WO2015179960A1

WO2015179960A1 - Power provision via cell phone network

Info

Publication number: WO2015179960A1
Application number: PCT/CA2015/000355
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rolf PAPSDORF
Original assignee: Zolair Energy Ltd.
Priority date: 2014-05-30
Filing date: 2015-05-29
Publication date: 2015-12-03

Abstract

A system and method for providing electrical energy to comprising a hybrid power unit (HPU), a centralized power server, and a local service shop with personnel. The system is maintained by the local service shop with oversight from managers who have access to all relevant data for their HPU units in their area of responsibility, from the centralized power server, which monitors all of the hybrid power units as well as the local server centers. The hybrid power unit is preferably zinc-air fuel cell, charging a battery, with a solar-powered auxiliary power source.

Description

POWER PROVISION VIA CELL PHONE NETWORK

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Over a billion people that do not have access to basic energy, or "electrification" (Time Magazine, Bryan Walsh, September 2013). Energy poverty prevents people and economies from progressing beyond a day-today subsistence (WHO, Fuel for Life, 2006). Without electricity, there can be no electric power tools, computer-based information gathering, homework at night, or refrigerated food. Evening work such as reading, writing, and sewing are done by the light of burnable fuels such as wood, coal, dung and kerosene, which give off noxious fumes, smoke, and cause an estimated 3 to 5 million deaths a year through indoor air pollution. Rural settlements, refugee camps, work camps, and remote sites throughout the world lack clean, safe power.

Attempts have been made to provide lighting or small amounts of electricity using fuel cells such as the one disclosed in PCT patent application PCT2004/008563. More recently, a solar powered light source activated a customer's mobile phone has been disclosed in PCT patent application PCT/US2013/0212005. In the latter disclosure, customers purchase a solar lighting unit over time by buying energy using their mobile phone to make the payment, and then hold their phone near their lighting system to activate it via audible mobile phone signals. This technology (audible signals) requires a strong cellular signal, does not provide power independent of solar power and weather, and is not powerful enough to do more than provide one light.

There remains a need for not just lighting, but power provision, paid for in affordable amounts, and accessible in all kinds of settlements, in order to operate equipment, appliances and machinery to earn disposable income, improve education and create a improvement in quality of life . SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a system for providing electrical energy including a hybrid power unit having a unique cell phone module having a telephone number, and a power server having a memory, wherein said power server is in bidirectional wireless communication with said hybrid power unit.

According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a similar system wherein the power server is capable of receiving an alphanumeric access code, followed by the hybrid power unit numeric telephone number, via any sms-capable communication means, and capable of providing an sms communication to the hybrid power unit to release a quantity of power to a power outlet on the hybrid power unit.

In another embodiment, the power server is also be in communication with a user interface and is programmed and monitored by a human user via the user interface, which is a computer monitor in some embodiments.

In another embodiment, the system sends an alert from the hybrid power unit to the power server or to a nearby service shop when the hybrid power unit is moved, damaged, or when the hybrid power unit requires service. This alert is sent to the power server in some embodiments, and to the nearby service shop simultaneously in others. The alert results in a service call to the HPU from the service shop. The alert may result in servicing being provided from the service shop in some embodiments.

In another embodiment, the power server is capable of receiving sms or text messages from any source, and converting the signals into an number of watts and a particular hybrid power unit to provide them to. In another embodiment, the power server identifies a specific hybrid power unit by its phone number.

In some embodiments, the power server is capable of transmitting an "on signal" to the hybrid power unit to operate to provide power until the value of purchased power has been reached.

In other embodiments, the hybrid energy unit has a solar panel and solar power source to supply the hybrid power unit with auxiliary resting state power.

In another embodiment, the system includes access codes available for purchase in physical or electronic form. These access codes are printed on paper or plastic vouchers in some embodiments, and obscured from casual view by a removable opaque film.

In another embodiment of the invention, the system of the invention provides available power of greater than 3 volts, from 9 to 16 volts, or about 12 volts. The available power is be provided to the user in the form of watts in some embodiments.

