DC Edge Device with Energy Storage for High-Power PoE

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Solution Overview

Problem

The transition from AC to DC power distribution in buildings is hindered by regulatory environments and the existing infrastructure, with current PoE technologies unable to provide sufficient power for devices like televisions and computers, and existing connectors like USB-C only capable of up to 100 W.

Innovation Solution

The development of an edge device that receives DC power through a single cable, utilizing existing cost-effective components to provide power to devices via connectors like USB, RJ-45, and HDMI, with integrated energy storage devices to augment power supply and enable wireless communication, allowing for a seamless transition from AC to DC power distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology is used to distribute DC power, then power can be delivered through a single cable, but the power capacity is insufficient for high-power devices like televisions and computers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesingle cable power deliveryVSAvoidpower capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple power delivery mechanisms into a single edge device: PoE input from the network cable, energy storage device (battery), and DC power output through various connectors (USB-C, barrel jack). This merging allows the system to achieve both single-cable simplicity and high power capacity by aggregating power from multiple sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The edge device acts as an intermediary between the PoE power source and high-power devices. It receives limited power via PoE, stores excess energy in an energy storage device, and provides sufficient power to high-power devices through DC connectors, thereby bridging the power gap.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If USB-C connectors are used for DC power delivery, then a universal connector standard is available, but the maximum power capacity is limited to 100 W

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniversal connector standardVSAvoidmaximum power capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The edge device provides multiple output connectors including USB-C (for universal compatibility up to 100W), barrel jack connectors (for higher power devices), and other DC connectors. This multi-functionality allows the single device to serve both universal low-power devices and high-power devices requiring more than 100W.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If AC to DC conversion is performed in each device, then devices can operate independently, but the conversion causes inefficiency, heat generation, and reduced component lifetime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice independenceVSAvoidconversion inefficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the AC to DC conversion function from individual devices and centralizes it at the edge device. The edge device performs the conversion once from PoE/AC input to DC output, eliminating the need for each downstream device to have its own AC-DC converter, thereby reducing total conversion losses and heat generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If LED-based lighting is powered from AC power grid, then compatibility with existing infrastructure is maintained, but conversion to DC causes inefficiency, heat generation, and reduced lifetime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfrastructure compatibilityVSAvoidconversion inefficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The edge device serves as an intermediary that provides DC power to LED lighting fixtures. Instead of converting AC to DC at each LED fixture (causing multiple conversion losses), the edge device converts once and distributes DC power through the existing electrical infrastructure, maintaining compatibility while eliminating redundant conversions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables efficient distribution of DC power to a wider range of devices, including high-power devices, by using energy storage to supplement power received through the distribution cable, ensuring continuous power supply even during outages and allowing for a more efficient use of renewable energy sources.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing existing cost-effective components to provide power to devices via connectors like USB, RJ-45, and HDMI, with integrated energy storage devices to augment power supply

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy storage: Accumulator (energy)

Data Source

PatentUS11641129B2DC to DC edge device

Publication Date: 2023.05.02 AMATIS CONTROLS LLC

AI summary

A power distribution system utilizes direct-current (DC) electrical power. A distribution cable carries DC power from a distribution unit to an edge device. The edge device provides a communication connector with DC power for use by a load device. The edge device optionally includes an energy storage device, such as a rechargeable battery, to allow the edge device to provide more power to the load device than it is receiving from the power distribution unit for some period of time.