Solar powered compaction apparatus

IS 2 365 616 T3

DESCRIPTION

Solar powered compaction apparatus.

Field of the invention

The invention is directed to compactors for crushing garbage or recyclable materials, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for compacting waste powered by solar energy.

Background

Trash cans and trash cans are important items in any crowded setting to avoid people having to carry trash, or worse, just scatter it. Many public areas, such as outdoor recreation facilities, provide garbage cans in many locations, and most visitors are quite receptive to using such garbage cans, provided they are adequate and accessible.

However, garbage cans often fill up quickly and require periodic emptying by maintenance personnel. Larger trash cans provide more capacity, but they also fill up and when emptied lead to larger and bulky loads that are difficult to handle. For any size, distant trash cans are more difficult to empty, requiring staff to invest time and move equipment for emptying and transporting from distant sites. In addition, in urban locations and other high-traffic areas, cleaning personnel must invest significant amounts of time and cost to remove trash and recyclables, often several times a day, and urban areas are often limited in space. by the size of the garbage cans.

As is well known, typical trash is quite bulky and capable of being compacted into smaller sizes. Most garbage collection trucks use hydraulic compactors to increase their capacity.

On-site compaction can save money and help conserve fuel by reducing the frequency of collection and thus the transport time of vehicles. The compactors of trash and recyclables of the prior art characteristically require high voltage alternating current, and almost everywhere they are connected to the electrical network. This limits the siting of such trash compactors. Others have a fuel tank associated with them, such as garbage trucks with on-board compaction mechanisms or some compactors that use diesel generators to provide power for the compaction plungers. These gas or diesel systems produce great noise and pollution when operating. Thus, prior art trash compactors are characteristically confined to areas where electrical connections are feasible and cost effective, or where there is a source of fossil fuel. An example Q of a prior art compactor describing a hospital linen compactor is provided in US Patent 5,713,270. This system works by connecting to a standard power supply and includes control features to restrict access to authorized personnel. The energy source can be solar energy.

There is a need for motorized compaction in remote locations and high traffic areas, which will allow people to properly dispose of trash or recyclables, but allows for much less frequent emptying by maintenance personnel.

Compendium

This invention provides a device according to claim 1. Some advantageous features are provided in the dependent claims.

The present invention uses the novel approach of using solar energy to compact trash and recyclable materials. Solar energy is a clean source of energy, and it also enables the compaction of waste in remote locations where other forms of energy are impractical or expensive. It is often impractical and expensive to connect a compactor to the electrical power grid, even if it is located within a relatively short distance from a source of electricity, for example, across a retail parking lot. .

This invention provides a low cost device and method for compacting trash and recyclable materials using stored photovoltaic energy. This device is constituted to efficiently accumulate solar energy, efficiently store said energy and, as necessary, use the stored energy to compact trash or recyclable materials. Typically, the solar energy accumulator is a photovoltaic (PV) device that is connected to a storage device, such as a battery, a capacitor or a fuel cell. Mechanical energy storage means can include springs, pneumatic and hydraulic pressure. The appliance uses stored energy to intermittently compact trash or recyclable materials. In another embodiment, the device supplies alternating electrical current to an alternating current driven compaction mechanism, by changing the direct current of the PV panel assembly into alternating electrical current.

ES 2 365 616 T3 by means of a rectifier. In a separate embodiment, the device supplies a pressurized hydraulic fluid for a compaction plunger that is actuated by hydraulic pressure.

In an illustrative embodiment, the electronics of the canister is enclosed in two compartments adjacent to the compaction area. These compartments are not accessible from the outside, to avoid intrusion and / or damage to the user. Another feature to prevent injury to users or operators is the battery disconnect, which prevents movement of the compaction plunger when either compartment door is open and provides access to the electronics or compaction chamber. This works because the latch is coupled to a contactor switch, so when a door is open, the contactor switch is open as well. The battery and electronics compartments are also watertight to protect the enclosed electronics from the elements, and the battery compartment communicates with the atmosphere separately from the electronics and engine compartments to allow hydrogen gas to escape safely, since flammable gas can be produced during charging of many types of batteries. The PV panel group is protected from weather and vandalism by a cover typically constructed of durable plastic and a metal grill. The battery is stored in the lower part of the compartment, in order to lower the center of gravity of the receptacle and prevent tipping, while the communication of hydrogen with the atmosphere is located above the battery chamber to allow hydrogen gas to burst out of the chamber, without actually coming into contact with sparks in the engine compartments or electronics. At the bottom of this compartment is the motor, which is connected to the speed reduction gearbox and the drive chains.

