Power Controller Backup Storage for Line Fault Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power systems face challenges when a short circuit or disconnect occurs in the power lines connecting power regulators to the power system controller, as the controller may not have the necessary power to perform operations.

Innovation Solution

The power system controller is configured to employ power from a power storage unit during short circuits or disconnects, allowing it to maintain operation and facilitate communication with power regulators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the power system controller uses power from the power lines connecting power regulators to itself, then it can operate during normal conditions, but it cannot operate when a short circuit or disconnect occurs in those power lines

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability to power line disruptions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a power storage device as an intermediary between the power lines and the power system controller. This mediator stores electrical energy and provides it to the controller when the power lines are disrupted, enabling the controller to operate independently of direct power line connections during short circuits or disconnects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The power storage device is charged in advance during normal operation when power lines are functional. This preliminary energy accumulation allows the controller to operate autonomously when power line disruptions occur, without requiring real-time power line connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the power system controller is designed to operate without power from power lines during disruptions, then it maintains operation during faults, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation during short circuit or disconnectVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power storage device serves multiple functions: it acts as a backup power source during disruptions, provides preliminary charging during normal operation, and enables the controller to operate independently. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive operational reliability across different system states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution ensures the power system controller can operate reliably during power line disruptions, enabling effective communication and control of the power system.

Implementation Method 1

The power storage may be configured to provide power to the power system controller, and/or store power received from the power system controller

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy storage: Accumulator (energy)

Data Source

PatentUS12230968B2Power system including a power storage
Publication Date: 2025.02.18 SOLAREDGE TECH LTD
  • US12230968B2 patent drawing
  • US12230968B2 patent drawing
  • US12230968B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A power system may comprise a power system controller and a power storage. The power system controller may comprise a first pair of power terminals, a second pair of power terminals, at least one switch, and a central controller coupled to the at least one switch. The power storage may comprise storage power terminals connected to the first pair of power terminals. The second pair of power terminals may be coupled to a power source. The power system controller may be configured to control the switch to connect and disconnect the second pair of power terminals. The power system controller may be configured to receive power from the power storage during a process of connecting and disconnecting the second pair of power terminals.