WO2009016679A2

WO2009016679A2 - Power supply system for transportable apparatuses and equipments

Info

Publication number: WO2009016679A2
Application number: PCT/IT2008/000514
Authority: WO
Inventors: Raniero Terribili; Aldo Di Carlo; Giordano Pastorini; Marco Berliocchi; Massimo Buriani
Original assignee: ECOLUCE TECNOLOGIE
Current assignee: ECOLUCE TECNOLOGIE
Priority date: 2007-07-30
Filing date: 2008-07-29
Publication date: 2009-02-05
Anticipated expiration: 2010-01-30
Also published as: ITRM20070413A1; WO2009016679A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a power supply system (1) for a transportable load (7, 7', 7"), comprising one or more fixed preloading main power generation stations (3), one or more power generation movable secondary stations (8), each one installable close to the site of installation of said load (7, 7', 7'') to be supplied, and one or more movable power accumulators (2), apt to accumulate and delivering electric power, having: - a first operative connection configuration wherein each one of said power accumulation means (2) is removably connected to a relevant main charging station (3) for recharging; - a second connection operative configuration, wherein each one of said power accumulators (2) is connected to a relevant secondary station (5) and to said load (7, 7', 7"), so that said power accumulator means (2) recharge during delivering of power accumulated to said load (7, 7', 7'').

Description

POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM FOR TRANSPORTABLE APPARATUSES AND EQUIPMENTS

The present invention relates to a power supply system for transportable apparatuses and equipments.

More specifically, the invention concerns a high efficiency system for supplying apparatuses and equipments particularly dedicated to show business and/or apparatuses for congresses.

In the following, the specification will be addressed to power supply of show business apparatuses, but it is well evident that the same must not be considered limited to this specific use.

As it is well known, apparatuses for show business, such as stage lighting apparatuses or high power audio apparatuses, usually delivered by traditional electric network or by generator known as "generator sets". Particularly the latter represent a polluting power supply since they create power by Diesel fuel combustion.

Known apparatuses comprise high power alternate current amplifiers and discharge and incandescent lamps with consumption between 250 and 2000 Watt each, with the total number often reaching 50 pieces for each apparatus.

Therefore, main problems of the known solutions are relevant to the needing of a high power required by the public electric network or the consumption of Diesel fuel by generator sets, employed for compensating failures of the same network. It is well evident that above solutions are not adequate under the ecologic point of view.

Moreover, self-discharge phenomenon occurs among batteries of power supply apparatuses with transportable accumulators, i.e. most charged battery discharges on the less charged battery, making the system not efficient.

In view of the above, it is object of the present invention that of suggesting a modular power supply system permitting supplying transportable apparatuses and equipments, thus limiting pollution.

It is further object of the present invention that of eliminating self-discharge phenomenon of battery of an accumulation unit.

It is also object of the present invention that of increasing efficiency of equipments using, if possible, fittings and devices supplied by Direct Current. Object of the present invention is also that of controlling consumption and charging/discharging state of accumulators by a remote control system that can be based on a wireless technology.

It is therefore specific object of the present invention a power supply system for a transportable load, comprising one or more fixed preloading main power generation stations, one or more power generation movable secondary stations, each one installable close to the site of installation of said load to be supplied, and one or more movable power accumulators, apt to accumulate and delivering electric power, having: - a first operative connection configuration wherein each one of said power accumulation means can be removably connected to a relevant main charging station;

- a second connection operative configuration, wherein each one of said power accumulators can be connected to a relevant secondary station and to said load, so that said power accumulator means recharge during delivering of power accumulated to said load.

Always according to the invention, in said first and/or second operative connection configuration, each one of said power accumulator means can be connected to the relevant main station of to the relevant secondary station by a relevant charging regulator, each one of said charging regulator being apt to adjust charge of the relevant power storage battery means and detecting data relevant to main operative electric magnitude.

Still according to the invention, in said first connection configuration, said system can comprise a main terminal charging regulator that can be connected with said charging regulators of said power accumulator means, apt to collecting said data on consumption and charging/discharging condition of said power accumulator means; and a wireless transmission unit connected with said main terminal charging adjustment, apt to transmitting said data.

