Development and Efficiency Evaluation of Mobile Hybrid Power Supply

Abstract

This research focuses on the development and performance evaluation of a portable hybrid power supply, which can be charged from both household electricity (AC) and solar power systems (DC). The prototype is compact, portable, and capable of delivering electrical energy to both alternating current (AC) appliances with pure sine wave output and various electronic devices such as smartphones and laptops. The findings reveal that the hybrid power supply achieved an average energy conversion efficiency of 78.70 ± 1.79% when charged using household electricity and 77.92 ± 2.05% when charged via a solar power system. Under the condition of daily energy consumption of approximately 1 kilowatt-hour (kWh), the system can operate continuously for up to three days. Regarding operating costs, the hybrid system proves to be more economical than conventional fuel-based generators, particularly when integrated with solar panels. The cost of electricity production is significantly reduced. Furthermore, a cost-benefit analysis indicates that the investment in this hybrid power system is highly cost-effective, with a payback period of only 9.8 to 11.9 months, depending on the proportion of charging from household electricity and solar power. In the case of using 100% solar energy for charging, the system can reduce annual electricity costs by up to approximately 7,998 THB, compared to using a conventional gasoline generator.