During the compaction cycle the waste insertion door is either locked, or constructed to lock upon user intrusion into the compaction chamber. This safety measure eliminates the possibility of a user being injured by the compaction plunger. In the illustrative embodiment, this use lock is passive and requires no power to operate. Similar gadgets are observed in mailboxes, and prevent the user from accessing the internal camera of the device. Other security measures include a locking mechanism on the waste container access door to prevent the public from removing waste. Only waste management personnel can access the waste chamber and the electronic system chamber. A hinged-mounted access door allows cleaning personnel to have unhindered access to the waste container.

Another embodiment may incorporate several compaction pistons and / or several compaction chambers, which allows the separation and compaction of different recyclable materials. It may also include mechanisms such as paper or plastic shredders, and bottle or can crushers, to more effectively reduce the volume of many materials. Since such an embodiment can be constructed to have multiple compaction chambers, the overall weight of each collection container can be reduced, reducing injury to workers associated with heavy loads.

Another embodiment of the present invention allows monitoring the level of garbage in the compaction chamber. By monitoring the level of trash or recyclables in the chamber, a wireless communication mechanism can transmit this information to the cleaning staff so that unnecessary visits are avoided. Communication can be transmitted with a wireless transmitter or by a physical indicator, such as an indicator lamp. This also saves time and money by allowing maintenance personnel to schedule pickups according to demand.

Another embodiment of the present invention is constructed to be easily moved by virtue of a towing apparatus which allows many compaction devices and / or vessels to be connected together, so that a single vehicle can tow many devices at once. This works in much the same way as baggage carts at airports. This unique garbage removal method also helps reduce worker injuries associated with hauling heavy loads.

The advantages of the present invention include a garbage or recyclable materials collection apparatus that can be located in remote locations that do not have access to alternating electrical current, and that also requires much fewer maintenance visits for emptying, while reducing The trash.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it is optimized to operate more often during peak periods of use. People use the device most often during daylight hours, and therefore the unit has the daylight energy needed to perform compaction. Furthermore, since more people are active outdoors during sunny days, the present invention is optimized to meet increased usage with increased compaction cycles.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the collection containers that handle heavy, compact debris are positioned on a wheeled cart, reducing the lifting of heavy materials by cleaning personnel. As the waste is packed in two or more compartments, each load is made lighter, in addition to reducing the fatigue of workers engaged in lifting loads.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the system is resistant to animals, all of them, from insects to bears. Access to the contained materials is blocked by doors and winding paths. Through the

ES 2 365 616 T3 design reduces odor, which is annoying and can also attract vermin.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it allows container capacity information to be transmitted wirelessly, helping to avoid wasted visits and time. Real-time information provides an advantage over backward traditional scheduling methods. Real-time information enables significant improvements in routing logic and scheduling techniques, and can be reduced to software to automate and optimize waste collection schedule and routing logic decisions.

Brief description of the drawings

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood from the following description of illustrative embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 represents a compaction plunger and compaction chambers according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows an illustrative embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a second illustrative embodiment in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 4 is a sectional side view of the illustrative embodiment of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a sectional top view of the illustrative embodiment of Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a block diagram of a control system for an illustrative embodiment;

Figure 7 is a block diagram of an alternative control system supplying a hydraulic fluid;

Figure 8 is a schematic of an electronic system according to one embodiment; and Figure 9 is a schematic of an alternative control system providing alternating electrical current.

Detailed description

The present invention is directed towards a waste collection receptacle with an integrated compaction mechanism powered by solar energy, for public use. Generally, the unit is metallic and rectangular and on the top it has a solar panel to attract maximum sunlight. Typically, the unit resembles commonly used waste receptacles, with respect to aesthetics, use, and size.

Figure 1 provides a detailed perspective view of the compaction plunger 24, the articulated drive chains 22, the plunger track guide 21, and the compaction chambers 20, and shows the relationship between the compaction mechanism and the chambers. compaction, according to the present invention. The compaction chambers 20 may include a handle and wheels 26 to facilitate their removal.

