Generator, control method of generator and power generation and energy storage system

Abstract

The invention provides a power generator, a control method of the power generator and a power generation and energy storage system. The generator comprises an alternating current interface used for receiving or outputting alternating current; the power generation module is used for outputting alternating current after being started; the alternating current side of the rectification module is connected with the power generation module, the direct current side of the rectification module is connected with the direct current bus, and the rectification module is used for rectifying alternating current received from the power generation module and outputting the rectified alternating current to the direct current bus; the bidirectional inversion module is connected between the direct-current bus and the alternating-current interface, and is used for rectifying the alternating current received by the alternating-current interface, outputting the rectified alternating current to the direct-current bus, converting the direct current of the direct-current bus into alternating current after the power generation module is started, and outputting the alternating current through the alternating-current interface; and the reverse dragging module is connected between the direct-current bus and the power generation module and is used for responding to the instruction of starting the generator when the power generation module is not started, converting the direct current of the direct-current bus into alternating current and then starting the power generation module. The generator provided by the invention can realize reverse dragging starting through external equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of generators, and in particular to a generator, a generator control method, and a power generation and energy storage system. Background Art

[0002] In the related art, the reverse-drag starting of the generator usually relies on the starting battery in the generator, which will undoubtedly quickly consume the power of the starting battery in the generator, thereby reducing the standby time of the generator. Summary of the invention

[0003] In view of this, the present application provides a generator, a control method of the generator and a power generation and energy storage system, which can start the generator by reverse-driving the external device when the generator is connected to an external device to increase the standby time of the generator.

[0004] The first aspect of the present application provides a generator, including an AC interface, a power generation module, a rectifier module, a bidirectional inverter module and a reverse drag module. The AC interface is used to receive or output AC power. The power generation module is used to output AC power after startup. The AC side of the rectifier module is connected to the power generation module, and the DC side of the rectifier module is connected to the DC bus. The rectifier module is used to rectify the AC power received from the power generation module and output it to the DC bus. The bidirectional inverter module is connected between the DC bus and the AC interface. The bidirectional inverter module is used to rectify the AC power received by the AC interface and output it to the DC bus when the AC interface receives AC power, and, after the power generation module is started, convert the DC power of the DC bus into AC power and output it through the AC interface. The reverse drag module is connected between the DC bus and the power generation module, and is used to start the power generation module after converting the DC power of the DC bus into AC power in response to an instruction to start the generator when the power generation module is not started.

[0005] In one embodiment, the generator further comprises a starting battery module. The starting battery module is connected to the DC bus and is used to obtain DC power from the DC bus for charging in response to a standby instruction when the AC interface receives AC power; and to output DC power to the DC bus in response to an instruction to start the generator when the AC interface does not receive AC power and the power generation module is not started.

[0006] In one embodiment, the generator further comprises: an auxiliary power module. The auxiliary power module is connected to the starting battery module, and the starting battery module is further used to supply power to the auxiliary power module in response to a standby instruction when the AC interface does not receive AC power and the power generation module is not started.

[0007] The second aspect of the present application provides a control method for a generator, which is applied to the generator as described in any one of the above items. The control method includes: detecting the connection state of the AC interface; detecting the startup state of the power generation module; when the AC interface receives AC power and the power generation module is not started, in response to the instruction to start the generator, controlling the bidirectional inverter module to work in the rectification mode to rectify the AC power received by the AC interface and output it to the DC bus; controlling the reverse drag module to invert the DC power of the DC bus to start the power generation module.

[0008] In one embodiment, the generator further includes a starting battery module connected to the DC bus. The control method further includes: when the AC interface does not receive AC power and the power generation module is not started, in response to an instruction to start the generator, controlling the starting battery module to output DC power to the DC bus; and controlling the reverse-drive module to invert the DC power of the DC bus to start the power generation module.

[0009] In one embodiment, before controlling the starting battery module to output DC power to the DC bus, the control method further includes: when the power of the starting battery module is greater than or equal to a first preset power, executing the step of controlling the starting battery module to output DC power to the DC bus.

[0010] In one embodiment, the AC interface is used to connect to an energy storage device, and the control method further includes: when the power of the startup battery module is less than a second preset power, sending a request instruction to the energy storage device, the request instruction is used to instruct the energy storage device to output AC power to the AC interface.

[0011] In one embodiment, the control method further includes: when the AC interface receives AC power and the power generation module is not started, in response to a standby instruction, controlling the startup battery module to obtain DC power from the DC bus for charging.

[0012] In one embodiment, the generator also includes an auxiliary source module, which is connected to the starting battery module. The control method also includes: when the AC interface does not receive AC power and the power generation module is not started, in response to a standby instruction, controlling the starting battery module to output DC power to the auxiliary source module to power the auxiliary source module.

[0013] A third aspect of the present application provides a power generation and energy storage system, comprising an energy storage device and a generator as described in any one of the above items.

[0014] The generator provided in the present application includes an AC interface, a power generation module, a rectifier module, a bidirectional inverter module and a reverse drag module. Among them, the AC interface is used to receive or output AC power, the power generation module is used to output AC power after startup, the AC side of the rectifier module is connected to the power generation module, the DC side of the rectifier module is connected to the DC bus, and the rectifier module is used to rectify the AC power received from the power generation module and output it to the DC bus. The bidirectional inverter module is connected between the DC bus and the AC interface. The reverse drag module is connected between the DC bus and the power generation module. Further, the bidirectional inverter module is used to rectify the AC power received by the AC interface and output it to the DC bus when the AC interface receives AC power, and, after the power generation module is started, the DC power of the DC bus is converted into AC power and then output through the AC interface. The reverse drag module is used to start the power generation module after converting the DC power of the DC bus into AC power in response to the instruction to start the generator when the power generation module is not started. In this way, the AC interface of the generator provided in the present application is an input and output interface. The generator can rectify the AC power of the AC interface through a bidirectional inverter module and provide DC power supply to the reverse-drag module, and then realize reverse-drag starting through the reverse-drag module. Therefore, when an external device is connected, the generator can be reverse-drag started by the external device, thereby reducing the power consumption of the starting battery in the generator and increasing the standby time of the generator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present application, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments. It should be understood that the following drawings only illustrate certain embodiments of the present application and should not be regarded as limiting the scope of protection of the present application. In each of the drawings, similar components are numbered similarly.

