Distribution Board Power Outage Detection and Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distribution boards fail to accurately detect power outages and switch to a self-sustained state, limiting the use of power during outages and relying on costly and user-operated systems.
Innovation Solution
A distribution board with a power line, storage batteries, a detector, and a controller that disconnects from the power system during outages, allowing the batteries to supply power to the controller and load, and includes a DC/AC inverter for bi-directional power conversion to charge batteries during normal conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a distribution board uses a conventional power outage detection method, then the system can detect power outages, but the detection accuracy is insufficient and the system cannot reliably switch to self-sustained state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a current transformer as an intermediary device that measures the current flowing through the power line. By detecting the current magnitude and comparing it against a threshold value, the system achieves accurate power outage detection. The current transformer acts as a mediator between the power system and the control unit, enabling reliable detection without directly interfacing with the high-voltage power lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit continuously monitors the current measurement from the current transformer and adjusts the switching state accordingly. When the current falls below the threshold indicating power outage, the control unit activates the inverter to switch from grid power mode to self-sustained mode. This closed-loop feedback ensures reliable and automatic transition between operating states.
2Reliability
If the distribution board disconnects from the power system during outages, then the system achieves self-sustained operation, but the available power for operating the apparatus is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a capacitor as an energy storage device that is charged in advance during normal operation when the system is connected to the power system. When power outage occurs and the system switches to self-sustained mode, the pre-charged capacitor provides the necessary energy to operate the distribution board and connected apparatus. This preliminary energy storage enables extended operation during outages without being constrained by real-time power generation capacity.
3Device complexity
If the distribution board uses a simple switch configuration, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to control power flow between power system and storage is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bidirectional inverter that serves multiple functions: it converts DC from the capacitor to AC for powering loads during self-sustained operation, and can also function as a controlled switch for disconnecting or connecting to the power system. This multi-functional inverter replaces what would otherwise require separate switching devices, achieving versatile power flow control without proportionally increasing system complexity.
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 automatic detection of power outages, wider power usage, and stable power supply during outages by using stored energy, reducing component count and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a power storage including one or more storage batteries and electrically connected to a predetermined load
Implementation Method 2
includes a DC/AC inverter for bi-directional power conversion
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes: a storage battery including one or more storage batteries and electrically connected to a predetermined load; a detector which detects a power outage state in which no electric power is being supplied from a power system; a first switch between the power system and the storage battery; and a controller which controls at least the first switch. When the detector detects the power outage state, the controller turns off the first switch to electrically disconnect the storage battery and the power system, and the storage battery causes the one or more storage batteries to discharge and supplies electric power to the controller and the predetermined load.