Solar battery systems, methods and interface modules

Abstract

A solar battery system, method and interface module is provided. The system comprises: a vehicle battery assembly that has been removed from an electric vehicle; a solar inverter, coupled to one or more solar panels, and configured to power one or more electrical items; and a battery interface module, intermediate the control interface of the solar inverter and the battery management system of the vehicle battery assembly. The vehicle battery assembly including a plurality of cells and a battery management system. The solar inverter includes a DC battery output, coupled to the cells of the vehicle battery assembly, and a control interface, configured to send and receive control messages. The battery interface module is configured to receive messages from the control interface of the solar inverter in a first format, and send messages to the battery management system of the vehicle battery assembly in a second format and according to the received messages from the control interface of the solar inverter.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to solar battery systems, methods and interface modules, and in particular, to solar battery systems that utilise batteries from electric vehicles. BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Electric vehicles have recently surged in popularity, as they do not require use of fossil fuels, which have negative environmental impacts and are becoming increasingly expensive. In short, electric vehicles include a relatively large (often around 50kWh) rechargable battery, which powers one or more electric motors.

[0003] In modern electric vehicles, such as those manufactured by Tesla, the battery comprises a large battery assembly in a base (floor) of the vehicle. This battery assembly comprises a plurality of rechargeable cells.

[0004] A problem with such electric vehicles is that when the battery capacity drops, it becomes non-economical for use in the vehicle, and is either replaced or the vehicle recycled. Either way, this results in a battery assembly that is difficult to recycle due to the complex arrangement of rechargeable cells.

[0005] Power costs have similarly increased, resulting in an increased adoption of solar. A problem with solar is that it is not available when it is needed, e.g. during the evening, as it requires energy from the sun.

[0006] Solar batteries exist that enable excess solar energy to be stored for later use. These batteries are, however, expensive and relatively small.

[0007] As such, there is clearly a need for improved solar storage and vehicle battery recycling methods.

[0008] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country. SUMMARY

[0009] The present disclosure relates to solar battery systems, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0010] With the foregoing in view, the present disclosure in one form, resides broadly in a solar battery system comprising: a vehicle battery assembly that has been removed from an electric vehicle, the vehicle battery assembly including a plurality of cells and a battery management system; a solar inverter, coupled to one or more solar panels, and configured to power one or more electrical items, the solar inverter including a DC battery output, coupled to the cells of the vehicle battery assembly, and a control interface, configured to send and receive control messages; and a battery interface module, intermediate the control interface of the solar inverter and the battery management system of the vehicle battery assembly, wherein the battery interface module is configured to receive messages from the control interface of the solar inverter in a first format, and send messages to the battery management system of the vehicle battery assembly in a second format and according to the received messages from the control interface of the solar inverter.

[0011] In another form, the invention resides broadly in a battery interface module for a solar battery system, the battery interface module configured to provide an interface between a control interface of a solar inverter and a battery management system of a vehicle battery assembly that has been removed from an electric vehicle, wherein the battery interface module is configured to receive messages from the control interface of the solar inverter in a first format, and send messages to the battery management system of the vehicle battery assembly in a second format and according to the received messages from the control interface of the solar inverter.

[0012] In yet another form, the invention resides broadly in a battery interface method, for use in a battery interface module of a solar battery system, the solar battery system including a solar inverter and a vehicle battery assembly that has been removed from an electric vehicle, the battery interface method including: receiving, on a first data interface, and from a control interface of the solar inverter, messages in a first format; and decoding, on a processor, the received messages; generating, on the processor, output messages in a second format, and according to the received and decoded messages; sending, on a second data interface, and to the battery management system of the vehicle battery assembly, the output messages.

[0013] Advantageously, the battery interface module, battery interface method and the solar battery system enables reuse of battery assemblies from electric vehicles in solar environments, and without significant change to the battery assemblies. This in turn provides a cost effective and environmentally friendly way of re-using batteries from electric vehicles that have been damaged, or where the batteries have decreased in capacity that they are no longer viable as vehicle batteries.

[0014] The system may be an off-grid-system. Alternatively, the system may be used in grid applications.