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a module of a generator provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0017] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a module of a generator provided in another embodiment of the present application.

[0018] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a module of a generator provided in yet another embodiment of the present application.

[0019] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a module of a generator provided in yet another embodiment of the present application.

[0020] Figure 5 A schematic flow chart of a method for controlling a generator provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0021] Figure 6 A schematic flow chart of a method for controlling a generator after executing step S502 is provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0022] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a module of a power generation and energy storage system provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0023] Figure 8 A functional block diagram of a control device provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0024] Fig. 9 A functional block diagram of a computer-readable storage medium provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments.

[0026] It should be noted that when a component is considered to be "connected" to another component, it may be directly connected to the other component or there may be a central component at the same time. When a component is considered to be "located on" another component, it may be directly located on the other component or there may be a central component at the same time. The terms "top", "bottom", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "back", and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only.

[0027] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs. The terms used herein in the specification of this application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application.

[0028] Some embodiments will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features in the embodiments may be combined with each other.

[0029] In the related art, the reverse-drag starting of the generator usually relies on the starting battery in the generator, which will undoubtedly quickly consume the power of the starting battery in the generator, thereby reducing the standby time of the generator.

[0030] Based on this, the present application provides a generator, a generator control method and a power generation and energy storage system, which can start the generator by reverse-driving the external device when the generator is connected to an external device, so as to increase the standby time of the generator.

[0031] See also Figure 1 , Figure 1A functional module diagram of a generator provided in one embodiment of the present application. It is understandable that the generator 10 can be a device including a power generation function and a power supply function. The generator 10 includes, for example, but is not limited to, a diesel generator, a gasoline generator, a gas generator, a wind generator or a hydroelectric generator, a multi-fuel generator, etc., which are not limited here.

[0032] In this application, the generator 10 is described as an AC generator. Figure 1 As shown, the generator 10 includes a power generation module 11 , a rectifier module 12 , a bidirectional inverter module 13 , a reverse drive module 14 and an AC interface 101 .

[0033] The power generation module 11 is used to output AC power after the generator 10 is started.

[0034] The AC side of the rectifier module 12 is connected to the power generation module 11, and the DC side of the rectifier module 12 is connected to the DC bus (only the positive DC bus BUS+ of the DC bus is shown in the figure). The rectifier module 12 is used to rectify the AC power received from the power generation module 11 and output it to the DC bus. It can be understood that the rectifier module 12 may include a half-wave rectifier circuit, a full-wave rectifier circuit, or a bridge rectifier circuit.

[0035] The bidirectional inverter module 13 is connected between the DC bus and the AC interface 101. The bidirectional inverter module 13 is used to rectify the AC power received by the AC interface 101 and output it to the DC bus when the AC interface 101 receives AC power, and to convert the DC power of the DC bus into AC power and output it through the AC interface 101 after the power generation module 11 is started.

[0036] The reverse-drive module 14 is connected between the DC bus and the power generation module 11, and is used to convert the DC power of the DC bus into AC power and then start the power generation module 11 in response to the instruction to start the generator 10 when the power generation module 11 is not started. In some embodiments, the reverse-drive module 14 may include a DC / AC conversion circuit.

[0037] The AC interface 101 is used to connect to an external device to receive AC power from the external device or output AC power to the external device. For example, the external device can be an energy storage device 20 or other electronic device that can output AC power. In the embodiment of the present application, the external device is an energy storage device 20 as an example.

[0038] In some embodiments, the AC interface 101 may be a power interface. In this case, a connection detection circuit (not shown in the figure) may be provided in the AC interface 101, and the connection detection circuit may detect the AC interface 101, and determine the connection state of the AC interface 101 according to the detection result. The connection state includes that the AC interface 101 is connected to the energy storage device 20 and receives AC power, the AC interface 101 is connected to the energy storage device 20 and does not receive AC power, or the AC interface 101 is not connected to the energy storage device 20. Specifically, the connection detection circuit may generate a corresponding detection signal as a detection result by detecting the voltage value or pressure value of the AC interface 101. For example, when the voltage signal of the AC interface 101 is detected to be less than a preset voltage value by the connection detection circuit, it can be confirmed that the AC interface 101 is not connected to the energy storage device 20. When the connection detection circuit only detects that the voltage signal of the AC interface 101 is greater than or equal to the preset voltage threshold, it can be confirmed that the AC interface 101 is connected to the energy storage device 20 and does not receive AC power. When a periodic AC power signal is detected by the connection detection circuit, it can be confirmed that the AC interface 101 is connected to the energy storage device 20 and receives AC power. In some other embodiments, after the energy storage device 20 is connected to the generator 10, a communication connection can be established with the generator 10 to send an access signal to the generator 10, thereby directly determining whether the energy storage device 20 is connected based on whether the access signal is received.

[0039] In other embodiments, when the AC interface 101 is a power interface, the generator 10 further includes a communication interface (not shown in the figure), for example, a CAN communication interface. In this case, a connection detection circuit can be provided at the communication interface, the connection detection circuit detects the communication interface, and the connection state of the AC interface 101 is determined according to the detection result.

[0040] In other embodiments, the AC interface 101 may be a composite interface including a communication pin (e.g., a CAN bus terminal) and a power supply pin. At this time, the generator 10 may be provided with a connection detection circuit at the AC interface 101, and the connection detection circuit may detect the connection of the energy storage device 20, for example, a signal pin (e.g., a connection detection pin) of the AC interface 101 may be detected. Correspondingly, the energy storage device 20 may also be provided with a connection detection circuit on its generator interface for detecting the connection status of the generator 10. In some embodiments, the energy storage device 20 may actively output a voltage signal through a connection detection pin and receive a feedback signal through a feedback pin, and confirm whether it is connected to the generator 10 according to the feedback signal. Among them, three different feedback signals may be provided to correspond to the three connection states mentioned above. The present application does not limit the form of the AC interface 101 or the connection method between the energy storage device 20 and the generator 10.

