Autonomous and movable device for generating, storing and distributing electrical power to dedicated movable batteries

{
  "publication_number": "US11070165B2",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B2",
  "title": "Autonomous and movable device for generating, storing and distributing electrical power to dedicated movable batteries",
  "abstract": "The invention relates to an autonomous and movable device (1) for generating, storing and distributing electrical power, comprising means (2) for generating electrical power, namely photovoltaic panels (20), resting on at least one supporting element (3), namely a standardized shipping container (3 qql, 32). The latter encloses internal means (6) for storing the electrical power generated by said generating means (2), said supporting element (3) also enclosing means for converting signals generated by the generating means (2) into signals suitable for supplying power to the storing means, and at least one electrical connector (8) for connecting external power-storing devices. The supporting element (3) also incorporates a controlling system comprising means for managing the storage and distribution of the power generated by said generating means (2), said means being connected to sensors for measuring operating parameters with which a plurality of elements of the device are equipped, and electronic telecommunication means.",
  "claims": [
    "1. An autonomous device for generation, storage and distribution of electrical power, wherein the device comprises: at least one supporting element, means for generating electrical power, resting on the at least one supporting element, the supporting element enclosing means for internal storage of the electrical power generated by the generation means, the supporting element also enclosing means for converting signals from the generation means into signals capable of supplying power to the electrical power storage means, at least one electrical connector for connecting the device to external electrical power storage devices, and electronic telecommunications means, wherein the supporting element also incorporates a controlling system comprising means for managing storage and distribution of the electrical power generated by the generation means connected to sensors provided on a plurality of components of the device for measuring operating parameters, the controlling system comprising means for identification of the external electrical power storage devices, and wherein the external electrical power storage devices are movable batteries forming an integral part of the device, wherein each of the movable batteries includes an identifier capable of being identified by the means for identification of the controlling system, the controlling system being capable of authorizing or refusing charging of the movable batteries, the movable batteries being the only load capable of being charged by the at least one electrical connector.",
    "2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the controlling system comprises at least one server controlling (i) a plurality of microcontrollers controlling opening/closing means for at least electrical lines associated with each electrical connector, and (ii) at least one charge and discharge regulator for the internal storage means.",
    "3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the signal converting means comprise at least one inverter connected downstream of the generation means and upstream of the electrical connectors and at least one charge regulator connected between the inverters of the generation means and the internal storage means.",
    "4. The device according to claim 2, wherein, on each electrical line, downstream of the signal converting means, at least one meter is connected upstream of a relay, a circuit breaker being connected between the at least one meter and the relay.",
    "5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the supporting element also encloses electrical lines supplying power to at least one selected from the group consisting of at least one refrigerator, at least one ventilation means, and at least one lighting.",
    "6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic communication means include at least a WEB server, a WIFI router and an internet router.",
    "7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the means for managing the storage and distribution of electrical power comprise voltage, current, and energy sensors.",
    "8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the supporting elements include two containers to which is fixed a structure for holding and fastening a plurality of photovoltaic panels, the electrical connectors being positioned on outer faces of at least one of the two containers.",
    "9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the identification means further including display means.",
    "10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the electrical connectors include detection means, such as LEDs, managed by the controlling system.",