In another embodiment, the hybrid power possesses characteristics of both a battery and a fuel cell in order to accommodate power spikes and to be a long lasting power source. The hybrid power unit is a zinc/air battery and solar panel configuration in some embodiments.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the hybrid energy unit user or customer can track power remaining via a monitor on the hybrid power unit. In another embodiment, the monitor displays watt energy used and remaining, available volts, and watt usage.

In embodiments of the invention, a global positioning system may be incorporated into the hybrid power unit, which in some embodiments also includes an electronic circuit including monitoring devices that measure watt energy used, Watt energy available, and displays Watt usage on the outside wall of the hybrid energy unit.

In one embodiment of the invention, a method for providing electrical energy wirelessly to an end user is provided, the method including: providing an hybrid power unit having a unique cell phone module including a telephone number, providing a power server having a memory and in bidirectional communication with the hybrid power unit, providing access codes to purchasers via vouchers or electronic communication in exchange for remuneration, receiving the access code and the telephone number into the power server via any sms-capable communication means, and providing a signal from the power server to the hybrid power unit to release a quantity of power to a power outlets on the hybrid power unit.

In embodiments of the invention, the power server is also in communication with a computer monitor and may be programmed and monitored by a human user via the computer monitor.

In some embodiments, the method includes alerts being sent from the hybrid power unit to the power server when the hybrid power unit is moved, is damaged, or requires maintenance. These alerts are also be sent to a nearby service shop either independently of, or simultaneously with the alerts sent to the power server in embodiments of the invention.

In embodiments of the invention, the alert is also be sent from the power server to the service shop when the hybrid power unit is moved, is damaged, or requires maintenance These alerts may result in the service shop sending a service technician to the hybrid power unit transmitting the alert. In another embodiment of the invention, the power server is capable of receiving sms or text messages from any source, and converting them into a number of watts and a particular hybrid power unit to provide the energy.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the method includes selling access codes to a purchaser, the access codes being interpretable by the power server as denoting a pre-set value in watts.

In embodiments of the invention, the method uses the unique telephone number of a hybrid energy using as denoting that specific hybrid power unit.

In embodiments of the invention, the power server transmits an "on signal" to the hybrid power unit to operate and to provide power until the preset value in watts has been reached.

In embodiments of the invention, the method includes the hybrid energy unit having a solar power source to supply the hybrid power unit with auxiliary resting state power. The access codes are printed on paper or plastic vouchers in embodiments of the invention, and these access codes are obscured from casual view by a removable opaque film.

In an alternative embodiment, the access codes are delivered to the energy unit by sms, text or email.

Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention, Figure 1 is a line drawing of the relationship between the power server, the hybrid energy unit and the dwelling it serves, and the service shop/Management;

Figure 2 is a line drawing representation of the hybrid power unit showing the different elements associated with the structure;

Figure 3 is a line drawing showing the order of events leading to the provision of power via the purchase of a voucher;

Figure 4 is a photograph of a prototypical hybrid power unit housing; and

Figure 5 is a photograph of a fuel cell/battery power source that would be inside the hybrid power unit casing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to Figure 1 , the system according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown generally at 10. The system comprises three main elements: a hybrid power unit, or HPU 25 at the location where power is used, a central processor or "power server" 20 at any location (shown as a cloud to signify that it is accessible wirelessly), and service stations, or "service shops" 55 preferably in the same locale as the hybrid power unit installations.

The hybrid power unit or HPU (25) is a battery-fuel cell hybrid power source, having elements of both a primary battery, and of a self-sustaining fuel cell that charges the primary battery. And example of the fuel cells element is shown in Figure 5, as a stack of 12 X single zinc-air fuel cell cartridges.

The HPU 25, shown in Figure 2, comprises: a solar power element comprising a solar panel 30 and a solar charge controller 32; a cell phone module 60 including a SIM card, a rechargeable battery 36 and a fuel cell 33, a microprocessor 100, an audible alarm 44, and power outlets 80 and 85.

