Modular Transfer Switching for Multi-Source Home Energy Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing home energy management systems lack the ability to flexibly switch between multiple energy sources, such as utilities, backup generators, solar power, and energy storage components, limiting their ability to automatically or manually manage energy distribution and optimize energy usage.

Innovation Solution

A modular multi-throw or multi-pole switching system that includes modular transfer switches, allowing for the addition of multiple energy sources, including utilities, backup energy sources, and energy storage components, enabling flexible configurations and automatic/manual switching between them.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a non-modular switching system is used, then the system structure is simple, but the system lacks flexibility in configuring multiple energy sources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in configuring energy sourcesVSAvoidswitching system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switching system is divided into modular transfer switch modules, where each module can be independently configured and combined. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different energy source configurations (utility, solar, battery, generator) without requiring a complete system redesign, thus improving versatility while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized module interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular transfer switch modules are designed with universal functionality to handle multiple energy sources and switching scenarios. Each module can operate with different combinations of energy sources (solar, battery, generator, utility) and can perform multiple functions including switching, charging, and power management, thereby achieving high adaptability without proportionally increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple energy sources are added to the system, then energy management flexibility improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy source combinationsVSAvoidswitching system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each energy source connection is handled by independent modular transfer switch modules. When multiple energy sources are added, users simply add corresponding modules rather than redesigning the entire switching system. This segmentation approach allows incremental expansion of energy source combinations while maintaining system manageability through standardized module interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular transfer switch modules are pre-configured with default switching logic and control parameters for common energy source combinations. This preliminary configuration reduces the complexity of integrating multiple energy sources, as the modules come ready-to-use with built-in switching algorithms, requiring minimal additional configuration when adding new energy sources to the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If automatic switching between energy sources is implemented, then energy management efficiency improves, but control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy management efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The modular transfer switch modules incorporate built-in automatic switching capabilities with pre-programmed control logic that enables them to autonomously manage switching between energy sources based on system conditions. This self-service approach improves energy management efficiency by eliminating the need for complex external control systems, as each module independently monitors and switches based on its local sensors and control algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control system uses feedback from system sensors (voltage, current, power availability) to automatically adjust switching decisions. Each modular transfer switch module receives feedback about the status of connected energy sources and automatically switches between them based on predefined criteria, improving energy management efficiency through responsive, condition-based control without requiring complex centralized management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250023361A1Multi-throw or multi-pole switching systems and methods for providing modular switching combinations for enabling flexible home energy management

Publication Date: 2025.01.16 SIEMENS INDUSTRY INC

AI summary

Multi-throw or multi-pole switching systems and methods are provided for providing modular switching combinations for enabling flexible home energy management. A switching system comprises an energy management system configured to switch between a plurality of energy sources (e.g., a utility, backup energy source(s) and energy storage component(s)) automatically/manually to enable flexible configurations thereof. The switching system further comprises one or more modular transfer switches configured to add to the energy management system one or more energy sources. If a module is made of n poles then adding each module can add n-1 energy resources. The one or more modular transfer switches are multi-throw or multi-pole switches.