Residential energy production, distribution and control

Abstract

The system includes a circuit breaker group, an inverter operably connected to the circuit breaker group, and at least one direct current (DC) voltage converter operably connected to the inverter. A microgrid interconnect device (MID) may be operably connected to the circuit breaker group. A controller provides intelligent functionality for energy generation, distribution, and control between a residential source and a load connected to the system. The controller, the circuit breaker group, the MID, the inverter, and the at least one DC voltage converter may be housed within the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the production, distribution and control of energy, and more specifically to the production, distribution and control of residential energy. Background Technology

[0002] A typical residential power configuration involves the use of multiple inverters for different applications, such as solar power generation, energy storage systems (ESS), and bidirectional electric vehicle (EV) charging. Each inverter typically must be controlled separately from the others, must have its own thermal management, and occupies its own space, such as on a wall or in an enclosure.

[0003] Traditional technologies have been considered satisfactory for their intended purposes. However, there has been a persistent need for improved systems and methods for enhancing residential energy production, distribution, and control. This disclosure provides solutions to this need. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The system includes a circuit breaker group configured to be connected to at least one alternating current (AC) source and at least one AC load. An inverter is operatively connected to the circuit breaker group. At least one direct current (DC) voltage converter is operatively connected to the inverter. The inverter and the at least one DC voltage converter are configured to receive DC power from at least one DC source, convert the voltage of the power from the at least one DC source to converted DC power, invert the converted DC power to AC power, and supply the AC power to the circuit breaker group. The inverter and the at least one DC voltage converter are configured to rectify the AC power received from the circuit breaker group to rectified DC power, convert the rectified DC power to device voltage DC power, and supply the device voltage DC power to at least one device.

[0005] Microgrid interconnection devices (MIDs) can be operatively connected to circuit breaker banks to selectively connect and disconnect the circuit breaker banks from the utility grid. The system may include an enclosure. The controller, circuit breaker banks, MID, inverter, and at least one DC voltage converter described below can be housed within the enclosure.

[0006] The circuit breaker group may include connections configured to connect to a generator. The circuit breaker group may include connections configured to connect to an AC photovoltaic (ACPV) device. The circuit breaker group may include connections configured to connect to an AC electric vehicle power supply (EVSE) device. The circuit breaker group may include connections configured to connect to multiple residential loads. The at least one DC voltage converter may include connections configured to connect to a photovoltaic panel for supplying power to the utility grid and / or residential loads. The photovoltaic panel may be connected to a photovoltaic DC-DC converter (PV DC-DC converter), which may be housed inside or outside a housing.

[0007] The at least one DC voltage converter may include a connection configured to be connected to a backup battery. The connection configured to be connected to the backup battery may include a battery DC-DC converter housed within or outside a housing. The at least one DC voltage converter may also include a connection configured to be connected to an electric vehicle (EV). The connection configured to be connected to the EV may include an EV distributor. The EV distributor may be housed outside the housing.

[0008] The controller can be operatively connected to the circuit breaker bank, inverter, and at least one DC voltage converter to switch between power supply mode and power consumer mode. In power supply mode, net power flow can be supplied from the circuit breaker bank to the utility grid. In power consumer mode, net power flow can be received from the utility grid into the circuit breaker bank.

[0009] The controller can be operatively connected to a circuit breaker bank, an inverter, and at least one DC voltage converter to switch between charging, neutral, and discharging modes. In charging mode, power flow can originate from the circuit breaker bank to charge the electric vehicle (EV). In discharging mode, power flow can originate from the EV and flow to the circuit breaker bank. In neutral mode, power flow between the EV and the circuit breaker bank can be zero.

[0010] The controller can be operatively connected to a circuit breaker bank, an inverter, and at least one DC voltage converter to switch between charging, neutral, and discharging modes. In charging mode, power flow can originate from the circuit breaker bank to charge the backup / storage battery. In discharging mode, power flow can originate from the backup / storage battery and flow to the circuit breaker bank. In neutral mode, power flow between the backup / storage battery and the circuit breaker bank can be zero.