[0015] The system may be a residential system. The system may be configured to power a residential house, removing or significantly reducing the need for power.

[0016] Preferably, the systems and methods are configurable to emulate a plurality of different battery management systems and interfaces to battery management systems. Such configuration enables a range of off-the-shelf inverters and vehicle battery assemblies to be used, while appearing to each other as if another (compatible) type of battery management system is used.

[0017] The control interface may be configurable to communicate according to a plurality of different standards. The plurality of standards may include a plurality of vehicle battery formats or standards. The plurality of standards may include one or more residential battery formats or standards.

[0018] Preferably, the battery interface module is configured to receive messages from the battery management system of the vehicle battery assembly in the second format, and send messages to the control interface of the solar inverter in the first format and according to the received messages from the battery management system of the vehicle battery assembly.

[0019] Such configuration provides bidirectional communication between the battery management system of the vehicle battery assembly and the control interface of the solar inverter in a transparent manner.

[0020] Preferably, the inverter is configured to convert direct current (DC) from the solar panels and output alternating current (AC) to power electrical items. The inverter may be configured to output power at a fixed frequency and voltage. The voltage may be 110V or 220-240V, 380-415V. The frequency may be 50Hz or 60Hz. The output may be single phase or three phase, for example. [0021 ] Preferably, the inverter is further configured to convert DC from the battery assembly and output AC to power electrical items.

[0022] The inverter interface and the battery interface may utilise different communications standards. One of the inverter interface or battery interface may comprise an RS485 (ANSI / TIA / EIA-485-A-1998) serial interface, and the other of the inverter interface or battery interface may comprise a CAN-BUS (ISO 11898) interface.

[0023] In other embodiments, however, the inverter interface and the battery interface may utilise a common communication standard, wherein the messages are defined in different formats. The different formats may comprise different message structures.

[0024] The battery interface module may emulate one or both of the interfaces to the battery management system and inverter.

[0025] The battery interface module may maintain variables according to received messages. The battery interface module may maintain a state or status of the inverter and / or battery assembly.

[0026] The battery interface module may receive, from the battery assembly, parameters defining a state of charge, battery voltage, current draw, current feed, cell temperature, cell voltage, cell balancing, total energy moved or stored, battery condition, or any other suitable parameters. The battery interface may store the received parameters in variables on a memory thereof.

[0027] The battery interface module may be configured to receive a plurality of messages from one of the battery management system and the inverter, and send a single message to the other of the battery management system and inverter, according to the plurality of messages.

[0028] The messages may be to enable the inverter to communicate to enable charging or discharging of the battery. The battery may be discharged to power the one or more electrical items. The battery may be discharged to the grid in case of grid connected scenarios.

[0029] The battery interface module may include a DC switch interface, configured to interface with a DC switch intermediate the inverter and the battery assembly.

[0030] The battery interface module may be configured to monitor one or more characteristics of the battery assembly, and activate the DC switch according to the monitored characteristics. The battery interface module may be configured to activate the DC switch when a voltage or temperature of the battery assembly are above or below a predefined threshold. The characteristics may include detecting parameters outside of safe operating limits. The characteristics may include detecting a loss of communication between the inverter and battery module.

[0031] The battery interface module may include a data interface. The data interface may comprise a wireless data interface. The wireless data interface may comprise a WiFi interface, a Bluetooth interface, or any other suitable interface. The data interface may comprise a wired data interface. The wired data interface may comprise an RS232, RS485, serial (e.g. USB) or wired ethernet data interface.

[0032] A user may interact with the battery interface module using a computing device and the data interface. The user may configure the battery interface module and / or monitor the battery interface module, or battery assembly.

[0033] An external monitoring device may be coupled to the data interface. The external monitoring device may be configured to display a dashboard. The external monitoring device may be interactive. The external monitoring device may be configured to enable a user to configure the system. The external monitoring device may comprise a computing device, such as a portable computing device in the form of a table computer or similar.

[0034] The battery interface module may be configured to provide an interactive website, and thus function in part as a web server. The website may comprise a user interface.

