Utility-interactive inverter system architecture and method of operation thereof

摘要

Electrically powered equipment and a method of powering the equipment. In one embodiment, the equipment includes: (1) an electric power consuming apparatus, (2) a mains input coupled to the apparatus and configured to be coupled to a branch circuit extending from a distribution panel and allow electric power from the branch circuit to flow to the apparatus and (3) a grid-tied power source input at least intermittently couplable to the mains input and configured to receive electric power from at least one premises power source and allow the electric power to flow to the apparatus or the distribution panel. In a more specific embodiment, the equipment is an outdoor unit.

主权项

1. An electrical power system for transmitting electrical power to and from a distribution panel using a branch circuit, the system comprising:
at least one premises power source; a commercial electric power source on a grid, an electrically-powered equipment having a least a portion located outdoors, wherein the electrically-powered equipment comprises climate control equipment, the electrically-powered equipment comprising: an apparatus that consumes electrical power, a mains input electrically-coupled to the commercial electric power source via the distribution panel, the mains input configured to receive electrical power from or supply electrical power to the grid via the branch circuit and distribution panel, a grid-tied power source input electrically-coupled to the premises power source and the mains input, the grid-tied power source input configured to receive electrical power from the premises power source, and wherein the electrically-powered equipment is configured to output electrical power from the mains input when electrical power received by the grid-tied power source input exceeds a power requirement of the apparatus.