WiGL Renewable -TACFI TASK 5
Executive Summary
- The problem: The global race for artificial intelligence (AI) requires 24/7 access to continues real-time data. Without real-time accurate data, AI does NOT work. The emergence of AI data centers to quickly collect, analyze and store AI data in real-time has created an electrical power demand that can NOT be met by traditional alternative current (AC) power grids. Demand for energy has outpaced supply. This power demand however is in direct competition with the emergence of devices that will us the AI data: smart homes, buildings, Cities, etc.
The solution: eNERGY has created as a holistic innovative power solution to deploy next-generation energy infrastructure. Through our proprietary energy creation, storage, transmission and intelligent grid integration, eNERGY and its partners deliver clean, mobile, and resilient 24/7 power solutions as a utility service. Best of all, our solutions are scalable (see: Figure 1). Note: This solution addresses the holistic use of Solar + Wind + emerging technologies to meet today’s power needs.
Next Generation Power Solutions
eNERGY provides a holistic renewable solution to compete with unreliable AC or fossil fuel generator grids.
- Create Multiple Source of energy for 24/7 Electrical Power on Demand
- Store Power in an End User Friendly Manner
- Provide 5 watts up to >500 Megawatts of Storable eNERGY on Demand
Move away from this type energy versus that type energy. Move towards, Energy as a Service utilizing the most cost-effective artificial intelligence managed solutions to 21th century power needs.
Description of eNERGY’s New Technology
The key for Data Centers, is the transition of eNERGY from wholly a military capability…and towards civilian operations.
What is a Salt Water Powered Generator (SWPG)?
SWPG is a renewable energy technology with the following key advantages: it is sourced from seawater (or fresh water + salt) and magnesium.
Magnesium is eight times more abundant than lithium, costs only one-third of lithium’s price and can be mined in the USA. The system offers a long shelf life because users can decide when to add electrolyte, and it has an indefinite dry shelf life.
Evolution of the SWPG
To meet the demand of individualized power for every servicemember, our 2023 Generation (Gen) 1 System included three product systems:
- 6V Individual Water Bottle,
- 12-24V Portable Recharger Backpack and
- 96 Volts (V) Pelican Case to recharge up to <0.5 Gigawatts,
The Backpack system required 5 Mg alloy plates (14 cm x 15 cm), 2 liters of water, and 8 tablespoons of salt. It provides rated outputs of 5V through 4 USB ports (rated for 1A) and one 12V barrel plug (rated for 2A). The system features circuit protection, system status LEDs, and a capacity of 100,000 mAh over 5 days.
To meet the demand of data processing locations, our initial Pelican Case version used 4 Backpack subsystems to generate a capacity of 400,000 mAh over 5 hours.
The SWG has various use cases, including military, natural disaster, and emergency situations, where dependable and off-grid energy sources are crucial. It is also suitable for off-grid and remote locations, tiny homes, and forward operating bases, ensuring a continuous and sustainable power supply. Moreover, it is applicable to EV (Electric Vehicle) recharging while on the move, making it a viable option for mobile energy needs.
SWPG DoD Testing In the USA
The technologies have undergone testing and demonstration at Altus Air Force Base (AFB) AFB reaching TRL 9 (Technology Readiness Level 9), signifying successful qualification through test and end-user demonstration. The demonstration scenarios involved using SWPG to recharge a handheld DBIDS (Defense Biometric Identification System) and a cellphone for the backpack and Water bottle systems.
Figure 4 WiGL demonstrating the SWPG at Travis AFB for senior leaders.
a) Portable eNERGY Water Bottle – 5V
The SWPG in the form of a water bottle shows promising capabilities as a portable and sustainable power source. The testing conducted on the device provided valuable insights into its performance and potential issues that need to be addressed for further development. These are some key lessons learned on the actual capability of the Water Bottle Generator:
- Power Output: The saltwater generator water bottle produced an average power output of approximately 2 watts, with a peak output of 2.3 watts. This level of power is limited by the battery management system internal to the connected device’s charging circuit. With this output, the device being charged can reach full charge from 0 percent in approximately 8 hours.
- Stability: Throughout the testing, the voltage output of the USB port remains stable at an average of 4.6V. This indicates a consistent power supply from the saltwater generator, providing a reliable charging source for the connected device.
- Charging Time: The devices under test (cell phones) reached a full charge in approximately 8 hours when connected to the saltwater generator. This charging time is comparable to other charging devices in the market, and the saltwater generator’s power output aligns with the limitations imposed by the internal battery management system of the connected device. NOTE: The next Generation of the SWPG Bottle adds a 4800mAh powerbank. This addition allows us to recharge the end user device in <1 hour.
- Compatibility: The test was conducted using an Android and iOS-based devices to ensure compatibility and functionality across different platforms.
Overall, the WiGL saltwater generator in the water bottle form factor shows promise as a portable and renewable power source. With the addition of the powerbank, this device meets and exceeds current market needs.
b) eNERGY Backpack – 12V
The WiGL eNERGY Backpack Saltwater Powered Generator (SWPG) has been tested to characterize its twelve-volt (12V) output port and determine the optimal salinity of the electrolyte. These were key findings from the testing:
- Optimal Salinity: The tests were conducted using three different salt concentrations: 37 ppt, 74 ppt, and 146 ppt. The results showed that the electrolyte with the greatest salinity (146 ppt, 300 grams of salt in 2 liters of saltwater solution) provided the highest current output. However, additional testing was conducted to validate this data and ensure the accuracy of voltage values.
