DC Homegrid Power Distribution via Unifying Electrical Interface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing AC power grid infrastructure limits the direct utilization of DC power generated from renewable sources, requiring costly and inefficient conversion to AC, making homes and buildings vulnerable to power outages and grid disruptions.
Innovation Solution
The Direct Connect Homegrid system utilizes the Unifying Electrical Interface (UEI) platform to deliver DC power directly to homes and buildings, bypassing the need for AC conversion, enabling isolated DC power generation and distribution from sources like solar panels and battery storage, and providing a hybrid AC/DC outlet for flexible power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If DC power is generated from renewable sources and converted to AC for grid distribution, then the power can be transmitted through existing AC infrastructure, but energy is lost during conversion and homes remain vulnerable to grid outages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power distribution system into separate AC and DC pathways. DC power from renewable sources can be delivered directly to DC loads without conversion to AC, creating independent parallel channels that reduce energy loss while maintaining compatibility with existing AC infrastructure through the UEI platform's multi-mode capability
Solution Approach 2:
The UEI connection platform provides universality by enabling both AC and DC power delivery through the same interface. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different power sources and loads, delivering DC directly when available (reducing energy loss) while maintaining AC capability for broader compatibility
2Reliability
If all DC power generation is converted to AC and fed into the AC grid, then the existing AC infrastructure can be utilized, but homes become vulnerable to power outages and grid disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates segmented power pathways where DC power from renewable sources and battery storage can be delivered directly to DC loads independently of the AC grid. This segmentation ensures that AC grid failures do not affect DC power availability, enhancing reliability while the UEI platform manages the complexity of coordinating multiple power sources
Solution Approach 2:
The UEI connection platform acts as an intermediary that manages multiple power sources (AC grid, DC renewable generation, battery storage) and delivers appropriate power types to different loads. This mediator approach simplifies the overall system complexity by providing a unified interface while maintaining independent power pathways for improved reliability
3Productivity
If AC to DC conversion is required for every device, then existing AC infrastructure can be used, but bulky power supplies are needed and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by delivering DC power directly from renewable sources and battery storage to DC loads through the UEI platform, bypassing the need for AC to DC conversion at each device. This pre-delivery of DC power eliminates the need for bulky power supplies at individual devices and improves overall system efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the DC power delivery function from the traditional AC-only infrastructure by adding dedicated DC pathways through the UEI platform. This extraction allows DC power to be delivered directly to DC loads without requiring AC conversion, removing the need for bulky power supplies and improving efficiency while maintaining AC capability for other loads
Data Source
AI summary
A Direct Connect Homegrid (DC-Homegrid) system for Direct Current (DC) power control and delivery into a structure by way of Unifying Electrical Interface (UEI) platforms is here presented. By means of the Homegrid, multiple self-contained approaches are introduced to keep a structure powered with DC, either as a substitute or as a supplement to the conventional Alternating Current (AC) source. By the illustrated approaches contained herein, a new methodology permitting to retain power operation in the occurrence of a blackout, due to natural disaster, cyber-attack or any other conventional AC grid failure, is revealed. Such DC-Homegrid is envisioned to become the precursor in establishing the DC infrastructure of the future. The embodiments presented in this patent illustrate alternate methods for achieving power independence while increasing the value for adoption of renewable and sustainable energy.