[0041] In some embodiments, a startup detection circuit (not shown in the figure) can be set at the output end of the power generation module 11, and the startup detection circuit detects the voltage signal and / or current signal at the output end of the power generation module 11, thereby generating a corresponding startup detection signal to determine the startup state of the power generation module 11 (that is, whether the power generation module 11 is started or not started).

[0042] In some embodiments, the instruction to start the generator 10 can be sent to the generator 10 by the energy storage device 20 or the host computer through wireless communication or wired communication (for example, through the communication pin of the AC interface 101, or other communication interfaces on the generator 10). For example, the host computer can be a control device or server that communicates with the generator 10 by wire, or a mobile communication device or cloud server that communicates with the generator 10 wirelessly. In other embodiments, a physical start button or a touch screen can also be set on the generator 10, and the instruction to start the generator 10 is sent by pressing the physical start button or performing the startup configuration on the touch screen. The present application does not limit the sending method or generation method of the instruction to start the generator 10. It can be understood that the power generation module 11 can be started in response to the instruction to start the generator 10, so that the generator 10 outputs AC power at least through the AC interface 101.

[0043] Understandably, when the energy storage device 20 confirms that it is connected to the generator 10, the energy storage device 20 can actively output AC power through the AC interface 101 to provide power for the generator 10. In this way, when the AC interface 101 receives AC power through the connection detection circuit, the bidirectional inverter module 13 can rectify the AC power received by the AC interface 101 and output it to the DC bus. Further, when it is detected that the power generation module 11 is not started, in response to the instruction to start the generator 10, the reverse drag module 14 can convert the DC power on the DC bus into AC power and then start the power generation module 11. After confirming that the power generation module 11 is started, the generator 10 can send a related start signal to the energy storage device 20, so that the energy storage device 20 stops discharging to the AC interface 101 according to the start signal. At the same time, the reverse drag module 14 in the generator 10 stops working, the rectifier module 12 converts the AC power received from the power generation module 11 into DC power and outputs it to the DC bus, and the bidirectional inverter module 13 converts the DC power on the DC bus into AC power and outputs it through the AC interface 101.

[0044] In summary, the AC interface 101 of the generator 10 provided in the present application is an input and output interface. The generator 10 can rectify the AC power of the AC interface 101 through the bidirectional inverter module 13 and provide DC power supply to the reverse-drag module 14, and then realize reverse-drag starting through the reverse-drag module 14. Therefore, when an external device (such as an energy storage device 20) is connected, the generator 10 can be reverse-drag started by the external device, thereby reducing the power consumption of the starting battery in the generator 10 and increasing the standby time of the generator 10.

[0045] See also Figure 2 In some embodiments, the generator 10 further includes a starting battery module 15. The starting battery module 15 is connected to the DC bus and is used to obtain DC power from the DC bus for charging in response to a standby instruction when the AC interface 101 receives AC power; and to output DC power to the DC bus in response to an instruction to start the generator 10 when the AC interface 101 does not receive AC power and the power generation module 11 is not started.

[0046] That is, the starting battery module 15 is used to store or release electric energy. In some embodiments, the starting battery module 15 may include a battery or a super capacitor.

[0047] In some embodiments, the standby instruction can be sent to the generator 10 by the energy storage device 20 or the host computer through wireless communication or wired communication (for example, through the communication pin of the AC interface 101, or other communication interfaces on the generator 10). For example, the host computer can be a control device or server that communicates with the generator 10 by wire, or a mobile communication device or cloud server that communicates with the generator 10 wirelessly. In some embodiments, the standby instruction can also be automatically triggered when the generator 10 meets the corresponding conditions, for example, when the power generation module 11 of the generator 10 is not started within a preset time, the standby instruction can be automatically triggered. In other embodiments, a physical start button or a touch screen can also be set on the generator 10, and the standby instruction is sent by pressing the physical start button or performing the startup configuration on the touch screen. This application does not limit the sending method or generation method of the standby instruction.

[0048] In this way, when the energy storage device 20 is connected to the generator 10 and the power generation module 11 is not started, in response to the standby instruction, the starting battery module 15 can be charged by using the energy storage device 20, which is conducive to extending the standby time of the generator 10. When the AC interface 101 does not receive AC power and the power generation module 11 is not started, in response to the instruction to start the generator 10, the starting battery module 15 can output DC power to the DC bus to provide power for the reverse drag module 14 to reversely start the power generation module 11, thereby realizing the reverse drag start of the generator 10 itself without external equipment.

[0049] See also Figure 3 In some embodiments, the generator 10 further includes an auxiliary power module 16. The auxiliary power module 16 is connected to the starting battery module 15. The starting battery module 15 is also used to supply power to the auxiliary power module 16 in response to a standby instruction when the AC interface 101 does not receive AC power and the power generation module 11 is not started.

[0050] The auxiliary source module 16 is used to realize voltage conversion to supply power to various power consumption units in the generator 10. In some embodiments, the auxiliary source module 16 may include a Buck circuit, a Boost circuit, or a Buck / Boost circuit.

[0051] Therefore, when the AC interface 101 does not receive AC power and the power generation module 11 is not started, the starting battery module 15 can respond to the standby instruction and supply power to the auxiliary source module 16, thereby providing the generator 10 with the energy required for standby through the auxiliary source module 16.

[0052] See also Figure 4 , Figure 4 1 is a circuit module block diagram of the generator 10 in one embodiment of the present application.

[0053] like Figure 4 As shown, the power generation module 11 may include an engine 111 and a magneto 112, and the magneto 112 is used to output AC power driven by the engine 111. The engine 111 may be, for example, a diesel engine, a gasoline engine, or a multi-fuel engine, and the magneto 112 may be, for example, a three-phase magneto. The present application does not limit the specific types of the engine 111 and the magneto 112.

