Bi-Directional RV Power Conversion for Property Backup Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing backup power systems for properties, such as generators and battery backup systems, are complicated, expensive, and inefficient, while RV power systems are bulky and require separate components like inverters, taking up valuable space.

Innovation Solution

A recreational vehicle (RV) is equipped with a bi-directional power conversion unit (PCU) that integrates solar modules, inverter modules, and charger modules, allowing it to act as a backup power source or supplemental power for a property, with bi-directional power flow between the RV and the premise, eliminating the need for separate inverters and maximizing living space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate backup power systems (generators or battery systems) are installed for properties, then reliable backup power is provided, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackup power reliabilityVSAvoidpower system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The RV power system is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the RV's own power source when in use, and as a backup power source for external properties when parked. The inverter module can switch between powering RV loads and providing power to external premises, eliminating the need for separate dedicated backup power systems at properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the RV's existing battery module and inverter to provide backup power services to external properties, rather than requiring properties to install their own separate backup systems. The RV essentially serves itself and its owner's property through its integrated power system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If traditional battery backup systems with inverters are installed, then AC power is provided during grid failure, but system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAC power availabilityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The inverter module is designed to serve dual purposes: converting DC to AC for RV loads during normal operation, and providing AC power to external premises during grid failures. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate inverters at properties, reducing overall system cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of properties discarding money on separate backup power systems, the solution recovers value by utilizing the RV's existing power system components (battery module and inverter) to provide backup power services, effectively transferring the backup power function from property infrastructure to mobile RV infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate inverters and power components are installed in RVs, then DC to AC conversion is achieved, but valuable RV space is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower conversion capabilityVSAvoidRV interior space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power conversion system merges multiple previously separate components (inverter, battery management, power conversion circuitry) into a single integrated inverter module that fits within the RV's existing battery module housing. This consolidation provides full DC to AC conversion capability while minimizing the space required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 RV can efficiently provide backup or supplemental power to a property, utilizing its integrated power modules to convert and distribute power flexibly, reducing the need for additional equipment and optimizing space usage.

Implementation Method 1

a solar module operable to receive DC voltage from one or more solar panels and convert the DC voltage to a second DC voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic conversion: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

a charger module operable to convert AC voltage into DC voltage to charge the RV battery module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAC to DC conversion:

Implementation Method 3

an inverter module operable to convert DC voltage provided by the RV battery module into AC voltage that powers one or more RV AC loads

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDC to AC conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS20260031628A1Multi-functional power conversion units for recreational vehicles providing BI-directional electrical power

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 THOR TECH CORP

AI summary

A recreational vehicle (RV) includes a battery module that is charged when the RV battery module has a state of charge below a threshold and voltage is received at one or more of an RV AC input receptacle and a bi-directional receptacle, or voltage is received at a solar module. AC voltage is provided at an AC outlet receptacle to power one or more of a grid and a building when the battery module has a state of charge above a threshold and voltage is received at one or more of the RV AC input receptacle and the bi-directional receptacle, or DC voltage is received at the solar module. AC voltage is provided at the AC outlet receptacle to power the building when the battery module has a state of charge above a threshold and no voltage is received at the RV AC input receptacle or the RV bi-directional receptacle.