Advantageously according to the invention, said system can comprise, in said second connection configuration, can comprise a collector unit, that can be connected with said storage batteries means, said collector unit comprising a further terminal charging regulator connected with said charging regulators, apt to collecting said consumption data and charging/discharging condition of said power storage batteries means; a secondary wireless transmission unit connected with said further terminal charging regulator, apt to transmitting said data; and capacitive means for compensating current peak requests by said load and maintaining stable tension at the ends of said power storage battery means, so as to permit connection and disconnection of said power storage battery means while supplying said load.

Furthermore according to the invention, said system can comprise a remote control site apt to receiving said data transmitted by said main wireless transmission unit and/or said secondary wireless transmission unit. Always according to the invention, said system can comprise a protection device, such as a diode, in order to prevent self-discharge, a shunt resistance and a switch.

Still according to the invention, said at least a movable secondary station and said power storage batteries means can be integrated into a support structure provided with motion means such as a carriage or wheels.

Advantageously, according to the invention, said power storage batteries means and relevant charging regulator can be integrated into a base module having a pair of bars, said base modules being mechanically stacked and said bars connecting by touch, and said collector unit and said capacitive means can be integrated into a further module comprising a pair of bars.

Furthermore, according to the invention, said one or more base modules and said module comprising said collector unit can be mechanically stacked and said bars connecting by touch.

Advantageously according to the invention, said storage batteries means can comprise a plurality of batteries, each battery having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, by which it can be connected in parallel with respect to said load. Always according to the invention, said positive and negative terminals of said batteries can be connected with said loading photovoltaic station by a further safety device, such a diode, apt to prevent self- discharge.

Still according to the invention, said positive and negative terminals of each battery can be connected to auxiliary direct current charging means. Furthermore according to the invention said one or more main power generation stations and/or said one or more movable secondary stations can be photovoltaic stations.

Advantageously according to the invention said main station and said at least a secondary station can comprise each one or more photovoltaic panels.

Always according to the invention, each one of said one or more photovoltaic panels can comprise one or more branches connected in parallel each other, each branch comprising one or more photovoltaic modules connected in series each other, at the ends of each of them being connected a bypass diode, and at least a blocking diode, so as to insulating each branch from the others.

Still according to the invention, each one of said one or more photovoltaic panels can be comprised of crystalline, polycrystalline or amorphous silicium.

Furthermore, according to the invention, said one or more main power generation stations and/or said one or more secondary movable stations can be an electric supply network and/or one or more aeolic electric generators and/or one generator set and/or a cogeneration system.

Always according to the invention, said system can comprise conversion means that can be connected with said power storage batteries means and to said load, said conversion means converting supply into direct current delivered to said alternate current power accumulator means.

Still according to the invention, said conversion means comprise an inverter.

Furthermore according to the invention said load can be of the direct current and/or alternate current supply type, such as one or more light systems comprised of high power LED (Light Emitting Diodes) and/or one or more audio amplification systems.

The present invention will be now described, for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, with particular reference to the figures of the enclosed drawings, wherein: figures 1a and 1b show a first embodiment of the power supply system for transportable apparatuses and equipments according to the present invention in two different operative connection configurations; figures 1c and 1d show a second embodiment of the power supply system for transportable apparatuses and equipments according to the present invention in two different operative connection configurations; figure 2 shows a front view of a photovoltaic panel of the system according to the present of the system according to the present invention; figure 3 shows a photovoltaic panel according to figure 2 oriented in an operative configuration; figure 4 shows a block diagram of a photovoltaic panel of the system according to the present invention; figure 5a shows a lateral view of a first embodiment of the storage batteries carriage; figure 5b is a lateral view of a second embodiment of the storage batteries carriage; and figure 6 shows an electric scheme of the connection of a series of a storage battery.

The power supply system for transportable apparatuses and equipments according to the present invention mainly comprises power accumulation means that are recharged by a pre-charging fixed photovoltaic station, that can be connected removably with said storage batteries means in the operation site in order to permit their main charging, and of at least a further movable secondary photovoltaic station, that is connected with, and placed close to said storage batteries means with the operation site. Said storage batteries means supply loads to which they are connected and at the same time are recharged by said at least a further secondary movable photovoltaic station.