- Current Output: The Backpack SWPG was tested with three different loads – an air pump, a 300-Watt power bank, and an LED strip. The current output was measured for each load at each salinity level. The results showed that the current output dropped out in the LED and battery tests due to the lack of a storage stage in the Gen 1 design. NOTE: Implementing a storage stage improved charging efficiency and performance. NOTE: The next Generation of the SWPG Back Pack Fuel Cell adds a 12volt storage powerbank. This addition allows us to recharge the end user devices exponentially faster. Recharge time is based on solar battery inputs.
- Power Output: The current data collected indicated that the system can achieve an average peak current of approximately 200 mA at 12V while charging an external battery.
In conclusion, the testing of the eNERGY Backpack Fuel Cell provided initial insights into its power capabilities and salinity requirements. The data collected served as a basis for further development and optimization of the system to ensure consistent and efficient power generation for various applications.
c) eNERGY Modular Cases – Recharge >0.5 Gigawatts
- Power Output: The current data collected indicated that the system can achieve an average peak current of approximately 1000 mA at 90V while charging an external battery. This corresponds to an instantaneous power output of approximately 8 watts. However, this performance was further optimized by adding an efficient storage stage between the output stage and the reaction stage in the generator.
Further Development: The data collected from the DoD tests provided valuable information on the power outputs of the saltwater generator and offers guidance for achieving optimal outputs with the appropriate amount of salt. The Gen 2 iteration with a larger generators optimizes the output current and voltage, as well as the new onboard storage stages enhance charging performance.
Additional testing was done in the Indo-Pacific by Airmen without contractor support. The goal of the Airmen led testing was to generate enough energy to run a Data Center. The modular Pelican Case SWPGs were used to recharge 2 stacks of 10 1kWh Solar Batteries (to power a forward operating base at an austere location).
Overall, the demonstrations aimed to show the continuous recharging, as well as the capability to store SWPG’s power in solar batteries. The technologies provide potential for civilian applications in powering Data Center’s operational in austere or off-grid environments.
SWPG DoD Testing In Guam
The Air Force also requested immediate SWPG units to meet known Indo-Pacific operational task limitations. SWPGs were deployed to recharge existing equipment and infrastructure (e.g., solar batteries). Because the SWPG is scalable, this allows for units that range from recharging handheld <6V devices up to the powering a Data Center (when paired with solar batteries or other power supplies).
The output power of the WiGL Case was distributed to one of two Power stations: Inergy’s Flex 1500 Power Station. The Flex 1500’s were accompanied by 10 1 kilowatt solar batteries.
https://inergytek.com/collections/solar–generators/products/flex–1500–power–station
The output power of the WiGL Case was distributed to one of two Power stations: Inergy’s Flex 1500 Power Station. The Flex 1500’s were accompanied by 10 1 kilowatt solar batteries.
The output power of the WiGL Case was distributed to one of two Power stations: Inergy’s Flex 1500 Power Station. The Flex 1500’s were accompanied by 10 1 kilowatt solar batteries.
To provide that our output power is battery agnostic, the output power of the WiGL Case was also distributed to one of two Power stations: Bluetti’s AC300+B300. The Bluetti’s AC300+B300’s were accompanied by 10 1 kilowatt solar batteries.
https://www.bluettipower.com/products/ac300–
b300?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwnK60BhA9EiwAmpHZwxXsl27TO91Ip2JHXLMBsm9l_3av4cZJwVdnSNy3VjhqKlL6Tas4FBoC–nEQAvD_BwE
Guam Results
Features
❏ Modular with ability to run in parallel or series
❏ The case focuses on supporting instantaneous discharge requirements by utilizing a power bank of three 12v 10Ah Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries
❏ A fully integrated cell/battery management system, enabling selective charging/discharging of the integrated power bank
❏ Supports USB A/C , and 12v barrel jack charging simultaneously
❏ Dual Cathode (air-mesh interface) Design
❏ Improved UI (Screen) for user notifications
❏ Cell Monitoring output monitoring and alerts
Performance
❏ SWPG Case High Level Performance:
Discharge
❏ 120w @ 12v Peak output, discharge curve changes as the battery bank capacity depletes.
❏ Once one cell in the power bank is depleted the system recharges that cell while outputting from a fresh cell.
❏ The system will continue in that pattern until all cells are depleted.
❏ It then begins monitoring cells and allows bursted discharge as the cells recover.
❏ Recharges the power bank at 27w
❏ Approximately one week of constant use before Magnesium (MG) plates need to be replaced. Water can be switched/flushed daily.
Operational Guidelines
Storage: The SWPG should remain
dry without an electrolyte mixture until it is ready for use. The system can be stored with salt prepared in the reservoir if the environment is dry.
Preparation for use: Add water to the system (1 g Sodium Chloride (NaCl) to 12.61 ml) and turn the system on.
Maintenance: Cleaning/flushing should occur automatically during continuous use to remove the magnesium hydroxide. Plate should be replaced as needed (even if sitting under no load).
SWPG Today
The SWPG has evolved into a highly modular fuel cell-based approach to meet the growing needs of the Data Center environment. The latest Gen 2 version has various use cases, including military, natural disaster, emergency situations…and Data Centers, where dependable and off-grid energy sources are crucial. It is important to not that it is also suitable for off-grid and remote locations, tiny homes, and forward operating locations, ensuring a continuous and sustainable power supply. Moreover, it is applicable to EV (Electric Vehicle) recharging while on the move, making it a viable option for mobile energy needs.
How Does SWPG Work?
Development of the larger PCB schematic designs and implementation of the charge combiner and triggering circuits continued this week. This includes discussions on how to improve and minimize connectors and the implementation of a new display screen.
These additions now allow the SWPG to be part of a larger Data Center EaaS solution. Specifically, the “screen connector allows the SWPG to integrate with other renewable power solutions: Solar, Wind, etc.
By adding our onboard powerbanks to the fuel cell modules, power becomes a scalable-resources rather than a pay on demand commodity.