[0054] The rectifier module 12 may include a rectifier unit 121 and a first filter unit 122. The AC side of the rectifier unit 121 is connected to the output end of the magnetic motor 112. The DC side of the rectifier unit 121 is connected to the first end of the first filter unit 122. The second end of the first filter unit 122 is connected to the DC bus. The rectifier unit 121 is used to rectify the received AC power into DC power and output it to the first filter unit 122. The first filter unit 122 is used to filter the DC power obtained after rectification and output the filtered DC power to the DC bus. In some embodiments, the rectifier unit 121 may include, for example, a three-phase half-controlled rectifier circuit. The first filter unit 122 may include, for example, a number of filter capacitors. In other embodiments, the rectifier unit 121 may include other types of rectifier circuits, and the first filter unit 122 may include other filter circuits. The present application does not limit the specific circuit structures of the rectifier unit 121 and the first filter unit 122.

[0055] The DC side of the bidirectional inverter module 13 is connected to the DC bus. The AC side of the bidirectional inverter module 13 is connected to the AC interface 101. The bidirectional inverter module 13 may include, for example, a bidirectional bridge inverter circuit. In other embodiments, the bidirectional inverter module 13 may also include a full-bridge inverter circuit, etc., and the present application does not limit the specific circuit structure of the bidirectional inverter module 13.

[0056] The reverse-drag module 14 may include a switch unit 141 and a reverse-drag unit 142. The first end of the switch unit 141 is connected to the output end of the magnetic motor 112, and the second end of the switch unit 141 is connected to the AC side of the reverse-drag unit 142. The DC side of the reverse-drag unit 142 is connected to the DC bus. Among them, the reverse-drag unit 142 is used to convert the DC power on the DC bus into AC power. The switch unit 141 is used to open or disconnect the path between the reverse-drag unit 142 and the magnetic motor 112. In some embodiments, the switch unit 141 may include a controllable switch, such as a relay, a contactor, a power switch tube, etc. The reverse-drag unit 142 may, for example, include a three-phase H-bridge circuit. In other embodiments, the reverse-drag unit 142 may also include other inverter circuits. It is understandable that when the reverse drag unit 142 converts the DC power on the DC bus into AC power, and the switch unit 141 is turned on, the reverse drag unit 142 can output the converted AC power to the winding of the magnetic motor 112, so that the rotor of the magnetic motor 112 rotates to drive the engine 111 in the reverse direction, so that the engine 111 starts to work, and the mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy through the magnetic motor 112, and the corresponding AC power is output to the rectifier module 12. It is understandable that the switch unit 141 can be disconnected when the magnetic motor 112 outputs AC power to reduce the probability of damage to the electronic components in the reverse drag unit 142.

[0057] The starting battery module 15 includes a DC / DC conversion unit 151 and a starting battery 152. A first end of the DC / DC conversion unit 151 is connected to the DC bus, and a second end of the DC / DC conversion unit 151 is connected to an output end BAT+( Figure 4 Only the positive output terminal BAT+ of the starter battery 152 is shown. The DC / DC conversion unit 151 may be a bidirectional DC / DC conversion unit 151. Thus, the DC / DC conversion unit 151 may be used to obtain the DC power on the DC bus for power conversion, so as to output the corresponding DC power to charge the starter battery 152; and to perform power conversion on the DC power output by the starter battery 152, so as to output the DC power with the corresponding power to the DC bus. The starter battery 152 may include at least one battery cell, and the starter battery 152 is used to store or release energy.

[0058] The auxiliary source module 16 is used to supply power to each level of the power consumption unit of the generator 10. In some embodiments, the auxiliary source module 16 may include a Buck circuit, a Boost circuit, a Buck / Boost circuit, a voltage stabilizing circuit, a flyback circuit, etc. to achieve power conversion.

[0059] In some embodiments, the generator 10 further includes a control module 17. The control module 17 includes at least one wireless communication unit (e.g., a WIFI unit, a Bluetooth unit, etc.), whereby the control module 17 can realize communication between the generator 10 and an external device, such as an external device (e.g., an energy storage device 20) or a host computer, so as to receive instructions for starting the generator 10 or standby instructions, etc. The control module 17 may also include a plurality of control units. Moreover, the control module 17 may obtain the detection result of the connection detection circuit to confirm the connection state of the AC interface 101, and obtain the start detection signal of the start detection circuit to confirm the start state of the power generation module 11. Thus, the control module 17 may control the power generation module 11, the rectifier module 12, the bidirectional inverter module 13, the reverse drag module 14, the start battery module 15, and the auxiliary source module 16 through a plurality of control units according to the connection state of the AC interface 101 and the start state of the power generation module 11, so as to realize the overall control of the generator 10.

[0060] For example, the control module 17 controls the operation of the power generation module 11, the rectifier module 12 and the reverse drag module 14 through the first control unit (not shown in the figure), such as controlling the on and off of the switch tubes in the power generation module 11, the rectifier module 12 and the reverse drag module 14. The control module 17 controls the operation of the bidirectional inverter module 13, the starting battery module 15 and the auxiliary source module 16 through the second control unit (not shown in the figure), such as controlling the on and off of the switch tubes in the bidirectional inverter module 13, the starting battery module 15 and the auxiliary source module 16. And the control module 17 communicates with the first control unit, the second control unit and the external device through the third control unit (not shown in the figure), so that when the third control unit receives the instruction of the external device (such as the instruction to start the generator 10 or the standby instruction), it sends the corresponding control instruction to the first control unit and the second control unit, thereby realizing the overall control of the generator 10.

[0061] In some embodiments, the wireless communication unit may be integrated into the third control unit, and the first control unit, the second control unit and the third control unit may be microcontroller units (MCUs).

[0062] Please refer again Figure 4 , the first end of the auxiliary source module 16 is connected to the second end of the DC / DC conversion unit 151 and the output end BAT+ of the starting battery 152. The second end of the auxiliary source module 16 can be connected to the control module 17. In this way, the auxiliary source module 16 can obtain the direct current output by the DC / DC conversion unit 151 or the starting battery 152 for power conversion, and output direct current of corresponding power to power each power-consuming unit in the generator 10, such as powering the control module 17.

