such as illustrated in
[0090] As discussed above, more than one PCS may be included in the one or more containers. As one example, a single PCS may be included in multiple different containers. Alternatively, multiple PCSs may be mechanically supported within and electrically wired with a single container, such as shown in
[0091] As discussed above (and in more detail further below), the chassis may be used (along with pre-wiring) in order to provide earth ground to one or more devices within a respective container or for a device electrically connected to a respective container. For example,
[0092] As merely one example,
[0093] Further, chassis ground may be electrically connected to one or more inputs to container 131, such as any one, any combination, or all of: load output 137 (in order to provide earth ground to the load); generator input 138 (in order to provide earth ground to the generator, which provides generator power input to container 131); additional AC input 140 (in order to provide earth ground to the source of the AC input, such as PV power that is converted in the field (via local inverters) to AC power and routed to container 131); or additional DC input 144 ((in order to provide earth ground to device(s) that provide DC power, such as a deployed PV subsystem 102). Alternatively, one or both of the AC power or the DC power input to container 131 may be grounded elsewhere. Further, as discussed in more detail with regard to
[0094] In this regard,
[0095] For example,
[0096] The PV only configuration has a single solar unit as the source to provide power to small loads.
[0097] Similar to the PV-only configuration illustrated in
[0098] In one or some embodiments, the PV+BESS configuration comprises a combination of a single solar unit and a single energy storage unit. For example,
[0099] Though not illustrated in
[0100] As discussed above, a Microgrid configuration alternatively may be used, such as for a more resilient power grid. In this way, the use of the renewable power generation assets and fuel reserves may be optimized. A microgrid configuration can be classified as either a central microgrid (see
[0101] In a central microgrid configuration (such as illustrated in diagrams 300, 350), power generation assets may be in a centralized location and may have a single Point of Interconnection (POI) to the existing electrical grid. While such a configuration may be optimal for space considerations, there remains a single point of failure at the POI.
[0102] In a distributed microgrid configuration (illustrated in diagram 400 in
[0103] In one or some embodiments, the mobile power system may operate under one or more constraints, including constraints to any one, any combination, or all of: the PV subsystem; the BESS subsystem; or the generator system. Further, there may be failure modes within the overall system, such as any one, any combination, or all of: communication failure (e.g., PCS/human machine interface (HMI) communication); system availability (e.g., BESS at minimum or maximum state of charge; low fuel for generator; low solar irradiance); system failure (e.g., equipment failures); system stability (e.g., stability in one or both of Voltage and Frequency).
[0104] With regard to PV constraints, the PV subsystem may be constrained by any one, any combination, or all of: low solar irradiance; PCS rating; PV losses (e.g., resistive loss due to impedance on the power cables or efficiency of the PCS); or equipment loss (e.g., PCS, PV modules, and/or junction box). The PV losses may begin at the AC PCS terminal through the POI and may be a combination of fixed power losses and losses proportional to the power output (e.g., resistive or impedance losses). Other losses in a PV subsystem may include any one, any combination, or all of: soiling loss (e.g., loss due to snow, dirt, dust and other particles on a PV module); DC wiring loss (e.g., loss caused by ohmic resistance of the cabling that interconnects PV devices and strings); light induced degradation of PV modules over time; or thermal loss (e.g., loss due to difference between cell temperature and ambient temperature).
[0105] For example, PV losses may be represented by:
PV Losses=(Fixed Aux Power)+R33 PV(1)
[0106] where Fixed Aux Power is the auxiliary power required to run the sub systems such as PCS, controllers, and breakers; R is the system resistive or impedance loss; and PV is power output from PV subsystem. The total PV Output Power at a given time may be a function of weather minus the PV Losses specified above, such as shown below:
PV Output Power=Fn(Weather)?PV Losses(2)
[0107] With regard to BESS, the constraints may include any one, any combination, or all of: battery charge or discharge limit (e.g., the BESS charging and discharging may be subject to power limit constraints and may be defined based upon the chemical and mechanical makeup of the battery module itself); battery State of Charge (SOC) (e.g., the fraction of the total energy or battery capacity that has been used over the total available from the battery, expressed as a percentage; it is noted that the total available energy may diminish over the life of the battery; battery charge or discharge loss; or efficiency.