Furthermore, in the above configuration, load can be an alternate current or direct current low consumption LED system or a high efficiency audio apparatus. By a rational use of current for stage services and a headset monitoring, even by wire, suggested system permits realizing suitable system for events attended by thousands of users ensuring quality, continuity and low consumption.

Making reference to figures 1a and 1b, it is observed the power supply system in the pre-charging configuration of power storage batteries means 2 and in a movable configuration.

In figure 1a it is particularly observed a power generation main station 3, which is preferably a photovoltaic station, employed for charging storage batteries means 2 that will be then used for delivering power for supplying transportable audio/light apparatuses and equipments.

A charge regulator 4 is connected to said main photovoltaic station 3, for stabilization of charge of storage batteries means 2. Said storage batteries means can be comprised of one or more batteries connected in series or in parallel. Obviously, current delivered by main photovoltaic station 3 is direct current.

When storage batteries means are charged, they are transported along with charge regulator 4 and systems to be supplied. Preparation of the system 1 with the use site provides connection of storage batteries means 2 with charge regulator 4 and discharge diodes. Said charge 4 regulator 4 is further connected with a movable secondary station 5 for generation of power, which is also in this case of the photovoltaic type, and with a conversion group 6 (an inverter) by which it supplies load 7 (lights, audio apparatus, ...).

In the configuration of figure 1a, main photovoltaic station 3 can charge storage batteries means 2 so as to ensure a set number of autonomy hours/days, i.e. a period during which storage batteries means 2 will provide power to load 7 with energetic contribution of the sole movable photovoltaic secondary station 5 where apparatuses and equipments to be supplied will have to work.

Eventually, said at least a charging movable secondary photovoltaic station 5 can cooperate to supply said load 7.

Movable secondary photovoltaic station 5 is installed, as already said and as it can be observed from figure 1b, close to the site where apparatuses (load) must operate, and it is used for charging the above storage batteries means 2. More specifically, said movable secondary photovoltaic station 5 can be placed close to a stage on a movable structure, on fixed structures or on the stage layer. Therefore, the movable secondary photovoltaic station 5 can be quickly mounted and dismounted and can be transported by any means. Furthermore, it can be also integrated on stages having a traditional cover. In fact, it is sufficient few solutions by the operators, for example to the stage layer, to make system 1 operating. As an alternative, it is possible housing the movable secondary photovoltaic station 5 on a movable carriage or on a truck, so as to accumulate power even during transfers. Moreover, said secondary photovoltaic station 5 has, preferably, photovoltaic panels (not shown in these figures, but that will be diffusely described in the following) exposed with a azimuthal orientation of 0° with respect to south and an inclination with respect to the horizontal line between 0° and 90° (tilt) in order to maximize power that can be obtained.

In case charge of storage batteries means 2 by the movable secondary photovoltaic station 5 is not sufficient for needing of present equipment, it is possible taking current necessary to the storage batteries means 2 from clean power providers or clean photovoltaic networks from national circuit.

In order to make the system 1 efficient, load 7 comprises alternate current or direct current supply means. Further, light apparatuses are comprised by low consumption LED lights. It permits drastically reducing power consumption, maintaining high performances.

Conversion group 6 is comprised in the present embodiment of an inverter, and has the function of delivering electric power to a set number of loads 7 with the features as more as possible with respect to those of the standard electric distribution network. Typically, inverter 6 for insulated applications are employed where it is required conversion of power starting from an electrochemical accumulation toward a set number of users (in the present case supplied by alternate current).

Inverter (or d.c./a.c. converter) is employed for transferring power from movable secondary photovoltaic station 5 or from storage batteries means 2 to load, fulfilling applicable technical requisites and safety.

