Interconnection Meter Socket Adapter for Renewable Energy Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for connecting renewable energy sources and loads to a power system often require changing the distribution panel, which can be impractical due to physical constraints and lack of bi-directional power monitoring, and may not meet utility service standards.
Innovation Solution
The interconnection meter socket adapter allows for the connection of energy sources and sinks to a power system without altering the distribution panel, using a housing with electrical connections, a DC-AC inverter, and a measurement module for real-time bi-directional power monitoring, while maintaining compliance with utility standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the distribution panel is changed to accommodate increased load or back feed capacity, then the electrical system can handle higher current and renewable energy integration, but the physical constraints and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter as an intermediary device installed between the distribution panel and the meter. This adapter provides additional circuit capacity and enables back-feed connections without requiring replacement of the entire distribution panel. The adapter serves as a mediator that bridges the existing panel infrastructure with new electrical capacity requirements, thereby resolving the contradiction between increasing electrical adaptability and avoiding installation complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more circuits are added to the distribution panel, then the electrical usage capacity increases, but physical room in the panel is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the additional circuit capacity from the two-dimensional plane of the distribution panel to a three-dimensional external adapter unit. By installing the adapter outside the panel boundaries and connecting it to the panel's existing bus bars, the system gains additional circuits without consuming panel space. This dimensional transition resolves the contradiction between increasing circuit capacity and maintaining limited panel area.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the distribution panel is replaced with a larger capacity panel, then the system can accommodate back feed from renewable energy sources, but the cost and disruption of replacement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is pre-configured with all necessary electrical connections, circuit breakers, and safety features before installation. This preliminary preparation allows the adapter to be installed as a complete unit between the existing panel and meter, eliminating the need for complex panel replacement procedures. The pre-assembled nature of the adapter resolves the contradiction between achieving back-feed capacity and maintaining installation ease.
4Loss of information
If a measurement module is added for bi-directional power monitoring, then real-time energy management is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement and monitoring functions are merged into the existing adapter structure rather than being implemented as separate external systems. The adapter integrates bi-directional power monitoring capabilities directly into its circuitry, allowing it to measure both incoming and outgoing power flows through the same physical interface. This integration resolves the contradiction between capturing complete power flow information and avoiding additional system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Interconnection meter socket adapters are provided. An interconnection meter socket adapter comprises a housing enclosing a set of electrical connections. The interconnection meter socket adapter may be configured to be coupled to a standard distribution panel and a standard electric meter, thereby establishing connections between a distribution panel and a user such that electrical power may be delivered to the user while an electrical meter measures the power consumption of the user. An interconnection meter socket adapter may be configured to be coupled to a DC-AC inverter, which may be coupled to various energy sources. As such, the energy sources are coupled to an electrical power system. In addition, a connector such as a flexible cable or flexible conduit containing insulated wires can be provided for connecting various energy sources and/or sinks.