[0108] Further, power from the BESS may be considered positive if BESS is providing power to the load (e.g., discharging), and negative when storing power (e.g., charging). The BESS contribution to energy flow has associated constraints when discharging and/or charging. For discharging:
P.sub.BESS<Max Discharge Limit, positive values are discharging(3)
P.sub.BESS<(SOC?SOC.sub.Min)?CA/(Time Period)(4)
[0109] For Charging:
P.sub.BESS>Max Charge Limit, negative numbers are charging(5)
P.sub.BESS>(SOC?SOC.sub.Max)?CA/(Time Period)(6)
SOC=Energy Stored/Energy Capacity(7)
CA=Cap?(1??CapacityLoss))??ESS(8)
[0110] where CA is the capacity available in the BESS in kWH; Cap is the actual energy capacity [kWh]; P.sub.BESS is the BESS power in kW (positive value is for discharge, negative value is for charge); ?CapacityLoss is the capacity difference due to operating at a C-rate different from the Standard Test Condition (STC); C-rate is the measurement of current in which a battery is charged and discharged at; ?BESS is the charge or discharge efficiency=(1?Internal Losses) and may be adjusted as a function of the C-rate; Max Discharge limit is the maximum BESS discharge capacity; and Max Charge limit is maximum charge the BESS may absorb.
[0111] In one or some embodiments, the SOC value may be communicated from the Battery Management System (BMS). The change in the SOC with a time step may be estimated as:
?SOC=BESS/[Cap?(1??CapacityLoss)??BESS/(Time Period)](9)
[0112] The total dischargeable energy, at a constant rate, may be represented by:
Cap?(1??DischargeLoss)??BESS_Discharge(10)
[0113] The Round-Trip Efficiency (RTE) of the BESS may be represented by:
?BESS_Charge??BESS_Discharge?(1??DischargeLoss)/(1??ChargeLoss)(11)
[0114] With regard to the generator constraints, generator efficiency may be primarily constrained by any one, any combination, or all of: the fuel efficiency; iron loss (e.g., hysteresis and eddy current losses); frictional loss (e.g., loss due to friction in the moving parts); or copper losses (e.g., power lost as heat in the windings). The total energy output (kWh) from a generator may be represented by:
E=P?h?d(12)
[0115] The total consumption of fuel (F) may be represented by:
F=E?C(13)
[0116] where P is the active power kW; h is the number of hours the gent set runs; d is the number of days; E is the energy output (kWh); and C is the fuel consumption per kWh.
[0117] As discussed above, one aspect comprises pre-configuring the container with one or more external interfaces, such as any one, any combination, or all of: a user interface (e.g., a touchscreen); an AC input connector (e.g., to receive AC power generated by a generator); an AC output connector (e.g., to drive a load); a DC input connector (e.g., to receive DC power generated by a PV subsystem); or a DC output connector (e.g., the transfer DC power to a second container for AC conversion by a PCS resident in the second container).
[0118]
[0119]
[0120] In one or some embodiments, the container may comply with military standards for military packaging, military preservation, and/or military packing. In addition, in one or some embodiments, the container is ? of a standard 20 ft ISO container. Further, container may include one or more sets of doors, such as three sets of doors.
[0121] As discussed above, the chassis of the container may provide a conduit to earth ground, with prewiring of the devices in the container connected to the chassis, and a part of the chassis in turn being connected to earth ground at the site.