[0035] The battery interface module may be configured to log data relating to operation of the system (e.g. operational parameters). The data may be logged periodically. The data may be periodically uploaded to an external system, such as a server. The external system may monitor the data, e.g. for safety monitoring and trend analysis. The external system may be configured to generate one or more alerts to the user.

[0036] The battery management system may comprise an aftermarket battery management system. The battery management system may comprise a battery management system of the vehicle from which the vehicle battery assembly has been removed.

[0037] The vehicle battery assembly may comprise a sub-assembly of a battery that has been removed from the electric vehicle. For example, the battery of the electric vehicle may comprise a plurality of modules (or packs), and the system may use on or a subset of the modules (or packs).

[0038] In another form, the invention resides broadly in a solar battery system comprising: a vehicle battery assembly of an electric vehicle, the vehicle battery assembly including a plurality of cells; and a solar inverter, coupled to one or more solar panels, and configured to power one or more electrical items, the solar inverter including a DC battery output, coupled to the cells of the vehicle battery assembly, and a control interface, configured to send and receive control messages between the solar invert and vehicle battery assembly.

[0039] The control interface may be configurable to communicate according to a plurality of different formats or standards, including at least one vehicle battery format or standard.

[0040] 28.The solar battery system of claim 26, wherein the vehicle battery has been removed from an electric vehicle.

[0041]

[0042] As outlined above, the system may be used in grid applications. In such case, the system may monitor import and / or export of power to and / or from the grid, and control charging of the battery assembly, at least partly based thereon. The battery interface module may include an interface to a power meter to provide such grid data.

[0043] The battery interface module may be configured to send one or more messages to the battery management system independently of the received messages from the inverter. Such configuration may be useful in overriding control from the inverter. As an illustrative example, the battery interface module may prevent charging of the battery when power is being imported from the grid.

[0044] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention. For example, characteristics of the system may be incorporated into the method of interface module.

[0045] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0046] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0047] Figure 1 illustrates a simplified schematic of a solar battery system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 2 illustrates a simplified schematic of a solar battery system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic of a battery interface module, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 4 illustrates a battery interface method, for use in a battery interface module of a solar battery system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 5 illustrates a simplified schematic of a solar battery system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Exemplary features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0053] Embodiments of solar battery systems are described that enable used electric vehicle battery assemblies to be used in solar environments, to store energy. This in turn provides a cost-effective way of repurposing old electric vehicle batteries, and relatively simple, particularly when compared with recycling I reconditioning.

[0054] Figure 1 illustrates a simplified schematic of a solar battery system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] The solar battery system 100 includes a plurality of solar panels 105, coupled to a solar inverter 110. The solar inverter 110 is configured to convert variable direct current (DC) from the solar panels 105 and output alternating current (AC) at a fixed frequency and voltage (e.g. 220-240V at 50Hz), to power electrical items. The solar inverter 110 is a ‘hybrid’ style inverter, meaning that it can also charge a solar battery, and is an off-the shelf-inverter (e.g. a Sungrow hybrid inverter, or any suitable brand of inverter).

[0056] A battery assembly 115 is coupled to the solar inverter 110. The battery assembly 115 is a battery assembly that has been repurposed from an electric vehicle (not illustrated), and comprises a plurality of cells. The battery assembly 115 includes a housing, housing the cells, and a vehicle battery management system (BMS) 120 coupled to the cells and configured to control a charging of the cells in the battery assembly 115.

[0057] As an illustrative example, the battery assembly 115 may comprise a battery assembly from a Model S, Model 3 or Model Y vehicle of Tesla of Austin, Texas, United States. A battery from any suitable vehicle may, however, be used, including from a Nissan, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia or any other suitable manufacturer.

[0058] Similarly, the cells in the battery assembly 115 may be of any suitable chemistry, including a nickel-cobalt-aluminium (NCA) cells, nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) cells, or lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells.

[0059] As outlined above, the solar inverter 110 includes an output, for outputting alternating current (AC) at a fixed frequency and voltage (e.g. 220-240V at 50Hz), to power electrical items. The solar inverter 110 also includes a DC output coupled to a charging port of the battery assembly 115, for charging the battery assembly 115.

