Modular Portable Energy System

Abstract

The present invention relates to an alternative power generation system, comprising a portable electricity harvesting device for generating electrical power, a power unit coupled to said portable electricity harvesting device including circuitry for processing electrical power generated by said portable electricity harvesting device and storing said electrical power in a battery within said power unit, and a plurality of distribution components in electrical communication with said power unit and a plurality of devices to be electrically powered.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An alternative power generation system, comprising:
 a portable electricity harvesting device for generating electrical power;   a power unit coupled to said portable electricity harvesting device including circuitry for processing electrical power generated by said portable electricity harvesting device and storing said electrical power in a battery within said power unit; and   a plurality of distribution components in electrical communication with said power unit and a plurality of devices to be electrically powered.   
     
     
         2 . The alternative power generation system of  claim 1 , further comprising a carrying unit to house at least the harvesting device for storage or transportation. 
     
     
         3 . The alternative power generation system of  claim 1 , further comprising a power skin. 
     
     
         4 . The alternative power generation system of  claim 1 , wherein the power unit is connectable to a plurality of power units. 
     
     
         5 . The alternative power generation system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a layer of substrate;   a first layer formed on the substrate and including battery electronics therein;   a second layer formed on the first layer and including power electronics therein; and   a third layer formed on the second layer and including materials for generating electricity.   
     
     
         6 . The alternative power generation system of  claim 5 , wherein the first layer, second layer, and third layer are laminated. 
     
     
         7 . The alternative power generation system of  claim 5 , wherein the first layer, second layer, and third layer are laminated with laminates that comprise layers of moisture resistant translucent film with electronic connection capabilities embedded in each layer. 
     
     
         8 . The alternative power generation system of  claim 5 , wherein the first layer, second layer, and third layer are printed using conductive inks. 
     
     
         9 . The alternative power generation system of  claim 5 , wherein the first layer, second layer, and third layer have interstitial wiring in between. 
     
     
         10 . The alternative power generation system of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more wireless devices. 
     
     
         11 . The alternative power generation system of  claim 10 , wherein the one or more wireless devices includes Bluetooth technology. 
     
     
         12 . The alternative power generation system of  claim 10 , wherein the one or more wireless devices includes Zigbee technology. 
     
     
         13 . The alternative power generation system of  claim 10 , wherein the one or more wireless devices includes devices capable of wirelessly transmitting power. 
     
     
         14 . The alternative power generation system of  claim 1 , wherein the alternative power generation system is in electrical communication with wireless devices for home automation. 
     
     
         15 . The alternative power generation system of  claim 1 , further comprising a monitoring system. 
     
     
         16 . The alternative power generation system of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more sensors, one or more transducers, and one or more piezoelectric devices. 
     
     
         17 . The alternative power generation system of  claim 16 , wherein the transducers harvest at least one of steady state vibration, scavenged vibration, linear motion, waste energy, and electromagnetic fields. 
     
     
         18 . The alternative power generation system of  claim 1 , wherein the portable electricity harvesting device harvests electricity from a human being. 
     
     
         19 . The alternative power generation system of  claim 1 , wherein the portable electricity harvesting device is in electrical communication with a wireless sensor network. 
     
     
         20 . The alternative power generation system of  claim 1 , wherein the portable electricity harvesting device can harvest electricity from one or more systems of the human body. 
     
     
         21 . The alternative power generation system of  claim 20 , wherein the portable electricity harvesting device includes one or more sensors, transducers, or piezoelectric devices. 
     
     
         22 . The alternative power generation system of  claim 1 , wherein the portable electricity harvesting device harvests electricity from oscillations and/or vibrations of objects.