Load Management Device for EVSE Power Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing residential electrical systems are often not equipped to efficiently manage the installation of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) and typically require costly upgrades, while there is a desire to provide power to low-ranking loads like EVSE when high-ranking loads are not in use.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a circuit breaker panel, a current transformer to sense current flow, and a control circuit to manage power distribution between high-ranking and low-ranking loads, using a source of low-voltage power to switch between them, ensuring efficient power sharing without interfering with high-ranking load supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate home-run circuit is installed for EVSE, then power supply reliability for low-ranking loads is improved, but installation cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the high-ranking load circuit and low-ranking load circuit into a single shared circuit breaker panel system. The load management device integrates multiple functions (current sensing, switching control, power distribution) into one unit, eliminating the need for separate home-run circuits while maintaining reliable power supply to both load types through intelligent sharing of the same electrical infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit breaker panel and associated control devices are designed to serve multiple functions: they manage both high-ranking loads (oven, dryer, water heater) and low-ranking loads (EVSE, air conditioner, hot tub) through a unified system. The load management device can dynamically allocate power between different loads based on priority and availability, making the electrical system universally applicable to various load types without requiring dedicated circuits for each.
2Productivity
If load management control is implemented, then power distribution efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load management device operates autonomously to control power distribution between high-ranking and low-ranking loads. It automatically senses current flow in high-ranking load circuits through current transformers, determines when these loads are inactive, and switches power to low-ranking loads without requiring external control or complex user intervention. The system self-manages the switching logic and power allocation based on real-time electrical conditions, improving distribution efficiency while keeping the control mechanism relatively simple through automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical switching systems with electronic sensing and control mechanisms. Current transformers provide electrical sensing of load conditions, and solid-state switching devices (such as contactors or relays) replace mechanical switches. The control logic is implemented through electronic circuits rather than mechanical linkages, reducing moving parts and maintenance requirements while achieving efficient power distribution management.
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 efficient power sharing between high-ranking and low-ranking loads within a building, reducing the need for costly upgrades and ensuring safe, instantaneous power delivery to EVSE and other low-ranking loads when high-ranking loads are not in use, while preventing simultaneous power draw to prevent safety hazards.
Implementation Method 1
a current transformer connected to one of the plurality of first conductors between the circuit breaker panel and the high-ranking load to sense current on the one of the plurality of first conductors
Data Source
AI summary
A load-sharing device shares electrical load between a high-ranking load and a low-ranking load. A current transformer connected between a circuit breaker panel and the high-ranking load senses current draw. The current transformer closes a first switch when sufficient current is detected and opens the first switch otherwise. Low-voltage power is connected across nodes of the first switch. A control circuit is connected in parallel with the first switch to control one or more second switches connected between the circuit breaker panel and a low-ranking load. When there is current flow in the control circuit, the second switches are closed, thereby permitting power delivery to the low-ranking load and when there is no current flow in the control circuit, the one or more second switches are open circuited. When the first switch is closed, it provides a short circuit, thereby preventing current flow in the control circuit.