[0060] As outlined above, the battery assembly 115 includes a battery management system 120, to control charging of the cells. In particular, the battery management system 120 controls charge and discharge rates dynamically based upon a range of factors, such as state of charge (SOC), temperature, and the like.

[0061] The battery management system 120 also includes a data interface, for communicating with the vehicle, to receive and provide information to make such control. This interface is generally vehicle or brand specific, and are thus not interchangeable.

[0062] The solar inverter 110 similarly includes a data interface, for communicating with an external battery. The solar inverter 110 and the battery management system 120 communicate, however, using different protocols, and as such, are unable to communicate directly with each other on these data interfaces.

[0063] A battery interface module 125 is therefore provided to facilitate communication between the solar inverter 110 and the battery management system 120.

[0064] The battery interface module 125 includes an inverter interface, for communicating with the solar inverter 110, and a battery interface, for communicating with the battery management system 120. The inverter interface and the battery interface utilise different communications standards or protocols.

[0065] As an illustrative example, the inverter interface may comprise an RS485 (ANSI / TIA / EIA-485-A-1998) serial interface, on which messages are sent using a first standard or protocol, and the battery interface may comprise a CAN-BUS (ISO 11898) interface, on which messages are sent using a second standard or protocol.

[0066] Both the inverter interface and the battery interface may comprise the same standard, such as CAN-BUS (ISO 11898), on which different protocols are used. As an illustrative example, a CAN-BUS inverter may use address 0x150 for state of charge, whereas CAN-BUS vehicle battery may use address 0x292 for state of charge. As such, the battery interface module 125 may communicate state of charge with the vehicle battery on 0x292 and with the inverter on 0x150.

[0067] Similarly, how the data encoded in relation to each address may vary. As an illustrative example, state of charge is encoded may be encoded at the inverter using a different number of bits, a different reference point, and / or using any other suitable form of encoding. As such the battery interface module 125 may translate the encoding of the data between the inverter and battery.

[0068] The battery interface module 125 is configured to receive messages from the solar inverter 110 and the battery management system 120. The battery interface module 125 decodes these messages and emulates both interfaces to the battery management system 120 and solar inverter 110. In particular, the battery interface module 125 is configured to receive messages from the solar inverter 110 according to a first standard or protocol, decode same, and send messages in response thereto to the battery management system 120 according to a second standard or protocol. Similarly, the battery interface module 125 is configured to receive messages from the battery management system 120 according to the second standard or protocol, decode same, and send messages in response thereto to the solar inverter 110 according to the first standard or protocol.

[0069] The messages to and from the battery interface module 125 need not be one-in-one-out. For example, the battery interface module 125 may maintain variables and status in a memory thereof, and update same based upon received messages. The battery interface module 125 may then send messages based upon the variables and status in the memory.

[0070] Such configuration is particularly useful when the battery assembly 115 and the solar inverter 110 communicate in different manners, as it enables not only direct translation of messages as they are received, but bi-directional emulation such that messages may be sent and received at different times and when desired. [0071 ] The system 100 further includes a DC switch 130, intermediate the solar inverter 110 and the battery assembly 115. The DC switch 130 is coupled to, and controlled by the battery interface module 125. This enables the battery interface module 125 to physically break the connection between the solar inverter 110 and the battery assembly 115, e.g. as a safeguard or to avoid charging or discharging of the battery assembly. As an illustrative example, the DC switch 130 may be opened when voltage, temperature or any other relevant parameter moves outside of predefined boundaries, to thereby isolate the battery.

[0072] Finally, the battery interface module 125 includes a wireless data interface, with which a user 135 may interact using a computing device 140, such as a smartphone, tablet, personal computer or the like. In other embodiments, the battery interface module 125 may include its own user interface, e.g. in the form of an interactive display. The skilled addressee will readily appreciate that the battery interface module 125 may comprise a plurality of components, including off-the-shelf components, to achieve such functionality. As an illustrative example, the interactive display may be implemented using a Raspberry Pi computing device and associated display screen.

[0073] The user 135 may configure one or more settings associated with the battery interface module 125, including an initial configuration, and receive / view data from the battery interface module 125 and / or the battery assembly 115. The data may include a state of charge, battery voltage, current draw, current feed, cell temperature, cell voltage, cell balancing, total energy moved or stored, battery condition, or any other suitable data.

