Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for a modular inverter system having a single device enclosure with a plurality of module receptacles capable of receiving one or more modules having tailored functionality. Such modules work in conjunction with each other to handle control of various power sources and power sinks in a mixed use power generation and consumption system. In various embodiments, these swappable modules include a charge controller module configured to control charging a battery, an inverter/charger module configured to convert an AC voltage to a DC voltage for charging the battery and configured to invert a DC voltage to an AC voltage for supplying AC power, a controller module configured to control the plurality of inverter/charger modules and the charge controller module; and a backplane disposed in the enclosure such that each module receptacle facilitates engaging a respective module with the backplane.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for realizing a modular inverter system having an orientation of two or more DC busses and an AC bus disposed on the same backplane having peripheral interfaces for engaging one or more swappable modules. Such a modular inverter system includes a backplane having a first side and a second opposite side, the first side supports the DC busses and an AC bus while the second side includes a plurality of peripheral interfaces. One or more power modules may be engaged with the backplane through one or more peripheral interfaces. With the DC busses and the AC bus disposed on the opposite side of the peripheral interfaces, the power module is physically isolated from the back side of the backplane and allows for more than one local power generator to be coupled to the system.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for a module door having a biased latching mechanism providing safety measures to prevent accidental shock or short circuit. In an embodiment, a modular inverter system may include an empty module receptacle that includes a cavity configured to receive any modular power device. The cavity may be covered by a module door that features a rigid door member. The rigid door member may have a hinge set on one edge that is further attached to the enclosure for the module. The hinge allows for the module door to rotate open and closed. The module door further includes a latching mechanism that holds the module door in a closed position when latched. The module door also includes a disengagement orifice that is configured to receive a disengagement protrusion positioned in the back side of a power module about to inserted into the empty module receptacle.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for a modular inverter system having a system controller module that includes several electronic switches that may be controlled to couple various nodes in the system controller module to various circuits coupled to input/output terminals at the modular inverter system to realize various modes of operation. Such modes of operation may include powering a local load (e.g., a house) with locally generated power as well as charging a local battery stack and selling excess power to a utility company that provides a grid tie-in. Such control may be automated based on monitoring various control signals or may be manually invoked by a system operator.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for receiving a first magnitude of AC-sourced current at an inverter/charger from an AC bus and receiving a second magnitude of DC-sourced current at the inverter/charger from a DC bus. Then, a third magnitude of current is delivered to a load coupled to the AC bus. Given the dual originating sources of possible current to supply power to the load, the method may determine if the third magnitude of current being delivered to the load is less than the second magnitude of DC-sourced current and then, in response, converting a portion of the first magnitude of AC-sourced current into DC current to charge a DC source. Similarly, the method may determine if the third magnitude of current being delivered to the load is greater than the second magnitude DC-sourced current, and then, in response, inverting the DC-sourced current into an AC current.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for a modular inverter system having a single device enclosure with a plurality of module receptacles capable of receiving one or more modules having tailored functionality. Such modules work in conjunction with each other to handle control of various power sources and power sinks in a mixed use power generation and consumption system. In various embodiments, these swappable modules include a charge controller module configured to control charging a battery, an inverter/charger module configured to convert an AC voltage to a DC voltage for charging the battery and configured to invert a DC voltage to an AC voltage for supplying AC power, a controller module configured to control the plurality of inverter/charger modules and the charge controller module; and a backplane disposed in the enclosure such that each module receptacle facilitates engaging a respective module with the backplane.