Integrated Backup Panel for Whole-Home Load Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy control systems for solar electric systems lack flexibility in energy system sizing and load management, often requiring multiple subpanels and limited controls, and do not offer whole home backup with integrated breaker spaces and metering.
Innovation Solution
The development of an energy control system that provides whole home and partial home backup with integrated breaker spaces and metering, featuring a microgrid interconnection device, remotely-controllable electrical switches, and advanced software functionalities for optimal AC storage pairing and energy management, including EV charger integration and multiple metering capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple subpanels are used to provide whole home backup, then backup coverage is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple subpanels into a single integrated backup panel that provides whole home backup capabilities. The microgrid interconnection device integrates generation, storage, and load management in one unit, eliminating the need for multiple separate subpanels while maintaining comprehensive backup coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup panel is designed as a universal device that can serve multiple functions: it provides backup power, integrates PV generation, manages energy storage, and controls various loads all through a single system. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple specialized subpanels.
2Reliability
If multiple subpanels are installed for backup, then whole home backup is achieved, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging generation, storage, and load control into a single backup panel, the installation process is streamlined. Instead of installing and coordinating multiple separate subpanels, the integrated design requires only one installation location and one set of connections, significantly reducing installation time.
3Device complexity
If limited controls are used in existing systems, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and load management flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates dynamic load management capabilities that allow real-time adjustment and control of connected loads. The microgrid interconnection device can dynamically switch between different power sources (grid, PV, storage) and control load prioritization, providing adaptability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes monitoring and control features that provide feedback on system status, enabling intelligent load management. This allows the system to adapt to changing conditions and user needs while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
4Device complexity
If existing systems provide partial home backup, then installation complexity is reduced, but backup coverage and reliability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The backup panel is designed as a universal system that can provide whole home backup by integrating multiple functions in one device. It can handle generation, storage, and all load types through a single integrated panel, achieving comprehensive coverage without proportionally increasing complexity.
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.