[0122] In one or some embodiments, the container may be configured such that devices contained therein may generate sufficient power (e.g., at least 50 kW; at least 100 kW; at least 200 kW; at least 500 kW; at least 1 MW; etc.) when transported to the site while still being easily transportable. Thus, in one or some embodiments, the container may conform to standard ISO, DOT, MILSPEC containers for shipping. Further, as shown in
[0123] Similarly, the PV subsystem may be transported in containers (e.g., PV containers), such as illustrated in
[0124] In one or some embodiments, the PV subsystems, shown as PV panels, may be folded up and placed inside of a container 531 (see
[0125]
[0126] Further, an additional user interface 551, which may comprise a circuit breaker, may be used to inform the user of status within the container. As discussed above, user interface 550 may be pre-wired to control electronics, such as 138. In addition, side 502 may include one or more AC connectors (e.g., one or more AC output connectors and/or one or more AC input connectors) and/or one or more DC connectors (e.g., one or more DC output connectors and/or one or more DC input connectors). As shown in
[0127]
[0128] As shown,
[0129] As shown in
[0130] PCS 660 may further generate an AC output, which may comprise one or more lines. As one example, PCS 660 may generate a 4-line output for an AC bus, with 4 of the lines corresponding to the rails 680, 682, 684, 686 and comprising Line 1, Line 2, Line 3, and neutral, as illustrated in
[0131] In one or some embodiments, the exposed ground pad may be integrated with the container 501, 531, and may be an exposed part of the chassis of the container 501, 531. In practice, after removing of the PV subsystem 620, 622 (see
[0132] As discussed above, the power from various sources, such as the different sets of PV panels (see
[0133] The exact dimensions and type of container for the PV and the BESS may vary. In one or some embodiments, the size, weight, packaging, and integration methods for each of the containers (such as the containers for the BESS subsystem or for PV subsystem) may be unique. Alternatively, the containers transporting BESS subsystems and PV subsystems, such as illustrated in
[0134] Thus, as shown in
[0135] As discussed above, in one embodiment, the container 710 has each respective set of PV subsystem 726 with an associated deployment system 722 (illustrated in
[0136] In one or some embodiments, the deployment system 722 is mechanically connected, via connector 724, to the set of PV subsystem 726 while the container 710 is in transit. Alternatively, the deployment system 722 is not mechanically connected to the set of PV subsystem 726 while the container 710 is in transit. Rather, after arrival at the site, the deployment system 722 is mechanically connected, via connector 724, to the set of PV subsystem 726. Regardless, after the deployment system 722 is mechanically connected to the set of PV subsystem 726, the devices connected within overall structure 720, including deployment system 722, connector 724, and set of PV subsystem 726, may be removed from container 710 via the deployment system 722 and one or more rails, discussed further with regard to
[0137]
[0138] As discussed above, various structures, such as rails 742 (interchangeably termed guides) may be used in combination with deployment system 722 in order to physically move the set of PV subsystem 726 from the container 710. One example is illustrated in
[0139]
[0140]
[0141] Fully deployed PV subsystems are illustrated in representations 900, 950 in
[0142] As discussed above, the output from the PV panels may be DC power. As such, the PCS (such as PCS 660) may be integrated with the PV container 920, such as one or both of mechanically integrated and/or electrically integrated with PV container 920. With regard to electrical integration, the DC power inputs to the PCS (which are supplied by wiring 922) may be located on an exterior of the PV container 920 or may be accessible from the exterior of the PV container 920 (such as behind door 924), as illustrated in
[0143]
[0144] Thus, similar to the PV container 920, central container 960 may receive as input one or more cables (shown as element 980) emanating from the PV containers 920 (four of which are illustrated in
[0145] In one or some embodiments, a generator may be connected to the BESS subsystem along with a plurality of PV containers (such as the 4 PV containers 920 illustrated in
[0146] The large power and energy system size maintains a small footprint, while being lightweight (high power and energy per kilogram) and modular, providing power from 50 kW up to several MW. This system can accommodate a distributed microgrid power distribution through the integration with multiples of these units and/or with generators to provide an efficient electrical network of sources and loads, further increasing reliability. However, should the loads require a spot generation-type power distribution, a water-tight pass-through power port is available on the BESS container to allow the solar and generator outputs to enter the container. A similar port is available in the PV container to connect the solar panels to the power conversion system located within the PV subsystem. An example of one implementation of physical integration of the PV onto the BESS container per this invention is illustrated in
