AbstractsEngineering

Designing a portable power network:

by A.L. Van de Schoor




Institution: Delft University of Technology
Department:
Year: 2015
Keywords: PSS design; EVR; power network
Record ID: 1244438
Full text PDF: http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:2217956e-4bf0-4513-8dd0-7710881ace3c


Abstract

This report describes the design process that led to the concept of the portable power network with the name ‘Volt city’. The project is executed for the Danish startup company Volt, that currently operates mostly in the festival market. They have developed a product service system in which people can get a mobile device charger at the start of the festival and return it to Volt at the end of the festival, who in turn takes the setup to the next festival in the Volt tour. Discover In the first phase the topic of mobile charging is explored with regards to human desirability, viability in the market, technical feasibility and environmental sustainability. People’s charging routines are mapped and their tacit needs are researched in through literature studies and a contextmapping session. The outcome is mapped in customer profile. Market viability for a future solution is assessed by mapping stakeholders and competitive solutions. The place of the future design within this competitive field is determined by finding the space in the strategy canvas. The technology chapter draws the state of the art of battery technology and related technologies, which serves as an inspiration and feasibility study for the next phases. Finally an initials sustainability analysis is made that introduces charging from a wall plug and getting a powerbank in a retail situations as benchmarks. Define With all the knowledge and inspiration gained in the discover phase, a clear direction for the project is defined. A group of seven design principles is assessed from which two with the highest potential are chosen for further development. The elements in these concepts that are still uncertain are further verified through a series of tests and validations. The concept of creating a ‘power sharing network’ is found to have the highest potential based on the five core requirements. An interaction vision for the concept is formulated. “Finding power on the go should be as easy as finding your way in the city”. Develop In the develop phase the system’s architecture is set up and the basic interactions in the system are developed. In a series of four iterations all aspects from optimizing the different stakeholders’ value proposition to making a prototype of the online platform are dealt with. Deliver: Introducing Volt City Volt city is an eco-system that provides its users the opportunity to get power whenever and wherever they are. No need to be tied to a cord, no need to charge and bring your own powerbank; as long as you have a phone and you’re part of the community, you have access to a massive amount of chargers around the city. Volt spots Venues that facilitate the offer and recharging of the Volts are referred to as Volt spots. This can be any place from your local supermarket to the airport. Volt heroes Excess power carried by users is also put up for grabs in the system. If you’re out of power you can send a request to the nearest hero and meet up to exchange a Volt. In case you find yourself with a spare Volt you can pass it on to…