[0011] The controller can be operatively connected to the circuit breaker bank, inverter, and at least one DC voltage converter to unidirectionally distribute power in at least one of the following: distributing power from the circuit breaker bank to multiple residential circuits, and distributing power from AC or DC photovoltaic panels to the circuit breaker bank. The controller can also be operatively connected to bidirectionally distribute power in at least one of the following: bidirectionally distributing power between the utility grid and the circuit breaker bank, bidirectionally distributing power between an electric vehicle (EV) and the circuit breaker bank, and bidirectionally distributing power between a backup / storage battery and the circuit breaker bank.

[0012] These and other features of the systems and methods disclosed herein will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Therefore, those skilled in the art to which this subject matter pertains will readily understand how to manufacture and use the devices and methods disclosed herein without experimentation. Preferred embodiments thereof will now be described in detail with reference to certain accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a system constructed according to the present disclosure, illustrating a system connected to various loads and sources, including bidirectional and unidirectional connections;

[0015] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the system shows a configuration with a photovoltaic (PV) DC-DC converter, a storage / backup battery DC-DC converter, and an electric vehicle (EV) DC-DC converter all built into the system;

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the system shows a configuration with a storage / backup battery DC-DC converter and an EV DC-DC converter built into the system;

[0017] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the system shows a configuration with an EV DC-DC converter built into the system; and

[0018] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the system shows a configuration with a PV DC-DC converter and an EV DC-DC converter built into the system. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals identify similar structural features or aspects disclosed herein. Partial views of embodiments of the systems according to this disclosure are provided for purposes of explanation and illustration, and not limitation. Figure 1 As shown in the figure, and generally indicated by reference numeral 100. As will be described, in Figure 2-5 Other embodiments or aspects thereof of the systems according to this disclosure are provided herein. The systems and methods described herein can be used to control the generation and distribution of electricity between residential appliances, including bidirectional charging such as for electric vehicles, storage / backup batteries, etc., and bidirectional energy exchange to and from the public power grid. This can all be implemented with a single unit, for example, including control and power electronics as well as circuit breakers in a single enclosure.

[0020] System 100 can be operatively connected to control and protect individual residential circuits 102. System 100 can be connected to a public power grid 110, for example, to draw alternating current (AC) power from the public grid to supply AC residential circuits 102. Residential circuits 102 may include, for example, various circuits distributed throughout the residence for loads 112 such as lighting, outlets, stoves, ovens, cooktops, washing machines / dryers, air conditioners, etc.

[0021] DC devices can also be connected to system 100, such as batteries 104 for backup power or storage, DC or AC photovoltaic (PC) panels 106 (e.g., solar panels), and electric vehicles (EVs) 108. It is also conceivable that, in addition to AC or DC PV devices 106, system 100 can be operatively connected to other power generation devices, such as generators 114 (in... Figure 2-5 (Middle mark). System 100 can use the electricity generated by this power generation device to power residential circuit 102, charge batteries 104 and EV 108, and / or supply power to the public power grid 110. (As shown) Figure 1 As indicated by the large single-headed arrow, the flow of electricity from PV panel 106 from the panel to system 100 is unidirectional. Similarly, the energy flow from system 100 to the load in residential circuit 102 is unidirectional. However, as... Figure 1As indicated by the double-headed arrows, energy flow between system 100 and each of EV 108, utility grid 110, and storage / backup battery 104 can be bidirectional. System 100 can supply power to loads in residential circuit 102 from any of sources 104, 106, 110, and / or 108 as needed. System 100 can supply power to utility grid 110 from any of sources 106, 104, and 108 as needed or advantageously. The system can also supply power from any of applicable connected sources 106 and 110 to charge battery 104 and / or the battery of any connected EV 108. The power flow between utility grid 110 and system 100 is AC power, and the energy supplied from system 100 to residential circuit 102 is also AC power. The energy flow between system 100 and devices 104, 106, and 108 is DC power.

