Backup Interface Module With Multi-Terminals for Load Group Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power distribution systems fail to provide uninterrupted power to critical loads during utility outages, and backup power sources often cannot supply enough power for all loads simultaneously, leading to partial or no backup configurations.
Innovation Solution
An interface enclosure with a backup interface module and base plate that allows for configurable connection configurations, enabling partial or full backup by disconnecting load groups from the utility grid and connecting them to backup power sources, forming a local microgrid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a backup power source is connected to provide power during utility outages, then critical loads can receive uninterrupted power, but the backup power source may be insufficient to supply enough power for all loads simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides loads into multiple priority groups (critical, non-critical, etc.) and uses separate circuit breakers and connection paths for each group. This segmentation allows the backup power source to be selectively connected to only the critical load group when capacity is limited, ensuring reliable power to essential loads without requiring the backup source to support all loads simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements partial backup configuration where only a portion of the loads (critical loads) are connected to the backup power source rather than all loads. This partial action approach accepts that non-critical loads will not receive backup power, but ensures that critical loads receive sufficient uninterrupted power within the constraints of limited backup capacity.
2Reliability
If all loads are connected to the backup power source in a full backup configuration, then all loads receive uninterrupted power, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses segmented load groups with dedicated circuit breakers and connection paths. This modular segmentation simplifies the overall system complexity by allowing independent control and connection of different load groups to the backup source, making the system easier to configure, install, and maintain compared to a monolithic full-backup system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides dynamic reconfigurability through manually operable circuit breakers that allow users to adjust which load groups are connected to backup power based on changing needs. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt between no-backup, partial-backup, and full-backup configurations without requiring complex automated control systems.
3Reliability
If load groups are disconnected from the utility grid and connected to backup power sources, then a local microgrid is formed providing backup power, but the switching and connection management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit breakers are designed with multi-functionality to handle both utility grid connection and backup power source connection through standardized terminals and connection mechanisms. This universal design simplifies operation by using the same switching device and connection procedure regardless of which power source is active, reducing operational complexity despite the dual-source capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, and methods are described for a backup system. The configuration of the backup system in terms of number of load groups, power sources, and/or total power limit may be altered. An interface enclosure of the backup system may include a housing for electric circuitry, where the housing may be a clam-shell design including a base plate and a backup interface module. The base plate may comprise a frame, one or more detachable hinges, and/or two or more multi-terminals. The base plate may include a plurality of multi-terminals. The multi-terminals may be arranged to connect to one or more load groups, power sources, power devices, other multi-terminals, etc. Each load group that is connected to the multi-terminals may be disconnected from the utility grid and connected to the one or more sources of backup power in the case of a utility grid shutdown.