[0147] As discussed above, the PV panels may be removed from the PV container prior to deployment. Various types of PV panels may be removed/deployed. As one example, a tri-fold PV panel may be used. Alternatively, the PV panels may be deployed without removal from the PV container. In such a situation, the PV container itself may provide one or both of: (i) structural support (e.g., the PV container itself functions as the deployment frame for the PV panels); or (ii) electrical connections. For example,
[0148]
[0149] In all practical applications, the present technological advancement must be used in conjunction with a computer, programmed in accordance with the disclosures herein. Merely by way of example, various devices disclosed in the present application may comprise a computer or may work in combination with a computer (e.g., executed by a computer), such as, for example, in PCS 104, controls 136 (or control electronics generally), etc. Further, computing functionality may be resident within any of the electronic devices discussed herein. Merely by way of example,
[0150] The computer system 1120 may also include computer components such as non-transitory, computer-readable media. Examples of computer-readable media include computer-readable non-transitory storage media, such as a random-access memory (RAM) 1126, which may be SRAM, DRAM, SDRAM, or the like. The computer system 1120 may also include additional non-transitory, computer-readable storage media such as a read-only memory (ROM) 1128, which may be PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or the like. RAM 1126 and ROM 1128 hold user and system data and programs, as is known in the art. In this regard, computer-readable media may comprise executable instructions to perform any one, any combination, or all of the computer or electronic functionality described herein. The computer system 1120 may also include an input/output (I/O) adapter 1102, a graphics processing unit (GPU) 1114, a communications adapter 1127, a user interface adapter 1124, a display driver 1116, and a display adapter 1118.
[0151] The I/O adapter 1102 may connect additional non-transitory, computer-readable media such as storage device(s) 1112, including, for example, a hard drive, a compact disc (CD) drive, a floppy disk drive, a tape drive, and the like to computer system 1120. The storage device(s) may be used when RAM 1126 is insufficient for the memory requirements associated with storing data for operations of the present techniques. The data storage of the computer system 1120 may be used for storing information and/or other data used or generated as disclosed herein. For example, storage device(s) 1112 may be used to store configuration information or additional plug-ins in accordance with the present techniques. Further, user interface adapter 1124 couples user input devices, such as a keyboard 1125, a pointing device 1121 and/or output devices to the computer system 1120. The display adapter 1118 is driven by the CPU 1122 to control the display on a display device 1104 to, for example, present information to the user such as images generated according to methods described herein.
[0152] The architecture of computer system 1120 may be varied as desired. For example, any suitable processor-based device may be used, including without limitation personal computers, laptop computers, computer workstations, and multi-processor servers. Moreover, the present technological advancement may be implemented on application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or very large scale integrated (VLSI) circuits. In fact, persons of ordinary skill in the art may use any number of suitable hardware structures capable of executing logical operations according to the present technological advancement. The term processing circuit encompasses a hardware processor (such as those found in the hardware devices noted above), ASICs, and VLSI circuits. Input data to the computer system 1120 may include various plug-ins and library files. Input data may additionally include configuration information.
[0153] It is intended that the foregoing detailed description be understood as an illustration of selected forms that the invention can take and not as a definition of the invention. It is only the following claims, including all equivalents which are intended to define the scope of the claimed invention. Further, it should be noted that any aspect of any of the preferred embodiments described herein may be used alone or in combination with one another. Finally, persons skilled in the art will readily recognize that in preferred implementation, some, or all of the steps in the disclosed method are performed using a computer so that the methodology is computer implemented. In such cases, the resulting models discussed herein may be downloaded or saved to computer storage.
