GB2609890A

GB2609890A - Power system

Info

Publication number: GB2609890A
Application number: GB2108614.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Wild Ian
Original assignee: Boss Cabins Ltd
Current assignee: Boss Cabins Ltd
Priority date: 2021-06-16
Filing date: 2021-06-16
Publication date: 2023-02-22
Anticipated expiration: 2041-06-16
Also published as: GB202108614D0; GB2609890B

Abstract

A portable, powered storage system comprising a housing having an internal space, a plurality of storage units provided within the internal space and where one or more electrical outlet is provided within at least one of the storage units. The units may form a bank of lockers and may also include a habitable space and an electrical vehicle charger. The power may be provided by a battery charged by a mix of renewable, such as solar and wind, and combustible sources. A CCTV system, anti-pry features and multi-lock doors may be provided. The unit may be towable or liftable for relocation.

Description

Power system The present disclosure relates to a power system, particularly to a portable power system for charging equipment.

Background of the invention

In construction sites, power tools, mobile phones, laptops or other battery-operated electrical devices may need recharging. Typically, this may involve finding an available electrical outlet to charge the device. Such outlets are often provided in unsecured areas of the site, and thus the device may be prone to theft.

Additionally or alternatively, such outlets may not be available in remote sites, or at the early stages of construction. Whilst generators may be used on site, they typically do not provide the appropriate the power output and/or connectors for mobile device, as generators are designed for use with high powered tools etc. It is an aim of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate one or more of the above problems.

Statement of invention

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided: a portable powered storage system comprising: a housing having an internal space; one or more storage unit provided within the internal space; and where one or more electrical outlet is provided within at least one of the storage units.

The powered storage system may be portable in the sense that it is freestanding.

The system may comprise an onboard generator and/or electrical store (e.g. one or more battery). Optional features are defined in the dependent claims.

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a power system; Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a storage unit of the power system; Figure 3 shows a schematic view of an electrical system of the power system.

A power system 2 is shown in figure 1. The system 2 comprises a self-contained storage unit 4, referred to herein as a cabin/cabinet. The unit 4 may comprise a steel shell, for example, the cabinet may comprise a structure similar to an ISO container. The unit 4 may therefore comprise a pre-fabricated enclosure/container. The unit 4 may be manufactured using sheet metal. The unit may be of sufficient size to allow one or more person to exit/enter and/or reside within the unit 4, e.g. in the form of a cabin. The unit 4 thus comprises an internal space to suitable to house one or more persons so that they can access the storage facility internally. Alternatively the unit 4 may have internal storage space that is smaller and/or dedicated only to storage of articles and not people, e.g. having doors that open externally to allow access to internal storage spaces. Such a unit 4 may take the form of a cabinet.

The unit 4 may be mounted to a movable chassis or the like. The system 2 therefore may be towable by a vehicle. The chassis may comprise a plurality of wheels 6. The chassis may comprise a tow connector 8 to provide a connection to the towing vehicle. The tow connector 10 may comprise a jockey wheel 12 to support one end of the cabin when not towed. However, it can be appreciated that such an arrangement is merely exemplary and the system may comprise any suitable arrangement to allow towing or propulsion thereof.

In some embodiments, the unit 4 comprises one or more connection member 14 to allow suspension of the system from a crane or the like. For example, the connection member may comprise one or more of: an eyelet; an aperture; a recess; a hook; a latch; a clamp; or a ratchet. The connection member 14 may be spaced about an upper edge/side of the cabin 4, for example, at the upper corners thereof, to ensure balanced lifting.

In some embodiments, the unit 4 comprises means to allow lifting using a forklift. For example, the unit may comprise forklift pockets 16. The pockets 16 may be provided proximal a lower edge of the unit 4.

Where the system 2 is configured for lifting via a crane/for lift, it can be appreciated the towable chassis may not be provided. Portability of the system is therefore provided by lifting and transportation of the system via a vehicle (commonly referred to as a "static" unit). In such embodiments, the system 2 maybe provided with legs or supports etc. at/adjacent a lower surface thereof. In some embodiments, the towable chassis and the lifting system may both be provided to provide flexibility for the user.

The unit 4 comprises a door 18 to allow access to the internal space within the unit. A step (not shown) may be provided adjacent the door 18. The step may be collapsible/detachable to allow transportation. The door 18 may be fitted with one or more security measures configured to prevent tampering therewith. For example, the door 18 may comprise anti-pry strips 20 along one or more edge thereof. The anti-pry strips prevent a crow bar or the like from being inserted into the space between the door 18 and a frame surrounding the door.

