Inverter DC Terminal Interface for Loads Beyond Breaker Panel Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Residential power systems face challenges in accommodating new loads like EV chargers due to physical and electrical limitations of existing breaker panels, requiring costly upgrades and space constraints, while existing solutions either lack flexibility or are not multi-purpose.
Innovation Solution
A power system with an inverter subsystem that provides a DC terminal connected to a DC bus and a load, allowing for variable voltage and avoiding direct connection to the breaker panel, along with a modular design and bidirectional DC terminals for power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing breaker panels are used to accommodate new loads like EV chargers, then the existing power system structure is maintained, but the breaker panels face physical and electrical limitations requiring costly upgrades
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a separate inverter subsystem with DC terminals that can independently serve new loads without modifying the existing breaker panel structure. This segments the power delivery function from the breaker panel, allowing EV chargers and other high-power loads to be accommodated through the inverter's dedicated DC terminals while the breaker panel remains unchanged.
Solution Approach 2:
The inverter subsystem acts as an intermediary between the existing AC power system and new DC loads. It provides DC terminals that directly connect to loads like EV chargers, eliminating the need for loads to connect through the breaker panel. This intermediary approach allows the system to support new load types without modifying the existing breaker panel infrastructure.
2Power
If breaker panels are upgraded to accommodate additional loads, then more power capacity is available, but installation costs increase and existing infrastructure is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The inverter combines multiple functions including DC-AC conversion, DC terminal provisioning, and power management into a single integrated unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate breaker panel upgrades, as the inverter provides all necessary power capacity and control functions in one device that can be installed without disrupting existing breaker panel infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The inverter is pre-configured with appropriate power capacity and DC terminal configurations before installation. This preliminary preparation allows the system to immediately accommodate new loads without requiring post-installation modifications or disruptions to the existing breaker panel, thereby reducing installation costs and minimizing disruption.
3Ease of operation
If DC terminals are provided through the breaker panel, then direct DC power access is available, but the breaker panel's physical space and electrical limitations are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The inverter provides DC terminals in a separate dimensional space outside the breaker panel. Rather than attempting to fit DC terminals within the constrained breaker panel enclosure, the inverter creates an independent power interface that serves the same functional purpose without competing for physical space within the existing panel infrastructure.
4Ease of manufacture
If existing breaker panels are utilized, then installation is simpler, but charging speed is limited by breaker panel capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The inverter provides dynamic power delivery capabilities that adapt to the specific requirements of connected loads. It can deliver higher power levels for fast charging when needed, while maintaining simpler installation by connecting to the existing AC power source. The inverter's power management system dynamically adjusts output based on load requirements, grid conditions, and battery state of charge, enabling fast charging without requiring permanent infrastructure upgrades.
Data Source
AI summary
An inverter subsystem that includes a direct current (DC) bus, a DC terminal, and a power storage interface that is configured to be connected to power storage. The DC terminal is configured to be: (1) connected to the DC bus via an internally-facing side of the DC terminal and (2) connected to a load via an externally-facing side of the DC terminal. The load is powered via the DC terminal.