Solar Power Provisioning Control System for Voltage Spike Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Net metering systems can cause voltage spikes on electric utility service lines when solar energy production exceeds consumption, potentially damaging unprotected electronic equipment and leaving utilities financially liable for damages.
Innovation Solution
A real-time monitoring system that measures consumption and production currents on a customer's service line, using a solar power provisioning control system to shut down energy transmission when the minimum utility provided percentage is lacking, thereby preventing voltage spikes from reaching neighboring service lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If net metering is implemented to allow solar energy production to exceed consumption, then solar energy utilization is improved, but voltage spikes are generated that can damage electronic equipment and create financial liability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a utility company-controlled switch as an intermediary device installed on the customer's service line. This switch acts as a mediator between the solar production system and the utility service line, allowing the utility company to control and regulate the flow of solar energy onto the service line, thereby preventing voltage spikes from reaching neighboring services while still enabling solar energy utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the utility company monitors solar production levels and consumption patterns in real-time. Based on this feedback, the utility company can dynamically control the switch to open or close, regulating the amount of solar energy allowed onto the service line. This feedback loop ensures that solar energy is utilized efficiently while preventing harmful voltage spikes when production exceeds safe levels.
2Productivity
If solar production capacity is increased to meet energy demands, then energy independence is improved, but the risk of harmful surges on service lines increases
Solution Approach 1:
The utility company-controlled switch serves as a safety intermediary that decouples the relationship between solar production capacity and service line exposure. Customers can install large-scale solar systems to achieve energy independence, while the switch mediates by selectively blocking excess energy from reaching the service line, thus maintaining service line safety regardless of production capacity size.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides beforehand cushioning by pre-installing the controllable switch infrastructure on service lines before solar production issues arise. This proactive measure creates a safety buffer that can immediately respond to production surges, preventing harmful effects before they occur rather than reacting after damage has been done.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If utility company control over service line power flow is implemented, then protection against voltage spikes is improved, but customer autonomy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The switch acts as a neutral intermediary that reconciles the conflict between utility control and customer autonomy. The physical device is installed on customer property and can be controlled by either party, providing a neutral platform that enables utility company protection measures while maintaining customer ownership and operational flexibility. The intermediary nature of the switch allows it to serve both parties' interests without fully favoring one side.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic control where the switch can be opened or closed based on real-time conditions. This dynamic capability allows the utility company to exercise control only when necessary (when voltage spike risk exists) while maintaining customer autonomy during normal operation. The dynamic nature of the control mechanism enables flexibility that balances protection needs with customer independence.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is disclosed which eliminates problems caused by surges of electric energy which is generated on a utility customer's property and which is fed back onto a utility-owned service line by maintaining a minimum utility provided percentage (MUPP) of power being provided onto a customer-owned dead-end service line. Where the electric energy generated by a utility customer is incrementally excluded from the customer-owned dead-end service line through a plurality of contactors which are controlled by a 120 volt command line.