The door 18 comprises a lock. The lock may comprise any locking system, for example: key lock; RFID/NFC lock (e.g. card or fob mechanism); or magnetic card lock. The door 18 may comprise a multi-point locking system, for example, a 3-point locking system. The locking system thus engages the door frame at multiple points. The cabin 4 typically does not have any windows or the like. Where the unit 4 takes the form of a cabin, the cabin may only comprise a single door 18. The cabin thus only comprises single entry point. This provides additional security.

The system 2 comprises a renewable generator 22. The renewable generator 22 is configured to generate electrical power from a renewable source. This allows the system to be used in remote locations and negates/reduces the need for refueling of the system. Furthermore, this allows the system to be used where the generation of exhaust fumes may be undesirable.

In some embodiments, the renewable generator comprises a solar power generator 24. Typically, the solar power generator 24 comprises a photovoltaic (PV) generator. However, it can be appreciated the solar power generator 24 may comprise any suitable technology. The solar power generator 24 is mounted on an upper side 26 (i.e. roof) of the unit 4 to minimize the special footprint of the system and/or to maximize light collection. Again, it can be appreciated the solar power generator 24 may be mounted at any suitable position to collect light.

The solar generator 24 may be configured to track the sun. This ensures the generator is perpendicular to the incident light, thereby maximizing the amount of the solar power generated. The solar generator 24 may be configured to rotate about horizontal axis, thereby allowing vertical tracking of the sun. For example, the generator 24 may be mounted to a mast 28 via a rotatable shaft/pivot 30.

In some embodiments, the solar generator 24 is configured to rotate about vertical axis. This may allow the unit 4 to be orientated in different positions and/or to allow horizontal tracking of the sun. The solar generator 24 may therefore track in two orthogonal directions (e.g. an azimuth-altitude arrangement). Tracking movement in either of the directions may be provided by respective rotating motors and/or linear actuators. Tracking may be performed using any suitable tracking technique.

In some embodiments, the solar generator 24 may be provided in a fixed position. The position may be provided an angle optimized for light collection.

In some embodiments, the renewable generator comprises a wind turbine 32. The wind turbine 32 may be height adjustable. This allows the wind turbine to be raised to a position where airflow is improved (i.e. the air is not interrupted by walls, hedges etc.), thus allowing greater capture of wind energy. For example, the wind turbine 20 is mounted to a mast 34. The mast 34 may be telescopically adjustable. In other embodiments, height adjustment may be provided by one or more of: rotation; folding; rotation and folding (i.e. a concertina or scissor like arrangement), relative movement of two mast portions (i.e. in a side-by-side arrangement); or by other conventional means.

It can be appreciated that in some embodiments, only one of the solar and wind generator is provided. However, providing both generators may provide a more reliable system (i.e. as it may be windy when there is low light and vice versa).

The internal space of the unit 4 comprises a plurality of storage units. Each of the storage units may be individually lockable, thereby providing a secure storage space for a number of persons. The individual storage units may therefore be separate/discrete.

The storage units may be used to store personal effects, devices or equipment etc. The storage units may therefore provide lockers. The storage units may comprise a volume greater than or equal to 10,000cm3; preferably, greater than or equal to 50,000cm3.

The individual storage units may be provided as a bank of lockers, or similar, each with their own individual closure. The storage units may be formed of sheet metal construction. Partition walls may be provided to separate the internal spaces of the lockers, which may be adjacent. A bank or wall of lockers may be provided. The lockers may be provided in a two-dimensional, e.g. rectangular, array. Lockers may also be provided back-to-back or back-to-side arrangement, e.g. so different lockers open in different (e.g. orthogonal or opposing) directions.

An example of an individual storage unit 36 (e.g. a locker) is shown in figure 2.

The storage unit 36 comprises a door 38 or the like to provide access thereto. The door 38 comprises a suitable lock, for example, key-lock, keypad, and/or padlock etc. Any of the security features described above for the external door 18 may be provided for the lockers.

The storage unit 2 may comprise a hook 40 for hanging clothing etc. One or more shelves 42 may be provided. A safe 44 may be mounted to/provided in the storage unit 2. The exact arrangement of the storage unit 2 is merely exemplary, and the unit 36 may be arranged in any suitable configuration.

The storage unit 36 comprises one or more electrical appliance. In some embodiments, the electrical appliance comprises an electrical outlet 46. The outlet 46 allows the charging/powering of any suitable appliance. The outlet 46 may comprises any suitable for example, one or more of: 3-pin arrangement (e.g. UK plug standard); 2-pin arrangement (e.g. shaver, US, European plug standard); 3-phase; or powered data-bus type arrangements (e.g. USB, HDMI, ethernet etc.). Any number of outlets may 46 be provided as required. The outlets 46 may comprise a plurality of types (e.g. 3-pin and USB).

