Modular Overcurrent Protection Configuration for Custom Solar Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar energy systems often come with non-customizable circuitry, limiting users' ability to tailor their systems to specific requirements, such as varying amperage needs, which can lead to inadequate overcurrent protection and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A modular overcurrent protection apparatus with a user interface that allows users to specify inputs for customizable overcurrent protection elements, such as fuses and breakers, enabling plug-and-play integration of solar energy components, including DC sources, charge controllers, and AC inverters, to create tailored energy generation and storage systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing solar energy systems use non-customizable circuitry, then the system structure is simplified and easier to manufacture, but the user cannot tailor the system to specific amperage needs, leading to inadequate overcurrent protection and safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The overcurrent protection apparatus is divided into modular components including a user interface module, calculation module, and customizable breaker/fuse selection module. This segmentation allows users to configure protection parameters independently without redesigning the entire system, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed with universal functionality to support various solar energy components (DC sources, charge controllers, AC inverters) through a single platform. The user interface can handle multiple configuration scenarios and component types, providing adaptability across different system requirements while maintaining a unified device structure.
2Reliability
If users are provided with full customization options for overcurrent protection, then the system can be tailored to specific requirements improving safety, but the user interface and configuration process become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus includes an automated calculation module that computes required amperage and selects appropriate breaker/fuse ratings based on user-provided system parameters. This self-service functionality eliminates the need for users to manually calculate protection requirements, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliable, code-compliant overcurrent protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The user interface provides real-time feedback during configuration, displaying calculated amperage values, recommended protection element ratings, and validation of user inputs against electrical codes. This feedback mechanism guides users through the configuration process, reducing errors while maintaining comprehensive customization capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the apparatus supports plug-and-play integration of multiple solar energy components, then the system versatility is improved, but the device complexity and number of integration points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus employs universal connection protocols and standardized interface definitions that work across all supported component types (solar panels, batteries, charge controllers, inverters). This universal approach allows plug-and-play integration of multiple components without requiring separate configuration procedures for each component type, maintaining versatility while controlling complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An approach is disclosed for assisting a user with configuring an integrated circuit in one or more boards with a customizable construction. A user interface (UI) is provided that allows a user to specify inputs to an apparatus. The apparatus being an enclosure for integrating attachable modular customizable solar energy components and where the components are coupled to the integrated circuit. The apparatus supports connecting user customizable plug and play components to the integrated circuit. Responsive to the user utilizing the UI by specifying inputs, the UI identifies requirements for overcurrent protection elements in the apparatus at a location in the apparatus where an overcurrent protection element meeting the requirements is inserted.