The Station
Prototype Solar Energy Station (The Station) An off-grid AC/DC power source which can be towed by vehicle to required
location and manually moved to precise spot for powering tools and appliances
and electronic devices. This prototype lends itself to use in camping,
construction, and scientific situations as well as providing the possible use as
a permanent part of a residential or commercial alternative energy plant.
Major Requirements The following items were considered essential in the development of this
Station. The developer has endeavored to produce a product which can be started
at a very simple level and advanced over time as assets allow. Appendix A lists
those items required as a bare minimum for a DIY project which will permit the
subsequent user to advance at any chosen pace. Self contained. The Station has everything required to provide electrical power for operating
construction tools, household appliances, computers and communications
equipment, and any other energy requirements within its capacity. It uses no
consumables and can operate over extended periods without attention. Portable. The Station is mounted on a DOT approved trailer which can be licensed and
pulled by a light vehicle at road speeds up to 55mph. It is also equipped with a
motorized trailer dolly which can be used to manually position the Station as
well as provide solar tracking on a vertical axis. Storable. The trailer mount for the Station allows easy, rapid storage when high winds
and/or adverse weather may cause damage or detriment to its components. Later
versions may have fold out solar panels or even a wind generator which will fold
down to allow the Station to fit in a normal residential garage. This also
provides security for the station when not in use. Maximum use of off the shelf components. The developer has used materials and components which are easily and openly
available in just about any market. The only items not available at your local
hardware or builder’s supply are mounting fixtures used to mount the motor for
the dolly and supports for the solar panels themselves. The solar panels and
electrical devices are available on eBay or through a growing number of
suppliers which include hardware stores. Minimum expense. To the greatest extent possible the developer has used the lowest priced
versions of all components. Solar panels, some electricals and all of the
development design were constructed by the developer requiring no additional
help in the way of expertise or financial assets. Because solar panels are
rapidly being reduced in cost it may be that future models will be just as
economically built with machine finished panels. Some off the shelf connectors,
switches and wiring harnesses used were originally intended for other purposes
and consequently were cheaper than those intended for the growing alternative
energy industry. 3 KW or greater. The Station is provided with approximately 500 watts of solar panels. This
may seem less than the 3 KW rating desired. It must be recognized that the
Station is capable of providing up to 6 KW output for a limited time and will
maintain 3 KW until batteries have been drained of usable energy. The time
available is dependent on the size and quantity of mounted batteries which at
present will provide approximately 2 hours at full discharge rate of 3 KW. In
full sunlight and using proper tracking the Station should provide 500 watts per
hour during daylight and still maintain full battery charge. Simple maintenance. Because of size and construction the Station is easily maintained with a
minimum of oversight. When used as a mobile or portable unit it should receive a
normal maintenance check with each use. When used in a stationary mode the
Station will only require snow removal which is made easy due to its low level
configuration. All components are either compatible with outdoor use or have
been provided with adequate enclosure for protection. Normal automotive type
maintenance should take care of the trailer and dolly. Safe operation. The Station has been developed with safety and ease of
use in mind. The prototype is a Station still in the development stage.
Appropriate electrical and engineering codes have yet to be applied but the
prototype has been supplied with adequate switching, fusing and mechanical
devices to provide a modicum
of
safety for users. Future development and Feedback. The prototype is being displayed to the public for the first time. Interested
persons should make any suggestions or comments by email to