PCB-Prototyping-Catalogue >> Home-Automation >> Distributed Power Storage
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Last update: 03-05-2024
where to buy already assembled and ready to use.
The problem
Now that a universal cable connector is a reality, the USB-C, the next big change is on how to remove all those power converters and inverters at home, vis-a-vis, " power bricks". These can waste up to 30% of electricity "converted". In my professional opinion, the best and only way to do it is by adding a small mechanical switch, however, mechanical relays consume too much power (around 200mW).
The idea
To solve the 30% wasted on conversion, the only way is, to reduce to the minimum "power bricks" needed /required. This can be achieved by installing several electricity lines in parallel connected to each power outlet in a room, nowadays with built-in USB connectivity. USB-C power delivery is capable of managing automatically powerlines up to 20V 5A DC meaning all indoor LED illumination, laptop computers, smartphones & tablets, and all smart devices including big OLED TV screens.
One possible solution to solve electricity consumption in standby mode is by using a micro stepped DC motor connected to simple electronics with "deep sleep" with or without wireless capabilities. This way is possible to lower consumption to 2-8uA @ 3.3V DC.
The main objective of this project is to negotiate power delivery to each individual power outlet socket from a master Distributed Power Management System. Is possible to achieve this using only 2 wires where one of them is used for both power and data transmission. There's a really good one-wire library here that enables one to build such a power delivery setup.
If you prefer, can read about my prototype iteration tests on Hackster. IO. Here's the link.
✓ 🟢 Smart Power Management (LK-WM28)
This smart distributed DC power management and charging device has the purpose of charging 5V DC battery walls and power packs from the main 220V AC line at home. The innovation of this power charging device is in the ability to schedule charging to specific times during the day and night according to the price of electricity change. It can be programmed using machine learning to connect to an electricity market data source and calculate the best time to schedule battery charging according to the price variations in the electricity markets. Made to fit the LK-WM28 enclosure sold on Aliexpress. It is a Wall mount type of installation.
✓ 🟢 Smart Distributed DC Power Management
This smart distributed DC power management and charging device has the purpose of charging 5V DC battery walls and power packs from the main 220V AC line at home. The innovation of this power charging device is in the ability to schedule charging to specific times during the day and night according to the price of electricity change. It can be programmed using machine learning to connect to an electricity market data source and calculate the best time to schedule battery charging according to the price variations in the electricity markets.
This is a simple Power Scheduler with BLE / WIFI connectivity to turn ON or OFF a USB-A port/Plug/outlet at any given day and hour. Compatible with all major commercial vendors and also open source vendors such as Home Assistant. The innovation of this USB Power Scheduler device is in the ability to schedule charging to specific times during the day and night according to the price of electricity change. It can be programmed using machine learning to connect to an electricity market data source and calculate the best time to schedule power according to the price variations in the electricity markets.
45,000mA Power Wall using 18650 Lithium Polymer Batteries
Here in Belgium, is often found all kinds of home appliances when walking on the sidewalk. And anyone is free to take them. Gratis. The other day I picked up this on the street this blue ray device. And, as I always do, the first thing I did was to disassemble it into its individual parts and components. It has a capacity of 45,000mA @ 4.2V DC, More than enough for powering of the grid all 5-9V DC devices and appliances at any family home. During winter days, and rainy days, this power 🔋 wall will charge itself from the main 220V AC but only during the night when electricity is much cheaper. The estimated savings on the electricity bill at the end of the month are expected to be between 10eur to 20eur. Payback time is only 10 months. The minimum efficiency of this power wall is 95% With an LCD display for some cool consumption statistics and three buttons for ......I don't know yet!
Automatic Power Delivery USB DC Power Outlet ( soon. stay tuned)
This is a smart device made to fit this EU 220V power outlet with 2 USB A ports selling here. This smart device enables power delivery management on low-powered DC lines, in the range of 3.3V to 20V DC and up to 100W. Each individual USB-A port can be set up to deliver individual DC output. For instance 5V DC on one port and 12V DC on the other. The innovation of this particular smart electronics is in its ability to deliver USB power with the capability of automatic negotiation of voltage from anywhere between 5V and 20V and up to 100W. While this project has not started, here's a great video tutorial by GreatScott.
78x39mm Solar Cell Management 5V, 9V, 12V DC up to 9A Max
This PCB is for assembly with 79x38mm solar cells. It features up to 6x independent solar cell power lines, with up to 97.1 % efficiency, that can be configured by a dip switch for 3 different DC outputs: 5V, 9V, and 12V ( 9A max).
Selectable USB DC Power Outlet
This is a smart device made to fit this EU 220V power outlet with 2 USB A ports selling here. This smart device enables the management of multi-low powered DC lines, in the range of 3.3V to 24V DC. Each individual USB-A port can be set up to deliver individual DC output. For instance 5V DC on one port and 12V DC on the other.
This is a simple PCB for a direct fit on commercially available blue solar cell tiles to do active solar cell tile and battery management up to 8 solar tiles connected together intended for indoor usage. In particular to be installed on the top or downside of transparent glass windows at a home or office. This PCB, when assembled with a blue solar cell tile, can be used to power a low voltage 4.2V indoor illumination network using ultra-low power micro LED strips. For instance this one sold on AliExpress.
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