Integrated Energy Control System for Whole Home Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy control systems for solar electric systems lack flexibility in energy system sizing and load management, often requiring multiple subpanels and limited controls, and do not offer whole home backup with integrated breaker spaces and metering.
Innovation Solution
The development of an energy control system that includes a microgrid interconnection device, remotely-controllable electrical switches, and a controller to manage energy distribution between a grid, backup power sources, and loads, allowing for whole home and partial home backup with integrated metering and breaker spaces, and enabling optimal AC storage pairing in backup mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing energy control systems use multiple subpanels for backup power distribution, then whole home backup capability is achieved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple subpanel functions into a single integrated energy control system that includes a main service panel, subpanel, and transfer switch assembly housed in one unit. This integration eliminates the need for separate subpanels while maintaining whole home backup capability through internal circuit breakers and transfer mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated energy control system performs multiple functions within a single device: it serves as the main service panel, subpanel, and transfer switch assembly simultaneously. The system can switch between utility power and backup power sources, distribute power to various loads, and provide whole home backup without requiring multiple specialized components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing systems require separate subpanels for generation and essential loads, then load management is achieved, but ease of installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the main service panel, subpanel, and transfer switch assembly into a single pre-assembled unit with all necessary components internally connected. This integration maintains sophisticated load management capabilities while dramatically simplifying installation by eliminating the need to wire multiple separate panels and transfer switches during installation.
3Device complexity
If existing energy control systems provide limited controls, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different energy management needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated energy control system provides universal adaptability through programmable control capabilities that can accommodate various energy management strategies and system configurations. The system can be programmed to manage different load priorities, switch between various backup power sources, and adapt to different energy system sizing requirements without requiring additional hardware components.
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~3
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method for controlling an energy control system. The energy control system includes a grid interconnection (880), a backup load interconnection (870), a non-backup load interconnection, and a backup power interconnection (840). The method includes receiving electronic data from a plurality of backup loads. The method includes detecting a power outage at the grid interconnection electrically coupled to a utility grid. The method includes disconnecting the grid interconnection from the backup power interconnection, in which the backup power interconnection is electrically coupled to a backup power source. The method includes connecting a first set of the plurality of backup loads to the backup load interconnection, in which the backup load interconnection is electrically coupled to the backup power interconnection such that power is supplied from the backup power source to the first set of backup loads.