[0022] Now for reference Figure 2 System 100 includes a circuit breaker group 116 configured to connect to at least one AC source and at least one AC load. Circuit breaker group 116 may be a group of intelligent circuit breakers, such as individual controllable circuit breakers for protecting and controlling a separate residential circuit 102 supplying power to load 112. For example, circuit breaker group 116 may include an entire home electrical panel.

[0023] Inverter 118 is operatively connected to circuit breaker group 116. At least one direct current (DC) voltage converter 120, 122, 124 is operatively connected to inverter 118. Inverter 118 and at least one DC voltage converter 120, 122, 124 are configured to receive DC power from at least one DC source 106, 104, 108, convert the voltage of the power from at least one DC source 106, 104, 108 to converted DC power (e.g., in at least one DC voltage converter 120, 122, 124), invert the converted DC power to AC power (e.g., in inverter 118), and supply AC power to circuit breaker group 116. Inverter 118 and at least one DC voltage converter 120, 122, 124 are configured to rectify AC power received from circuit breaker group 116 into rectified DC power, convert the rectified DC power into device voltage DC power (e.g., rectified using inverter 118), and supply the device voltage DC power to at least one device, such as to load 112 and / or utility grid 110. Inverter 118 is an inverter in a general sense; for example, inverter 118 may include components for converting DC power to AC power and for rectifying AC power to DC power.

[0024] Microgrid interconnect device (MID) 126 is operatively connected to circuit breaker group 116 to selectively connect and disconnect circuit breaker group 116 to and from public grid 110. By controlling MID 126, controller 130 can selectively disconnect system 100 from the public grid for islanded operation, for example, during power outages or when self-sufficiency is achieved in the residence, to shift peak usage to off-peak times using PV devices 106, batteries 104, and / or EV 108, etc. The system may include housing 128. Circuit breaker group 116, MID 126, inverter 118, at least one DC voltage converter 120, 122, 124, and controller 130, described below, can all be housed within housing 128.

[0025] Circuit breaker group 116 may include components configured to be connected to generator 114, connected to... Figure 2 AC photovoltaic (ACPV) device 106 on the right side (which can be attached to or replace) Figure 2 The DC PV panel 106 on the left side is used for charging, and the connection to the AC electric vehicle power supply device (EVSE) 132 can be attached to or replace the DC EV distributor 134 for bidirectional charging, wherein either the AC or DC source connected to the circuit breaker group 116 can provide energy to charge the EV 108, and the EV 108 can provide power to supply either the AC or DC load connected to the circuit breaker group 116. The circuit breaker group includes a connection for connecting to the residential load 112. The PV DC voltage converter 120 includes a connection configured to connect to the DC PV panel 106 for supplying power to the utility grid 110 and / or the residential load 112. The PV DC voltage converter 120 may include an optimizer or maximum power point tracking (MPPT) housed within a housing 128. Figure 2 and Figure 5 The configuration is shown. Optionally, the optimizer / MPPT or PV DC converter 120 can be external to the housing 128, as shown in... Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the configuration.

[0026] Continue to refer to Figure 2 The DC-DC converter 122 includes a connection configured to connect to the backup / storage battery 104. The battery DC-DC converter 122 can be housed in a housing 128, such as in... Figure 2-3 In the configuration, or on the outside of the casing 128, such as in Figure 4-5 In the configuration, the EV DC voltage converter 124 includes a connection configured to be connected to an EV, which may include an EV distributor 134 located outside the housing 128. Figure 2The public power grid 110 and other equipment 114, 106, 112 and 132 on the right side are all outside the enclosure 128. Figure 2 The same applies to the PV panel 106, battery 104, EV 108, and EV distributor 134 on the left side.

[0027] like Figure 2-5 As shown by the dashed lines, controller 130 is operatively connected to control circuit breaker group 116, inverter 118, and DC voltage converters 120, 122, and / or 124 to switch between power supply mode and power consumer mode. In power supply mode, net power flow is supplied from circuit breaker group 116 to the utility grid 110. In power consumer mode, net power flow is received from the utility grid 110 into circuit breaker group 116.