The outlets 46 may comprise a switch 48 to allow independent electrical isolation thereof. The outlets 46 may comprise bespoke/proprietary connections (e.g. docking stations) for tools and/or batteries thereof.

In some embodiments, the storage unit 36 comprises a light. The light may comprise a manual switch or like. Additionally or alternatively, the light may comprise a proximity sensor and/or a timer to reduce electricity consumption. In some embodiments, the storage unit comprises a heater. This may protect items from freezing and/or dry clothing etc. The storage units 36 may be arranged within the cabin/canbinet 4 in any suitable arrangement. Typically, the units 36 may be provided in a side-by-side arrangement. Where size allows, units 36 may be provided on top of one another. The storage units 36 may comprises different sizes. For example, some units may comprise an electrical outlet 46 and be sized to only accommodate portable electrical devices, such as laptops or mobile phones etc. In some embodiments, one or more of the storage units 36 may be open. Items can therefore be stored temporarily without the need to access for a key etc. In some embodiments, one or more storage unit may be provided on the exterior of the cabin 4. This provides convenient access thereto.

The overall storage unit 4 may comprise a further electrical appliance, for example, one or more of: a heater; a light (exterior and/or interior); cooking appliance (e.g. oven or microwave); security system; CCTV 50 (exterior and/or interior); communication systems (e.g. a modem/router, transmitter/receiver); water heating system; or electrical outlet. An AC electrical system and/or a DC electrical system may be provided accordingly.

The cabin 4 may provide a "welfare cabin". The cabin 4 may therefore comprise furniture, for example, seating or tables. The cabin 4 may comprise a water supply/reservoir and/or drainage system. The cabin 4 may comprise a toilet and/or a sink. In other example, the unit takes the form of a freestanding cabinet 4 (e.g. a locker unit) that is dedicated to storage of possessions/articles in a secure manner and which does not offer any internal occupancy space.

As shown in figure 1, in some embodiments, an electrical outlet 46 is provided on an external portion of the unit 4. This allows convenient access to an electrical outlet. The outlet 46 may comprise an outlet 46 are previously described. The outlet 46 may comprise an outlet for vehicle charging/powering. The outlet comprises a suitable connector for such a purpose (e.g. a type 1/type 2 connector). The outlet 46 may comprise a lock to prevent unauthorised use and/or disconnection of the plug/charger. A switch for the outlet 46 may be provided internally.

The electrical system 52 of charging system 2 is shown schematically in figure 3.

The wind turbine 32 and/or solar generator 24 are operatively connected to a battery system 54. The renewable generators are therefore configured to charge the battery system 54 in use. The battery system 54 comprises one or more conventional battery (e.g. Ni-Cd, Li-Ion, Lead acid, gel battery etc.). The battery system 54 may comprise an array or bank of batteries to allow faster charging and/or higher capacity.

The renewable generators 24,32 are connected to the battery 54 via a charge controller 56. The charge controller 56 regulates the power being fed into the battery system (e.g. using voltage/current regulators). This ensures the battery is not charged too quickly and is not overcharged. Additionally, the controller 56 may be configured to prevent over-depletion (i.e. provide a load shedder), which may damage the battery 54.

The electrical system 52 comprises a combustion generator 58. The combustion generator 58 is configured to provide power to the power system 52, for example, if renewable energy generation is not adequate or available (e.g. at night or in still conditions). The combustion generator is configured to charge the battery 54 via the charge controller 56. The combustion generator 58 may comprise a diesel generator. The generator 58 is operatively connected to the battery 56 via a rectifier 60.

The generator 58 may comprises a particulate filter. This reduces the pollution and harmful particulates released by the generator 58. The particulate filter may comprise a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). The filter may comprise any conventional filter, for example, a cordierite, silicon carbide, ceramic fiber, metal fiber or paper filter. The generator 58 may be configured to perform a regeneration cycle to remove excess soot etc. In some embodiments, one or more outlet 46 may allow input of electrical power.

This may allow charging of the battery system 54 from an external source. For example, this may be beneficial where renewable energy may be unreliable.

The battery is operatively connected to a DC circuit 62 and/or an AC circuit 64 respectively. The battery 56 may therefore provide power to the appliances and/or outlets 46 on the AC/DC circuits accordingly. In some embodiments, the generator 58 is directly connected to the AC and/or DC circuits to provide thereto. For example, an AC outlet 46 may be directly connected to the generator 56, thus bypassing the battery 54 and mitigating the need to rectify the AC current from the generator 58 into the battery and then inverting the DC current back to AC.