[0154] The following example embodiments of the invention are also disclosed:
Embodiment 1
[0155] A mobile power generation system comprising: [0156] one or more shipping containers configured for one or more of housing, transportation, or deployment of a renewable hybrid energy system; [0157] one or both of: at least one photovoltaic (PV) subsystem for shipping within the one or more shipping containers and deployment at a deployment site; or at least one battery subsystem for shipping within the one or more shipping containers and storage at the deployment site within the one or more shipping containers; [0158] mechanical structure for shipping of the one or both of the at least one PV subsystem or the at least one battery subsystem within the one or more shipping containers; [0159] at least one power conversion system (PCS) for shipping within the one or more shipping containers and storage at the deployment site within the one or more shipping containers; [0160] mechanical structure for shipping of the at least one PCS within the one or more shipping containers; and [0161] at least one load output connector integrated in or positioned on at least one side of the one or more shipping containers, the at least one load output connector being electrically wired to the at least one PCS prior to shipment of the one or more shipping containers to the deployment site and configured to transmit AC power to a load electrically connected to the at least one output connector.
Embodiment 2
[0162] The mobile power generation system of embodiment 1: wherein the one or more shipping containers includes at least one chassis, the at least one chassis including a metal portion for electrical connection to earth ground at the deployment site; and [0163] wherein the at least one PCS is electrically wired to the at least one chassis prior to shipment of the one or more shipping containers to the deployment site.
Embodiment 3
[0164] The mobile power generation system of embodiments 1 or 2: wherein the at least one battery subsystem is electrically wired to the at least one PCS; and [0165] wherein the at least one battery subsystem is electrically wired to the at least one chassis prior to shipment of the one or more shipping containers to the deployment site.
Embodiment 4
[0166] The mobile power generation system of any of embodiments 1-3: further comprising a DC bus wired within the one or more shipping containers; and [0167] wherein both the at least one battery subsystem and the at least one PCS are electrically wired to DC bus prior to shipment of the one or more shipping containers to the deployment site.
Embodiment 5
[0168] The mobile power generation system of any of embodiments 1-4: wherein both the at least one PV subsystem and the at least one battery subsystem are housed within a respective shipping container for shipping; and [0169] further comprising at least one DC input connector integrated in or positioned on the at least one side of the one or more shipping containers, the at least one DC input connector electrically wired to the DC bus prior to shipment of the one or more shipping containers to the deployment site and configured to transmit DC power, generated by the at least one PV subsystem deployed at the deployment site and electrically cabled to the at least one DC input connector, to the at least one PCS via the DC bus.
Embodiment 6
[0170] The mobile power generation system of any of embodiments 1-5: further comprising an AC bus electrically wired within the one or more shipping containers; [0171] wherein both the at least one PCS and the at least one load output connector are electrically wired to the AC bus prior to shipment of the one or more shipping containers to the deployment site; and [0172] wherein the AC bus is electrically wired to the at least one chassis.
Embodiment 7
[0173] The mobile power generation system of any of embodiments 1-6: further comprising at least one input connector electrically integrated in or positioned on the at least one side of the one or more shipping containers; and [0174] wherein the at least one input connector electrically wired to the AC bus prior to shipment of the one or more shipping containers to the deployment site and configured to receive AC power generated by a generator.
Embodiment 8
[0175] The mobile power generation system of any of embodiments 1-7: further comprising control electronics for shipping within the one or more shipping containers and storage at the deployment site within the one or more shipping containers; [0176] wherein the control electronics is configured for communication with one or both of the at least one PCS or the at least one battery subsystem prior to shipment of the one or more shipping containers to the deployment site; and wherein the control electronics is configured to control the one or both of the at least one PCS or the at least one battery subsystem during operation at the deployment site.
Embodiment 9
[0177] The mobile power generation system of any of embodiments 1-8: further comprising a user interface integrated in or positioned on at least one side of the one or more shipping containers; [0178] wherein the user interface is configured for communication with the control electronics prior to shipment of the one or more shipping containers to the deployment site; and [0179] wherein the user interface is configured to perform one or both of: output status of the one or both of the at least one PCS or the at least one battery subsystem during operation at the deployment site; or input one or more commands in order to control at least one aspect of the mobile power generation system.
Embodiment 10
[0180] The mobile power generation system of any of embodiments 1-9: further comprising one or more sensors positioned within the one or more shipping containers; [0181] wherein the one or more sensors are configured for the communication with the control electronics prior to shipment of the one or more shipping containers to the deployment site; and [0182] wherein, after deployment at the deployment site, the control electronics is configured to control at least a part of the mobile power generation system based on sensor readings generated by the one or more sensors and transmitted via the previously configured communication between the one or more sensors and the control electronics.