    "11. A method for managing the electrical energy generated by an autonomous device for generation, storage and distribution of electrical power, wherein the device comprises: at least one supporting element, means for generating electrical power, resting on the at least one supporting element, the supporting element enclosing means for internal storage of the electrical power generated by the generation means, the supporting element also enclosing means for converting signals from the generation means into signals capable of supplying power to the electrical power storage means, at least one electrical connector for connecting the device to external electrical power storage devices, and electronic telecommunications means, wherein the supporting element also incorporates a controlling system comprising means for managing storage and distribution of the electrical power generated by the generation means connected to sensors provided on a plurality of components of the device for measuring operating parameters, and wherein the external electrical power storage devices are movable batteries forming an integral part of the device and including at least one selected from the group consisting of an identifier capable of being identified by means for identification of the controlling system and connection means specific to the at least one electrical connector, the method comprising: setting a first threshold value S 1 for a level of power available in the internal storage means necessary for operation of the device; setting a second value S 2 for the level of power available in the internal storage means so that S 2 >S 1; when the level of power available in the internal storage means drops below the first threshold value S 1, disconnecting the electronic telecommunication means for a first predetermined period of time d 1, then closed-loop controlling the level of power available in the internal storage means at the end of the first period of time d 1, and reconnecting the electronic telecommunication means if the level is higher than the second value S 2; if the level of power available in the internal storage means is still lower than the second value S 2, detecting a number of electrical connectors in an active phase of supplying a load, and calculating their supply time t a; disconnecting the n 1 electrical connectors having the highest supply times t a for a second predetermined period of time d 2, then closed-loop controlling the level of power available in the internal storage means at the end of the second period of time d 2 and, if the value S 2 is not reached, resuming the disconnecting while incrementing by n 2 the number of disconnected electrical connectors, while keeping the electronic communication means disconnected; reconnecting the disconnected electrical connectors and the electronic telecommunication means as soon as the level of power available in the internal storage means is higher than or equal to the second value S 2; if no electrical connector is any longer in the active phase of supplying a load, controlling a supply line of a refrigerator and disconnecting the supply line if the refrigerator is powered, for a third predetermined period of time d 3, then closed-loop controlling the level of power available in the internal storage means at the end of the third period of time d 3, and reconnecting the refrigerator, all the electrical connectors and the electronic telecommunication means as soon as the level of power available in the internal storage means is higher than the second value S 2; if the level of power available in the internal storage means is still lower than the second value S 2, sending a warning of insufficient power and disconnecting the sensors, except the power sensors of the internal storage means, then closed-loop controlling the level of power available in the internal storage means and reconnecting the disconnected electrical connectors as soon as the level of power is higher than the second value S 2; in case of detection of a zero power in the internal storage means and if the power generation is zero, the server and the various organs of the device restart as soon as they are anew supplied with electrical power.",
    "12. The method for managing the electrical energy according to claim 11, wherein the values S 1 and S 2 are varying according to defined time slots in a time period corresponding to one day.",
    "13. The method for managing the electrical energy according to claim 11, wherein: the first threshold value S 1 varies between 1 and 8 kWh; the second value S 2 is higher than or equal to S 1 +1 kWh and varies between 2 and 10 kWh; the first predetermined period of time d 1 varies between 2 minutes and 30 minutes; the second predetermined period of time d 2 varies between 2 minutes and 30 minutes; the third predetermined period of time d 3 varies between 2 minutes and 30 minutes.",
    "14. The method for managing the electrical energy according to claim 11, comprising, for charging the external power storage means: reading, by the identification means, the identifier of one of the external electrical power storage devices and recording the time t 1 and the date T of reading; controlling, by the controlling system, the last date M of charging of the external electrical power storage device; calculating a period of time D=T−M and comparing D with a predetermined period of time L imposed between two charges; refusing the charging if D is different from L, and sending, by the controlling system, and displaying on the display means, a message indicating the next authorized date; otherwise, performing, by the controlling system, a storing of the time of identification, then an assignment and display of the electrical connector assigned through activation of detection means of the electrical connector.",
    "15. The method for managing the electrical energy according to claim 14, comprising: identifying a meter corresponding to the assigned electrical connector and storing a count value v 1 of the charge current and the time t 1; closed-loop controlling for a predetermined time between 1 min and 4 min a count value of the charge current v 2, and comparing with v 1; if v 2 >v 1, storing the time t 2 and the date of the day as the last date M of charging of the external electrical power storage device, otherwise stopping the power supply to the electrical connector without storing the date of charging; closed-loop controlling the value of the charge current and, as soon as the value of the charge current decreases, stopping the power supply to the electrical connector and storing the time t 3 of stopping; if the charge current does not decrease after a predetermined period of time starting at time t 2, stopping the power supply to the electrical connector, and storing the time t 3 of stopping.",
