Page 445 - Sustainable Cities and Communities Design Handbook

ECO-GEN Energy Solutions: Tahiti Story Chapter j 20 415

The Technology

Since lithium ion batteries cannot be shipped fully charged, ECO-GEN installs
four to eight solar panels per JouleBox, enclosed in a metal box that is
approximately 7 X 5 X 5 feet. The solar panels and batteries continue to
produce additional electricity that can be used to keep the building cool or
to sell back to the grid. French Polynesia has renewable incentives, similar to
those with the State of California Go Solar program other solar electric
generating technologies, for which ECO-GEN is approved (gosolarcalifornia).
Serial and parallel wiring of lithium ion battery bricks to charge and
discharge simultaneously means the batteries will not use their 5000 charge/
discharge life cycle and should last for 20.9 years. Solar panels and the DC
generators have the ability to keep the battery brick fully charged at all times
to constantly run the turbines.
Wind/hydraulic turbines powered by proprietary, permanent magnet
motors are used to turn the generators. Turbines are an accepted and proven
source of power to generate electricity. AVortex Reduction Chamber increases
the torque. The key is to keep the turbines at 1800 RPM (1500 for 50 Hz).
There is minimal energy required to maintain the speed. High-efficiency, gated
flux, permanent magnet switched reluctance motors typically produce energy
for the next 30e40 years, with baseload power 24/7/365. The unit does not
need to be turned off except for annual maintenance once a year to change the
oil in the gear box!
N50 neodymium permanent magnets, capable of picking up 1000 lb each,
are used between coils to create dual flux and redirect the back electromotive
force (EMF), producing more horsepower using less watts. The Star Motor
uses patented software processes to redirect the back EMF so that the power is
reused and not lost. The unit complies with the laws of thermodynamics
wherein energy cannot be created or destroyed.