[0063] In some embodiments, when the energy storage device 20 is not connected to the generator 10 and the power generation module 11 is not started, the starting battery 152 can activate the control module 17 through the auxiliary source module 16 to power on the control module 17. In other words, the generator 10 can be activated by the starting battery module 15, so that the control module 17 is powered on, and then the generator 10 can be controlled to operate normally when it is connected to the energy storage device 20 or not connected to the energy storage device 20.

[0064] It can be understood that in some embodiments, the power supply voltage provided by the auxiliary source module 16 can directly power the above-mentioned modules, such as the control module 17. In this case, the control module 17 can be directly connected to the output end of the auxiliary source module 16. In other embodiments, if the power supply voltage provided by the auxiliary source module 16 cannot directly power the above-mentioned modules (for example, the voltage is too high or too low), the auxiliary source module 16 can provide an adaptive voltage to each power-consuming unit after voltage conversion by a DC / DC conversion unit. The DC / DC conversion unit can be, for example, a Buck (step-down) circuit, a Boost (step-up) circuit, or a buck / boost circuit, which is not limited in this application.

[0065] Understandably, in some embodiments, when the AC interface 101 receives AC power or the power generation module 11 is started, the DC / DC conversion unit 151 can obtain the DC power on the DC bus for power conversion to power the auxiliary source module 16 and / or the starting battery 152. That is, when the AC interface 101 is connected to the energy storage device 20 and the power generation module 11 is not started, in response to the standby instruction, the DC / DC conversion unit 151 can obtain the DC power on the DC bus for power conversion, that is, obtain the energy of the energy storage device 20 to power the auxiliary source module 16 and / or the starting battery 152. After the AC interface 101 does not receive AC power and the power generation module 11 is started, the DC / DC conversion unit 151 obtains the DC power on the DC bus for power conversion, that is, obtains the energy output by the power generation module 11, and supplies power to each power-consuming unit of the generator 10 through the auxiliary source module 16 to maintain the normal operation of the generator 10. At the same time, the DC / DC conversion unit 151 can also charge the starting battery 152. Therefore, after the power generation module 11 is started, it can stop consuming the electric energy of the energy storage device 20 and can continue to replenish the power for the starting battery module 15, further preventing the starting battery module 15 from being exhausted.

[0066] Please continue reading Figure 5 An embodiment of the present application also provides a control method for a generator. In at least one embodiment, the control method can be applied to Figures 1 to 4 The generator 10 shown. It is understandable that the control method can be implemented by a control module (e.g. Figure 4 The control module 17 in the following is executed. Figures 1 to 4 The generator 10 shown is used as an example for description. The control method of the generator includes:

[0067] Step S501: Detect the connection status of the AC interface.

[0068] The voltage value, pressure value, etc. of the AC interface 101 can be detected by a connection detection circuit to detect the connection status of the AC interface 101, or the connection status of the AC interface 101 can be determined by detecting the signal of the communication interface connecting the generator 10 and the energy storage device 20.

[0069] Understandably, taking the external device as the energy storage device 20 as an example, the connection status of the AC interface 101 includes that the AC interface 101 is connected to the energy storage device 20 and the AC interface 101 receives AC power, the AC interface 101 is connected to the energy storage device 20 and the AC interface 101 does not receive AC power, or the AC interface 101 is not connected to the energy storage device 20.

[0070] Step S502: Detect the startup status of the power generation module.

[0071] In some embodiments, when the power generation module 11 includes a magnetic motor 112 (see Figure 4 ), the startup state of the power generation module 11 can be detected by detecting the rotation of the magnetic motor 112. Alternatively, the startup state of the power generation module 11 can be confirmed by detecting the winding current of the magnetic motor 112. The present application does not limit the startup state detection method of the power generation module 11.

[0072] It can be understood that the startup state of the power generation module 11 includes the power generation module 11 startup and the power generation module 11 not startup. For example, when it is detected that the magnetic motor 112 of the power generation module 11 rotates or the winding current of the magnetic motor 112 is greater than or equal to the preset current threshold, it is confirmed that the power generation module 11 is started. Correspondingly, when it is detected that the magnetic motor 112 of the power generation module 11 does not rotate or the winding current of the magnetic motor 112 is less than the preset current threshold, it is confirmed that the power generation module 11 is started.

[0073] Step S503: When the AC interface receives AC power and the power generation module is not started, in response to an instruction to start the generator, the bidirectional inverter module is controlled to operate in a rectification mode to rectify the AC power received by the AC interface and output it to the DC bus.

[0074] The control module may communicate with the energy storage device 20 , thereby receiving an instruction from the energy storage device 20 to start the generator 10 .

[0075] Step S504: Control the reverse drive module to invert the DC power of the DC bus to start the power generation module.

[0076] In summary, in the control method of the generator provided by the present application, by detecting the connection state of the AC interface 101 and the startup state of the power generation module 11, when the AC interface 101 receives AC power and the power generation module 11 is not started, in response to the instruction to start the generator 10, the bidirectional inverter module 13 is controlled to work in the rectification mode to rectify the AC power received by the AC interface 101 and output it to the DC bus, and the reverse drag module 14 is controlled to invert the DC power of the DC bus to start the power generation module 11. In this way, the control method of the generator provided by the present application can use the AC interface 101 as an input and output interface, and rectify the AC power of the AC interface 101 to provide DC power supply to the reverse drag module 14, and then realize reverse drag start through the reverse drag module 14, so that when an external device (such as an energy storage device 20) is connected, the generator 10 can be reversely started by the external device, reducing the power consumption of the starting battery 152 in the generator 10 and increasing the standby time of the generator 10.

[0077] Please continue reading Figure 6 In some embodiments, the generator 10 (eg Figure 2-4 The generator 10 shown in the figure also includes a starting battery module 15, and the starting battery module 15 is connected to the DC bus. After executing step S502, the control method of the generator also includes:

[0078] Step S601: when the AC interface does not receive AC power and the power generation module is not started, in response to an instruction to start the generator, the starting battery module is controlled to output DC power to the DC bus.

[0079] Please also read Figure 4 When the starting battery module 15 includes a DC / DC conversion unit 151 to obtain the starting battery 152, in step S601, the control module 17 responds to the instruction of the starter generator 10 to control the DC / DC conversion unit 151 of the starting battery module 15 to obtain the DC power output by the starting battery 152 and perform power conversion to output DC power with corresponding power to the DC bus.

