System and method for rechargeable power system for a cargo container monitoring and security system

1 . An integrated rechargeable power system for providing long term power for container electronics in a container monitoring system comprising:

an integrated photovoltaic area conforming to a container construction;

a battery pack module;

a power conditioning circuit or recharge unit;

a power controller unit.

2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the power controller unit performs multiple functions including;

monitoring of remaining power of the system;

controlling activation and deactivation of system elements;

controlling recharging parameters of said battery pack module, the recharging parameters including recharge time, rates, and limits;

maintaining a log of the recharge history in non-volatile internal memory;

notifying a central monitoring station in the event that the photovoltaic panel is not providing sufficient power to allow the recharging of said battery pack module in a timely manner such that the current date may be transmitted back to a central hub station and a maintenance-call may be scheduled.

3 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the photovoltaic area comprises pre-manufactured photovoltaic crystalline cell array strips affixed only to the recessed corrugated horizontal, vertical, or angular portions of the container roof, walls, or door.

4 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the photovoltaic area comprising an integrated photovoltaic material is applied to areas of the container roof, walls, or door using thin film application technology conforming to the container construction.

5 . The system of claim 4 , wherein the photovoltaic thin film is a spray coating of a Copper Indium Diselenide or Cadmium Telluride photovoltaic or other material that has similar photovoltaic properties.

6 . The system of claim 4 , wherein the photovoltaic area comprising several layers includes:

a steel or other reinforcement material layer designed for wall strength;

a dielectric layer providing electrical isolation from the reinforcement layer;

a photovoltaic layer which may act as the power source.

7 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the power conditioning circuitry or recharge unit allows voltage and current generated from said photovoltaic area to recharge said battery pack module.

8 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the battery pack module comprises one or more batteries suitable for rechargeable operation connected in series or parallel.

9 . A method for affixing or application of the photovoltaic area,

wherein the photovoltaic area is constructed into a portion of a container, the portion of the container comprising a container top, side walls, or door of the container, or flat wall construction.