Energy Independence

For now, the mad man in Moscow may be able to launch attacks at will on the Ukranian power grid, but he can never stop the sun from shining on a Free Ukraine. And it is the light from ths sun we can use to keep the phones and laptops of the resistance fully charged — even as the power grid takes hits from missile strikes and generator fuel runs low during local firefights.

Solar Powered Device-Charging Station

Coder SPC has developed a solar-powered device charging station that quickly charges mobile devices, laptops and camera drones using only the sun. These charging stations are part of the Solar Dwelling One project. Solar Dwelling One is the prototype of a fully automated, energy independent living space built from a 40 foot cargo container. It sports a rooftop greenhouse for growing food and both solar electric and solar thermal for energy. We have put development of Solar Dwelling One on hold while we focus on building and shipping solar charging stations for Ukraine.

The portable and autonomous charging stations track the sun in both direction and elevation to maximize the efficency of their solar panels. Each charging station is equipped with common automotive lead-acid batteries allowing the charging station to store excess energy and then continue to charge devices into the night. When there is grid or generator power available the charging station will keep itself at 100% capacity regardless of the available light.

The prototypes are performing beyond expectations. Based on the USB-C PPS Charging standard, the sun-tracking charging station rapidly charges mobile devices, laptops and camera drones using only the sun.

State of the Project

As the developer of this self-funded project I wear all the hats. Development is proceeding smoothly however with some local engineering, fabrication and logistics collaboration we can fast-track the project and start filling shipping containers with solar charging stations for Ukraine much quicker.

Can you code? Or weld? Do you have family in Ukraine?

If you have expertise or connections in any of the following areas and could put in a few hours work each week for the next six months, please attend this brainstorming Meet Up.

Contacts in Ukraine

Sadly, we can not wave a magic wand and make the charging station available to everyone in Ukraine that can benefit from it. Not yet, anyway. We need help in identifying specific villages, towns and people with the greatest need for keeping their phones and laptops charged and having portable, battery-powered light at night.

FreeCad or Blender

We would be more effective in getting the word out with a professionally done 3D rendering on the site.

Eagle PCB or Fusion 360

The Bluetooth Mesh board that serves as the system platform is a mature design. There are two derivatives of this board that need to be laid out and populated.

Embedded Programming in C

The BLE Mesh network has been built with the Zephyr RTOS on Nordic Semi silicon. If you have embedded programming experience there are a few user interface enhancements that would be nice to make before we ship.

Welding and Fabrication

The stand for the charging station is built from rectangular .065 tubing. If you have MIG experience your fabrication help would speed up production.

CNC Router or Plasma Arc Setup

There are a few wood parts to be produced. Also some precision plasma arc cuts in 10 gauge mild steel.

If you have a skill to contribute, please join the Meet Up and/or contact David Carlin david@coderspc.com

Solar For Ukraine!