Smart energy hub

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing smart home systems lack efficient integration and control of energy management across various appliances and energy sources, including photovoltaic panels, batteries, and electric vehicles, leading to suboptimal energy utilization and reliance on external grids.

Innovation Solution

A smart energy hub integrated with an inverter that manages the conversion of DC to AC electricity and controls the distribution of energy among smart energy devices, utilizing processors to optimize energy use based on real-time data and user preferences, including weather and tariff information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a smart energy hub is integrated with an inverter to manage energy distribution, then energy efficiency and self-consumption are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the smart energy hub functionality with the inverter into a single integrated device. The inverter is upgraded to include processing capabilities, memory, and communication interfaces, allowing it to perform both power conversion and energy management functions. This merging eliminates the need for separate control systems and reduces overall system complexity despite adding advanced features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The inverter is designed to perform multiple functions: DC to AC power conversion, energy storage management, load control, communication with utility grids, and optimization of energy consumption. By making the inverter a universal energy management device, the system achieves high energy efficiency without requiring multiple specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If real-time processing and control of energy distribution is implemented, then energy utilization is optimized, but processing requirements and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy utilizationVSAvoidprocessing requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by predicting future energy production from renewable sources and anticipating energy consumption patterns. The processor uses stored historical data and weather information to pre-calculate optimal energy distribution strategies, reducing the need for complex real-time processing during actual energy management operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The inverter incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor energy production, storage levels, and consumption patterns. This feedback is processed to automatically adjust energy distribution decisions, enabling optimized energy utilization through adaptive control rather than complex open-loop processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple energy sources and smart devices are integrated into a single hub, then energy management capability is improved, but device complexity and integration difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy management capabilityVSAvoidintegration difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The smart energy hub is designed with modular architecture, where different energy sources (PV panels, wind turbines, battery storage) and load types can be independently connected and managed. The processor can selectively activate and manage specific energy sources and devices based on current conditions, making the system adaptable without requiring complete reintegration for each new component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inverter acts as an intermediary device that standardizes communication and control between diverse energy sources and smart devices. By providing unified interfaces and protocols, it simplifies the integration of multiple heterogeneous components into the energy management system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enhances energy efficiency by maximizing self-consumption, optimizing energy distribution, and reducing reliance on external grids, while providing seamless control and management of smart devices through local and remote interfaces.

Implementation Method 1

The inverter converts direct current (DC) electricity from the PV panels to alternating current (AC) electricity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDC to AC conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS12531762B2Smart energy hub

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 SOLAREDGE TECH LTD

AI summary

Systems, apparatuses, and methods are described for a smart energy home. The smart energy home may promote optimization of consumption of electricity by appliances and other consumer devices. Prioritization of where and when electricity may be provided to various appliances, chargers, or other devices which draw electrical power may be managed by the smart energy home. Information concerning prevailing weather conditions and contemporaneous electrical tariffs may be utilized in processes executed by the smart energy home. Related systems, apparatuses, and methods are also described.