[0028] Controller 130 can be operated to perform the above reference. Figure 1 The controller 130 is operatively connectable to circuit breaker group 116, inverter 118, and at least one DC voltage converter 120, 122, and / or 124 to switch between charging mode, neutral mode, and discharging mode. In charging mode, power flows from circuit breaker group 116 to charge EV108 and / or battery 104. In discharging mode, power flows from EV108 and / or battery 104 to circuit breaker group 116. In neutral mode, there is no power flow between circuit breaker group and EV108 or battery 104.

[0029] The controller can be operatively connected to the circuit breaker group 116, the inverter 118, and at least one DC voltage converter 120, 122, 124 to unidirectionally distribute power when distributing power from the circuit breaker group 116 to multiple residential circuits 102 for load 112 and / or distributing power from AC or DC PV panels 106 to the circuit breaker group 116. The controller can also be operatively connected to bidirectionally distribute power between the utility grid 110 and the circuit breaker group 116, bidirectionally distribute power between the EV 108 and the circuit breaker group 116, and / or bidirectionally distribute power between the standby / storage battery 104 and the circuit breaker group 116.

[0030] Each of the residential circuits 102 can be individually controlled by the controller 130 using a corresponding smart circuit breaker of the circuit breaker group 116, which is connected for individual control by the controller 130. Optionally, the DC-DC converters 120, 122 can be inside or outside the housing 128. In the case where any of the DC-DC converters 120, 122, 124 are outside the housing, the controller 130 may optionally have connections for controlling such external DC-DC converters 120, 122, 124.

[0031] System 100 may include a neutral point transformer. The converter (inverter / DC-DC converter) can have any type / topology, as the system disclosed herein is not topology-dependent. The system may have automatic / manual systems to enable / disable, or engage / disengage / bypass different systems as needed. The systems and methods disclosed herein can provide a central control / communication system to improve control accuracy and reduce communication interruption issues associated with disconnected systems. The systems and methods disclosed herein can be customized to support different AC / DC sources and AC / DC loads, thus the system is highly adaptable to user needs. The system can be easily configured for use in the US / Europe / India / Australia or other regions. The systems and methods disclosed herein allow end-users to better adapt to the changing needs of residential energy storage systems and are grid compatible due to their high configurability. All subsystems can be controlled externally due to simplified and centralized control.

[0032] The systems and methods disclosed herein include a first type of home or residential panel with integrated inverters, DC-DC converters, MIDs, circuit breaker slots, and communications to achieve integrated home / residential energy solutions. This allows residential or home users to seamlessly integrate bidirectional EVs, solar power, and energy storage along with load control into their main panel. This contrasts with conventional solutions that involve using multiple inverters for different applications, such as solar power, energy storage systems (ESS), and bidirectional EV charging. Systems and methods disclosed herein can centralize inverters and improve the efficiency of DC-coupled architectures. They can also centrally control distributed energy resources (DERs) and EV charging. The integrated inverter can be physically housed in the same enclosure as the main panel (e.g., circuit breaker group 116) to facilitate ease of wiring and overall simplified installation. Significantly improved thermal management can be achieved by encapsulating all power electronics with the main home panel. Centralized control can be achieved, for example, through a multi-layered system state machine and control algorithms in controller 130. The system 100 disclosed herein can support any suitable number of circuit breaker slots (in circuit breaker group 116), integrated transfer switches (MID 126), and / or built-in black start batteries in the load center.

