Off-Peak Power Conservation System with Bypass Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power conservation systems are complex, expensive, and aesthetically unattractive, requiring extensive labor for installation, and do not efficiently optimize the use of utility power sources, leading to high costs for consumers and increased load on the national electrical grid.
Innovation Solution
An electric power conservation system comprising a DC rechargeable energy source, an energy charger component, an inverter unit, a bypass isolation circuit, and a monitor and control unit that optimizes utility power usage by converting stored DC energy into AC power, allowing for efficient management and reduced utility power consumption, with provisions for automatic deactivation and reactivation, and a bypass method to disconnect active components when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If solar panel systems and wind powered systems are used for power conservation, then power generation capability is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex solar panel and wind power generation components from the system, retaining only the essential battery storage and inverter functions. This simplifies the system while maintaining power conservation capability through off-peak hour charging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive battery-based energy storage system instead of complex renewable generation systems. The focus is on a cost-effective solution using standard electrical components rather than expensive specialized equipment.
2Power
If solar panel systems and wind powered systems are used, then power generation capability is improved, but installation labor and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the time-consuming solar panel installation and wind turbine setup processes, keeping only the simple battery and inverter integration that can be installed quickly using standard electrical connections.
3Loss of energy
If additional circuitry and hardware are added for power feedback to utility, then power conservation capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex power feedback circuitry to the utility grid, focusing instead on a simpler system that charges batteries during off-peak hours and discharges during peak hours, eliminating the need for sophisticated bidirectional power management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves itself by automatically charging during off-peak hours and discharging during peak hours without requiring complex external control systems or utility grid interaction, reducing overall system complexity.
4Loss of energy
If elaborate power conservation systems are implemented, then power conservation capability is improved, but manufacturing and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive, readily available components such as standard batteries and inverters instead of expensive specialized equipment, making the system economically viable for widespread adoption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates expensive solar panels, wind turbines, and complex control systems, retaining only the essential and affordable battery storage and inverter components needed for basic power conservation functionality.
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 system effectively conserves electric utility power, reduces the load on the national electrical grid, and provides cost savings for industrial, commercial, and residential users by minimizing utility power consumption and supporting loads during off-peak hours using stored energy.
Implementation Method 1
a DC rechargeable energy source
Implementation Method 2
an inverter unit for changing the stored DC energy into AC power
Data Source
AI summary
An electric power conservation system to be used between an AC utility power source and a load circuit in a home or business. The electric power conservation system comprises an energy charger component, a DC rechargeable energy source, an inverter unit, a bypass isolation circuit, a monitor and control unit, coil contactors and contacts, and necessary circuitry for supplying a load circuit with the power it requires. The invention reduces consumption of electric power from public utility companies, thereby decreasing the load on the national electrical grid. Where utility companies offer lower off-peak rates to consumers of electrical power, it becomes exceedingly desirable to have such a system in place, to save consumers money. During normal operations wherein normal utility power is available, the load circuit derives part of its power from the AC utility power source, and the remaining power that it requires from the electric power conservation system.