[0074] The system 100 may be used in grid or off-grid applications, and in residential or non-residential scenarios. As an illustrative example, the system may power an otherwise mains-powered house, such that the battery is charged during daytime, and discharged when needed, either to the house or the grid.

[0075] In some embodiments, systems may be provided that monitor household usage, and control charging or discharging based thereon. This enables the systems to export to the grid when desirable (e.g. when export rates are high), and power the house and charge to the battery when export to the grid is undesirable.

[0076] Figure 2 illustrates a simplified schematic of a solar battery system 200, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 200 is similar to the system 100, but includes usage / export monitoring through a power meter 205 coupled to a power grid 210.

[0077] The system 200 similarly includes a plurality of solar panels 105, coupled to a solar inverter 110, which is in turn coupled to a battery assembly 115. The system 200 is coupled to a residential house 215, to supplement and / or power to the house 215. The power meter 205 meters power from / to the grid 210, and thus can be used to identify power needs of the house 215.

[0078] A battery interface module 225, similar to the battery interface module 125, is provided to facilitate communication between the solar inverter 110 and the battery management system 120. The battery interface module 225 is, however, further coupled to the power meter 205, to enable the battery interface module 225 to monitor power usage in the house 215 and / or exported.

[0079] This enables the battery interface module 225 to control charging of the battery assembly in a manner that utilises excess power when export rates are low (e.g. during the day), or discharge of the battery when additional power is required by the house. This in turn enables more efficient and cost-effective use of power generated.

[0080] In some embodiments, the battery interface module 225 may modify communication (e.g. messages) between the power meter 205 and inverter 110. This may be used to cause the inverter 110 to believe that more power is being used by the house 215, and thereby resulting in greater generation and export of power than if the messages had not been modified.

[0081] The battery interface module 225 is configurable to be used with a wide range of inverters and battery assemblies. In particular, the battery interface module 225 may include software to enable emulation of a wide range of batteries and systems, and be configured for the particular arrangement used.

[0082] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic of a battery interface module 300, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The battery interface module 300 may be similar or identical to the battery interface modules 125, 225.

[0083] The battery interface module 300 includes a processor 305, coupled to a memory 310. The memory includes instruction code, executable by the processor 305, for performing the various functions of the module 300. The memory 310 is also used to store status and state data associated with a battery assembly and / or inverter.

[0084] The battery interface module 300 includes a battery interface 315, for interfacing with a battery assembly, and an inverter interface 320, for interfacing with an inverter. The battery interface module 300 receives messages from the inverter and battery assembly through the inverter interface 320 and battery interface 315 respectively.

[0085] The processor 305 decodes the messages received from the inverter and battery assembly, using code stored on the memory 310. The processor also maintains a status or state of each of the battery assembly and inverter, to enable emulation thereof.

[0086] A DC switch interface 325 is also coupled to the processor 305, to enable the battery interface module 300 to physically break a connection between the inverter and battery. This is useful in ensuring that the battery is not charged or drained, particularly when the battery does not enable full control via a battery management system.

[0087] A wireless data interface 330 is coupled to the processor 305, and is configured to enable connection of the battery interface module 300 to a range of external devices.

[0088] As an illustrative example, the wireless data interface 330 may enable a smartphone or other computing device to connect to the battery interface module 300. In such case, the battery interface module 300 may function at least partly as a web server, providing data and / or a user interface in the form of a web page.

[0089] Similarly, the wireless data interface 330 may enable the battery interface module 300 to connect to a power meter, as outlined above, to monitor power import and exports, and control charging (or discharging) of the battery according thereto.

[0090] The wireless data interface 330 may also couple the battery interface module 300 to a remote server (not illustrated). The remote server may provide over-the-air updates to the battery interface module 300, monitor the module 300, collect statistics, or enable remote configuration of the battery interface module 300. In some embodiments, the remote server may include or be coupled to weather data, to enable intelligent use and storage of power based on predicted weather.

[0091] The battery interface module 300 includes a display 335, configured to display data to a user. The display 335 may be associated with buttons or other user interface elements, and may display a status of the module 300 and / or associated entities (e.g. battery status).

