Electrical Panel Architecture for Real-Time Load and DER Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical panels lack feedback mechanisms to determine energy flows and control loads beyond breaker tripping or total usage, limiting effective management and integration of distributed energy resources.
Innovation Solution
An integrated electrical management system with embedded power electronics for DC coupling, current sensing modules, and processing equipment to monitor, control, and manage energy flows, supporting DC-DC isolation, seamless islanding, and modular power conversion, enabling communication with external devices and third-party applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional electrical panels are used with basic metering and breakers, then the system is simple and reliable, but there is no feedback capability to determine energy flows or control loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements comprehensive feedback mechanisms through current sensing modules that continuously monitor energy flows in real-time. The system provides feedback on power consumption, generation, and storage across multiple circuits, enabling intelligent control decisions. This resolves the contradiction by adding information feedback capabilities while managing complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical panel is designed as a multi-functional platform that integrates metering, monitoring, control, and communication capabilities into a single system. The universal busbar architecture and modular components allow the same panel to handle various energy resources (solar, battery, grid) and provide multiple functions (monitoring, control, protection), reducing overall system complexity while enhancing information availability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If distributed energy resources are integrated without DC coupling capability, then the system architecture is simpler, but seamless integration and self-consumption mode are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The power conversion system is segmented into modular DC-DC converters and inverters that can be independently configured for different energy resources. Each module handles specific functions (solar input, battery storage, grid connection) allowing flexible integration of distributed energy resources. This segmentation enables adaptable DER integration while managing complexity through standardized modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a DC busbar as an intermediary that couples distributed energy resources directly in DC mode before conversion to AC. This DC intermediary layer enables seamless integration of DC-based resources (solar panels, batteries) without requiring AC-DC conversion, facilitating self-consumption mode and reducing power losses while managing complexity through a standardized DC coupling architecture.
3Productivity
If comprehensive monitoring and control systems are implemented, then energy management capability is enhanced, but the system becomes less field-serviceable
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring and control system is divided into independent modular components (current sensing modules, communication modules, control circuits) that can be individually accessed, tested, and replaced. This segmentation maintains high energy management efficiency while improving field serviceability, as technicians can service specific modules without dismantling the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-diagnostics and communication capabilities that allow it to monitor its own status, detect faults, and provide diagnostic information to technicians. This self-service feature enhances energy management through continuous monitoring while facilitating easier field repair by providing diagnostic guidance and reducing troubleshooting time.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated electrical management system includes an electrical panel, at least one busbar mounted to the electrical panel, at least one controllable breaker electrically coupled to the at least one busbar, and processing equipment configured to process electrical signals. The processing equipment includes control circuitry configured to control the at least one controllable breaker, and one or more current sensing modules configured to sense a respective current for each of the at least one controllable breakers. The system senses currents or otherwise electrical load in branch circuit, and is configured to control the breakers on or off to control electrical load in each branch circuit. The system may receive user input, input from devices, input from other systems or network entities, or inputs from sensors, and in response determines operating parameters. Operating parameters may include on-off schedules for breakers, temporal information, fault information, or other suitable operating parameters.