Embodiment 11
[0183] The mobile power generation system of any of embodiments 1-10: further comprising at least one fan; [0184] wherein the at least one fan is configured for communication with the control electronics prior to shipment of the one or more shipping containers to the deployment site; [0185] wherein the one or more sensors comprises a temperature sensor; and [0186] wherein, after deployment at the deployment site, the control electronics is configured to control the fan based on temperature sensor readings generated by the temperature sensor and transmitted via the previously configured communication between the temperature sensor and the control electronics.
Embodiment 12
[0187] The mobile power generation system of any of embodiments 1-11: further comprising a user interface integrated in or positioned on at least one side of the one or more shipping containers; [0188] wherein the user interface is configured for communication with the control electronics prior to shipment of the one or more shipping containers to the deployment site; [0189] wherein the user interface is configured to perform one or both of: output status of the one or both of the at least one PCS or the at least one battery subsystem during operation at the deployment site; or input one or more commands in order to control at least one aspect of the mobile power generation system; and [0190] wherein a single side of the one or more shipping containers includes a plurality of inlet and outlet vents and the user interface.
Embodiment 13
[0191] The mobile power generation system of any of embodiments 1-12: further comprising a universal power supply (UPS) for shipping within the one or more shipping containers and storage at the deployment site within the one or more shipping containers; and [0192] wherein the UPS is electrically wired to the control electronics prior to shipment of the one or more shipping containers to the deployment site.
Embodiment 14
[0193] The mobile power generation system of any of embodiments 1-13: wherein the UPS, via electrical wiring, is configured to supply power to the control electronics in order for the control electronics to route power from the at least one battery subsystem to the UPS.
Embodiment 15
[0194] The mobile power generation system of any of embodiments 1-14: further comprising one or more power meters positioned in or on the one or more shipping containers; [0195] wherein the one or more power meters are electrically wired prior to shipment of the one or more shipping containers to the deployment site so that power input or power output sensed by the one or more power meters at the deployment site is used to control operation of or by the at least one PCS; and [0196] wherein, after deployment at the deployment site, the at least one PCS is configured to control power in at least a part of the mobile power generation system based on one or both of: [0197] the one or more power meters sensing the power input from a generator or other source of power; or [0198] the one or more power meters sensing the power output to at least one load.
Embodiment 16
[0199] The mobile power generation system of any of embodiments 1-15: wherein the one or more shipping containers includes a first container and a second container; [0200] wherein the first container includes the at least one battery subsystem and the at least one PCS with the at least one battery subsystem is electrically wired to the at least one PCS; [0201] wherein the second container includes the at least one PV subsystem; and [0202] wherein the first container further includes at least one DC input connector integrated in or positioned on the at least one side of the first container, the at least one DC input connector electrically wired to the at least one PCS prior to shipment of the one or more shipping containers to the deployment site and configured to transmit DC power, generated by the at least one PV subsystem deployed at the deployment site and electrically cabled to the at least one DC input connector, to the at least one PCS.
Embodiment 17
[0203] The mobile power generation system of any of embodiments 1-16: wherein the second container includes at least one deployment system configured to remove the at least one PV subsystem from the second container and to deploy the at least one PV subsystem at the deployment site.
Embodiment 18
[0204] A method of performing one or more of housing, transportation, or deployment of a renewable hybrid energy system, the method comprising: [0205] transporting one or more shipping containers to a deployment site, the one or more shipping containers comprising: [0206] one or both of: at least one photovoltaic (PV) subsystem for shipping within the one or more shipping containers and deployment at the deployment site; or at least one battery subsystem for shipping within the one or more shipping containers and storage at the deployment site within the one or more shipping containers; [0207] mechanical structure for shipping of the one or both of the at least one PV subsystem or the at least one battery subsystem within the one or more shipping containers; [0208] at least one power conversion system (PCS) for shipping within the one or more shipping containers and storage at the deployment site within the one or more shipping containers; [0209] mechanical structure for shipping of the at least one PCS within the one or more shipping containers; and [0210] at least one load output connector integrated in or positioned on at least one side of the one or more shipping containers, the at least one load output connector being electrically wired to the at least one PCS prior to shipment of the one or more shipping containers to the deployment site and configured to transmit AC power to a load electrically connected to the at least one output connector; [0211] removing the at least one PV subsystem from the one or more shipping containers; [0212] deploying the at least one PV subsystem; [0213] electrically connecting the at least one PV subsystem to the at least one PCS; and [0214] electrically connecting a load to the at least one load output connector for the at least one PCS to route AC power to the load.
