Smart Transfer Switch for Vehicle-to-Building Backup Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles with on-board power sources face challenges in supplying power to buildings due to ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected outlets and bonded neutral generators, requiring separate devices like Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS) to transfer power safely.
Innovation Solution
A smart transfer switch communicatively coupled with the vehicle via a wireless network, detects utility power interruptions, enables power transfer from the vehicle to the building, and automatically switches back to the grid when utility power is restored, masking ground faults and optimizing power supply based on vehicle state and load requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GFCI protected outlets with bonded neutral generators are used in vehicles, then user safety is improved through ground fault protection, but power transfer capability to buildings deteriorates due to shutdowns when ground faults are detected
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer switch acts as an intermediary device between the vehicle's GFCI-protected power source and the building's electrical system. It provides a separate ground path that bypasses the vehicle's bonded neutral system, allowing the GFCI to remain functional for user safety while enabling stable power transfer to the building without unnecessary shutdowns.
2Stability of the object's composition
If Automatic Transfer Switches are used to connect vehicle to building, then power transfer stability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional equipment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer switch is designed to perform multiple functions: it enables power transfer from the vehicle to the building, provides ground fault protection, masks ground faults to prevent unnecessary shutdowns, and automatically switches between vehicle and utility power sources. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer switch automatically detects ground faults, masks them, and manages the power transfer without requiring manual intervention. It also automatically switches between power sources based on availability, providing self-service operation that simplifies the overall system complexity despite the advanced functionality.
3Ease of operation
If direct cable connection is made between vehicle power source and building plug, then ease of operation is improved, but safety deteriorates due to ground fault shutdowns and lack of proper isolation
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer switch serves as a necessary intermediary between the vehicle and building electrical systems. While it adds a connection step, it provides critical functions including ground fault masking, proper electrical isolation, and automatic power management that ensure both safety and reliability, making the slight increase in connection complexity worthwhile.
Data Source
AI summary
A transfer switch for transferring power to a building is disclosed. The transfer switch may include a detection unit configured to monitor a utility power supply from a power grid. The transfer switch may further include a processor configured to determine that a power supply communication between the transfer switch and a vehicle is established, and determine that a predefined condition is met based on inputs associated with the utility power supply obtained from the detection unit, when the power supply communication is established. The processor may be further configured to enable the vehicle to supply power to the building responsive to a determination that the predefined condition is met.