Conductor Loop Disconnector for Building Energy Supply

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing energy supply systems for buildings with alternative energy sources and storage devices are complex and costly to set up, with a risk of improper wiring leading to undesirable energy feeding into the external grid, potentially damaging components.

Innovation Solution

An energy supply system comprising a grid connector unit, load connector unit, conductor loop, and disconnector, where the conductor loop connects the grid and load units, and the disconnector allows switching between external grid and energy storage device power, ensuring safe and efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional wiring methods are used to connect energy storage device to building grid and external power grid, then the system can provide energy storage and alternative power supply, but the wiring becomes intricate and complex, increasing installation difficulty and cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy storage and alternative power supply capabilityVSAvoidwiring complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into distinct functional modules: grid connector unit, load connector unit, disconnector, and energy storage device. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently installed and maintained. The conductor loop is segmented into phases (L1, L2, L3) with dedicated connection points, simplifying the overall wiring architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The disconnector acts as an intermediary component between the grid connector unit and load connector unit. It mediates the connection and disconnection of the conductor loop, providing a safe interface for switching between grid power and alternative power sources without requiring complex wiring arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If traditional wiring methods are used without proper protection, then the system can operate, but there is danger of accidentally feeding electrical energy into external power grid or damaging components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem operationVSAvoidundesirable energy backfeed and component damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The disconnector is positioned and configured to prevent undesirable energy backfeed into the external power grid before it can occur. The physical arrangement of the disconnector in the conductor loop creates an inherent safety barrier that stops reverse power flow at the source, eliminating the need for additional protective devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The conductor loop configuration with the disconnector transforms the potential harmful backfeed into a controlled power transfer mechanism. When the disconnector is in the connected position, it enables beneficial power flow from the energy storage device to the load while inherently preventing harmful reverse flow to the grid through its positioning in the circuit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If complex wiring and protective measures are implemented to ensure proper wiring, then safety is improved, but the system becomes expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproper wiring and safetyVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The disconnector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a switching device for connecting/disconnecting the conductor loop, provides protection against backfeed into the external grid, enables safe isolation for maintenance, and facilitates switching between grid power and alternative power sources. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protective devices, reducing overall system cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If the disconnector is placed in the conductor loop to disconnect grid connection, then safe operation during outages is achieved, but the wiring arrangement becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafe operation during grid outagesVSAvoidconductor loop wiring arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective function and switching function are merged into a single component - the disconnector positioned in the conductor loop. This integration means that the same element that provides safety by preventing backfeed also performs the switching operation needed during grid outages, eliminating the need for separate protective devices and simplifying the overall wiring arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9438040B2Energy supply system and conductor loop enclosure

Publication Date: 2016.09.06 SONNEN GMBH

AI summary

An energy supply system for supplying electrical energy to a building, comprising a grid connector unit for providing a connection to an external power grid, a load connector unit for connecting to a building power grid, a conductor loop for electrically connecting the grid connector unit to the load connector unit, an energy storage device connected to the conductor loop, and a disconnector placed in the conductor loop for, upon activation of the disconnector, disconnecting the electrical connection between the grid connector unit and the load connector unit, whereby the energy storage device is connected to the conductor loop via a discharging line such that electrical energy stored in the energy storage device may be discharged through part of the conductor loop to the load connector unit when the disconnector is activated.