Interconnect Socket Adapter for Energy Storage Grid Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distribution panels often require upgrading or replacement due to increased electrical loads or the integration of renewable energy sources, which can be physically constrained and require professional installation, lacking real-time bi-directional power flow monitoring and compliance with utility standards.
Innovation Solution
The interconnection meter socket adapter system allows energy sources and sinks to connect to the power grid without upgrading the distribution panel, featuring a power regulation module, DC-AC inverter, and measurement module for real-time bi-directional power monitoring, and compliance with utility standards through a flexible and modular design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the distribution panel capacity is increased to accommodate renewable energy sources and energy storage devices, then the power handling capability is improved, but the physical space requirements and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnection meter socket adapter serves as an intermediary device that interfaces between the existing distribution panel and renewable energy sources/energy storage devices. It provides the necessary power handling capability without requiring modifications to the distribution panel itself, thus avoiding increased installation complexity while maintaining improved power capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the power management function into a separate, standalone adapter unit rather than integrating it into the distribution panel. This allows the adapter to be installed independently in the meter socket, providing enhanced power capability without complicating the overall installation process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the distribution panel is upgraded to accommodate back feed of energy from renewable sources, then the energy management capability is improved, but the cost and physical space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnection meter socket adapter is designed to perform multiple functions within a single device: it manages bidirectional power flow, interfaces with utility meters, connects renewable energy sources, and interfaces with the existing distribution panel. This multi-functionality provides enhanced energy management capability without requiring additional physical space.
3Reliability
If professional installation is required for distribution panel upgrades, then the reliability of installation is improved, but the time and cost requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter acts as a pre-assembled intermediary unit that interfaces with the existing distribution panel through standard connections. This design maintains installation reliability by using proven connection methods while reducing installation time because the adapter itself is a complete, pre-configured unit that doesn't require panel modification.
4Measurement precision
If real-time bi-directional power flow monitoring is implemented, then the power flow management precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnection meter socket adapter integrates power flow monitoring capabilities as part of its standard functionality. By combining monitoring, control, and interfacing functions in a single universal device, the system achieves precise real-time bi-directional power flow monitoring without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for managing grid interaction with an energy storage device includes an energy exchange server, a plurality of energy storage devices, a plurality of interconnect socket adapters, and a plurality of energy exchange controllers, each energy exchange controller coupling to one of the plurality of interconnect socket adapters and dictating energy consumption based on energy pricing data received from the energy exchange server. Each interconnect socket adapter electrically couples to the power grid, one or more energy sinks, and an energy storage device, and the energy exchange server receives a real-time energy consumption data set, a real-time energy production data set, a set of environmental parameters and a starting energy price, and generates a current aggregate electricity demand value as a function of the real-time energy consumption data set and the environmental parameters, a current aggregate electricity supply value as a function of the real-time energy production dataset and the environmental parameters, and a current energy price as a function of the starting energy price, the current aggregate electricity demand value, and the current aggregate electricity supply value.