[0080] Step S602: Control the reverse drive module to invert the DC power of the DC bus to start the power generation module.

[0081] Understandably, when the anti-drag module 14 includes the anti-drag unit 142 and the switch unit 141 (see Figure 4 ), the control module 17 can control the reverse drag unit 142 to obtain the DC power on the DC bus and convert it into AC power, and control the switch unit 141 to be turned on, so that the reverse drag module 14 inverts the DC power of the DC bus into AC power and outputs it to the output end of the magnetic motor 112 to start the power generation module 11.

[0082] In this way, by executing steps S601 to S602, when the AC interface 101 is not connected to the energy storage device 20 and the power generation module 11 is not started, in response to the instruction to start the generator 10, the starting battery module 15 supplies power to the reverse-drag module 14 to realize the electric start of the generator 10.

[0083] In some embodiments, when the power generation module 11 is started, the control module 17 further controls the switch unit 141 to be disconnected, so as to reduce the probability of the electronic components in the reverse drag unit 142 being damaged due to the AC power output by the power generation module 11 .

[0084] In some embodiments, before controlling the starting battery module to output direct current to the DC bus, the generator control method further includes:

[0085] When the power of the starting battery module is greater than or equal to the first preset power, the step of controlling the starting battery module to output direct current to the direct current bus is executed.

[0086] The SOC in the starting battery module 15 can be obtained as the power data. Figure 4 Specifically, the SOC of the starting battery 152 in the starting battery module 15 can be obtained as the power data. In some embodiments, the first preset power can be, for example, 80%. It can be understood that when the power of the starting battery module 15 is greater than or equal to the first preset power, it means that the current power of the starting battery module 15 is sufficient. At this time, the step of controlling the starting battery module 15 to output direct current to the DC bus can be directly executed to reduce the control complexity of the generator 10.

[0087] In some embodiments, the AC interface 101 is used to connect the energy storage device 20, and the generator control method further includes:

[0088] When the power of the startup battery module is less than the second preset power, a request instruction is sent to the energy storage device, where the request instruction is used to instruct the energy storage device to output AC power to the AC interface.

[0089] The request instruction may be sent by the control module to the energy storage device 20 by wireless communication, or may be sent by the control module to the energy storage device 20 by wired communication (e.g., communication interface or communication pin). The request instruction may be an electrical signal or data packet based on the communication protocol between the generator 10 and the energy storage device 20. The present application does not limit the specific form and sending form of the request instruction.

[0090] In some embodiments, the second preset power level may be less than or equal to the first preset power level. For example, the second preset power level may be 40%.

[0091] Understandably, when the power of the starting battery module 15 is less than the second preset power, it means that if the current starting battery module 15 continues to supply power to the reverse-tow module 14, the subsequent standby time of the generator 10 may be reduced. At this time, the control module 17 sends a request instruction to the energy storage device 20. After receiving the request instruction, the energy storage device 20 outputs AC power to the AC interface 101, and the bidirectional inverter module 13 works in the rectification mode to rectify the AC power received by the AC interface 101 and output it to the DC bus. In this way, when the control module 17 detects that the AC interface 101 receives AC power and the power generation module 11 is not started, it can respond to the instruction to start the generator 10, control the reverse-tow module 14 to convert the DC power of the DC bus into AC power, and then start the power generation module 11, so that the energy storage device 20 supplies power to the electric start of the generator 10, which can reduce the power consumed by the starting battery module 15 and effectively extend the standby time of the generator 10.

[0092] In some embodiments, the method for controlling a generator further includes:

[0093] When the AC interface receives AC power and the power generation module is not started, in response to a standby instruction, the startup battery module is controlled to obtain DC power from the DC bus for charging.

[0094] In this way, when the energy storage device 20 is connected to the generator 10 and the power generation module 11 is not started, the energy storage device 20 can be used to charge the starting battery module 15 to prevent the starting battery module 15 from running out of power when the generator 10 is in standby mode and being unable to achieve electric starting, which is beneficial to extending the standby time of the generator 10.

[0095] In some embodiments, before controlling the starting battery module 15 to obtain the DC power of the DC bus for charging, the generator control method further includes:

[0096] When it is confirmed that the power of the starting battery module 15 is less than the third preset power, a step of controlling the starting battery module 15 to obtain direct current from the direct current bus for charging is performed.

[0097] The third preset power level may be greater than or equal to the first preset power level, for example, the third preset power level may be 100%. That is, the starting battery module 15 is charged only when the starting battery is not fully charged. In this way, by executing the above steps, the overcharge risk of the starting battery module 15 can be reduced, and the use safety of the generator 10 can be guaranteed.

[0098] In some embodiments, the generator 10 (eg Figure 3-4 The generator shown in the figure) also includes an auxiliary source module 16, and the control method of the generator also includes:

[0099] When the AC interface does not receive AC power and the power generation module is not started, in response to the standby instruction, the startup battery module is controlled to output DC power to the auxiliary power module to supply power to the auxiliary power module.

[0100] Thus, when the AC interface 101 does not receive AC power and the power generation module 11 is not started, in response to the standby instruction, the start-up battery module 15 can supply power to the auxiliary source module 16 , thereby providing the generator 10 with the energy required for standby through the auxiliary source module 16 .

[0101] Please also read Figure 4 Specifically, when the AC interface does not receive AC power and the power generation module is not started, in response to the standby command, the starting battery 152 in the starting battery module 15 can output DC power to the auxiliary power module 16.

[0102] In some embodiments, when the AC interface 101 receives AC power and the power generation module 11 is not started, in response to a standby instruction, the control module 17 also controls the DC / DC conversion unit 151 to output DC power to the auxiliary source module 16 to power the auxiliary source module 16. Thus, when the energy storage device 20 is connected to the generator 10 and the power generation module 11 is not started, the energy storage device 20 can be used to charge the starting battery module 15 while also providing the generator 10 with the energy required for standby.

[0103] It is understandable that when the AC interface 101 does not receive AC power and the power generation module 11 is not started, the starting battery 152 can activate the control module 17 through the auxiliary power module 16 to power on and operate the control module 17 .