A solar-powered compaction system according to the present invention is shown in Figure 2, representing the orientation of the components of the outer container 28, as well as the position of a hinged door 30 for debris removal, and a door 34 for the insertion of garbage. A group of 32 photovoltaic (PV) cell panels is mounted on top of the unit, covering most of it. In one embodiment, cells 32 produce enough power for the average number of 15 compaction cycles per day, and battery 36, shown in Figure 4, has enough stored energy to enable use over several weeks of sunlight. intermittent. The cells are connected to the energy storage system, which stores energy to drive compaction. Status indicator lamps 60, Figures 2 and 6, provide a visual means of displaying information, such as a system malfunction, or for indicating the level of used and available container capacity. The trash insert door 34 acts to prevent injury to the user by blocking user access to the compaction area.

More details are provided with the illustrative embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4. The group 32 of photovoltaic (PV) panels is positioned on top of the device to achieve maximum exposure to sunlight. The group 32 of PV panels can also be placed on other sides of the device to increase exposure to the Sun when the Sun is lowering the horizon. Optimally, the group 32 of PV panels can be positioned at an angle to avoid being covered by snow or debris. Additionally, the angle can be used to increase sunlight exposure based on the Sun's azimuth across the sky. For example, the PV panel group can be arranged to receive the southernmost exposure during the day. Alternatively, the group 32 of PV panels can be pivoted and motorized, in order to rotate and follow the course of the Sun for maximum exposure to sunlight. Although the PV panel group 32 is shown mounted on the unit, the PV panel group can also be located separately from the device and electrically connected to it. Alternatively, the group of PV panels can be located inside the outer cover 28, and the outer cover can be constructed to allow sunlight to enter the protected area where the PV panels reside.

IS 2 365 616 T3

On the other hand, the PV panel group can be mounted in a location on or outside the outer container, accessible to light by means of a reflective surface, such as a mirror, and inaccessible to vandalism, negligent operators and the animals.

Compaction plunger 24 is shown in the rest position above compaction chambers 20, Figure 4. The depicted embodiment includes a two-sided plunger to improve compaction capacity and to facilitate removal by reducing the weight of each load, Figure 5. As the linkage drive chain 22 rotates, it drives the chain 42 forward, which drives the mounted compaction plunger 24 downward, compacting the load. Alternatively, the compaction plunger 24 can be moved upwardly or laterally, depending on the design of the system. The removable container 20 includes a handle and wheels to smoothly roll in and out of the outer container 28.

Preferably, the storage battery 36 is located low in the container to provide stability. The storage battery or batteries 36 may be oversized or undersized for different climates or compaction demands, or for ancillary functions, such as providing usable alternating electrical current, through a rectifier. The battery or batteries can also be stored separately from the container. Preferably, the electronics compartments are located in an area 37 of the weather resistant container. The electronic components may include a motor controller, a battery charge controller, a user interface, and sensors, as described below. Access door 38 to electronics area 37 can be locked. Preferably, the battery 36 is automatically disconnected when the door is opened.

In the illustrative embodiment, a deep-charged battery 36 is used to drive a DC motor 40, Figure 5. The motor 40 drives a chain 42, which rotates the sprockets rigidly connected to the unit 22 and transmits the force. crushing to the compaction plunger 24. Alternatively, the motor 40 can provide power to the chain drive 22 through a drive shaft and gears, or the chain drive 22 can be directly attached to one or more motors 40, or the motor (s) can be connected by means of from reduction gears to chains or regulating screws that control the position of the compaction piston. Alternatively, a hydraulic piston can be used to move the compaction plunger. In this embodiment, the motor is used to drive a hydraulic pump that supplies pressure to the hydraulic cylinders to move the plunger.