On the HPU, a readout display 35 is a small viewing screen showing the number of watts remaining from the last voucher purchase(s).

In one embodiment, the HPU 25 has a zinc air fuel cell as main energy supply to charge the battery (any suitable rechargeable battery compatible to the fuel cell). The solar power source 30 and 31 is used to maintain the HPU 25 internal microprocessor and cell phone module 60 to maintain the HPU in a ready state. The solar panel may charge the battery, charged by the fuel cells as well. HPU 25 incorporates a microprocessor 100, switches and metering components that monitor, activate, measure, display and receive/transmit information to and from the power server 20 and the service shop 55, via cell phone module 60.

The energy service shop 55, as illustrated in Figure 1 , is a facility local to the corresponding HPU 25, and whose personnel maintain the HPU 25 on a regular basis, principally by exchanging used anodes of the fuel cells to new anodes. One service shop 55 will ideally service several HPUs in the vicinity. The service shop personnel will also respond to audible alarms 44 ( see Figure 2) and alerts 41 (Figure 1 ) coming from the HPU in case of damage, low battery, movement, or theft of solar power panel 30.

A SIM card ("Subscriber Identity Module" card) is a portable memory chip used mostly in cell phones that operate on the Global System for Mobile Communications network. These cards hold a unique phone number. In the present invention, the SIM card acts as the identification and "address" of HPU 25. Thus the HPU 25 has a unique identifier 61 , namely the cell phone number of the cell phone module 60 built into the HPU.

HPU 25 microprocessor 100 is a programmable memory and processor into which digital data may enter and be processed according to programmed steps in a resident memory, and result in an output to be transmitted to display 35 and to power server 20 through cell phone module 60. Microprocessors operate on numbers and symbols represented in the binary numeral system, and the data entering microprocessor 100 will be derived from various sources, like a watt meter 36 and the solar panel 30 tamper detector 32, both shown in Figure 2, the GPS locator 27 and the battery level detector 28, both not pictured as they are part of the internal components of HPU 25.

As stated, the HPU 25 also includes an additional power source for auxiliary or baseline power to the microprocessor 100 and cell phone module 60 (required to "listen" for activation signals), and this power source may be a solar power source comprising a solar panel 30 and a solar charge controller 31 connected to a small battery that supplies the energy to the circuitry of the microprocessor 100 and cell phone module 60. The solar charge controller 31 regulates the voltage to a constant output. As solar panels vary widely in voltage out put during the day, depending on weather, and the solar charge controller 31 stabilizes the energy output to be suitable for charging batteries.

Commercial sources for these electrical components are numerous, but the solar panel may be obtained from QSOLAR (Calgary, Alberta), the charge controller from Coleman (Home Depot), the watt meter from KYORITSU Electrical Instruments, (Japan), and a rechargeable battery from Energizer (St. Louis, MO) or Duracell (Bethel, CT).

The HPU 25 has a physical housing 26, seen in Figures 2 and 4, may be a plastic (polypropylene) box with 1 to 20, preferably 12 removable zinc air fuel cell cartridges similar in some respects to the one disclosed in PCT 2004/008563. Polypropylene has been the best plastic to use for resisting corrosion.

Housing 26 is in fact a sealed container whose removable lid (for access to the battery 34 and fuel cells 33 by technicians) is , as shown in Figure 4. The end user will not have direct access to battery 34 or fuel cells 33 anodes to get electricity directly from them. The HPU system has embedded in its housing the various technical and electronic components that monitor, activate, measure, display and receive/transmit information. The battery 34 is charged by the fuel cells 33. The battery can supply surge current that may be required by an inverter (Motorola), that creates A/C from DC, in order to start a color television. The start current of a television is too high to be supplied by the fuel cell alone. Also, by using the charging method of the fuel cells to the battery, the battery does not build up reduced charge "memory" like if it would without constant charge monitoring.

The HPU 25 can power a variety of appliances. It has preferably over 3 volts, preferably between 9 - 16 volts, or preferably 12 volts.

