Integrated Backup Load Panel Control for Whole-Home Power Outages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy control systems for solar electric systems in residential buildings often require separate load panels, multiple subpanels, and lack flexibility in energy system sizing and load management, offering only partial home backup with limited control options.
Innovation Solution
An energy control system with integrated breaker spaces and metering, providing whole home and partial home backup, featuring a separated and metered generation panel, essential load panel, and controllable non-backup load panel, along with advanced control options, including a microgrid interconnection device and remotely-controllable electrical switches, allowing for flexible installation and reduced costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate load panels and multiple subpanels are used, then backup power distribution is achieved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate load panels and subpanels into a single integrated backup power distribution system. The main backup panel integrates generation connection, essential loads, and non-backup loads that were previously distributed across multiple separate panels, reducing device complexity while maintaining backup power distribution capability through internal circuitry and breaker configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated backup power distribution panel serves multiple functions that previously required separate panels: it connects to generation sources, distributes power to essential loads, manages non-backup loads, and provides metering capabilities. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed while maintaining comprehensive backup power distribution.
2Reliability
If multiple subpanels are installed, then backup power coverage is extended, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple subpanel installations into a single integrated backup power distribution panel, eliminating the need to install and wire multiple separate subpanels throughout the building. This consolidation significantly reduces installation time while maintaining comprehensive backup power coverage through the unified panel's internal distribution circuitry.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed load management is implemented, then system stability is maintained, but flexibility in energy system sizing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic load management capabilities that allow the system to adapt between different operational modes (whole home backup and partial home backup) and accommodate varying energy system sizes. The system can dynamically adjust which loads receive backup power and can be configured for different system capacities, maintaining stability through controlled transitions while providing flexibility in sizing and operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If advanced control options are added, then load management flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary device that manages advanced load management functions. The controller handles the complexity of advanced control options, load prioritization, and system coordination, while presenting a simplified interface to users. This separates the computational complexity from the physical distribution system, enabling advanced features without proportionally increasing the complexity of the power distribution infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method for controlling an energy control system. The method includes detecting a power outage at a grid interconnection. The method includes connecting a first set of the plurality of backup loads to a backup load interconnection, in which the backup load interconnection is electrically coupled to a backup power interconnection. The method includes disconnecting a second set of the plurality of backup loads from the backup load connection such that power is interrupted between the backup power source and the second set of backup loads. The method includes receiving a request from a user device to connect at least one load of the second set of the plurality of backup loads to the backup interconnection. The method includes determining whether to connect one load of the second set of the plurality of backup loads to the backup interconnection according to one or more programmed rules.