Aggregate Solar Power System for High Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Off-the-grid residential solar power systems face challenges in managing high load appliances, leading to potential overloading and reduced battery lifespan due to limited instantaneous current draw, necessitating careful appliance usage and increased system costs to accommodate high loads.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an aggregate solar power system with multiple distinct systems sharing a single DC and AC shutoff switch, along with intelligent controllers and relay switches, allows for distribution of high draw appliances across systems, automatic load balancing, and strategic switching between battery banks and solar panels to optimize energy use and extend battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a single solar power system is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but the system cannot handle simultaneous high load appliances without overloading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single solar power system into multiple independent subsystems (first solar power system and second solar power system). Each subsystem has its own solar panels, charge controller, and inverter, but they share common batteries and load connections. This segmentation allows each subsystem to handle high load appliances independently, enabling simultaneous operation of multiple high draw appliances without overloading a single system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple distinct solar power systems are implemented, then simultaneous high load appliance use is enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple solar power systems by having them share common components, specifically the battery bank and load connections. The first and second solar power systems are electrically connected to the same batteries and can both supply power to the same appliances. This merging approach provides the versatility of multiple independent systems while reducing overall complexity by eliminating redundant batteries and separate load distribution infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If system capacity is increased to handle high loads, then appliance usage freedom improves, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic load distribution where the first and second solar power systems can independently supply power to different appliances or share the load based on real-time conditions. The systems can dynamically switch between serving different high draw appliances (such as washer/dryer, oven/stove, air conditioners) without requiring a permanently oversized system. This dynamic allocation allows adequate appliance usage freedom while avoiding the cost of installing excessive capacity that would be needed if the system had to handle all high load appliances simultaneously at maximum capacity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables simultaneous use of high load appliances without overloading the system, extends battery lifespan, and reduces overall system costs by efficiently managing energy distribution and storage.
Implementation Method 1
Residential solar power systems
Implementation Method 2
The storage capacity of the batteries is chosen based on a maximum instantaneous draw of power
Implementation Method 3
The inverter is employed to convert the DC electricity generated by the panels and stored by the batteries into AC electricity at a standard household voltage
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention comprise two or more distinct solar power systems associated with a single residence or building that together form an aggregate solar power system. Advantageously, high draw appliances can be distributed among the different systems such that the high current draw of one appliance on a first system will not negatively impact the high current draw of another high draw appliance on a second system.