The HPU 25 is designed to operate in remote areas and has safety features that are tamper proof. Only qualified technicians have access to the inside of the energy unit housings for maintenance purposes. The HPU will keep the cell phone module 60 charged. User may rent but not own the HPU; it remains the property of the system management and operators.

The HPU 25 circuit can also be connected to a safety padlock on the HPU housing 26 so that whenever it's opened unauthorized, it sends an alert 41 to power server 20 for suspicious activity.

Power server 20 is the centralized computer that houses all of the data for the system of the invention, and implements the provision of power at each HPU 25 in response to the correct activation code 92 from the voucher and ID No. of the energy unit.

Power server 20 will ideally have three lines of communication between it and the outside world. These may be cell phone modules or hard-wired connections. The first line of communication processes incoming voucher numbers 92 and ID No. of the energy unit HPU from users, the second line of communication sends signals to HPUs 25 to turn them on/off, and the third line of communication can receive alerts 41 , as illustrated in Figure 3, from the HPUs.

Operation

In operation, as illustrated in Figure 1 , the HPU 25 is installed in a dwelling 15, possibly a hut, dwelling, house, tent, or shanty, preferably by a technician from service shop 55 for permanent or semi-permanent installations. Recreational campers will not need to have a technician install the unit.

The solar panel 30 is preferably affixed to the roof of dwelling 15, out of reach of passers by, but positioned to get as much sunlight as possible. Solar panels are an object of desire in some communities, and are prone to theft. In fact, HPU 25 features an audible electronic alarm 40 that also sends signals 41 shown as a bidirectional arrow in Figure 3, to power server 20 and service shop 55, in the event that the solar panel tamper detector 32 to the HPU 25 is cut (Figure 2). The tamper detector 32 is most simply a detector of a break in energy signal from the solar panel. The audible alarm 40 ensures that immediate action can be taken by the dwelling inhabitant. Further security for the HPU 25 is accomplished by having a GPS locator 27 (not shown, GPS 27 is part of the microprocessor 100 or cell phone module 60) associated with the HPU 25. This GPS would be wired to the HPU microprocessor 100 to trigger an alarm 41 sent to power server 20, in the case of larger movement of more than, for example, twenty metres.

The HPU 25 itself is inside dwelling 15 as shown in Figure 3, wired through the roof or a window to the solar panel 30. Once installed, if the solar panel is later removed, an audible alarm 40 emitted by horn 44 (Figure 2) will sound within and without the dwelling, and the power server 20 and service shop 55 will also receive an alert 41.

The home-dweller wherein the HPU 25 is installed will have access to power if he buys a special energy voucher 90, probably at the local service shop 55. The Voucher 90 will be a certain cost and a requisite number of watts. For example, a seven dollar voucher might yield 1 kilowatt hour. Larger and smaller denominations may be available. The ZOLAIR™ energy vouchers will be widely available in retail stores, petrol stations, street vendors and other participating outlet stores that may be anywhere in the world. This allows that third party sponsors can provide energy to energy units, from anywhere, anytime.

Energy voucher 90 displays a monetary and energy value on its face, (for example, "$15.00, 2000 watts"). The voucher is preferably paper or thin plastic. It may be an emailed code. In the physical version, the energy activation code 92 (for example "123Xs45z) is secured from theft by being printed under a removable scratch-off film on the voucher.

The purchaser in any location can now use any phone to "SMS" or text the revealed code as well as the cell phone number of an HPU 25 to the ZOLAIR™ power server 20. SMS stands for short message service. This is a cell phone communication medium, namely a text based message limited to 160 characters or less. This form of communication requires the least amount of cellular signal of all messaging systems (including audio and email) using cell phones. Thus, SMS is ideal in remote places with poor cell phone signal penetration. Thus, someone in North America could purchase and activate the code to a particular HPU in Africa. This could be a means of donating or providing resources to specific energy units in times of need.

