Power Flow Management Device for Peer-to-Peer Energy Exchange

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current renewable energy systems, such as solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, lack inter-system interaction capabilities and effective power flow management independent of utility grid connections, leading to inefficiencies in energy distribution and utilization.

Innovation Solution

A device and method for managing power flow between end-user electrical systems using an electrical cable connected directly between systems, equipped with an inverter for AC/DC conversion, a processor for power control, and a memory for data storage, allowing for independent power exchange and monitoring without grid involvement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If renewable energy systems are connected to the grid using preexisting electrical cables and utility company infrastructure, then the systems can utilize existing infrastructure, but the systems cannot effectively manage power flow between systems without accounting for control and regulatory issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveutilization of existing infrastructureVSAvoidpower flow management capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power management function by introducing a dedicated flow control device at each end-user location that independently manages power flow between connected systems. This segmentation allows each device to autonomously make decisions about power exchange without requiring centralized grid control, thereby enabling effective peer-to-peer power flow management while still utilizing existing electrical infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flow control device acts as an intermediary between the renewable energy system and the electrical infrastructure. It mediates power flow by controlling the exchange of electricity between end-user systems through the existing electrical cables, enabling direct power transactions without requiring utility company infrastructure control or regulatory intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If renewable energy systems are connected to the grid, then they can access utility infrastructure, but they lack inter-system interaction capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection to utility infrastructureVSAvoidinter-system interaction capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The flow control device is designed with multi-functionality to handle both grid-connected and peer-to-peer power exchange operations. It can universally manage power flow whether the electricity is coming from the utility grid or from another end-user system, enabling inter-system interaction while maintaining compatibility with existing utility infrastructure connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts its power flow management based on the source and destination of electricity. The flow control device can switch between managing grid power flow and managing peer-to-peer power exchange, enabling flexible inter-system interaction capabilities while maintaining connection to utility infrastructure when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If direct cable connections are used between end-user systems for power exchange, then inter-system power flow is enabled, but grid connection requirements must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirect power exchange capabilityVSAvoidgrid connection compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flow control device performs preliminary identification to determine whether an electrical cable connects to another end-user system or to the utility grid before enabling power exchange. This preliminary action ensures that direct cable connections are only used for peer-to-peer power flow when appropriate, while maintaining compliance with grid connection requirements by preventing unauthorized disconnection from the utility infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables efficient and controlled power flow between renewable energy systems, optimizing energy distribution, usage, and accounting for relative power consumption, allowing for power credits and debits between systems.

Implementation Method 1

an inverter, coupled with the electrical cable, configured to change a type of power from a direct current form to an alternating current form

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Energy Conversion:

Implementation Method 2

a rectifier, coupled with the electrical cable, configured to change the type of power from the alternating current form to the direct current form

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Energy Conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS10128659B2Energy generation interactions bypassing the grid

Publication Date: 2018.11.13 TESLA INC

AI summary

Methods, devices, and systems for controlling energy generation interactions that bypass the grid may be provided. Flow control devices may be directly connected with one another independent of electrical connections to the utility grid. In some examples, the direct connections between the devices may enable sharing of power, controlling power flow over the direct connections, and/or recording relative power flows between the devices.