Dual-Power Electrical Outlets

The selection of electrical power supplied to a load, between a first power source such as the electric utility grid, and a second power source such as a solar-charged battery-inverter system, is made at the granularity of individual electrical outlets (or junction boxes for appliances directly conn...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors Haartsen, Jacobus Cornelis, Dent, Paul Wilkinson, Thornton, Curtis Wayne
Format Patent
LanguageEnglish
Published 09.01.2020
Subjects
BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTINGELECTRIC POWER
CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
CURRENT COLLECTORS
ELECTRICITY
GENERATION
LINE CONNECTORS
SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
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Summary:The selection of electrical power supplied to a load, between a first power source such as the electric utility grid, and a second power source such as a solar-charged battery-inverter system, is made at the granularity of individual electrical outlets (or junction boxes for appliances directly connected or loads installed as fixtures). A central controller determines the power source for each outlet, based on numerous factors including the current consumed by that outlet's load(s). The controller addresses power selection commands to each outlet. Each outlet includes a SPDT functionality switch that operates in response to the controller to connect loads to a line conductor from the first power source or a line conductor from the second power source. A common neutral conductor connects to both sources. The outlets include current monitoring, and may include GFCI and/or AFCI protection. A variety of power distribution panel configurations and wiring options are disclosed. A power line communication system is disclosed for communicating at least current consumption in the uplink and power source selection commands in the downlink.
Bibliography:Application Number: US201716469352