The power server 20 will receive the voucher code 92 and ID No. of the HPU. in some embodiments It will generate a unique activation sequence after verifying the voucher and HPU ID codes sent. In other embodiments, the voucher code 92 and HPU ID code is the activation sequence.

The voucher purchaser will send the unique activation sequence number of the voucher along with the HPU unique id 61 he/she might want to send power to, to the server. Once the power server 20 receives the unique activation code, it will check it in the database to see if that specific voucher 90 is active and how many amp hours (WATT) it is valued for. Once the server 20 determines the unique activation sequence is correct, it will use the mobile number also transmitted by the client to identify the HPU id, and send an encrypted message to the cell phone module 60 in the HPU 25 to turn it on. The server will receive an automatically generated confirmation from the HPU 25 cell phone module that it was successful in turning on the HPU. In case of failure, the lack of the automatic confirmation will inform the server, and the service shop 55, appropriately. The voucher could remain active for another try in case of this sort of hardware failure or cell phone signal disruption.

Power server 20 and service shop 55 will receive alerts 41 from the HPU 25 in case of any issue like a low battery level and an anode exchange is required. Battery level detector 28 is not shown in the figures, but is physically connected to the battery 34 (such as the one shown in Figure 5) inside the HPU 25, and connected to the microprocessor 100 which communicates through cell phone module 60. The energy service shop 55, as illustrated in Figure 1 , can receive the data transmitted by cell phone module 60 to a central processor, about the performance of the HPU 25, normally via a computer access point 50 located in the service shop 55.

In fact, the alert 41 will create a service flag or SMS alert for service at the closest service shop 55 via the HPU signal from the HPU cell phone module 60 to the power server 20. The service flag will contain the HPU device id, the number of the registered owner, and location 15 of the HPU 25 so that technician can attend to the service required.

Alerts 41 to service shop 55 occur when there is, for example, only 20% capacity remaining in the HPU battery/fuel cell. There may or may not be an accompanying audible alarm 40 at the HPU site to let the client know that the HPU needs renewal. Another trigger is any interruption of the solar auxiliary power. Another trigger is removal of the HPU from client's home, which would be detected via a GPS component. Some minimum distance will need to be programmed so that an alarm will not sound if the unit is moved slightly by accident or to make room for something in the dwelling.

As to the power purchased, the number of watts is sent to the particular HPU 25 via SMS, and the power is now available for use. The dwelling 15 occupant can use the power as quickly or slowly as needed. The power can be used for powering computers, charging cell phones, lighting, operating a television, refrigerator, electric appliances like printer, copier electric sewing machine, haircutters or charging batteries for cordless power tools or laptop computers. This offers opportunities to create jobs and disposable income in areas that do not have access to basic energy, as well as advanced education. Watts are the standard international unit of power, and constitute one Joule per second. Voltage is the potential power available, and amps is the flow.

The HPU is preferably fitted with both a direct current (DC) outlet 80 as well as an alternating current (AC) inverter and AC output 85 as illustrated in Figure 2. The power coming from the HPU 25 is naturally DC, so the inverter is required for conversion to AC. A resident watt meter 36 on the HPU monitors the amount of power used so that the HPU can shut off when the purchased power is exhausted. At this point, there is no change to the HPU 25 except that power will no longer be available from the HPU.

The "service shop" 55, is a locally run business selling energy vouchers 90 and servicing the HPU by replacing anodes and batteries 34 as needed. The service shop may have a computer access 50 to a power server 20 web interface component to enter maintenance data and voucher sales. There will be security measures to detect and prevent unusual activity at the interface, such as creation of false codes, false sales, or other fraud. The service shop staff will also perform new HPU 25 installations. The service shop 55 is staffed by local trained technicians to provide the Client with the ability to manage and acquire an HPU 25, energy vouchers 90, and maintain the HPU with on site visits. Alerts sent by the HPUs in response to low battery, movement, or faults, go to the power server 20 and the service shop simultaneously. Alternately, the alert may go only to the power server and be relayed to the service shop. A staff member of the service shop will hurry over to the site 15 reporting an alert 41 , and make whatever repairs or comments required. The service shop will advise customers and sell suitable electric appliances that can be operated by the HPU. These services and sales will create an extra income on a sustainable basis to the service shop technicians and operators.