    "16. The method for managing the electrical energy according to claim 15, wherein the dates and times are stored by the controlling system and sent via the electronic telecommunication means.",
    "17. The method according to claim 11, wherein the device or devices are connected via the electronic telecommunication means to a central station, to which the operating parameters as well as the dates and times stored by the controlling system are sent, and from which values of the operating parameters of the device can be re-parameterized.",
    "18. The method according to claim 11, wherein the means for generating electrical power is a set of photovoltaic panels, and the supporting element is at least one standardized shipping container.",
    "19. The device according to claim 1, wherein the means for generating electrical power is a set of photovoltaic panels.",
    "20. The device according to claim 19, wherein the supporting element is at least one standardized shipping container.",
    "21. The method according to claim 11, wherein the identification means comprises a display means.",
    "22. The method according to claim 11, wherein, in the device, the supporting elements include two containers to which is fixed a structure for holding and fastening a plurality of photovoltaic panels, the electrical connectors being positioned on outer faces of at least one of the two containers.",
    "23. An autonomous device for generation, storage and distribution of electrical power, wherein the device comprises: at least one supporting element, means for generating electrical power, resting on the at least one supporting element, the supporting element enclosing means for internal storage of the electrical power generated by the generation means, the supporting element also enclosing means for converting signals from the generation means into signals capable of supplying power to the electrical power storage means, at least one electrical connector for connecting the device to external electrical power storage devices, and electronic telecommunications means, wherein the supporting element also incorporates a controlling system comprising means for managing storage and distribution of the electrical power generated by the generation means connected to sensors provided on a plurality of components of the device for measuring operating parameters, and wherein the external electrical power storage devices are movable batteries forming an integral part of the device and including at least one selected from the group consisting of an identifier capable of being identified by means for identification of the controlling system and connection means specific to the at least one electrical connector, wherein the supporting elements include two containers to which is fixed a structure for holding and fastening a plurality of photovoltaic panels, the electrical connectors being positioned on outer faces of at least one of the two containers."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "The present invention relates to the field of autonomous systems for generating and storing electricity.\n\nThe invention more particularly relates to a device that is both movable and compact, and that is capable of permitting, on the one hand, to generate electricity from solar energy and, on the other hand, to store this generated electricity in internal storage batteries as well as in external portable batteries, the latter being specifically designed to be the only devices likely to be connected to said device.\n\nIn particular, a device has been developed that permits an intelligent and autonomous management of the generation and storage of electricity, so that the latter is available and usable in areas where access to electricity is difficult.\n\nIn addition, this device can also permit, in particular, access to an electronic telecommunications network such as Internet for a large number of users, access to a refrigerator as well as remote management, monitoring and control of its operation.\n\nIn the state of the art are traditionally known autonomous systems permitting to have access to electricity, namely by means of movable thermal systems, such as engines or turbines and permitting to be connected to existing electricity power networks to quickly cope with the lack of power generation.\n\nThese devices thus provide a carbon-based means for generating electricity, but require, however, electricity networks as well as existing infrastructures for the distribution of this electricity, and the latter are indeed lacking in some regions of the developing countries.",
  "cpc": [
    "H02S 10/40",
    "G05F 1/66",
    "H02J 13/1335",
    "H02J 2105/10",
    "H02J 3/38",
    "H02J 3/385",
    "H02J 7/00",
    "H02J 7/35",
    "H02S 40/38",
    "Y02E 10/56",
    "Y02E 40/70",
    "Y02E 60/00",
    "Y02E 70/30",
    "Y04S 10/123",
    "Y04S 40/126"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "G05F 1/66",
    "H02J 3/38",
    "H02S 10/40",
    "H02S 40/38"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "Solarplexus"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "Alain Orriols",
    "Nicolas Namy"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2017-11-23",
  "publication_date": "2021-07-20",
  "grant_date": "2021-07-20",
  "priority_date": "2016-11-24",
  "application_number": "US-201716461096-A",
  "family_id": "58401685",
  "cited_by_count": 5,
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}