Meter Socket Disconnect Adapter for Grid-Backup Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating backup electricity sources with residential building circuits and the power grid is complicated and costly, especially when retrofitting existing buildings, due to the need for isolation circuitry between the power meter and circuit breaker panel, which is difficult to install and relocate loads.
Innovation Solution
A power disconnect system in the form of an adapter that plugs into the power meter socket, providing isolation circuitry between the power meter and the main power input, enabling automatic and dynamic transitions between isolation and connected modes, and facilitating communication with backup power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If isolation circuitry is integrated between the power meter and circuit breaker panel, then safety is improved by preventing backfeed to the grid, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interrupt switch system is nested within the existing meter socket infrastructure. The housing mates with the electric meter socket on one side and the electric meter on the other side, effectively nesting the isolation circuitry within the existing power delivery path without requiring separate installation space or complex external wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The interrupt switch system acts as an intermediary device between the power meter and the circuit breaker panel. It introduces isolation circuitry that includes switching elements and control circuits to detect grid failures and automatically disconnect the building from the grid, preventing backfeed while maintaining safety.
2Productivity
If Automatic Transfer Switches are used to provide backup power to all circuits, then power availability is improved during grid failures, but ease of operation and system complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The interrupt switch system provides self-service automatic operation. The control circuits automatically detect grid failures through sensing elements and trigger the switching elements to disconnect from the grid and connect to backup power sources without requiring manual intervention, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring power availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where control circuits continuously monitor the grid connection status and automatically adjust the switching state. When grid failure is detected, the control circuits send signals to the switching elements to transition to backup power mode, and when grid power is restored, they automatically switch back, maintaining continuous power availability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If retrofitting is performed in existing buildings, then adaptability is improved, but ease of manufacture and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed as a universal adapter that mates with standard electric meter sockets. The same housing design can accommodate different electric meter types and configurations, allowing the interrupt switch system to be retrofitted into existing buildings without requiring custom-manufactured components or complex installation procedures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables cost-effective installation of isolation circuitry without relocating loads, improves power monitoring, and allows seamless transitions between grid and backup power sources, ensuring safety and efficiency during power disruptions.
Implementation Method 1
The sense circuit comprises at least one Rogowski coil configured to sense power flow through a bus bar pair that feeds the grid power to the electric meter
Data Source
AI summary
The systems and methods herein described isolating a circuit breaker panel for a building from a grid circuit during an event disrupting the grid circuit. In one aspect, a interrupt switch system comprises a housing configured to mate with an electric meter socket on a first side and an electric meter on a second side, the housing comprising power inputs from grid power and power outputs to a circuit breaker panel and an interrupt circuit disposed within the housing and configured to interrupt a flow of electricity from the power inputs to the power outputs.