Split-Bus Panel With Interlocked Breakers For Selectable Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Residential photovoltaic systems with battery back-up require a separate panel for critical loads during utility outages, limiting flexibility for homeowners who need to switch between partial and full back-up systems, as permanent rewiring is necessary for system changes.
Innovation Solution
A single split-bus electrical panel with interlocked feed circuit breakers and a power wiring patch panel allows homeowners to selectively switch between partial and full back-up systems, enabling temporary changes without significant labor, by connecting panel sections to utility or photovoltaic power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate back-up panel is installed for critical loads, then reliability of critical loads during utility outage is improved, but device complexity and installation labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the critical loads panel and non-critical loads panel into a single integrated electrical panel with separate bus sections. This merging eliminates the need for a separate back-up panel while maintaining the ability to isolate and protect critical loads during utility outages through the interlocked breaker mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The single electrical panel is segmented into separate bus sections (first bus section and second bus section) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows critical loads to be isolated from non-critical loads through the interlocked circuit breakers, enabling selective power distribution during outages without requiring physically separate panels.
2Reliability
If permanent rewiring is done for full back-up system, then back-up capacity is improved, but ease of operation and adaptability worsen due to inability to switch configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic configuration system where the electrical panel can switch between partial back-up and full back-up modes through interlocked circuit breakers. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to changing homeowner needs without permanent rewiring, enabling temporary full back-up operation by simply changing breaker positions rather than reconfiguring physical wiring.
3Ease of operation
If interlocked breakers are used for switching, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an interlocked mechanism as an intermediary between the first and second circuit breakers. This interlock physically prevents both breakers from being in the ON position simultaneously, providing automatic protection and simplified operation. The interlock acts as a mediator that enforces safe operating conditions without requiring complex electronic control systems.
4Ease of manufacture
If patch panel with factory installed connections is used, then ease of manufacture and installation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a patch panel with factory-installed connections that are pre-configured for different back-up modes (partial and full back-up). This preliminary preparation allows installers to simply connect wires to pre-positioned terminals rather than making custom wiring decisions during installation. The factory pre-configuration simplifies the installation process while providing flexibility for future reconfiguration if needed.
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
Provides a convenient and flexible solution for homeowners to manage power distribution during outages, preventing overloading and ensuring critical loads are powered, while allowing temporary upgrades to full back-up systems as needed.
Implementation Method 1
a back-up photovoltaic power source
Implementation Method 2
photovoltaic systems with battery back-up
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus provides homeowner selectable full or partial back-up power of a residential photovoltaic system to power critical loads during a utility power outage. A single split-bus electrical panel with a first panel section supplies utility power to non-critical loads and a second panel section supplies photovoltaic power to critical loads. A mechanical interlock in contact with interlocked circuit breakers of the first panel, prevents them from both being simultaneously on. A patch panel associated with the split-bus electrical panel enables an installer to selectively connect factory installed connections to either: connect the second panel section to utility power via a microgrid interconnection device when the second panel section is at least partially powered by back-up photovoltaic power, or connect the first panel section through one of the interlocked circuit breakers to utility power via the microgrid interconnection device to provide both panel sections with full back-up photovoltaic power.