PORTABLE SOLAR POWERED BACKPACK

Abstract

PORTABLE SOLAR POWERED BACKPACK Abstract One popular motto in electrical engineering today is “going green/’ This project will convert the sun’s energy into reusable energy. The purpose of this senior project is to develop a solar powered backpack that can charge certain portable USB devices for students. Many students walk around campus with an iPod or cell phone, which has surely died or ran low on batteries at least once when needed most. This backpack will allow students to charge their devices “on the go.” When students walk or bike around campus, the solar panels attached to the backpack will allow recharging of their portable USB devices, while using a more “Green” form of energy. The use of solar panels, the sun’s energy can be easily collected and reused. Students and eventually consumers alike would love the idea of charging a USB device on the go. It can be seen everywhere that people need to recharge their batteries, whether they are on campus, in the library, at a coffee shop, biking, hiking, backpacking, traveling or even at airports. Just about everyone these days has some kind of electronic portable device, all of which can be charged through a USB port. Almost any type of portable device that charges via USB port can be charged using the solar powered backpack project, campus, especially at sunny Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and eventually all consumers with portable USB devices aimed to provide environmentally safe energy without spending a cent of electricity through the use of solar panels harvesting energy from the sun.

Specification

FORM-2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(Section 10; rule 13)

PORTABLE SOLAR POWERED BACKPACK
13-Nov-2024/136167/202441087493/Form 2(Title Page)
APPLICANT NAME : Sri Sai Ram Institute of Technology,et.al,
NATIONALITY :Indian
ADDRESS :Sai Leo Nagar, West Tambaram, Chennai.

The following specification particularly emphasizes the invention and theway in
which it is to be performed:

Field of the Invention:
Portable backpack-mounted solar power technology represents a major advance in sustainable energy solutions for outdoor enthusiasts and travelers. Incorporating flexible solar panels and energy storage systems, these backpacks can harness solar energy to power electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, GPS units and others on the move Thus this initiative addresses the increasing demand for renewable energy in daily use, and encourages environmentally friendly practices , conventional electricity -Reduces reliance a placed on source Also, advanced lightweight materials, an ergonomic design increases the portability and comfort of the solar-powered backpack, making it practical for activities ranging from adventure to adventure so The main goal is to create a versatile, energy-efficient solution It for power.

Summary of the Invention:
The solar-powered backpack innovation combines renewable energy technology with practical design to enhance outdoor experiences and everyday use. By integrating lightweight, flexible solar panels and energy storage systems, the backpack can capture solar energy and store it for charging electronic devices like smartphones and tablets on the go. This design allows users to harness clean energy without relying on traditional power sources, promoting sustainability. Real-time monitoring capabilities enable users to track energy usage and battery status, optimizing power management. The interdisciplinary approach incorporates advancements in materials science and energy engineering, resulting in a portable, efficient solution that supports a connected lifestyle while reducing environmental impact. Ultimately, this invention aims to provide a reliable, eco-friendly way to stay powered up in various outdoor and urban settings.

The object of the Invention:
The innovation aims to provide a sustainable and efficient power solution for users through the development of a solar-powered backpack. By integrating flexible solar panels and energy storage systems, the backpack enables the ----- harnessing of solar energy to charge electronic devices on the go;"Real-time monitoring of battery levels and energy output is facilitated through built-in sensors, allowing users to optimize power usage effectively. This design not only promotes eco-friendly practices by reducing reliance on traditional energy sources but also enhances the convenience and functionality of outdoor and urban activities. Ultimately, the objective is to create a versatile and reliable energy source that supports an active lifestyle while minimizing environmental impact.

Statement of the Invention:
The proposed innovation in solar-powered backpacks integrates flexible solar panels, energy storage systems, and smart monitoring technology to create an efficient and user-friendly portable power solution. The solar panels capture sunlight to charge built-in batteries, while a microcontroller manages energy distribution to connected devices. Integrated sensors monitor battery levels and energy output in real-time, providing users with alerts and performance data through a companion mobile app. This connectivity enhances usability by allowing for efficient energy management and proactive charging strategies. By employing advanced algorithms for optimizing solar energy capture and battery usage, the system ensures reliable power supply, while promoting sustainable practices. The overall design supports outdoor activities and daily commuting, enabling users to stay connected without relying on conventional power sources.

Functional Description of the Invention:
The solar-powered backpack integrates lightweight, flexible solar panels and a built-in battery to provide a sustainable energy source for charging electronic devices on the go. A microcontroller manages energy distribution, ensuring efficient charging and preventing overcharging, while integrated sensors monitor battery levels and energy output in real-time, sending alerts to a companion mobile app for proactive energy management. Designed with durable, weather-resistant materials, the backpack features multiple compartments for organization and USB ports for easy device connectivity. This innovative solution not only supports an active lifestyle but also promotes eco-friendly practices by harnessing clean energy, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and urban commuters alike.

Hardware Description:
> DC-DC CONVERTOR
> USB OUTPUT
> VOLTAGE SENSOR
> LCD DISPLAY
> LED LIGHT
> ARDUINO
> SOLAR PANEL
> LEAD ACID BATTERY

DC-DC CONVERTOR
The DC-DC convertor is connected in parallel with the battery. The main purpose of the DC-DC convertor is to step down the voltage of the battery, which is 6V to a more suitable 5V. Apple specifications for iPods, iPhones, and most USB devices require 5V; hence the DC-DC convertor must be used step down the battery output voltage from 6V to 5V. This is to prevent any damages to the iPod or USB device.

