Peer-to-Peer Power Bus Architecture for Local Energy Trading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy systems lack the ability for peer-to-peer energy sharing between individual users without relying on the utility grid, limiting direct energy management and storage resource sharing among local users.
Innovation Solution
A peer-to-peer energy sharing network is established with a common bus connecting local nodes, each equipped with generating capacity, storage devices, and loads, using interface devices and controllers to facilitate energy transfer and negotiation based on energy needs, allowing direct energy trading behind the utility meter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If local nodes are connected to the utility grid for energy exchange, then energy distribution is enabled, but direct peer-to-peer energy sharing between individual users cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the energy distribution network into independent local nodes, each with its own controller, interface device, and metering system. This segmentation enables individual users to autonomously participate in peer-to-peer energy trading while maintaining connection to the common bus, resolving the contradiction between enabling direct energy sharing and avoiding grid dependency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a common bus as an intermediary component that facilitates direct energy exchange between local nodes without requiring utility grid intervention. The bus serves as a neutral platform where users can trade energy peer-to-peer, while interface devices and controllers act as mediators to manage transactions and ensure proper metering and control.
2Reliability
If energy is stored in local storage drawn from the utility grid, then energy availability is improved, but the ability to sell back energy to local peers is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables local nodes to serve themselves by storing energy locally and directly trading with neighboring nodes through the common bus. Each node has autonomous control over its storage and trading decisions, allowing users to store energy from any source (including the grid) and subsequently resale it to local peers without utility grid restrictions, achieving both reliability and adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a peer-to-peer energy sharing network is established, then direct energy trading between users is enabled, but additional control and interface devices are required at each node
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the interface device and controller as universal, multi-functional units that handle multiple tasks: controlling energy flow to and from the common bus, metering energy transactions, negotiating trading terms with other nodes, and managing local storage and generation. This consolidation of functions into single components reduces the number of separate devices needed at each node while maintaining full peer-to-peer trading capability.
4Productivity
If local nodes negotiate energy needs directly, then transaction efficiency is improved, but communication infrastructure between controllers is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the communication function with the existing control infrastructure by having controllers communicate through the same common bus that carries energy. This integration eliminates the need for separate dedicated communication networks, as energy signals and control signals share the same physical medium, achieving efficient transactions without adding communication infrastructure complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A peer-to-peer energy sharing network includes a common bus; a first node including a first local bus electrically connected to the common bus, at least one of a load, a storage device, and a generating capacity electrically connected to the first local bus through a first interface device, and a first local controller in communication with the first interface device; and a second node including a second local bus electrically connected to the common bus, at least one of a load, a storage device, and a generating capacity electrically connected to the second local bus through a second interface device, and a second local controller in communication with the second interface device, wherein the each interface device is controlled by its local controller to selectively pass electrical energy to and/or from the common bus via its local bus.