Load regulator 4, apt to adjusting charge of relevant power storage battery means 2 and detecting data relevant to main operative electric magnitude of the same, is assembled with electromechanical and electronic components, making the following functions: connection and protection of photovoltaic panels of photovoltaic stations 3 and 5; protection with respect to overvoltage caused by fulminations by dischargers (positive-ground, negative- ground, positive-negative) connected a terra; adjustment of charge of storage batteries means 2 with

Pulse with Modulation PWM with compensation of temperature, detachement for minimum tension, diode tension with inlet block and display for reading electric magnitude; inlet of accumulator means 2: connection with protection by fuse carrier switch; exit at loads with automatic switch; produced power counter. Charge regulator 4 is comprised of plastic reinforced by fiber glass with a protection grade adequate to the environmental conditions of the installation site.

Figures 1c and 1d concern a second embodiment of the supply system 1 permitting charging and making operative a plurality of power storage batteries means 2. In this case, each one of said power storage batteries means 2 is connected to a relevant load regulator 4 which is connected to a main photovoltaic station 3. Furthermore, each charge regulator 4 is connected in series to the following charge regulator 4. System 1 also comprises a wireless transmission unit 19' with a relevant terminal charge regulator 4a connected with said charge regulators 4 of said power storage batteries means. Said wireless transmission unit 19' transmits data on consumption and charging/discharging condition of system 1 that can be received from a remote control, not shown in the figures. In figure 1d, power storage batteries means 2 are each one connected with the relevant charge regulator 4, comprising diodes, which is connected to a relevant movable secondary photovoltaic station 5. Said charge regulators 4 are connected in series each other.

Each one of said storage batteries means 2 is connected to a protection device (e.g. a diode) 16, a shunt resistance 21 for measuring current delivered or absorbed by power storage batteries 2 and to a switch 22 for detaching power storage batteries means.

This basic structure can be repeated once or more times. In fact, charge regulator 4, storage means 2, protection device 16, shunt resistance 21 and switch 22 assembly represent a basic structure or basic module, indicated by letter M, to which can be connected to be supplied by direct current loads 7' and by alternate current loads 7", the latter by an inverter 6. It must be taken into consideration that charge regulators 4 are connected each other for data transmission. It must be taken into consideration that modules M can be used both in said first and second operative configurations. Figure 1e shows an embodiment of the collector unit 23, comprising a further terminal charge regulator 4b, suitable to collect said consumption data and charge/discharge state of said power accumulator means 2, and a second wireless transmission unit 19", apt to receiving data about consumption and charge/discharge state of system 1 from the relevant further terminal charge regulator 4b and transmitting said data detected to said remote control site. Collector unit 23 also comprises a capacity 24 for compensating current peak requests by said load 7, maintaining stabile tension at the ends of said power storage batteries means 2, so as to permit connection and disconnection while supplying said load 7.

System 1 of figures 1c - 1e permits detecting consumption data of the same system 1 , thus permitting of always controlling operation e.g. also during the supply of a music event, permitting providing if it is suitable integrating supply of load 7 and preventing possible malfunctioning. Making reference to figures 2 and 3, it is observed a support structure 8' for a photovoltaic panel 8 of a photovoltaic station 3 or 5, respectively in a front view and oriented according to an operative configuration, i.e. exposed with an orientation with respect to horizontal line with an angle included between 0° and 90° (tilt), in order to maximise deliverable power.

Figure 4 shows an electric block diagram of a photovoltaic panel 8 of the movable secondary photovoltaic station 5. As it can be observed, said photovoltaic panel 8 includes a plurality of modules 9 connected in series on branches 10', 10", ..., 10ⁿ, which are connected in parallel each other.

Each module 9 is comprised of crystalline, polycrystalline, or amorphous silicium with a shelf life of more than 20 years, without a meaningful degrade of its performances.

Tension values at the different operative performances (minimum, maximum and exercise temperatures), are included within the suitable operative interval for inverter 6. Each module 9 provides a by-pass diode 11. Each branch 10', 10", ... , 10ⁿ, also has a block diode 12, e.g. for possible failures.

Electric line 13 arriving from modules 9 will be earthed by suitable overyoltage dischargers, with optical indication of put of order in order to ensure protection with respect to discharges induced by atmospheric reasons.

As to the storage batteries means 2, they can be made up of a plurality of batteries 2' suitably connected each other, provided within suitable housings placed close to the movable secondary photovoltaic station 5 and in the position which is the most protected with respect to sun rays.