[0092] Finally, while not illustrated, the battery interface module 300 may include an emergency light or siren, which may sound in case a dangerous error situation is identified, e.g. through parameters being outside of a range.

[0093] While the above examples illustrate particular communications interfaces, such as wireless data interfaces, the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that that disclosure can similarly be applied to any suitable interface, including wired interfaces, or combinations of wired and wireless interfaces.

[0094] While the above examples illustrate use with a battery assembly that includes a battery control module, in some embodiments, the battery interface module 300 may further include a battery control module, to enable the battery management system of the battery assembly to be bypassed, or the system used in scenarios where no battery management system is provided.

[0095] Even when the battery assembly includes a battery control module, the battery interface module, may provide battery control functionality, and balance charging and monitoring of the cells, through manipulation of the messages, control of the DC switch, or otherwise.

[0096] Figure 4 illustrates a battery interface method 400, for use in a battery interface module of a solar battery system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method may be used in a battery interface module that is similar or identical to the battery interface modules described above, and works in a solar battery system including a solar inverter and a vehicle battery assembly that has been removed from an electric vehicle.

[0097] At step 405, the messages are received on a first data interface, and from a control interface of the solar inverter. The messages are in a first format, which is different to the format in which the battery assembly communicates.

[0098] At step 410, the messages are decoded, on a processor. Decoding here can refer to decoding on various levels, but generally includes obtaining the contents of the message.

[0099] At step 415, output messages are generated on the processor and according to the received and decoded messages. This may include encoding the contents of a received message, or generating a new message based (in part) on one or more messages. The messages are in a second format, different to the first format, and therefore steps 410 and 415 comprise a translation step.

[00100] At step 420, the messages are sent, on a second data interface, and to the battery management system of the vehicle battery assembly.

[00101] The method 400 illustrates communication between the inverter and battery assembly in a first direction. The skilled addressee will readily, however, appreciate that bidirectional communication may take place, including messages to and from the inverter and battery assembly.

[00102] While the above examples illustrate use of a battery that has been repurposed from an electric vehicle (e.g. removed from the electric vehicle and installed in proximity to a house to power the house), the skilled addressee will appreciate that the teachings may be applied to vehicle charging, i.e. charging batteries still in vehicles for use by the vehicle.

[00103] Figure 5 illustrates a simplified schematic of a solar battery system 500, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 500 is similar to the systems 100 and 200, but is configured to charge an electric vehicle 505.

[00104] The system 500 similarly includes a plurality of solar panels 105, coupled to a solar inverter 110. The inverter 110 includes a DC output, which is coupled to a vehicle charging plug 510. The inverter 110 further includes a communications interface, which is coupled to a battery interface module 125, which is in turn coupled to the charging plug 510. As such, the vehicle charging plug 510 includes both a DC supply and a control channel.

[00105] The battery interface module 125 enables the inverter 110 and vehicle 505 to communicate with each other, when this would otherwise not have been possible, due to communications incompatibilities. In particular, the battery interface module 125 functions to emulate a solar battery and a vehicle charger, and translates messages therebetween in a similar manner to that described above.

[00106] While the above embodiments describe a battery having been removed from a vehicle, the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that the battery may remain in the vehicle. The vehicle may be inoperational, and thereby the vehicle providing a shell for the battery. In alternative embodiments, however, the vehicle may be operational.

[00107] Advantageously, the methods and systems described above create a simple and convenient way of communicating between a repurposed electric vehicle battery assembly and a hybrid solar inverter.

[00108] This enables old electric vehicle batteries that are not viable for use in vehicles to be used to power homes, without requiring complex recycling as the battery assemblies may be used as wholes. This is particularly relevant given that many vehicle batteries are 50-100kWh when new, meaning that even if they have lost half of their capacity, making them no longer viable as vehicle batteries, are still able to provide a significant amount of power to power a home, where 10kWh batteries are commonplace.

[00109] The methods and systems enable power to be fed into the grid at particular times (e.g. high demand) to help fix power shortages.

