DC Power Distribution System with Bi-Directional Inverter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical power systems in residential and commercial buildings face inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for AC-to-DC and DC-to-AC conversions, particularly when accommodating low voltage DC loads and alternative energy sources like solar and wind generators.
Innovation Solution
A centralized low voltage DC power distribution system utilizing a bi-directional inverter that converts AC-to-DC and DC-to-AC, with a voltage regulator and storage battery, allowing direct DC power distribution to loads without AC-to-DC rectifiers, and automatically switching to local or battery power during AC grid outages for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If AC power distribution is used with AC-to-DC rectifiers for DC loads, then DC loads can be powered, but efficiency and cost are negatively impacted due to power conversion losses
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of converting AC to DC at each load point (traditional approach), the system inverts the approach by providing DC power distribution throughout the building and converting to AC only when needed for AC loads or grid export. This reverses the conventional power flow direction and eliminates redundant AC-to-DC conversions at consumer premises.
Solution Approach 2:
The DC power distribution system serves multiple functions: powering DC loads directly (LED lighting, electronics), enabling AC loads through integrated inverters, storing energy in batteries, and exporting to the AC grid when excess DC power is available. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate AC-to-DC rectifiers at each device.
2Loss of energy
If alternative DC power sources like solar and wind generators are used, then renewable energy can be harnessed, but efficiency is compromised by DC-to-AC and AC-to-DC conversions
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and eliminates the unnecessary DC-to-AC conversion step in the power flow chain. By maintaining DC throughout the distribution system and only converting to AC at the point of grid export or for specific AC loads, the patent removes redundant conversion stages that cause energy losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The DC power distribution maintains continuous useful action by keeping power in its most efficient form (DC) from generation through distribution to consumption for DC loads. The system ensures continuous operation with battery storage and enables bidirectional power flow, maintaining system continuity regardless of generation or consumption patterns.
3Productivity
If centralized AC panels are used for power distribution, then power can be distributed to loads, but the system cannot efficiently accommodate DC loads without additional rectifiers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of AC distribution, DC distribution, energy storage, and power conversion into a single integrated DC power distribution system. The centralized DC panel combines battery storage, inverter functionality, and distribution capabilities, eliminating the need for separate AC panels and individual rectifiers at each DC load.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized DC power distribution system provides universal service to both AC and DC loads through integrated inverters at outlet locations. The system can simultaneously power DC loads directly, convert to AC for AC loads, store excess energy, and export to the grid, replacing multiple separate systems with a single multi-functional platform.
4Quantity of substance
If local alternative DC power exceeds DC load demands, then excess power can be stored or exported, but requires complex power management and conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system dynamically adjusts power flow based on real-time conditions: routing excess DC power to battery storage when available, exporting to the AC grid when batteries are full or AC power is needed, and automatically switching between sources based on generation and consumption patterns. This dynamic adaptation simplifies complex power management through automated, condition-based decision making.
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 enhances the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of DC power distribution by eliminating the need for AC-to-DC conversions, optimizing the use of alternative energy sources, and ensuring continuous power supply while isolating from AC grid outages for safety.
Implementation Method 1
a central bi-directional inverter, which converts AC-to-DC and DC-to-AC
Implementation Method 2
The local alternative DC power is processed through a voltage regulator in the inverter, which renders the voltage and power uniform enough for use by DC loads
Data Source
AI summary
A DC power system distributes low voltage (12/24 V) power through a central DC panel to multiple DC loads, such as LED lighting, and to multiple dedicated DC outlets, into which computers, televisions and cell phones can be directly plugged without using an AC-to-DC rectifier. The central DC panel is supplied with DC power (24-36 V) from a central bi-directional inverter, which converts AC-to-DC and DC-to-AC. The inverter also receives DC power generated by non-grid local alternative energy sources, such as wind turbines and photovoltaic solar cells. The local alternative DC power is processed through a voltage regulator in the inverter, which renders the voltage and power uniform enough for use by DC loads. When the local non-grid DC power exceeds the demands of DC loads, it is routed through the inverter to charge a storage battery, which in turn supplies DC power to the DC panel when the non-grid DC power sources are offline.