Microgrid System with Switched Isolation for Power Reliability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power grids face inefficiencies and reliability issues in delivering electricity, particularly for end users who require uninterrupted and high-quality power, as they often rely on fossil fuels and have long transmission distances with above-ground wiring, leading to potential power outages and fluctuating voltage and frequency.
Innovation Solution
A microgrid system that directly connects end users to local generation facilities, such as solar panels and batteries, providing electrically isolated, low-voltage distribution networks with a controller managing real-time electricity distribution to ensure high-quality power and reduce reliance on public utility systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional power grids use long transmission distances with above-ground wiring, then electricity can be delivered to end users, but reliability deteriorates due to potential power outages and susceptibility to environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the conventional centralized power grid into smaller, independent microgrid segments. Each microgrid serves a local community or facility with its own generation and distribution infrastructure, electrically isolating it from the broader grid. This segmentation reduces transmission distances within each microgrid and eliminates vulnerability to widespread outages affecting entire regions.
2Reliability
If conventional power grids use high-voltage transmission, then electricity can be efficiently transmitted over long distances, but voltage stability deteriorates due to fluctuating voltage and frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local generation and distribution within microgrids, eliminating the need for high-voltage long-distance transmission. Each microgrid operates at appropriate local voltage levels with centralized control that maintains voltage and frequency stability through real-time monitoring and adjustment, providing consistent power quality without the fluctuations inherent in extended high-voltage transmission networks.
3Reliability
If conventional power grids rely on fossil fuel generators, then electricity generation is reliable and controllable, but environmental harm increases due to pollution and carbon emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions microgrids from fossil fuel-based generation to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. This parameter change in the energy source fundamentally reduces environmental harm while maintaining generation reliability through diversified renewable portfolios, energy storage systems, and intelligent load management that balances supply and demand.
4Adaptability or versatility
If public utility grids operate centralized distribution networks, then infrastructure costs are reduced through shared assets, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to provide customized power solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs microgrids with multi-functional capabilities that can operate in multiple modes: connected to the broader grid for shared infrastructure benefits, or electrically isolated as independent entities during outages or for localized control. This universality allows the same infrastructure to serve both centralized efficiency and decentralized adaptability, providing customized power solutions to different communities while maintaining cost-effective shared assets where applicable.
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
The microgrid system significantly increases the reliability and quality of electricity supply, providing up to 90% of an end user's energy needs with cleaner, uninterrupted power, while reducing costs and susceptibility to outages, especially for critical facilities like hospitals.
Implementation Method 1
local generation facilities, such as solar panels and batteries
Implementation Method 2
local generation facilities, such as solar panels and batteries
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a first electrical network includes one or more first electricity producing elements, and a first conductive path electrically couples at least some of those elements to an end user's electrical wiring, which is coupled by a second conductive path to one or more second electricity producing elements of a public utility electrical network. A switch coupled between the first conductive path and the end user's electrical wiring and between the second conductive path and the end user's electrical wiring electrically isolates the first electrical network from the public utility electrical network. Based on a determination of whether an amount of electricity used by the end user exceeds an amount of electricity the first electrical network is capable of providing to the end user, the switch either draws electricity only from the first electrical network or from both the first electrical network and the public utility electrical network.