Particularly, making reference to figure 5a it is observed carriage 14 with wheels, on which batteries 2' are provided according to a modular disposition, comprising said storage batteries means 2, each one of which is provided with its own charging regulator 4, of its charging anti- parallel diodes 17, of protection device 16, of shunt resistance 23 and a battery switch 22 on an electric cable 20.

Housing of each battery 2' is preferably realised with a high mechanical resistance with anti-acid coating. It is possible fixing movable secondary photovoltaic station 8 on said carriage 14 with wheels 15. It permits obtaining a high flexibility for moving the power supply system.

Storage batteries means 2 have a charging capacity calculated in such a way to ensure a set number of autonomy days. Figure 5b shows a second embodiment of carriage 14

(corresponding to the embodiment shown in figures 1c - 1e), wherein it is possible observing bars 25 for electric connection of the positive pole and of negative pole of basic modules M that can be stacked for connection in order to realise a modular structure. Collector unit 23 module is present on base. Each module M also comprises power lock contacts. Module of collector unit 23 comprises capacity 24 connected to bars with further power lock contacts herein indicated by reference number 24', and second wireless transmission unit 19".

Stacking modules M and collector unit module 23, bars 25 are mechanically and electrically connected by contact. Thanks to the above modular connection of modules M, it is possible satisfying different needing of power accumulated and replacing storage batteries means 2 (i.e. batteries) still supplying load 7.

Making reference to figure 6, it is possible observing an electric scheme for connection of movable secondary photovoltaic station 5 with storage batteries means 2 comprised of three batteries 2' and direct current auxiliary means 18.

Batteries 2' are connected each other in parallel so as to provide to the user, e.g. an inverter, their nominal tension (typically 12 V), by a connection suitable with the current intensity, usually obtained by bars 25.

Movable secondary photovoltaic stations 5 are connected each one with battery terminals 2', by its own charging regulator 4' for each battery. The above decouples charging from battery 2', thus preventing self-discharge.

Further, always in order to prevent that parallel connection generates self-discharge between battery 2' in connection with direct current auxiliary charging means 18, it has been connected in series with each positive terminal of batteries 2', anti-parallel safety decoupling devices 16, 17, e.g. diodes. In this way it is ensured a homogeneous charging and discharging of all batteries 2' and thus an optimum exploitation of the same. In this case too, wireless transmission unit 19" is connected with further terminal charging regulator 4b.

Recharging operation can occur as well in "parallel" by suitable connection bar with diodes 17, connected upturned, permitting recharging from said direct current auxiliary means 18 by a direct current supply.

It must be taken into consideration that system 1 can be integrated with other power supply, such as:

- a series of fixed 3 or movable 5 photovoltaic stations; - one or more aeolic electric generators;

- alternate current supply public network;

- a generator set;;

- a cogeneration system, also known as CHP (combined Heat and Power). An advantage of the present invention is that of realising a sort of "bio-ethic line" when installing audio, video and light apparatuses wherein supply of shows does not burden on environment and energetic needing. Respect of acoustic impact rules is further permanent condition and the use of not biodegradable materials is reduced at most.

A further advantage of the invention is that of providing a control system with a collection centre where it is possible observing and storing collected data.

The present invention has been described for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, but it is to be understood that modifications and/or changes can be introduced by those skilled in the art without departing from the relevant scope as defined in the enclosed claims.

Claims

1. Power supply system (1) for a transportable load (7, 7', 7"), comprising one or more fixed preloading main power generation stations

(3), one or more power generation movable secondary stations (8), each one installable close to the site of installation of said load (7, 7', 7") to be supplied, and one or more movable power accumulators (2), apt to accumulate and delivering electric power, having:

- a first operative connection configuration wherein each one of said power accumulation means (2) is removably connected to a relevant main charging station (3) for recharging; - a second connection operative configuration, wherein each one of said power accumulators (2) is connected to a relevant secondary station (5) and to said load (7, 7', 7"), so that said power accumulator means (2) recharge during delivering of power accumulated to said load

(7, 7', 7").