[0104] The following Figure 4 Taking the control method of the generator 10 of the present application as an example, the following is specifically described:

[0105] In one embodiment, when the energy storage device 20 is connected to the generator 10 and there is a demand for charging, the user can send an instruction to start the generator 10 to the energy storage device 20 through the APP (Application) of the energy storage device 20, and the energy storage device 20 sends the start instruction to the control module 17 through wired communication (communication interface) or wireless communication. At the same time, the energy storage device 20 also outputs AC power to the AC interface 101 of the generator 10.

[0106] When the control module 17 confirms that the AC interface 101 receives AC power and the power generation module 11 is not started, the control module 17 responds to the instruction to start the generator 10, controls the bidirectional inverter module 13 to operate in the rectification mode to rectify the AC power received by the AC interface 101 and output it to the DC bus, controls the switch unit 141 to be turned on, and controls the reverse drive unit 142 to invert the DC power of the DC bus and output it to the winding of the magnetic motor 112 through the switch unit 141, so that the rotor of the magnetic motor 112 rotates to drive the engine 111 in the reverse direction, so that the engine 111 starts working to start the power generation module 11.

[0107] After the control module 17 confirms that the power generation module 11 is started, it sends a related start signal to the energy storage device 20. The energy storage device 20 stops discharging to the AC interface 101 according to the start signal. At the same time, the control module 17 controls the switch unit 141 to disconnect, controls the reverse drag unit 142 to stop working, and controls the rectifier unit 121 to convert the AC power received from the magnetic motor 112 into DC power and output it to the DC bus. The control module 17 also controls the bidirectional inverter module 13 to work in the inverter mode to convert the DC power on the DC bus into AC power and output it to the energy storage device 20 through the AC interface 101 to power the energy storage device 20.

[0108] When the charging demand of the energy storage device 20 is met, the energy storage device 20 can send a corresponding charging completion signal to the control module 17 of the generator 10. The control module 17 controls the power generation module 11, the rectifier module 12 and the bidirectional inverter module 13 to stop working according to the charging completion signal.

[0109] When the power generation module 11 is not started within a preset time, the generator 10 automatically triggers the standby command. When the control module 17 confirms that the AC interface 101 does not receive AC power and the power generation module 11 is not started, in response to the standby command, the control module 17 controls the starting battery 152 to output DC power to the auxiliary power module 16 to supply power to the auxiliary power module 16, thereby meeting the energy demand of the generator 10 when in standby.

[0110] In another embodiment, after the energy storage device 20 outputs AC power to the AC interface 101 of the generator 10 , when the user sends a standby command to the energy storage device 20 through the APP of the energy storage device 20 , the energy storage device 20 sends the standby command to the control module 17 .

[0111] When the control module 17 confirms that the AC interface 101 receives AC power and the power generation module 11 is not started, in response to the standby instruction, the control module 17 controls the DC / DC conversion unit 151 to obtain DC power from the DC bus to charge the start-up battery 152. At the same time, the control module 17 can also control the DC / DC conversion unit 151 to supply power to the auxiliary source module 16, so as to provide the generator 10 with the energy required for standby through the auxiliary source module 16.

[0112] In another embodiment, when the energy storage device 20 has a charging demand, the user sends a command to start the generator 10 to the energy storage device 20 through the APP (Application) of the energy storage device 20, and the energy storage device 20 sends the start command to the control module 17 through wired communication (communication interface) or wireless communication. At this time, the energy storage device 20 has not yet output AC power to the AC interface 101.

[0113] When the control module 17 confirms that the AC interface 101 does not receive AC power and the power generation module 11 is not started, and the power of the starting battery 152 is greater than the first preset power, the control module 17 responds to the instruction of the starter generator 10, controls the starting battery module 15 to output DC power to the DC bus, controls the switch unit 141 to be turned on, and controls the reverse drag unit 142 to invert the DC power of the DC bus and output it to the winding of the magneto 112 through the switch unit 141, so that the rotor of the magneto 112 rotates to reversely drive the engine 111, so that the engine 111 starts to work, so as to start the power generation module 11. The process after the control module 17 confirms that the power generation module 11 is started is similar to that of the previous embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0114] When the control module 17 confirms that the power of the starting battery 152 is less than the second preset power, the control module 17 sends a request instruction to the energy storage device 20. After receiving the request instruction, the energy storage device 20 outputs AC power to the AC interface 101 of the generator 10. In this way, when the control module 17 confirms that the AC interface 101 receives AC power and the power generation module 11 is not started, in response to the instruction to start the generator 10, the control module 17 controls the bidirectional inverter module 13 to work in the rectification mode to rectify the AC power received by the AC interface 101 and output it to the DC bus, controls the switch unit 141 to turn on, and controls the reverse drag unit 142 to invert the DC power of the DC bus and output it to the winding of the magnetic motor 112 through the switch unit 141, so that the rotor of the magnetic motor 112 rotates to reversely drive the engine 111, so that the engine 111 starts to work to start the power generation module 11. The process after the control module 17 confirms that the power generation module 11 is started is similar to the previous embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0115] See also Figure 7 An embodiment of the present application further provides a power generation and energy storage system 100, comprising an energy storage device 20 and the generator 10 as described above. The generator 10 is electrically connected to the energy storage device 20, and the electric energy generated by the generator 10 can be used to charge the energy storage device 20.

[0116] When the AC interface 101 receives AC power and the power generation module 11 is not started, in response to an instruction to start the generator 10 , the generator 10 can obtain energy from the energy storage device 20 to reversely start the generator 10 .

[0117] When the generator 10 is in a standby state, the energy storage device 20 can charge the starting battery module 15 inside the generator 10 .

[0118] See also Figure 8 The present application also provides a control device 200, which is applied to the generator 10 or an electronic device integrated with the generator 10. Figure 8 The structure block diagram of the control device 200 provided in the embodiment of the present application is schematically shown. Figure 8 As shown, the control device 200 includes:

[0119] The connection detection module 210 is used to detect the connection status of the AC interface 101 .

