Solaroad Technologies
15th May 2015, 12:30
We built a portable solar generator with integrated battery storage and would love feedback from the solar community. This is not for sale and is not available to the public. Let us know what you think! :)
http://www.solaroadtechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/4-1024x966.png
Photovoltaics:
The device uses amorphous silicon (a-Si) thin film flexible solar cells. Amorphous silicon was chosen due to its light absorption and conversion characteristics. Although monocrystalline and polycrystalline flat panels will produce a higher peak of electrical generation, their peak will drop off sharply once direct sunlight is no longer contacting the panels. By using a-Si, the device will start generating at first light. The power curve will eventually plateau and not begin to descend until last light. At the end of the day, this results in the device producing more usable electricity than many flat panel systems. Another advantage of a-Si is that it is capable of producing usable power from artificial light sources such as indoor lighting.
Batteries:
The device uses lithium polymer (Li-Po) batteries. These batteries are high density sources of power that use a proprietary charge/discharge cycle in order to extend their usable life cycle. These batteries have been custom designed for us and are able to withstand extreme temperatures. They are rated for use up to 60 Celsius or 140 Fahrenheit or down to -20 Celsius or -4 Fahrenheit.
Tubes:
The tubes on the sides of the device are the main source of PV generation to charge the batteries. They are made of a durable lightweight and durable composite plastic with the thin film solar cells attached. They are slightly curved, as we discovered through experimentation that the generation is improved through the curve. They are spaced apart at specific intervals in order to provide a blow through design so as they will not be affected by high winds.
Top Tube:
The top tube on the device is an additional source of PV generation. The top tube contains a portion of the charge/discharge circuitry, the inverter (model dependant), the power switch, as well as voltage and amperage displays.
Frame:
Legs – The legs are composed of a glass/nylon mix and serve as the conduction path through which the electricity generated by the tubes flows to the charging circuit. One side conducts the positive while the other conducts the negative.
Gearbox – The gearbox connects the legs together and serves to align the legs for opening and closing the device. The gearbox also contains electrical connections in order to connect multiple devices together.
End caps – The end caps serve to cover the electrical components inside of the device, house the inverter outputs, and house the voltage and amperage displays.
Feet – The feet of the device provide a solid base for the unit to rest on. They can be used to provide an interlink to physically connect all the units so as to provide further stability for an installation with high numbers of devices.
Battery Box:
AC Charge circuit – The AC charge circuit contained in the battery box can be plugged into the electrical grid in order to charge the device during periods when sunlight is not available.
DC Charge circuit – The DC charge circuit is powered through lighting sources and is the primary charging source for the batteries.
Control Board – The control board is housed in the battery box and serves to manage the charging and discharging of the batteries. It also runs a sampling loop through the batteries to determine the charge levels and can top them off from the grid during off peak hours. The control board can also monitor up to 40 devices in an array from a single master unit.
Meters – The device contains meters to monitor the electrical levels of the batteries.
Inverter – The inverter is contained in the autonomous units to offer a “plug and play” device that offers AC electricity anywhere anytime.
Voltage/Amperage Display – Monitor the charge and discharge levels of your batteries through the built in electrical meters.
Handle:
The handle adds the portability factor to the device for taking it on the road, moving it around on a construction site, or to relocate if work on a rooftop is needed.
http://www.solaroadtechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/4-1024x966.png
Photovoltaics:
The device uses amorphous silicon (a-Si) thin film flexible solar cells. Amorphous silicon was chosen due to its light absorption and conversion characteristics. Although monocrystalline and polycrystalline flat panels will produce a higher peak of electrical generation, their peak will drop off sharply once direct sunlight is no longer contacting the panels. By using a-Si, the device will start generating at first light. The power curve will eventually plateau and not begin to descend until last light. At the end of the day, this results in the device producing more usable electricity than many flat panel systems. Another advantage of a-Si is that it is capable of producing usable power from artificial light sources such as indoor lighting.
Batteries:
The device uses lithium polymer (Li-Po) batteries. These batteries are high density sources of power that use a proprietary charge/discharge cycle in order to extend their usable life cycle. These batteries have been custom designed for us and are able to withstand extreme temperatures. They are rated for use up to 60 Celsius or 140 Fahrenheit or down to -20 Celsius or -4 Fahrenheit.
Tubes:
The tubes on the sides of the device are the main source of PV generation to charge the batteries. They are made of a durable lightweight and durable composite plastic with the thin film solar cells attached. They are slightly curved, as we discovered through experimentation that the generation is improved through the curve. They are spaced apart at specific intervals in order to provide a blow through design so as they will not be affected by high winds.
Top Tube:
The top tube on the device is an additional source of PV generation. The top tube contains a portion of the charge/discharge circuitry, the inverter (model dependant), the power switch, as well as voltage and amperage displays.
Frame:
Legs – The legs are composed of a glass/nylon mix and serve as the conduction path through which the electricity generated by the tubes flows to the charging circuit. One side conducts the positive while the other conducts the negative.
Gearbox – The gearbox connects the legs together and serves to align the legs for opening and closing the device. The gearbox also contains electrical connections in order to connect multiple devices together.
End caps – The end caps serve to cover the electrical components inside of the device, house the inverter outputs, and house the voltage and amperage displays.
Feet – The feet of the device provide a solid base for the unit to rest on. They can be used to provide an interlink to physically connect all the units so as to provide further stability for an installation with high numbers of devices.
Battery Box:
AC Charge circuit – The AC charge circuit contained in the battery box can be plugged into the electrical grid in order to charge the device during periods when sunlight is not available.
DC Charge circuit – The DC charge circuit is powered through lighting sources and is the primary charging source for the batteries.
Control Board – The control board is housed in the battery box and serves to manage the charging and discharging of the batteries. It also runs a sampling loop through the batteries to determine the charge levels and can top them off from the grid during off peak hours. The control board can also monitor up to 40 devices in an array from a single master unit.
Meters – The device contains meters to monitor the electrical levels of the batteries.
Inverter – The inverter is contained in the autonomous units to offer a “plug and play” device that offers AC electricity anywhere anytime.
Voltage/Amperage Display – Monitor the charge and discharge levels of your batteries through the built in electrical meters.
Handle:
The handle adds the portability factor to the device for taking it on the road, moving it around on a construction site, or to relocate if work on a rooftop is needed.