Generator Access Switching for Flexible Home Energy Storage Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Household energy storage systems face low flexibility when connected to generators due to the need for individual pairing and programming of energy storage monitoring modules with specific generator models, and automatic transfer switches (ATS) result in prolonged power outages during grid blackouts.
Innovation Solution
A generator access system comprising an ATS, energy gateway, energy storage system, and load access switching module, which allows for decoupling and coupling control between generators and the energy gateway, enabling flexible connection to various generators without prior pairing, and includes switches and circuit breakers for autonomous power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an energy storage monitoring module is directly connected to the generator to monitor the generator, then the generator can be monitored and controlled, but different models of generators from different manufacturers need to be paired and programmed one by one, resulting in low flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an automatic transfer switch (ATS) as an intermediary device between the energy storage monitoring module and the generator. The ATS includes a control module that can independently manage generator connection and disconnection, eliminating the need for direct pairing between the monitoring module and specific generator models. This intermediary approach allows the system to maintain reliable monitoring while significantly improving flexibility across different generator models and manufacturers.
2Extent of automation
If an automatic transfer switch (ATS) is used for controlling the generator, then the generator can be automatically switched when grid blackout occurs, but it takes time for the generator to start, resulting in a power outage at home until the generator starts to supply power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by enabling the energy storage system to proactively supply power before the generator completes its startup process. When grid blackout is detected, the ATS automatically switches to generator mode and simultaneously activates the energy storage device to provide immediate power supply. This preliminary action from energy storage eliminates the power outage experience for household loads during the generator's startup period.
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining uninterrupted power supply to household loads through a seamless transition between power sources. The ATS control module coordinates the switching process so that energy storage takes over immediately upon detecting grid failure, ensuring continuous power delivery while the generator starts up in the background. This eliminates gaps in power supply and maintains continuous useful action for household appliances.
3Extent of automation
If the generator is controlled autonomously according to the mode of the ATS, then the generator can operate automatically, but the generator is uncontrollable and the energy storage controller cannot form a linkage with the generator, reducing flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the control functions into distinct modules: the ATS control module handles automatic generator switching and startup, while the energy storage controller independently manages energy storage operations. This functional segmentation allows each module to operate autonomously in its designated area while maintaining communication through standardized interfaces. The control module can form linkages with the generator through the ATS without requiring direct integration, thus preserving both autonomous operation and flexible controllability.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a generator access system for household energy storage. The generator access system for household energy storage includes an automatic transfer switch (ATS), an energy gateway, an energy storage system, and a load access switching module. The energy gateway is connected to the automatic transfer switch (ATS) and the automatic transfer switch (ATS) is further connected to a generator. The automatic transfer switch (ATS) is configured to control coupling of the energy gateway and the generator and decoupling of the generator from the energy gateway; the energy storage system is connected to the energy gateway and includes at least one energy storage module configured to store electrical energy. The load access switching module is connected to the energy gateway and configured to control a number of connected loads.