AC-Coupled Controller for Constant-Rate Power Source Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing energy management systems struggle to maintain a constant power supply rate from the grid while transitioning between various power sources, leading to potential fluctuations and instability.

Innovation Solution

An AC coupled controller synchronizes power sources with the grid at zero current, transitioning power supply from the grid to alternative sources while maintaining a constant rate, redistributing power among sources, and storing excess power to ensure stable power delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If power supply transitions from grid to alternative sources without synchronization, then power source flexibility is improved, but power supply stability deteriorates due to fluctuations and transient currents

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower source flexibilityVSAvoidpower supply stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The controller synchronizes the alternative power source with the grid before transitioning power supply. This preliminary synchronization action ensures voltage and frequency matching, preventing transient currents and maintaining power supply stability during the switch from grid to alternative sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The controller acts as an intermediary between the grid and alternative power sources, managing the transition process. It coordinates the power flow and ensures smooth handover by maintaining constant power supply rate, thereby preventing fluctuations while enabling source flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If power supply rate varies during transitions, then power source switching flexibility is improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to transient currents and fluctuations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower source switching flexibilityVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The controller maintains a constant power supply rate during transitions by preparing the alternative power source in advance. This preliminary action ensures that the transition occurs smoothly without transient currents, balancing switching flexibility with system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If grid power is continuously supplied at variable rates, then power demand satisfaction is improved, but electrical component lifespan deteriorates due to fluctuations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower demand satisfactionVSAvoidelectrical component lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The controller serves as an intermediary that stabilizes the power supply rate to electrical components. Even when transitioning between power sources or satisfying varying demand, it maintains constant power delivery to protected components, extending their lifespan while ensuring demand satisfaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250337250A1Ac coupled controller to facilitate power flow between grid, power sources, and building

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A controller transitions from supply of power from a grid to a building to supply of power from one of a plurality of power sources to the building such that during the transition a rate of power supplied to the building remains constant, and after the transition satisfies demand for power from the building via more than the one of the power sources such that a rate power supplied by the one of the power sources decreases.