EV Charger Meter Collar Isolation for Home Backup Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle (EV) charging systems lack the capability to provide backup power during grid outages and do not efficiently manage grid interactions, especially in weather-exposed environments, while adhering to regulatory standards.
Innovation Solution
A consumer-side power distribution system with an electric vehicle charger and an islanding meter socket adaptor that allows bi-directional power flow between the EV charger and the utility grid, featuring a disconnect switch for isolation and an onboard computing system for managing power operations, including weather-resistant deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If EV charging systems are deployed in weather-exposed environments, then accessibility and usability are improved, but reliability deteriorates due to environmental exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies weather-resistant housing and protective enclosures (flexible shells) to protect the EV charging system components from environmental exposure. The meter socket adaptor and charger components are housed in protective enclosures that shield internal electronics from weather elements while maintaining accessibility for users.
2Productivity
If bi-directional power flow capability is added, then grid management efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The EV charging system is designed with multi-functionality to handle both charging and discharging operations through the same hardware infrastructure. The meter socket adaptor and charger components can operate in multiple modes (charging, discharging, grid management) without requiring separate dedicated systems, thereby improving grid management efficiency while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The onboard computing system implements feedback mechanisms to monitor power flow, grid conditions, and system status in real-time. This feedback enables automated grid management decisions and coordination between the EV battery and grid, improving efficiency while reducing the need for complex manual control systems.
3Use of energy by moving object
If automated grid management is implemented, then energy utilization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The onboard computing system provides automated self-management of the EV battery energy storage and discharge operations. The system autonomously monitors grid conditions, manages power flow, and coordinates charging/discharging operations without requiring complex external control infrastructure, thereby improving energy utilization while keeping the control system manageable.
4Reliability
If disconnect switch for isolation is added, then safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to manual reset requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The disconnect switch is designed to automatically open under predetermined safety conditions (such as faults or hazardous states) before manual intervention is needed. This preliminary automated isolation action ensures safety while minimizing the need for manual operations, as the system proactively disconnects when safety thresholds are breached.
Data Source
AI summary
An interface to an electric vehicle or comparable energy storage system, paired with a utility electric power meter or meter collar adaptor with embedded control and whole-site disconnect switch that, when operated together, enables the user to: isolate the site from the grid during a power outage and use the vehicle or energy storage system to provide power to the site; manually reclose the disconnect switch to the grid only when safe operating conditions are met; allow a remote grid-operator to manage charging of the vehicle; and prevent the utility service from being overloaded when proving power to the residence and the meter adaptor loads simultaneously.