Design and evaluation of a universal power router for residential applications

The next generation universal power routing system has been developed for residential use; compared to energy management systems that already exist, this system effectively reduces the need for human interaction through automation of home power usage. The Smart Green Power Node (SGPN) manages on-site energy resources coupled at a DC link that feeds a bi-directional grid-tied inverter supplying loads within a home via a 240 V AC bus. It incorporates all relevant data such as weather, Time of Use pricing, appliance energy usage, user preferences, status of on-site resources, and communications to intelligently manage the power flow between those on-site energy resources, the electric grid, and the loads. Additionally, it has the capability to maintain power to the home in the event of a power outage and will continue to intelligently provide power while islanded from the grid. The system functionality has been verified through simulations and a prototype has been developed and evaluated.