Photo: Institute Mihajlo Pupin
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What is MobiSun – pro Energy?
MobiSun – pro Energy is a mobile two-axis robotic solar electric generator designed by the Robotics Laboratory of the Mihailo Pupin Institute, based in Belgrade to help family farms in efficiency and bring cleaner agriculture. The device rotates three light-sensitive photovoltaic panels, which are mounted on a standard passenger car trailer. A system that monitors daily solar motion enables maximum utilization of available light, which is converted into electrical energy.
Picture 1: Testing MobiSun solar electric generator in a cabbage field near the city of Pancevo, Serbia
Single-phase electric power of 220 V and 50 Hz can be used directly from the inverter or can be stored in the package of high-quality batteries. This way the device works longer, even at night. The device has an additional option of remote control by smart devices: monitoring of voltage at the batteries, monitoring of power produced and of operating time. The user is not required to be physically present to put it into operation or control it. The device can have remote electronic anti-theft protection, distraction or damage installed. Mobile solar generator can also be operated without a trailer as a supporting platform, by simply placing the auxiliary stabilizers on the ground. In transport position, the generator is assembled on the trailer and covered with fabric to protect it from dust. In times of day or year when there is not enough sunlight, the device can be connected the household power grid or charged from gasoline and diesel engines.
The solar generator can produce electricity for 30 years or even longer without any special maintenance.
Properties and advantages
Clean. No exhaust gases or carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. There is no engine oil, leakage, problems with cold burning etc.
Noiseless. In the vicinity of the workplace it doesn’t make noise, so it is suitable for use in residential areas, but it even doesn’t disturb wildlife.
Reliable. The system can be connected to the power grid or to traditional diesel and gasoline generators in the days when it is cloudy and when the intensity of sunlight is insufficient to recharge.
Affordable. While the price is higher than for competing motor units on fossil fuels, this device saves funds in the long-term. These devices last longer, require no maintenance operations and are not dependent on an increase in fuel prices.
Picture 2: Testing MobiSun solar electric generator in a cabbage field near the city of Pancevo, Serbia
Durable. With photovoltaic panels and a mechanical construction designed to withstand atmospheric impacts and heavy winds of up to 100 kilometres per hour, with an industrial quality battery for solar applications, power inverters resistant to rough terrain, this device can be transported to remote places and can serve for decades.
Safe. MobiSun does not have negative impacts on other devices. It provides a stable voltage and does not cause electromagnetic interference. It is safe for users because it is designed by internationally valid standards of protection against electric shock.
Mobile. The device is powered and portable so that it is set to a standard caravan but it can function without it placed on four feet. The unit can be switched from transmission regime to operating mode in 15 minutes without special training for the operator.
Remote command. Mobile robotic solar generator can be switched on and off using the advantages of remote control from a mobile phone or tablet. The user can monitor battery voltage, battery capacity, uptime, maximum generated current and power as well as the daily amount of energy produced. Also, it is possible to remotely monitor weather parameters.
Efficient. It is equipped with a controller that provides, in automatic mode, maximum use of the sun’s light energy based on the embedded mobile system for monitoring the position of the sun. For its domestic geographical area the system ensures up to 40% higher energy yield compared with stationary solar generators. Battery storage capacity is dimensioned to allow for exploitation of other devices.
Applications
Picture 3: Application of MobiSun for irrigation
MobiSun is the basic and additional off-grid source of energy supply for individual users, small and medium-sized electricity consumers. Universal in purposes, it can be used in the household, in agriculture (irrigation gardens, fields, greenhouses, air-conditioning greenhouses, hygienic and temperature maintenance of agricultural products, fish pond maintenance, mountain cattle farming), tourism (electrification of hunting grounds and hunting lodges, ethnographic villages, restaurants), transport (signs, road maintenance), for the purpose of equipping the army and police or on a camping trip. Adjustable solar generator is designed to be autonomous, not connected to the electricity network, and it does not require any additional construction or infrastructure. The device is resistant to rain, snow, hail, wind, high and low temperature. The environmentally friendly device is especially suitable for organic food production. It is intended for crop irrigation in agriculture, for family farms of up to 10 hectares.
