Dominion Energy Team Develops Innovative Mobile Solar Generator
Three innovative employees from Dominion Energy have invented a transformative mobile solar generator, which could change the landscape of portable power generation. Jake Littlepage, Christina Hanlon, and Jonathan Warren, who specialize in engineering, chemistry, and biology, have introduced the Mobile Battery Energy Storage System (MBESS).
Origins of the Innovative Mobile Solar Generator
The project originated three years ago during an internal competition at Dominion Energy. Employees pitched various groundbreaking solutions aimed at benefiting both the community and the company. According to Littlepage, “We wanted to provide solutions that are profitable yet beneficial to society.”
Team Collaboration and Perseverance
After emerging victorious in the competition, the team decided not to let their idea fade away. “We realized that this idea had great potential, so we continued to develop it,” Warren stated.
Key Features of the MBESS
The result of their hard work is a 4,500-pound mobile solar generator that operates quietly and efficiently. Unlike traditional diesel generators, the MBESS is powered by sunlight, making it a cleaner alternative.
- Dimensions: The generator has a footprint similar to a small sedan.
- Charge Time: It can be fully charged from zero to 100% in just four hours using an electric vehicle connection.
- Power Supply: A single charge can power a typical family home for approximately three days.
Partnership and Certification
Dominion Energy collaborated with Maryland-based Power Connect for the construction of the MBESS. Company President Scott Calhoun highlighted its unique UL 9540 certification, which indicates that the generator can operate safely without fire or electrical hazards. This certification enhances its suitability for recreational and emergency management uses.
Potential Applications
Calhoun emphasized the potential of this generator in providing power for temporary housing, especially in the aftermath of natural disasters. “It can supply energy to an entire community of temporary housing,” he noted.
Emotional Milestone for the Team
For team member Warren, witnessing the project come to fruition has been an emotional journey. “Bringing this idea to life—and knowing it can help people—feels monumental,” he expressed.
The innovative mobile solar generator by Dominion Energy stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity, promising a safer and sustainable future for portable power solutions.