The software components of the Zolair™ energy system will be hosted on the central power server 20 processors and memory. Power server 20 is therefore a central computer residing in a convenient physical location, with connections to every HPU via cell phone modules 60, each uniquely identified by unique SIM identifiers 61 , programmed by administrators to translate the assigned alphanumeric codes into quantities of watts, and capable of receiving and storing sales data from sales outlets and service shops 55.

A "back end web system" is the user interface for the system of the invention residing in the memory of power server 20, and includes a current database updated in real time by the service shops 55 in a given region. A user interface 50 has a login and access specific to the role of the user. It may be a computer monitor. Managers of the system of the invention will be able to add new service shops 55 and visualize all information. A service shop staff member will be able to update his service shop data and transactions.

The tasks available on the back end web system include viewing and searching service shops and their details, including energy vouchers sold. The back end system also assigns code numbers for the vouchers 90, and can cancel the values of identifiers in case of theft. Tracking which service shop 55 the vouchers 90 are assigned to, is important for this sort of anti-theft practice and to monitor general energy usage. This will allow the appropriate logistic service back up of the ZOLAIR factory to supply new anodes, collect used ones and provide service as required.

The number of vouchers 90 sold at each location and participating vendors will also tell the management how well a given location is doing financially, and whether minimum requirements are being met. The data collected, stored, and viewable include payment history; voucher sales, vouchers numbers available, sold, and used.

Additional information that can be collected, viewed, and analysed will include usage, voucher activity by service shop 55, by HPU 25, number of active HPUs 25, locations 15 of HPUs 25, HPU status, HPU client "owner" information, and HPU unique SIM 61.

The power server 20 may also be used to alter information, for example generating new voucher numbers, activating new voucher numbers, and even disabling voucher numbers.

HPUs 25 may be disabled for safety or security reasons via the power server 20. Alert histories may be viewed, as can the record of technician visits to the HPU site 15. Usage rates and times may also be viewed by HPU or over a localized region. In case a end user who is in possession of a HPU does not receive or purchase energy credits for a certain period, some months, perhaps, the HPU may be removed from dwelling/site 15 and allocated to a new user.

The power server 20 coding may be PHP or .NET, and the databases structures may be MYSQL or MS SQL.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that variations in details of the description, which is intended to illustrate the invention rather than limit it, will fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A system for providing electrical energy comprising:

an hybrid power unit having a unique cell phone module having a telephone number, and

a power server having a memory,

wherein said power server is in bidirectional wireless communication with said hybrid power unit.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said power server is capable of receiving an alphanumeric access code, followed by said hybrid power unit numeric telephone number,

via any sms-capable communication means, and

capable of providing an sms communication to said hybrid power unit to release a quantity of energy to a power outlet on said hybrid power unit.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein said power server is also in communication with a user interface and may be programmed and monitored by a human user via said user interface.

4 The system of claim 3, wherein said user interface is a computer monitor.

5. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein an alert is sent from said hybrid power unit to said power server when the hybrid power unit is moved.

6. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein an alert is sent from said hybrid power unit to said power server when the hybrid power unit requires service.

7. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein an alert is sent from said hybrid power unit to a nearby service shop when the hybrid power unit is moved.

8. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein an alert is sent from said hybrid power unit to a nearby service shop when the hybrid power unit requires service.

9. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein an alert is sent to said power server and to a service shop when the hybrid power unit is damaged.

10. The system of any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein said alert is sent to said nearby service shop and power server simultaneously, a service call is initiated, and servicing is provided from said service shop.

1 1. The system of claim any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein said alert results in a service call being initiated, and servicing provided from said service shop.

12. The system of claim 2 wherein said power server is capable of receiving sms or text messages from any source, and converting them into an number of watts and a particular hybrid power unit to provide them.

