Smart DC Receptacle With Variable Voltage for Conversion Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing AC power distribution systems in buildings incur inefficiencies due to the need for AC to DC conversion in devices, resulting in power loss, as they cannot directly utilize DC power from sources like solar panels or batteries, which are increasingly prevalent.
Innovation Solution
A smart receptacle and plug system that supplies variable DC power, using a plug identification module to determine the required voltage and priority level of devices, enabling direct DC power distribution without conversion losses, employing a digital compute device, power line communication, and variable voltage regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If AC power distribution is used in buildings, then existing infrastructure and devices can be supported, but power conversion losses occur when converting AC to DC for DC-powered devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameter from AC to DC at the distribution level. The receptacle system accepts DC power input and provides DC power output to devices, eliminating the AC-to-DC conversion chain and associated losses while enabling direct utilization of DC power sources like solar panels and batteries
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of converting DC to AC and back to DC (the conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by directly distributing DC power from the source to DC-powered devices through DC receptacles and plugs, eliminating unnecessary conversion steps
2Loss of energy
If DC power is distributed directly to devices, then power conversion losses are eliminated, but devices with different voltage requirements cannot be supported
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle system dynamically adjusts its output voltage based on the connected device's requirements. The receptacle reads the device's voltage requirement through the plug identification module and adjusts its output accordingly, enabling a single DC distribution system to support multiple voltage levels (5V, 12V, 24V, etc.) without energy loss
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables devices to specify their own voltage requirements through the plug identification module. The device essentially tells the receptacle what voltage it needs, and the receptacle automatically configures itself to provide the correct voltage, eliminating the need for manual configuration or fixed-voltage design
3Device complexity
If fixed voltage DC power is supplied to all devices, then the system is simple to implement, but devices with different voltage requirements suffer from conversion losses
Solution Approach 1:
The DC receptacle is designed as a universal interface that can serve multiple functions: it can detect device voltage requirements, adjust its output voltage accordingly, and support multiple device types with different power needs. This multi-functionality is achieved through integration of the power supply, voltage regulation, and device communication capabilities in a single receptacle unit
Data Source
AI summary
The smart DC outlet and plug system described in this patent aims to revolutionize power distribution by improving efficiency and safety compared to traditional AC outlets. By supporting variable DC voltage, integrating safety features, enabling demand control, and utilizing Power Line Communication for connectivity, the system offers a more advanced solution for powering devices. The smart outlet employs plug identification to determine the priority level and required voltage of the plugged-in device and then sets it to that level. Since DC electricity is produced by solar and used in batteries, by transitioning the in-home power distribution to DC, power is not lost converting from DC to AC and back to DC. Additionally, the outlet includes safety features not found in AC outlets. A power meter box or other central controller can deactivate less critical devices, enabling fine-grain demand control as a better alternative to rolling blackouts.