[0120] The startup detection module 220 is used to detect the startup state of the power generation module 11 .

[0121] The control module 230 is used to control the bidirectional inverter module 13 to operate in the rectification mode to rectify the AC power received by the AC interface 101 and output it to the DC bus in response to the instruction to start the generator 10 when the AC interface 101 receives AC power and the generator module 11 is not started. The control module 230 is also used to control the reverse drive module 14 to invert the DC power of the DC bus to start the generator module 11.

[0122] The specific details of the control method for implementing the generator control method by the control device 200 provided in the embodiment of the present application have been described in detail in the embodiment of the corresponding generator control method, and will not be repeated here.

[0123] See also Fig. 9 The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium 300 on which a computer program 310 is stored. When the computer program 310 is executed by a processor, the control method of the generator in the above technical solution is implemented. The computer-readable storage medium 300 can be a portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM) and include program code, and can be run on a terminal device, such as a personal computer. However, the program product of the present invention is not limited to this. In this document, the computer-readable storage medium 300 can be any tangible medium containing or storing a program, which can be used by or in combination with an instruction execution system, an apparatus or a device.

[0124] The above program product can adopt any combination of one or more readable media. The readable medium can be a readable signal medium or a readable storage medium. The readable storage medium can be, for example, but not limited to, a system, device or device of electricity, magnetism, light, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor, or any combination of the above. More specific examples (non-exhaustive list) of readable storage media include: an electrical connection with one or more wires, a portable disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the above.

[0125] Computer readable signal media may include data signals propagated in baseband or as part of a carrier wave, in which readable program code is carried. Such propagated data signals may take a variety of forms, including but not limited to electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any suitable combination of the above. Readable signal media may also be any readable medium other than a readable storage medium, which may send, propagate, or transmit a program for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0126] The program code embodied on the readable medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wired, optical cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0127] Program code for performing the operations of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java, C++, etc., and conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as "C" or similar programming languages. The program code may be executed entirely on the user computing device, partially on the user device, as a separate software package, partially on the user computing device and partially on a remote computing device, or entirely on a remote computing device or server. In cases involving a remote computing device, the remote computing device may be connected to the user computing device through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or may be connected to an external computing device (e.g., through the Internet using an Internet service provider).

[0128] In addition, the above-mentioned figures are only schematic illustrations of the processes included in the method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and are not intended to be limiting. It is easy to understand that the processes shown in the above-mentioned figures do not indicate or limit the time sequence of these processes. In addition, it is also easy to understand that these processes can be performed synchronously or asynchronously, for example, in multiple modules.

[0129] The above are only specific implementations of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any technician familiar with the technical field can easily think of various equivalent modifications or replacements within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, and these modifications or replacements should be included in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application shall be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A generator, characterized in that: The generator comprises: AC interface, used to receive or output AC power; A power generation module, used for outputting AC power after starting; A rectifier module, wherein the AC side of the rectifier module is connected to the power generation module, and the DC side of the rectifier module is connected to the DC bus, and the rectifier module is used to rectify the AC power received from the power generation module and output it to the DC bus; A bidirectional inverter module, the bidirectional inverter module is connected between the DC bus and the AC interface; the bidirectional inverter module is used to rectify the AC power received by the AC interface and output it to the DC bus when the AC interface receives AC power, and, after the power generation module is started, convert the DC power of the DC bus into AC power and output it through the AC interface; The reverse-drag module is connected between the DC bus and the power generation module, and is used for, when the power generation module is not started, responding to an instruction to start the generator, converting the DC power of the DC bus into AC power and then starting the power generation module.

2. The generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The generator further comprises: a starting battery module, the starting battery module being connected to the DC bus and configured to obtain DC power from the DC bus for charging in response to a standby instruction when the AC interface receives AC power; and When the AC interface does not receive the AC power and the power generation module is not started, in response to an instruction to start the generator, DC power is output to the DC bus.

3. The generator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The generator further comprises: An auxiliary source module, the auxiliary source module is connected to the starting battery module, and the starting battery module is also used to supply power to the auxiliary source module in response to the standby instruction when the AC interface does not receive the AC power and the power generation module is not started.

4. A method for controlling a generator, characterized in that: Applied to the generator according to claim 1, the control method comprises: Detecting the connection status of the AC interface; Detecting the startup state of the power generation module; When the AC interface receives AC power and the power generation module is not started, in response to an instruction to start the generator, the bidirectional inverter module is controlled to operate in a rectification mode to rectify the AC power received by the AC interface and output it to the DC bus; The reverse-drive module is controlled to invert the direct current of the direct current bus to start the power generation module.

5. The control method according to claim 4, characterized in that: The generator further includes a starting battery module, and the starting battery module is connected to the DC bus. The control method further includes: When the AC interface does not receive the AC power and the power generation module is not started, in response to an instruction to start the generator, the starting battery module is controlled to output DC power to the DC bus; The reverse-drive module is controlled to invert the direct current of the direct current bus to start the power generation module.

6. The control method according to claim 5, characterized in that: Before controlling the starting battery module to output direct current to the DC bus, the control method further includes: When the power of the starting battery module is greater than or equal to the first preset power, the step of controlling the starting battery module to output direct current to the direct current bus is performed.

7. The control method according to claim 6, characterized in that: The AC interface is used to connect the energy storage device, and the control method further includes: When the power of the starting battery module is less than a second preset power, a request instruction is sent to the energy storage device, where the request instruction is used to instruct the energy storage device to output the AC power to the AC interface.

8. The control method according to claim 5, characterized in that: The control method further comprises: When the AC interface receives the AC power and the power generation module is not started, in response to a standby instruction, the startup battery module is controlled to obtain the DC power of the DC bus for charging.

9. The control method according to claim 8, characterized in that: The generator further includes an auxiliary source module, the auxiliary source module is connected to the starting battery module, and the control method further includes: When the AC interface does not receive the AC power and the power generation module is not started, in response to the standby instruction, the startup battery module is controlled to output DC power to the auxiliary power module to supply power to the auxiliary power module.

10. A power generation and energy storage system, characterized in that: It comprises an energy storage device and a generator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3.

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