A control apparatus for the illustrative embodiment is shown in Figure 6. The motor controller 44 is a central microprocessor that manages all operations, detects all input signals, and provides the output signals to operate the device. The microprocessor controls the power supplied to motor 40 via relays or contactors 58 (mechanical or solid state), Figure 6, or other connection means. Above the compaction chamber 20 a photoelectric sensor 46 is placed, Figure 4, and is actuated when the trash blocks light rays between this photoelectric sensor and a reflector located on the opposite side of the channel above the compaction chamber. . The photoelectric sensor sends a signal to the programmable logic controller (CLP) 44 when the trash blocks the light beam, for a measured amount of time, indicating that the trash is located in the channel above the compaction chamber and is must compact. To detect the level of the garbage, other sensors can be used, which for example include pressure sensors, microswitches, scales, etc.

Pressure sensors 48, Figure 6, are positioned above and below compaction plunger 24 and are activated when the compaction plunger has reached the end of its lowering cycle and then its raising cycle. The sensors provide an input signal to the CLP 44 motor controller. Engine controller 44 may also receive an input signal from engine 40, signaling that compaction plunger 24 has reached the bottom of its down cycle, via a centrifugal switch on engine 40 or a sensor. current 49 in the motor controller 44, which senses the current in the motor, or other type of sensor. When the motor 40 has reached the bottom of its cycle (or is engaged) it stops due to upward force on the plunger produced by compacted debris, or due to irregular forces caused by the plunger as it engages. At this time, the motor stops and a centrifugal switch sends a signal to the motor controller 44 to stop or reverse the direction of the motor 40, or the current sensor 49 (programmed current limit) connected to the motor controller 44 detects a current high in the stopped motor, and the cycle is reversed, the compaction plunger 24 returning to the beginning of its cycle. On the other hand, the motor 40 can be stopped by using a manual emergency switch 56, or activated by a manual actuator 57. In this illustrative embodiment, the current sensor is connected to a timer 50 through the CLP 44, allowing the motor controller to estimate the distance the compaction plunger travels before the motor stops, thus measuring the "fill degree" of the trash cans. In the illustrative embodiment, the maximum load is reached when the 12V motor reaches 40 amps. If this current limit is reached within 10 seconds, then the controller estimates that the compaction chamber is ½ full. If this current limit is reached within 5 seconds, then the controller estimates that the compaction vessel is full. Another method of indicating "degree of fill" is to detect piston travel with a rotary encoder located on the drive shaft. The CLP 44 senses conditions and then indicates status through a wireless data transmitter 66, and through status indicator lamps 60.

IS 2 365 616 T3

In this embodiment, the design output signal of the PV array is 50 watts peak, and generates, on average, 150 watt-hours of power per day, given an average of 3 hours of available full sunlight per day. The energy from the sunlight is collected in the group 32 of PV panels, Figure 6, and is converted, by the charge controller 33, into a useful current and battery charging voltage. The battery reserve is approximately 600 watt-hours, and each cycle uses approximately 3 watt-hours. Thus, the power reserve in the illustrative embodiment is sufficient to perform up to 200 compaction cycles. The controller is programmed to allow a few compaction cycles so that the battery is over discharged, thus preventing damage to the battery. Since many electrical components are prevalent in 24-volt configurations and most PV panel groups are available in 12-volt load configurations, it can be economically advantageous to enable 12-volt battery charging and system operations at 12 volts. 24 volts. This can be accomplished through the use of a contactor and relay switch, which changes the system voltage from 12 volts to 24 volts each time a compaction cycle is initiated.

In another embodiment not using a built-in microprocessor, connection and control were done using solid state electronics, as shown in Figure 8. The cycle is triggered by a "start" signal, shown as the on / off switch. key 54, however other devices may be used, including a push button, photoelectric sensor, weight sensor, etc. When the cycle begins, the motor engages and engages in the “forward” (down) mode. A lamp lights up, indicating that the cycle is in progress. If the container is not full, the compaction plunger will actuate the lower pressure sensor 48, which will then turn off the status lamp 60. If the container is full (the pressure sensor or limit switch does not activate), The lamp will stay on after the machine has completed the cycle, alerting the cleaning staff that pickup is necessary.

The motor will run forward until the limit switch or pressure switch is reached, or until a time-out occurs. A timed trip occurs if the amount of trash prevents the plunger from reaching the bottom in the time allotted for a normal down cycle. When the plunger stops, a clutch 47 disengages the motor, allowing the motor to rotate without load. The motor will rotate without load until a timed trip occurs and the motor reverses. When the engine is reversed, the clutch automatically reengages.

