Smart Switching Panel for Selective Secondary Power Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transfer switch panels underutilize the available power from secondary power supplies, both during and after primary power supply interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A smart switching panel with individual switching elements connected to both primary and secondary power supplies, equipped with current sensors and a controller that can selectively switch power sources based on current draw, cost of electricity, and availability of secondary power supplies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a transfer switch panel is used to provide continuous power to essential loads upon primary power supply interruption, then reliability of power supply is improved, but the secondary power supply is underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power distribution system into individual switching elements for each load, allowing independent control of power source selection. This segmentation enables the system to optimize secondary power supply utilization by directing specific loads to secondary power while maintaining essential load continuity, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts power source allocation based on real-time conditions including secondary power availability, load requirements, and system state. The controller continuously monitors and reconfigures switching elements to maximize secondary power utilization while ensuring essential loads maintain continuous power supply, transforming a static transfer switch into a dynamic power optimization system.
2Loss of energy
If individual switching elements are added to allow selective switching between power sources, then secondary power supply utilization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it monitors secondary power availability, tracks load requirements, manages switching element states, and optimizes power allocation. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate complex subsystems into a single intelligent controller, reducing overall system complexity while achieving improved secondary power utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the primary power supply, secondary power supply, and multiple loads. It centralizes the decision-making logic for power source selection and coordinates all switching elements through a single control interface, simplifying the system architecture compared to distributed control approaches while maximizing secondary power utilization.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the controller monitors current draw and selectively switches power sources, then energy consumption optimization is improved, but measurement and control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback loops where current sensors continuously monitor load current draw, and the controller uses this information to dynamically adjust power source allocation. This feedback mechanism enables real-time energy optimization by directing loads to the most efficient power source based on actual consumption patterns, while the automated control reduces the complexity of manual monitoring and adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A smart switching panel includes a plurality of switching elements each connected to both a primary power supply and a secondary power supply and to at least one electric load, a controller operatively connected to each of the plurality of switching elements, and a plurality of current sensors each in communication with the controller. Each of the plurality of switching elements is operable in a first condition and a second condition. The controller is operable to independently control a condition of each of the switching elements. Each of the current sensors is positioned between one of the switching elements and the at least one electric load associated with the switching element.