In some embodiments, the generators 58 are configured to be selectively activated 5 according to a power demand received by the system 2. The power demand is the total amount of power drawn from the system 2 (e.g. the amount of power drawn by the internal/external appliances and/or outlets 46). If this power demand is greater than the amount of power than can be provided by the battery 54 and/or the renewable generators, then combustion generator 58 must be activated to 10 meet the demand.

In order to determine the amount of the power required to be provided by the generator 58, the power supplied by the battery 54 and/or the renewable generators is subtracted from the total power demand. This may be performed and/or monitored by the charge controller 56. The generator 58 may be selectively throttled to provide the required power demand.

When activated, the generator 58 may be configured to operate an optimal efficiency (i.e. an optimal RPM). The generator 58 may therefore operate at a fixed power output. Any excess energy generated (i.e. that above the power demand) by operating at the optimal efficiency may be stored in the battery. This a portion of the power provided by the generator 58 may charge the battery 44 and a portion may charge be distributed to the appliances/outlets 46.

In some embodiments, the generator 58 is activated when the battery 54 charge falls below a pre-determined threshold (e.g. when near empty). Thus, the generator 58 acts to automatically top-up the battery when needed. The generators 58 may be deactivated until the fully is fully charged or reaches a predetermined level of charge. The activation/deactivation charge levels are spaced (i.e. hysteretic) to prevent rapid activation/deactivation of the generator 58.

The present arrangement provides a portable charging/storage station. The system may be provided in location where access to a power supply is limited. The system provides a secure location to leave items to charge (e.g. unattended). The system is environmentally friendly and does not require frequent refueling

Claims

Claims 1. A portable, powered storage system comprising: a housing having an internal space; a plurality of storage units provided within the internal space; and where one or more electrical outlet is provided within at least one of the storage units.
2. A powered storage system according to claim 1, where the storage units are independently lockable.
3. A powered storage system according to claim 1 or 2, where the electrical outlet comprises one or more of: a 3-pin plug socket; 2-pin plug socket; or a USB socket.
4. A powered storage system according to any preceding claim, comprising a renewable generator.
5. A powered storage system according to any preceding claim, comprising a combustion generator.
6. A powered storage system according to any preceding claim, comprising a battery, and the electrical outlet is configured to receive electrical power from the battery
7. A powered storage system according to claim 6, where the renewable generator and/or the combustion generator are configured to charge the battery.
8. A powered storage system according to claim 7, where the combustion generator is configured to selectively activate when a power demand is greater than a maximum power supplied by the battery system and/or the renewable generator.
9. A powered storage system according to claim 7 or 8, where the combustion generator is configured to run at a fixed power output.
10. A powered storage system according to claim 9, where the combustion generator is configured to run at an optimum efficiency power output.
11. A powered storage system according to any one of claims 5 to 10, where a first portion of the electrical power generated by the combustion generator is configured to supply a power demand and a second portion of the generated powered is diverted to charge the battery system.
12. A powered storage system according to any one of claims 5 to 11, where the exhaust system of one or more of the generators is operatively connected to a particulate filter.
13. A powered storage system according to any one of claims 5 to 12, where the combustion generator is configured to start up, e.g. automatically, if a charge level in the battery is lower than a predetermined threshold.
14. A powered storage system according to any preceding claim, where the storage units comprise one or more of: a light; a shelf; a coat hook; or a safe.
15. A powered storage system according to any preceding claim, where one or more electrical outlet is provided on an external portion or externally facing wall of the housing.
16. A powered storage system according to claim 15, where the electrical outlet comprises an electric vehicle charger connector.
17. A powered storage system according to any preceding claim, comprising one or more: a tow hitch; one or more lifting connector; or one or more forklift pocket.
18. A powered storage system according to any preceding claim, where the housing comprises one or more of: a CCTV system; a door comprising anti-pry strips; or a door comprising multi-point locking.
19. A powered storage system according to any preceding claim, where the housing comprises only a single entry point for the internal space.
20. A powered storage system according to any preceding claim, where the internal space is sufficiently sized to house one or more person therein.
21. A powered storage system according to any preceding claim, where the plurality of storage units comprises a bank of lockers.
22. A powered storage system according to any preceding claim, where each of the plurality of storage units comprises an anti-pry closure.
23. A powered storage system according to any preceding claim, provided in 15 the form of a freestanding storage system with onboard power generation and individual power supply to each storage unit within the housing.
24. A powered storage system according to any preceding claim, comprising a power inverter and/or rectifier.
25. A powered storage system according to any preceding claim, where the plurality of storage units are segregated by way of a partition wall within the housing, wherein the plurality of electrical outlets is provided on the partition wall and/or wherein cabling for the electrical outlets runs along the partition wall.