13. The system of claim 1 1 wherein said power server identifies a specific hybrid power unit by its phone number.

14. The system of claim 12 wherein said power server is capable of transmitting an "on signal" to said hybrid power unit to operate to provide energy until said value of purchased energy has been reached.

15. The system of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein said hybrid power unit has a solar panel and solar power source to supply said hybrid power unit with auxiliary resting state power.

16. The system of claim 2, wherein said access code is available for purchase in physical or electronic form.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein said access code is printed on paper or plastic vouchers, and obscured from casual view by a removable opaque film.

18. The system of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the available energy is greater than 3 volts.

19. The system of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the available energy is 9 to 16 volts.

20. The system of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the available energy is about 12 volts.

21. The system of any one of claims 1 to 20 wherein the available energy is provided in the form of watts.

22. The system of any one of claims 1 to 21 , wherein the hybrid power unit possesses characteristics of both a battery and a fuel cell in order to accommodate power spikes and be long lasting.

23. The system of any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the hybrid power unit comprises a zinc/air battery.

24. The system of any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein a hybrid power unit user can track energy remaining via a monitor on said hybrid power unit.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein said monitor displays watt energy used, remaining, and displays volts and watt usage.

26. The system of any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein a global positioning system is incorporated into the HPU.

27. The system of any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the hybrid power unit includes an electronic circuit comprising monitoring devices that measure watt energy used, watt energy available, and displays Watt usage on the outside wall of the hybrid power unit.

28. A method for providing electrical energy wirelessly to an end user , the method comprising: providing an hybrid power unit having a unique cell phone module including a telephone number,

providing a power server having a memory and in bidirectional communication with said hybrid power unit,

providing access codes to purchasers via vouchers or electronic communication in exchange for remuneration,

receiving said access code and said telephone number into said power server via any sms-capable communication means, and

providing a signal from said power server to said hybrid power unit to release a quantity of energy to a power outlet on the hybrid power unit.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein said power server is also in communication with a computer monitor and may be programmed and monitored by a human user via said computer monitor.

30. The method of claim 28 or 29 wherein an alert is sent from said hybrid power unit to said power server when the hybrid power unit is moved, is damaged, or requires maintenance.

31. The method of claim 28 or 29, wherein an alert is sent from said hybrid power unit to a nearby service shop when the hybrid power unit is moved.

32. The method of claim 28 or 29, wherein an alert is sent from said hybrid power unit to a nearby service shop when the hybrid power unit is moved, is damaged, or requires maintenance.

33. The method of any one of claims 30 - 32, wherein said alert is sent to said nearby service shop and said power server simultaneously.

34. The method of claim 28 or 29, wherein an alert is sent from said power server to said service shop when the hybrid power unit is moved, is damaged, or requires maintenance

35. The method of any one of claims 30 to 34, wherein said alert results in the service shop sending a service technician to the hybrid power unit sending the alert.

36. The method of any one of claims 28 to 35, wherein said power server is capable of receiving sms or text messages from any source, and converting them into a number of watts and a particular hybrid power unit to provide them.

37. The method of any one of claims 28 to 36, wherein the method includes selling access codes to a purchaser, said access codes being interpretable by said power server as denoting a pre-set value in watts.

38. The method of any one of claims 28 to 37, wherein the method includes using said unique telephone number as denoting a specific hybrid power unit.

39. The method of claim 37, wherein said power server transmits an "on signal" to said hybrid power unit to operate to provide power until said pre-set value in watts has been reached.

40. The method of any one of claims 28 to 39, wherein said hybrid power unit has a solar power source to supply said hybrid power unit with auxiliary resting state power.

41. The method of claim 37, wherein said access codes are printed on paper or plastic vouchers.

42. The method of claim 37 or 41 , wherein said access codes are obscured from casual view by a removable opaque film.

43. The method of claim 37, wherein said access codes delivered to said purchaser by sms, text or email.