Upon colliding with the lower limit switch or reaching a timed cut-out, the motor stops for a preset time interval, and then reverses. The motor runs in the opposite direction until the upper limit switch is actuated. When the upper limit switch 48 is reached, the motor stops and a new timing begins. The start signal is ignored until this timing expires. Once the cycle delay timing has expired, the system restarts and is ready for a new start signal.

The system includes a safety interlock switch 49 on the access door to empty the container. This switch disconnects the electrical power supply to all control elements when the access door to the compaction area is open (this switch also resets the “container full” lamp).

In another embodiment shown in Figure 9, motor controller 44 produces an alternating electrical current output signal to an alternating current motor, allowing the same invention to supply alternating current to the compaction mechanisms. The motor controller 44 includes an electric current rectifier 55 (including a pure sine wave or a modified sine wave) for providing alternating electric current to an alternating current motor. This is advantageous because many of the existing compactors in this field use alternating current. Thus, the present invention, as shown in this embodiment, can supply power to a traditional solar powered compactor and embedded control logic system.

Still another embodiment of a control system is shown in Figure 7. In this embodiment, the device uses a hydraulic pump 51 to pressurize the hydraulic fluid in a reservoir 53, which enables the same invention to drive a compaction mechanism that uses hydraulic fluid pressure cylinders to move the compaction plunger. This is advantageous because many of the existing compactors are hydraulic, requiring a hydraulic pump that is driven by alternating electrical current or an internal combustion engine. The present invention, as shown in this embodiment, can drive a traditional solar powered compactor and embedded control logic system and a DC motor. This can save money and setup time, and allows compaction with various types of mechanisms used in remote locations, commonly not served economically by ordinary power lines, or with common compaction methods. Alternative systems can be used, and are within the scope of the present invention. For example, a pneumatic pump can be used to inflate an air chamber within compaction chamber 20, thereby compacting trash without requiring a compaction plunger and a chain-driven system.

A feature of the illustrative embodiment is that the motor controller 44, when in the charging mode, can act as a maximum energy tracker that regulates the battery charge from the group of PV panels. The energy tracker has the ability to vary the voltage and amperage level based on the

ES 2 365 616 T3 characteristics of the PV panel group, sunlight level and battery condition. The energy tracker has the ability to balance current and voltage to optimize the battery 36 charge. The motor controller 44 has the ability to optimize the battery 36 charge rate, by monitoring the battery level. available photovoltaic energy and battery charging. When battery 36 is completely discharged, controller 44 will provide low voltage and high amperage. When the battery 36 is almost fully charged, the controller 44 will provide a higher voltage and a lower current intensity. When the battery is fully charged, the controller will not provide any charge to the battery 36, or will simply provide an entertainment charge. Conversely, when battery 36 is insufficiently charged, controller 44 may delay or skip a compaction cycle until an adequate charge has been reached. This is to save battery life and prevent failure. Due to the ability of the controller 44 to optimize the load rate and control the engine, this serves a dual purpose.

Typically, the duty cycle of the compaction apparatus is highest during peak traffic hours. For example, at mealtime more waste will be deposited inside the device. This duty cycle can be controlled by a timer, or by a photoelectric sensor as described above. The preferred method is to use a photoelectric sensor because it optimizes the compaction cycle to meet the compaction demand. This takes into account the maximum load time between necessary compactions, and minimizes noise (if any) and downtime due to the compaction cycle. Typically, this duty cycle is determined by a low energy timer circuit contained in the receptacle. This cycle is modifiable on the unit, or is programmable by means of a wireless communication device or by an electrical connection between the programming device (namely, a computer) and the CLP 44. The motor controller 44 may also include chronological data collection features, to allow storing history of compaction cycles for later analysis.

A battery disconnect switch is mounted on one or both of the battery power cables. When the waste container removal door or electronics door is open, the battery is automatically disconnected to prevent damage.

