What it does
The project focused on developing portable solar generators for off-grid rural regions. These generators utilize solar energy to provide sustainable power, storing it in integrated batteries and converting it to AC power via a step-up transformer.
Your inspiration
During visits to remote communities in Sabah and Kalimantan, we saw families spending nearly half their income on kerosene and diesel, children studying under smoky lamps, and life-saving vaccines spoiled by unreliable power. Conversations with local cooperatives highlighted the need for a portable, robust solution that fits neatly into a pickup truck, motivating us to design this solar-powered generator.
How it works
The generator works by collecting energy from 200 solar panels, each rated at 250 W. This energy is managed by an efficient MPPT inverter, then stored in a large lithium-ion battery bank. A fuzzy-logic controller constantly adjusts the power flow to a 10 kVA transformer, ensuring minimal losses and stable voltage output. Even when sunlight conditions fluctuate, the system maintains a precise and efficient power supply suitable for sensitive equipment.
Design process
Primarily, the project addresses the need for electricity in underserved rural areas, offering diverse applications in farming, healthcare, schools, and homes. Key features include their portability, ease of use, low maintenance, and a price range that varies with battery size, while the design incorporates a lightweight aluminum chassis and a fuzzy logic-based power management system to optimize energy output, ultimately providing a more sustainable, affordable, and adaptable power solution. Our design evolved significantly, starting from initial sketches, followed by detailed simulations to size the solar panels and battery. The first prototype used plywood and lead-acid batteries but proved heavy and inefficient. We then switched to a lightweight aluminium frame and lithium-ion batteries, reducing weight by 37%. Field trials confirmed high reliability (98% availability), and continuous improvements led to today's fully functional demonstrator.
How it is different
Unlike other solar solutions that require towing or rely on basic charge controllers, our generator fits conveniently within a pickup truck bed and uses advanced fuzzy-logic control to dynamically adjust to changing sunlight and energy demands. This approach improves daily energy output by approximately 12% compared to conventional solutions and eliminates towing constraints, making it uniquely suited for remote locations.
Future plans
In the coming year, we plan to incorporate remote monitoring systems for predictive maintenance and pay-as-you-go billing, test alternative battery chemistries better suited. Launch a local leasing program to scale up deployment across South-East Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.
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