Controllable Main Breaker for Fast Smart Grid Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanisms for isolating backup power sources from the grid, such as solar battery systems, are labor-intensive and time-consuming to install, requiring significant electrical work and often necessitate the installation of new panels and load relocation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a smart main breaker that integrates safety functionality with controllable actuation, allowing for autonomous decision-making and quick disconnection or reconnection from the grid, eliminating the need for new panel installations and simplifying the installation process by leveraging existing breaker infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing mechanisms for grid isolation are implemented, then backup power source isolation is achieved, but installation time and labor costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the grid interface relay functionality with the main circuit breaker into a single integrated device. This merging eliminates the need for separate relay installations and reduces the number of components required, directly addressing the installation time and labor cost issues while maintaining reliable grid isolation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The main circuit breaker is designed to perform multiple functions: traditional circuit protection and grid isolation. By making the breaker universal, the system eliminates dedicated relay components and simplifies installation while achieving both protection and isolation reliability.
2Reliability
If new panel installations are required for grid isolation, then isolation functionality is achieved, but device complexity and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the grid isolation relay function into the existing main breaker, eliminating the need for new panel installations. This integration reduces device complexity by utilizing already-installed infrastructure rather than adding new components.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing main breaker infrastructure is leveraged to provide grid isolation functionality. The system uses itself (the breaker) to perform the isolation function that would traditionally require separate relay equipment, eliminating the need for additional installation work.
3Extent of automation
If controllable actuation is added to main breaker, then autonomous power transition capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The main breaker is enhanced with controllable actuation mechanisms that enable autonomous power transitions. This multi-functionality allows the same device to perform both traditional protective tripping and controlled grid connection/disconnection, achieving automation without requiring separate control devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system for autonomous power transitions is integrated into the main breaker assembly. By merging the control electronics and actuation mechanisms with the breaker, the patent achieves automation capability while minimizing additional complexity through integration rather than addition of separate systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A controllable main breaker includes a main breaker sized to fit within an existing panel slot of an electrical panel. The main breaker comprises a trigger to open the main breaker in response to a thermal fault or overcurrent event. The controllable main breaker further includes an auxiliary shell sized to fit within at least one adjacent breaker slot. The auxiliary shell includes a controllable actuator that mechanically opens the main breaker.