USB OUTPUT
A USB cable was stripped and the USB data sheet was accessed in order to have the correct wires tied for the USB port. The male end of the USB wire was cut off and then the wires were stripped inserting the. high and data+ wires into the positive terminal of the DC-DC convertor, while the negative wire was inserted into the ground of the convertor. The data- wire was left unconnected. The female part of the USB is now attached to the convertor and is capable of charging various USB portable devices with 5 V charging specifications.

VOLTAGE SENSOR
This sensor is used to monitor, calculate and determine the voltage supply. This sensor can determine the AC or DC voltage level. The input of this sensor can be the voltage whereas the output is the switches, analog voltage signal, a current signal, an audible signal, etc. Some sensors provide sine waveforms or pulse waveforms like output & others can generate outputs like AM (Amplitude Modulation), PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) or FM (Frequency Modulation). The
measurement of these sensors can depend on the voltage divider.

LCD DISPLAY
In this project the small LCD display is used in the bag in order to show the percentage of the battery and input given and output taken. It helps to indicate the battery status and voltage output of the bag to display in the screen to indicate us.

LED LIGHT
The LED light is used in this bag to give the light in dark condition for the safety of the user. This light can be used for the emergency. The main purpose is to use it in hard situation.

ARDUINO UNO:
The open-source Arduino Uno microcontroller is built on top of the Microchip ATmega328P microcontroller. The microcontroller can be coupled to different expansion cards (shield) and other circuits through its digital and analog
input/output (I/O) pin groups. It contains six digital I/O pins with PWM output capability and six analog I/O pins. It can be programmed using the Arduino IDE (Integrated Development Environment). Although it can handle voltages
ranging from 7 to 20 volts, the external battery has a 9 volt rating. The boards have sets of pins for digital and analog input/output (I/O), which can be used to interact with different shields, breadboards, expansion boards, and other circuits
for prototyping. The boards have serial communications interfaces, which can also be used to load programs. Some types of the boards have Universal Serial Bus (USB). The Arduino project offers an integrated development environment
(IDE) for programming the microcontrollers in the C and C++ programming languages.

SOLAR PANEL:
The solar panels are the main source to the entire system. As stated before in the requirements section, four solar panels were required in order to fulfill the specifications of charging USB devices such as an iPod. Each individual solar panel provided 6V and 167mA. Therefore, a set of two solar panels were placed in series to increase the voltage to 12V and then placed in parallel with two more solar panels, to increase the current to 334mA.

LEAD-ACID BATTERY:
For high cyclic and standby applications, a 12-volt rechargeable lead- acid battery is appropriate. It is built inside a rectangular, high-impact plastic case that is sealed. You can use a rechargeable 12V gel battery for standby and high cyclic applications. Lead-acid batteries are typically utilized in the RV and marine industries. They can be a 12-volt battery or two 6-volt batteries connected in series. Each of the several single cells that make up these batteries is connected in series to produce about 2.1 volts.

Brief Description of the Figures:
Fig 1 : Solar panels capture energy from sunlight, which is then directed to a charge controller. This controller regulates the flow of energy and ensures efficient charging of a battery where the harvested energy is stored. Once charged, the energy in the battery is transferred to a DC-DC converter, which adjusts the voltage as needed. Finally, through a USB port, this converted energy can be used to charge various devices.

Fig 2: Using LTspice, we simulated a system where solar panels harness sunlight to generate energy. This energy is directed to a charge controller that regulates the flow for optimal battery charging. Once the battery is charged, the stored energy is sent to a DC-DC converter, which adjusts the voltage as required. Finally, the converted energy is accessible through a USB port, allowing for the charging of various devices.

Fig 3 : The figure illustrates the hardware components connected to achieve the desired output. The solar panel feeds energy to the charge controller, which then transfers this energy to the battery for storage. Once charged, the stored energy is sent to the DC-DC converter, which boosts the DC voltage. Finally, the energy is made available through a USB port for charging devices.

Fig 4: The figure depicts an LCD display that indicates the output voltage being provided and the remaining charge of the device. This display allows users to monitor both the voltage levels and the battery status at a glance.

CLAIMS
We Claim
Claim 1: A method for evaluating the energy efficiency of solar backpacks by capturing and analyzing performance data of solar panels to identify wear, efficiency losses, and potential failures, thereby determining maintenance needs based on the analysis.

Claim 2: The method of claim 1, wherein the imaging technology used includes thermal sensors for detecting hot spots and inefficiencies in the solar panels.

Claim 3: According to claim 2, a system comprising thermal sensors to capture performance data on solar panels, a processor to analyze the data, and a user interface for alerts and maintenance recommendations.

Claim 4: The system of claim 3, wherein the sensors are part of an Internet of Things (IoT) network that provides real-time monitoring and data transmission for performance evaluation.

Claim 5: A method for extending the operational lifespan of solar backpacks, comprising: periodically capturing performance data of solar panels; comparing the data against a set of predefined efficiency standards; and performing maintenance based on deviations from the standards.

Claim 6: A computer-readable medium storing instructions to analyze solar panel performance data and generate maintenance schedules and efficiency improvement recommendations.

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