Table 1 provides specifications for a prototype system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Table 1

Drive Physical Specifications

Plunger size

<td>Width</td><td> 20,32 (8,00)</td><td>cm (in)</td>

<td>Length</td><td> 31,75 (12,50)</td><td>cm (in)</td>

<td>Number of plungers</td><td> 2</td><td></td>

<td>Weight</td><td> 88,90 (20,00)</td><td>newton (lbs)</td>

<td>Compartment size</td><td></td><td></td>

<td>Bowl height</td><td> 60,96 (24,00)</td><td>cm (in)</td>

<td>Vessel length</td><td> 49,53 (19,50)</td><td>cm (in)</td>

<td>Container width</td><td> 26,67 (10,50)</td><td>cm (in)</td>

<td>Plunger descent</td><td> 20,32 (8,00)</td><td>cm (in)</td>

<td>Plunger height</td><td> 25,40 (10,00)</td><td>cm (in)</td>

<td>Container volume</td><td> 158,99 (42,54)</td><td>liters (gal)</td>

<td>Volume available after compaction</td><td> 56,78 (15,79)</td><td>liters (gal)</td>

<td>Volume after worst case compaction</td><td> 26,50 (7,89)</td><td>liters (gal)</td>

<td>Compaction ratio</td><td> 4:1</td><td></td>

<td>Volume of raw garbage collected</td><td> 405,04 (107,17)</td><td>liters (gal)</td>

<td>Number of best-case compactions</td><td> 8,08</td><td>per charge</td>

<td>Number of worst-case compactions</td><td> 16,17</td><td>per charge</td>

<td>Desired pressure</td><td></td><td></td>

<td>Chain drive</td><td></td><td></td>

<td>Drive sprocket diameter</td><td> 7,62 (3,00)</td><td>cm (in)</td>

<td>Drive Physical Specifications</td><td></td><td></td>

<td>Plunger Length / Chain Stroke</td><td> 45,72 (18,00)</td><td>cm (in)</td>

<td>Compaction time</td><td> 30,00</td><td>seconds</td>

<td>Desired pressure</td><td> 0,069 (10,00)</td><td>Pa (psi)</td>

<td>Compaction force</td><td> 8.889,64 (2.000,00)</td><td>newton (lbs)</td>

IS 2 365 616 T3

Motor specs

<td>Power</td><td> 0,373 (0,50)</td><td>kW (HP)</td>

<td>Speed</td><td> 1.800,00</td><td>rpm</td>

<td>Voltage</td><td> 12,00</td><td>volts</td>

<td>Maximum amperage</td><td> 39,00</td><td>amps</td>

<td>Power figures</td><td></td><td></td>

<td>Speed ​​in chain drive</td><td> 8,00</td><td>rpm</td>

<td>Motor torque</td><td> 2.971,3 (3.983)</td><td>kW (HP)</td>

<td>Cycle time</td><td> 30</td><td>seconds</td>

<td>Power consumption</td><td></td><td></td>

<td>Losses</td><td></td><td></td>

<td>Drive mechanism</td><td> 80,00</td><td>percent</td>

<td>Chain drive</td><td> 80,00</td><td>percent</td>

<td>Energy consumption by compaction</td><td></td><td></td>

<td>Compaction energy per stroke</td><td> 1,41</td><td>Wh</td>

<td>Recoil energy per stroke</td><td> 0,94</td><td>Wh</td>

<td>Energy needed per cycle</td><td> 2,35</td><td>Wh</td>

<td>Energy needed per cycle with losses</td><td> 3,36</td><td>Wh</td>

<td>Necessary compactions</td><td></td><td></td>

<td>Compactions per day with high volume usage</td><td> 12,13</td><td></td>

<td>Energy used per day</td><td> 40,77</td><td>Wh</td>

<td>Battery</td><td></td><td></td>

<td>Voltage</td><td> 12,00</td><td>volts</td>

<td>Amp-hours</td><td> 55,00</td><td>Ah</td>

<td>Watt-hours</td><td> 660,00</td><td>Wh</td>

<td>Medium temperature (min.)</td><td> -10,00 (14,00)</td><td>^orC (^orF)</td>

<td>Efficiency due to temperature (full stroke)</td><td> 60,00</td><td>percent</td>

<td>Actual power per battery</td><td> 396,00</td><td>Wh</td>

<td>Compaction days without load</td><td> 9,71</td><td>days</td>

<td>Days to full recharge</td><td> 10,30</td><td>days</td>

<td>Photovoltaic panel</td><td></td><td></td>

<td>Number of cells</td><td> 35,00</td><td>cells</td>

<td>PV panel area</td><td> 3.612,90 (560,00)</td><td>cm² (in²) (cell: 10.16x10.16 cm)</td>

