Direct DC Power Interface for Universal AC Loads Without Inverters
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing infrastructure for connecting direct-current (DC) power sources, such as batteries or solar panels, to alternating-current (AC) loads is costly and inefficient due to the use of DC-to-AC converters, which add significant weight, cost, and require cooling systems, making a transition to a DC grid economically unfeasible.
Innovation Solution
A direct-current power source configured to power a universal AC load without a DC/AC converter, utilizing an unregulated battery and a low-frequency switching mechanism with a duty cycle between 80% and 98% to efficiently connect to AC loads, reducing weight and cost by eliminating the need for converters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a DC-to-AC converter is used to connect DC power sources to AC loads, then the connection is achieved, but the system cost, weight, and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the DC-to-AC converter from the system entirely. Instead of using a converter to bridge DC and AC, the system directly connects DC power sources (batteries, solar panels) to AC loads through a simplified circuit topology that eliminates the need for conversion hardware, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than converting DC to AC through a complex inverter system, the patent inverts the approach by directly utilizing DC power sources to supply AC loads without intermediate conversion. This reversal of the conventional DC-to-AC conversion path eliminates the need for converters and associated complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a DC-to-AC converter is used, then AC loads can be powered, but the system efficiency decreases due to energy losses
Solution Approach 1:
The converter component is extracted and removed from the system. By eliminating the DC-to-AC conversion step, the patent removes the source of energy losses associated with converter inefficiency, thereby improving overall system efficiency while still enabling AC loads to be powered through direct DC connection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a DC-to-AC converter is used, then AC loads can be connected, but the system weight increases due to converter components and cooling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The heavy converter components and associated cooling systems are extracted and removed. The patent achieves AC load connection without these weight-intensive elements, significantly reducing the overall system weight while maintaining the ability to power AC loads through the simplified direct connection architecture.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a DC-to-AC converter is used, then AC loads can be powered, but the system cost increases due to converter hardware and cooling systems
Solution Approach 1:
The expensive converter hardware and cooling systems are extracted and eliminated. By removing these cost-intensive components, the patent significantly reduces the overall system cost while maintaining compatibility with AC loads through the simplified direct connection approach, making the system more economically viable.
Data Source
AI summary
A method to connect a direct current power (DC) source to a universal alternating current (AC) load can include an energy storage device configured to output a fixed voltage in a range of 84-135 volts (for 120 volt based systems) or 180-264 volts (for a 230 volt based systems). The universal AC load has input comprising a diode bridge followed by a storage capacitor. The unregulated DC source can be connected to the universal AC load by a switch that is turned on (closed) and off (open) with a low-frequency signal (e.g., 90 and 135 Hz) and a duty cycle between 80% and 98%. A sensor and inductor can be added to protect from excessive currents.