Microcontroller-Controlled Power Distribution Panel Without Circuit Breakers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy management systems are limited in capability and expensive, particularly for smaller residential and commercial structures, and rely on mechanical circuit breakers that increase installation and repair costs, as well as require frequent resetting.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state, microprocessor-controlled electric power distribution panel that uses bi-directional bus bars and a microcontroller to securely transfer power and data without circuit breakers, enabling continuous monitoring, regulation, and control of energy consumption, while integrating with human machine interfaces, wireless communication, and energy storage devices for remote control and data reporting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical circuit breakers are used in power distribution panels, then circuit protection is provided, but installation and repair costs increase and frequent resetting is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical circuit breakers with solid-state electronic protection devices controlled by a microcontroller. The electronic system uses current sensing circuits and microprocessor-based logic to detect and respond to fault conditions, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts, springs, and arc quenching mechanisms. This substitution reduces installation complexity and eliminates the need for manual resetting after trips.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic protection system automatically detects fault conditions through current sensing and responds without human intervention. The microcontroller monitors circuit parameters continuously and can automatically disconnect protection devices when faults are detected, providing self-service protection that eliminates the need for manual operation and frequent resetting required by mechanical breakers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If centralized computer-based energy management systems are used, then comprehensive monitoring and control is achieved, but cost becomes prohibitively expensive for smaller structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the energy management system into modular components distributed throughout the power panel. Each circuit has its own protection and monitoring device that can independently sense and report conditions. This segmentation allows the system to provide comprehensive monitoring capabilities similar to centralized systems but at a lower cost scaleable to smaller structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The microcontroller and electronic protection devices perform multiple functions including circuit protection, energy monitoring, data logging, and communication. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate specialized components, achieving comprehensive monitoring and control capabilities at a fraction of the cost of traditional centralized computer-based systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular power distribution systems with circuit breakers are used, then power distribution flexibility is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the circuit breaker function, current sensing, protection logic, and communication capabilities into integrated electronic modules mounted on the panel bus. This merging reduces the number of separate components and connections required, simplifying the overall system while maintaining modular flexibility for different power distribution configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric power distribution panel/system is disclosed. The system comprises an enclosure or housing including a front panel, a microcontroller, an input power line, and one or more power bus bars. The microcontroller is configured to control the operation of the system. The input power line is configured to receive power from the main power source, such as electric utility company equipment. The bus bars could or may transmit power from the input power line to one or more loads via the plurality of output modules. The plurality of output modules is configured to transmit power to the loads at pre-established levels from the input power line after completion of circuit tests by the microcontroller. The circuit tests ensure secure transfer of power and data to the loads via the bus bars and the plurality of output modules without using circuit breakers.