AC DC Power Distribution via Combiner Separator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power distribution systems require double conversion between AC and DC power, leading to inefficiencies and increased capital costs, as they need separate wiring infrastructures for AC and DC power distribution, which is only feasible in new building designs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that uses Time-Division Multiplexing, Power Multiplexing and Demultiplexing, and Pulse-Width Modulation to simultaneously distribute and separate AC and DC power over the same wiring through 'Power Combiner' and 'Power Separator' devices, allowing for efficient coexistence and utilization of both power types in conventional devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If separate wiring infrastructures are used for AC and DC power distribution, then DC power can be distributed efficiently, but capital costs increase significantly due to doubled wiring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines AC and DC power distribution into a single wiring infrastructure by using a power combiner device that merges AC power from the utility grid with DC power from photovoltaic panels. This allows both power types to share the same electrical wiring, eliminating the need for separate DC-only wiring and reducing capital costs while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical wiring infrastructure is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously - distributing both AC and DC power to various loads. The power combiner and power separator devices enable the wiring system to handle different power types dynamically, making the infrastructure universal rather than dedicated to a single power type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If double conversion between AC and DC is implemented, then power can be distributed through existing AC wiring, but energy inefficiencies increase due to repeated conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The power combiner device performs preliminary action by converting DC power from photovoltaic panels to AC power before distribution through the existing AC wiring infrastructure. This upfront conversion eliminates the need for subsequent AC-to-DC conversions at individual loads, reducing the number of conversion cycles and associated energy losses while maintaining compatibility with existing AC-only wiring.
3Loss of energy
If DC power is distributed directly to DC loads, then energy savings are achieved by eliminating inverters, but separate DC wiring infrastructure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges AC and DC power distribution into a single wiring infrastructure by using a power combiner device that merges AC power from the utility grid with DC power from photovoltaic Panels. This allows both power types to share the same electrical wiring, eliminating the need for separate DC-only wiring and reducing capital costs while maintaining energy efficiency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If AC power is converted to DC at each load, then DC power can be supplied to DC loads, but numerous energy-inefficient converters are required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having each load convert AC to DC independently, the system creates a centralized copy of the DC power source through the power combiner, which supplies DC power to multiple loads through the shared wiring infrastructure. This eliminates the need for numerous individual AC-to-DC converters at each load, reducing both cost and energy losses.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for the transport and distribution of both AC (alternating current) power and DC (direct current) power over wiring infrastructure normally used for distributing AC power only, for example, residential and/or commercial buildings' electrical wires is disclosed and taught. The system and method permits the combining of AC and DC power sources and the simultaneous distribution of the resulting power over the same wiring. At the utilization site a complementary device permits the separation of the DC power from the AC power and their reconstruction, for use in conventional AC-only and DC-only devices.