Fault-Managed Building Microgrid for Low-Voltage Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional building power distribution systems require high-voltage power transmission, which is costly and difficult to control efficiently, making it challenging to manage power distribution to specific locations within a building.
Innovation Solution
An integrated building design, control, and operation system using a high-efficiency fault-managed power microgrid with a first-tier building power converter system that converts input power into fault-managed outputs, coupled with a main building controller for power management and monitoring, allowing for efficient power distribution through a low-voltage DC output transmitted via Ethernet cables without separate conduit structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If high-voltage power distribution is used throughout the building, then power can be transmitted over longer distances, but installation costs and system complexity increase due to costly hardware and labor requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system is segmented into multiple converter stations distributed throughout the building, each converting power locally rather than transmitting high-voltage power throughout the entire structure. This reduces installation complexity while maintaining adequate power delivery distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the voltage parameter dynamically by using converter stations that can convert between different voltage levels (e.g., 48V DC to higher voltages) as needed at different locations, eliminating the need for high-voltage transmission infrastructure throughout the building.
2Length of stationary object
If high-voltage power distribution is used throughout the building, then power can be delivered to all locations, but hardware and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The building is divided into multiple zones served by distributed converter stations, eliminating the need for expensive high-voltage infrastructure while maintaining comprehensive power coverage throughout the building.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical/electrical high-voltage transmission infrastructure with electronic power conversion and transmission at lower voltages, reducing hardware costs and installation complexity.
3Length of stationary object
If conventional power distribution is used, then power can be supplied to all outlets, but control of power distribution to specific locations becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system is segmented into controllable zones served by individual converter stations, enabling independent control of power distribution to specific locations while maintaining building-wide coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic control of power distribution by allowing converter stations to adjust power levels and routing in real-time based on demand, providing flexible control to specific locations throughout the building.
4Ease of manufacture
If low-voltage DC power is transmitted through Ethernet cables, then installation costs are reduced by eliminating separate conduit structures, but power transmission distance and capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The building is divided into zones served by converter stations placed at strategic locations, allowing low-voltage DC transmission over short distances through existing Ethernet infrastructure while maintaining building-wide coverage through distributed architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes voltage parameters dynamically by converting from low-voltage DC at converter stations to higher voltages for local distribution, extending effective power transmission distance while maintaining the benefits of low-voltage installation infrastructure.
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
This solution reduces installation costs and enhances power control, enabling efficient power management and consumption reduction by allowing for precise control of power levels and monitoring of operating characteristics across the building.
Implementation Method 1
a first tier building power converter system that receives input power from one or more primary power sources and converts the received primary power into one or more fault managed power outputs
Implementation Method 2
each load includes a harness and one or more linked DC-AC converters that convert the provided fault managed power to AC power
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated building design, control, and operation system using a high efficiency fault managed power microgrid that includes a first tier building power converter system that receives input power from one or more primary power sources and converts the received primary power into one or more fault managed power outputs; a plurality of loads, where each load is coupled to receive one of the fault managed power outputs; and a main building controller in communication with the first tier building converter system and configured to control the operation of the first tier power converter to initiate the provision of fault managed power to the plurality of loads and/or to adjust the power level provided to such loads and/or to monitor the operating characteristics of the outputs