Embodiment 19
[0215] The method of embodiment 18: wherein the one or more shipping containers includes at least one DC input connector integrated in or positioned on the at least one side of the one or more shipping containers, the at least one DC input connector electrically wired to the at least one PCS; and [0216] further comprising connecting a cable from the deployed at least one PV subsystem to the at least one DC input connector in order for the at least one PCS to receive power generated by the at least one PV subsystem.
Embodiment 20
[0217] The method of embodiments 18 or 19: wherein the one or more shipping containers includes a first container and a second container; [0218] wherein the first container includes the at least one battery subsystem and the at least one PCS with the at least one battery subsystem is electrically wired to the at least one PCS; [0219] wherein the second container includes the at least one PV subsystem; [0220] wherein the at least one PV subsystem is removed from the second container and deployed at the deployment site; [0221] wherein the first container further includes the at least one DC input connector integrated in or positioned on the at least one side of the one or more shipping containers; [0222] wherein the cable is connected from the deployed at least one PV subsystem to the at least one DC input connector on the first container.
Embodiment 21
[0223] The method of any of embodiments 18-20: wherein the second container includes at least one deployment system configured to remove the at least one PV subsystem from the second container and to deploy the at least one PV subsystem at the deployment site; and [0224] wherein the deployment system from the second container is used to remove and deploy the at least one PV subsystem at the deployment site.
Embodiment 22
[0225] The method of any of embodiments 18-21: wherein connecting the cable from the deployed at least one PV subsystem to the at least one DC input connector results in the at least one PCS receiving the power generated by the at least one PV subsystem without additional connection of cabling needed since the at least one DC input connector was previously electrically connected to the at least one PCS prior to shipping.
Embodiment 23
[0226] The method of any of embodiments 18-22: wherein the at least one battery subsystem, upon being powered at the deployment site, immediately supplies power to the at least one PCS due to the at least one battery subsystem being previously electrically wired to the at least one PCS prior to shipping of the one or more shipping containers.
Embodiment 24
[0227] The method of any of embodiments 18-23: wherein the one or more shipping containers are shipped with a universal power supply (UPS) resident therein; [0228] wherein, prior to shipment of the one or more shipping containers, the UPS is electrically wired to one or more electronic devices within the one or more shipping containers; and [0229] wherein, after arrival of the one or more shipping containers at the deployment site, the UPS supplies power to the at least one battery subsystem without any further electrical connections being performed.
Embodiment 25
[0230] The method of any of embodiments 18-24: wherein the UPS supplies power to control electronics resident within the one or more shipping containers; and [0231] wherein, prior to shipment of the one or more shipping containers, the control electronics is electrically wired to the at least one battery subsystem; and [0232] wherein, after arrival of the one or more shipping containers at the deployment site, the UPS supplies power via the control electronics to the at least one battery subsystem without any further electrical connections being performed.
Embodiment 26
[0233] The method of any of embodiments 18-25: wherein the one or more shipping containers includes a user interface on the at least one side; [0234] wherein, prior to shipment of the one or more shipping containers, the control electronics is electrically wired to the at least one PCS; [0235] wherein, prior to shipment of the one or more shipping containers, the user interface is electrically wired to the control electronics; and [0236] wherein, after arrival of the one or more shipping containers at the deployment site, a user receives status of one or both of the at least one battery subsystem or the at least one PCS via the user interface without any further electrical connections being performed.