2. System (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that in said first and/or second operative connection configuration, each one of said power accumulator means (2) is connected to the relevant main station (3) of to the relevant secondary station (5) by a relevant charging regulator

(4), each one of said charging regulator (4) being apt to adjust charge of the relevant power storage battery means (2) and detecting data relevant to main operative electric magnitude.

3. System (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that in said first connection configuration, said system comprises a main terminal charging regulator (4a) that can be connected with said charging regulators of said power accumulator means (2), apt to collecting said data on consumption and charging/discharging condition of said power accumulator means (2); and a main wireless transmission unit (19') connected with said main terminal charging regulator (4a), apt to transmitting said data.

4. System (1) according to one of preceding claims 2 or 3, characterized in that said system comprises, in said second connection configuration, a collector unit (23), that can be connected with said load /7, 7', 7") and connected with storage batteries means (2), said collector unit

(23) comprising a further terminal charging regulator (4b) connected with said charging regulators (4), apt to collecting said consumption data and charging/discharging condition of said power storage batteries means (2); a secondary wireless transmission unit (19") connected with said further terminal charging regulator (4b), apt to transmitting said data; and capacitive means (24) for compensating current peak requests by said load (7, 7', 7") and maintaining stable tension at the ends of said power storage battery means (2), so as to permit connection and disconnection of said power storage battery means (2) while supplying said load (7, 7', 7").

5. System (1) according to one of preceding claims 3 or 4, characterized in that it comprises a remote control site apt to receiving said data transmitted by said main wireless transmission unit (19') and/or said secondary wireless transmission unit (19").

6. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a protection device (16), such as a diode, in order to prevent self-discharge, a shunt resistance (21) and a switch (22).

7. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least a movable secondary station (6) and said power storage batteries means (2) are integrated into a support structure provided with motion means such as a carriage or wheels.

8. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims 2 - 7, characterized in that said power storage batteries means (2) and relevant charging regulator (4) are integrated into a base module (M) having a pair of bars (25), said base modules (M) being mechanically stacked and said bars (25) connecting by touch.

9. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims 4 - 8, characterized in that said collector unit (23) and said capacitive means

(24) are integrated into a further module comprising a pair of bars (25).

10. System (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that said one or more base modules (M) and said module comprising said collector unit (23) are mechanically stacked and said bars (25) connecting each other by touch.

11. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said storage batteries means (2) comprise a plurality of batteries (2'), each battery (2') having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, by which it can be connected in parallel with respect to said load (7, T₁ T).

12. System (1) according to claim 11 , characterized in that said positive and negative terminals of said batteries (2') are connected with said loading photovoltaic station (3; 5) by a further safety device (17), such a diode, apt to prevent self-discharge.

13. System (1) according to one of preceding claims 11 or 12, characterized in that said positive and negative terminals of each battery (2') are connected to auxiliary direct current charging means (18).

14. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said one or more main power generation stations (3) and/or said one or more movable secondary stations (5) are photovoltaic stations.

15. System (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that said main station (3) and said at least a secondary station can comprise each one or more photovoltaic panels (8).

16. System (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that each one of said one or more photovoltaic panels (8) comprises one or more branches (10', 10" 10ⁿ) connected in parallel each other, each branch

(10', 10", ..., 10") comprising one or more photovoltaic (9) modules connected in series each other, at the ends of each of them being connected a bypass diode (11), and at least a blocking diode (12), so as to insulating each branch (10', 10", ..., 10") from the others.

17. System (1) according to one of preceding claims 15 or 16, characterized in that each one of said one or more photovoltaic panels (8) are comprised of crystalline, polycrystalline or amorphous silicium.

18. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said one or more main power generation stations (3) and/or said one or more secondary movable stations (5) are an electric supply network and/or one or more aeolic electric generators and/or one generator set and/or a cogeneration system.

19. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises conversion means (6) that can be connected with said power storage batteries means (2) and to said load (7, 7'), said conversion means (6) converting supply into direct current delivered to said alternate current power accumulator means (2).

20. System (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that said conversion means comprise an inverter (6).

21. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said load can be of the direct current and/or alternate current supply type, such as one or more light systems comprised of high power LED (Light Emitting Diodes) and/or one or more audio amplification systems.