[0033] The methods and systems of this disclosure, as described above and in the accompanying drawings, provide control over the generation and distribution of electricity among residential appliances, including bidirectional charging such as for electric vehicles, storage / backup batteries, etc., and bidirectional energy exchange to and from the public power grid. While the apparatuses and methods disclosed herein have been shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily understand that changes and / or modifications can be made thereto without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A system comprising: A circuit breaker group configured to be connected to at least one AC source and at least one AC load; An inverter, which is operatively connected to the circuit breaker group; and At least one direct current (DC) voltage converter is operatively connected to the inverter, wherein the inverter and the at least one DC voltage converter are configured to receive DC power from at least one DC source, convert the voltage of the power from the at least one DC source into converted DC power, invert the converted DC power into AC power, and supply the AC power to the circuit breaker group, wherein the inverter and the at least one DC voltage converter are configured to rectify the AC power received from the circuit breaker group into rectified DC power, convert the rectified DC power into device voltage DC power, and supply the device voltage DC power to at least one device.

2. The system of claim 1 further includes a microgrid interconnect device (MID) operatively connected to the circuit breaker group to selectively connect and disconnect the circuit breaker group to and from the public grid.

3. The system of claim 2 further includes a housing, wherein the circuit breaker group, the MID, the inverter and the at least one DC voltage converter are housed within the housing.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the circuit breaker group includes a connection configured to be connected to a generator.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein the circuit breaker group includes a connection configured to be connected to an AC photovoltaic (ACPV) device.

6. The system of claim 3, wherein the circuit breaker group includes a connection configured to be connected to an AC electric vehicle power supply device (EVSE).

7. The system of claim 3, wherein the circuit breaker group includes connections configured to connect to a plurality of residential loads.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the at least one DC voltage converter includes a connection configured to be connected to the photovoltaic panel for supplying power to the utility grid and / or the residential load.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the photovoltaic panel is connected to a photovoltaic DC-DC converter (PV DCDC) housed within the housing.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the photovoltaic panel is connected to a photovoltaic DC-DC converter (PV DCDC) housed outside the housing.

11. The system of claim 3, wherein the at least one DC voltage converter includes a connection configured to be connected to a backup battery.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the connection configured to be connected to a backup battery includes a battery DC-DC converter housed in the housing.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the connection configured to be connected to a backup battery includes a battery DC-DC converter housed outside the housing.

14. The system of claim 3, wherein the at least one DC voltage converter includes a connection configured to be connected to an electric vehicle (EV).

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the connection configured to be connected to the EV includes an EV distributor.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the EV distributor is housed outside the housing.

17. The system of claim 1, further comprising a controller operably connected to the circuit breaker group, the inverter, and the at least one DC voltage converter to switch between a power supply mode and a power consumer mode, wherein in the power supply mode, net power flow is supplied from the circuit breaker group to the utility grid, and wherein in the power consumer mode, net power flow is received from the utility grid into the circuit breaker group.

18. The system of claim 1, further comprising a controller operably connected to the circuit breaker group, the inverter, and the at least one DC voltage converter to switch between a charging mode, a neutral mode, and a discharging mode, wherein in the charging mode, power flows from the circuit breaker group to charge the electric vehicle (EV), wherein in the discharging mode, power flows from the EV to the circuit breaker group, and wherein in the neutral mode, there is no power flow between the EV and the circuit breaker group.

19. The system of claim 1, further comprising a controller operably connected to the circuit breaker group, the inverter, and the at least one DC voltage converter to switch between a charging mode, a neutral mode, and a discharging mode, wherein in the charging mode, power flows from the circuit breaker group to charge the backup / storage battery, wherein in the discharging mode, power flows from the backup / storage battery to the circuit breaker group, and wherein in the neutral mode, there is no power flow between the backup / storage battery and the circuit breaker group.

20. The system of claim 1, further comprising a controller operably connected to the circuit breaker group, the inverter, and the at least one DC voltage converter, to: Power is distributed unidirectionally in at least one of the following: Distribute power from the circuit breaker group to multiple residential circuits; and Distribute power from AC or DC photovoltaic panels to the circuit breaker group; and Electricity is distributed bidirectionally in at least one of the following: Power is distributed bidirectionally between the public power grid and the circuit breaker group; Power is distributed bidirectionally between the electric vehicle (EV) and the circuit breaker group; and Power is distributed bidirectionally between the backup / storage battery and the circuit breaker group.

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