Modular Inverter Hot-Swap Architecture for Flexible Energy Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power management systems for micro-level power generation and consumption, such as solar and wind power, face challenges in efficiently handling and converting varying voltage sources, leading to inefficiencies and limitations in energy storage and grid integration.
Innovation Solution
A modular inverter system with swappable modules that include charge controllers, inverter/charger modules, and a system controller, allowing for seamless integration of multiple power sources and sinks, enabling efficient conversion and storage of energy while allowing for hot-swapping of modules under load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional power management systems are used for micro-level power generation, then power conversion and grid integration are achieved, but system flexibility and efficiency are limited due to fixed architecture and inability to handle varying voltage sources efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system is divided into separate functional modules including inverter modules, charge controller modules, and meter modules. Each module can be independently configured, installed, and replaced based on specific power generation needs, enabling flexible adaptation to varying voltage sources and power requirements without redesigning the entire system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular inverter system is designed with universal interfaces and standardized mounting configurations that allow the same module type to serve multiple functions. For example, inverter modules can handle both grid-tied and off-grid operations, and the system can accommodate various DC voltage inputs from different sources (solar panels, wind turbines, batteries) through a common modular architecture.
2Ease of repair
If modules are swapped in conventional systems, then maintenance and upgrades are possible, but power generation must be interrupted causing loss of continuity
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates pre-configured module receptacles with hot-swap capability, allowing modules to be replaced without shutting down the power management system. The electrical connections are designed with quick-connect interfaces that maintain power flow through remaining operational modules during the replacement process, enabling maintenance and upgrades without interrupting power generation to the home or grid.
3Productivity
If fixed-power inverter systems are used, then system design is simplified, but the system cannot efficiently handle varying power generation from renewable sources
Solution Approach 1:
The modular inverter system enables dynamic configuration where the number and type of inverter modules can be adjusted based on real-time power generation needs. Users can start with a single inverter module for small-scale generation and progressively add more modules as their renewable energy production increases, allowing the system to efficiently handle varying power levels from different DC voltage sources without oversizing the initial installation.
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 modular system enhances flexibility and efficiency in energy management, allowing for easy expansion and maintenance, continuous power generation, and grid tie-in capabilities, even when the battery is fully charged, thereby optimizing energy utilization and grid integration.
Implementation Method 1
an inverter/charger module configured to convert a DC voltage to an AC voltage for supplying AC power
Implementation Method 2
configured to convert a first magnitude of AC-sourced current received from an AC bus and a second magnitude of DC-sourced current received from a DC bus into a third magnitude of current
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for receiving a first magnitude of AC-sourced current at an inverter/charger from an AC bus and receiving a second magnitude of DC-sourced current at the inverter/charger from a DC bus. Then, a third magnitude of current is delivered to a load coupled to the AC bus. Given the dual originating sources of possible current to supply power to the load, the method may determine if the third magnitude of current being delivered to the load is less than the second magnitude of DC-sourced current and then, in response, converting a portion of the first magnitude of AC-sourced current into DC current to charge a DC source. Similarly, the method may determine if the third magnitude of current being delivered to the load is greater than the second magnitude DC-sourced current, and then, in response, inverting the DC-sourced current into an AC current.