Meter Socket Adapter With MID Switching for Sealed Microgrid Retrofit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retrofitting a meter combo load center for connecting a microgrid to a utility grid is costly and disruptive, with challenges in installing a microgrid interconnection device (MID) due to sealed enclosures and lack of space for additional connections, and difficulties in metering AC currents using Rogowski coils.
Innovation Solution
A meter socket adapter (MSA) and energy management system (EMS) facilitate the connection of a battery energy storage system (BESS) to a household microgrid through a meter combo load center, using a meter interconnection device (MID) switch and thermal management circuit with temperature sensors to prevent overheating, allowing for efficient and cost-effective integration without altering the load center's enclosure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a meter combo load center is retrofitted for connecting a microgrid to a utility grid, then the connection capability is improved, but the installation cost and disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The microgrid interconnection device (MID) is nested inside the existing meter combo load center enclosure, utilizing the available internal space without requiring external modifications or new enclosures. This allows the MID to be integrated into the existing structure, reducing installation cost and disruption while maintaining microgrid connection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The meter combo load center is designed to serve multiple functions: it houses both the traditional utility grid connection and the microgrid interconnection device within the same enclosure. This multi-functionality allows the existing infrastructure to support both conventional and renewable energy sources without requiring separate dedicated spaces for each function
2Reliability
If the meter combo load center enclosure is sealed, then safety and protection are improved, but access for installing the MID is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The MID is pre-configured and designed to be installed through the existing service entrance conduit, which is already present in the meter combo load center. This preliminary design approach allows the MID to be accessed and installed without compromising the sealed enclosure, maintaining safety while enabling installation through pre-planned access paths
3Volume of moving object
If space for additional connections is limited in the meter combo load center, then compactness is improved, but the ability to connect MID is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The MID is oriented and positioned within the load center to utilize three-dimensional space efficiently. By changing the spatial arrangement and utilizing vertical and depth dimensions rather than only horizontal space, the MID can be accommodated within the existing compact enclosure without requiring additional horizontal footprint
Data Source
AI summary
A meter socket adapter (MSA) for connecting a battery energy storage system (BESS) to a household microgrid through a meter combo load center. The MSA includes: a housing matching an electricity meter and a meter socket in the meter combo load center; a plurality of power conductors that connect among the electricity meter, the meter socket, and BESS; a meter interconnection device (MID) switch for connecting a utility grid or one or more distribution energy resource (DER) devices to supply power to household loads in the household microgrid; a MID driving circuit for driving the MID switch to close or open; and a thermal management circuit couple with a plurality of temperature sensors disposed at each high current connection point to prevent overheat.