<td>PV panel specifications</td><td></td><td></td>

<td>Energy from the Sun</td><td> 0,1023 (0,66)</td><td>W / cm² (W / in²)</td>

<td>PV panel efficiency</td><td> 15,00</td><td>percentage of efficacy (14-22%)</td>

<td>PV panel peak wattage</td><td> 55,44</td><td>peak watts</td>

<td>Energy per cell</td><td> 0,0155 (0,10)</td><td>(W / in²)</td>

<td>Drive Physical Specifications</td><td></td><td></td>

<td>Capacity factor (average solar radiation)</td><td> 70,00</td><td>percent</td>

<td>Time to medium capacity</td><td> 3,00</td><td>hours</td>

<td>Accumulated energy per day</td><td> 116,42</td><td>Wh</td>

<td>Adjusted available energy</td><td> 52,39</td><td>Wh</td>

The container may include drainage holes near the bottom to allow the liquid from the garbage to be drawn from the unit and thus allow increased compaction of the remaining garbage. An additional feature for cold weather locations includes a heating element to heat trash, thereby melting any frozen liquid to allow removal. Also, many materials, such as plastics, are easier to compress at a higher temperature; then, with the present invention, the compression efficiency can be increased by heating the contained material. The heating element can be controlled so that it only activates when the battery 36 is near full charge. In addition, the heating elements can be placed on top, below or inside the group of PV panels, in order to melt the snow or ice that is covering the group of PV panels. In warmer climates a 10 shallow drain pan can be used to facilitate evaporation of the liquid. Sensors can detect the humidity, temperature or lack of light that affects the group of PV panels, and activate the heating elements to melt the snow, or they can start fans to evaporate the liquid from the drain pan. .

IS 2 365 616 T3

Another embodiment of the present invention includes using two or more similar containers to store garbage, with the purpose of separating recyclable materials and reducing the weight and volume of each container, reducing the possibility of injury to workers and making it possible to use of smaller, more standardized garbage bags.

The container may include mounting brackets, on the outside, to allow warning signs to be placed on the outside of the containers. Other features include wired or wireless communications equipment installed in the container. The container can transmit radio signals when it is full and no further compaction is possible, or if the unit has broken down or is being vandalized. In addition, the container can report conditions, including battery charge, cycle count, and more. The container can also receive signals, including commands to immediately perform compaction cycles or change cycle timing, etc. Containers can also report conditions using indicator lights that can indicate if the unit is full or malfunctioning. Such indicator lights allow containers to be inspected remotely (such as through binoculars) to allow service personnel to determine if a service visit to the container is necessary.

It is possible to have two or more containers to store garbage, with the purpose of separating recyclable materials and reducing the weight and volume of each container, reducing the possibility of injury to workers and allowing the use of more standardized garbage bags and little. Containers can have separate access doors to allow people to sort and place different types of items in different containers. For example, one container may have paper products while others have cans. Such a device according to the present invention can then compact the material contained in each inner container separately (using individual compaction plungers or a compaction plunger to which the containers are mechanically diverted), or all at once, using a large plunger. compaction 24 covering all containers. Alternatively, each container may have several types of crushers or shredders suitable for each type of material. If different compaction pistons are used for each inner container, then the device can only compact the containers that are full. Furthermore, since different materials have different compaction characteristics (for example, crumpled paper compresses much more easily than metal cans), for a particular type of material, size, shape, strength, strength, method and cycle duration of the compaction mechanism.

Although solar energy is described as a source of energy for the present invention, other sources of energy are within the scope of the invention. This includes wind turbine or water wheel generators located close to the container, or located in an optimal location to accumulate energy. Alternatively, a generator with a crank or kickstarter can be positioned with the bin, with instructions requiring users of the dumpster to repeatedly actuate the crank or kickstarter to help store energy to compact trash. For such generators, either by means of a wind turbine or a water wheel, or by human effort, alternative means of power generation and alternative means of energy storage can be used; for example, pumping air into a pressure tank to drive an air motor, winding a spring mechanism, or, using a pulley system, raising a very heavy compaction plunger which then compacts the trash under its own weight.