[00110] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[00111] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[00112] In compliance with the statute, the disclosure has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the disclosure into effect. The disclosure is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A solar battery system comprising:a vehicle battery assembly that has been removed from an electric vehicle, the vehicle battery assembly including a plurality of cells and a battery management system;a solar inverter, coupled to one or more solar panels, and configured to power one or more electrical items, the solar inverter including a DC battery output, coupled to the cells of the vehicle battery assembly, and a control interface, configured to send and receive control messages; anda battery interface module, intermediate the control interface of the solar inverter and the battery management system of the vehicle battery assembly,wherein the battery interface module is configured to receive messages from the control interface of the solar inverter in a first format, and send messages to the battery management system of the vehicle battery assembly in a second format and according to the received messages from the control interface of the solar inverter.

2. The system of claim 1, configured to operate in an off-grid environment.

3. The system of claim 1, configured to at least partly supply power to a residential building,removing or significantly reducing the need for the building to use power from a power grid.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the battery interface module is configurable to emulate a plurality of different battery management systems and / or interfaces to battery management systems.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the battery interface module is further configured to receive messages from the battery management system of the vehicle battery assembly in the second format, and send messages to the control interface of the solar inverter in the first format and according to the received messages from the battery management system of the vehicle battery assembly.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the inverter is configured to convert direct current (DC) from the solar panels to alternating current (AC) to power electrical items.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the inverter is configured to output power at a fixed frequency (e.g. 50Hz or 60Hz) and voltage (e.g. 110V, 220-240V or 380-415V).

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the inverter is further configured to convert DC from the battery assembly to output AC to power electrical items.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the control interface of the solar inverter and an interface of the vehicle battery assembly utilise different communications standards.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein one of the control interface of the solar inverter and the interface of the vehicle battery assembly comprises an RS485 (ANSI / TIA / EIA-485-A-1998) serial interface, and the other of the control interface of the solar inverter and the interface of the vehicle battery assembly comprises a CAN-BUS (ISO 11898) interface.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the battery interface module emulates one or both of the control interface of the solar inverter and the interface of the vehicle battery assembly.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the battery interface module is configured to maintain variables according to received messages.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the battery interface module is configured to maintain a state or status of the inverter and / or battery assembly.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the battery interface module is configured to receive, from the battery assembly, parameters defining one or more of a state of charge, battery voltage, current draw, current feed, cell temperature, cell voltage, cell balancing, total energy moved or stored, and battery condition.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the battery interface module is configured to receive a plurality of messages from one of the battery management system and the inverter, and send a single message to the other of the battery management system and inverter, the single message generated according to the plurality of messages.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the battery interface module includes a DC switch interface, configured to interface with a DC switch intermediate the inverter and the battery assembly.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the battery interface module is configured to monitor one or more characteristics of the battery assembly, and activate the DC switch according to the monitored characteristics.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the battery interface module is configured to activate the DC switch when a voltage or temperature of the battery assembly are above or below apredefined threshold.

19. The system of claim 1, wherein the battery interface module include a wireless data interface, wherein a user may interact with the battery interface module using a computing device and the wireless data interface.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein battery interface module is configured to provide an interactive webpage on the wireless data interface, the webpage comprising a user interface.

21. The system of claim 1, configured to monitor import and / or export of power to and / or from a power grid, and control charging of the battery assembly, at least partly based thereon.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein the battery interface module includes an interface to a power meter associated with the power grid, to monitor import and / or export of power to and / or from the power grid.

23. The system of claim 1, wherein the battery interface module is further configured to send one or more messages to the battery management system independently of the received messages from the inverter.

24. A battery interface module for a solar battery system, the battery interface module configured to provide an interface between a control interface of a solar inverter and a battery management system of a vehicle battery assembly that has been removed from an electric vehicle, wherein the battery interface module is configured to receive messages from the control interface of the solar inverter in a first format, and send messages to the battery management system of the vehicle battery assembly in a second format and according to the received messages from the control interface of the solar inverter.

25. A battery interface method, for use in a battery interface module of a solar battery system, the solar battery system including a solar inverter and a vehicle battery assembly that has been removed from an electric vehicle, the battery interface method including:receiving, on a first data interface, and from a control interface of the solar inverter, messages in a first format; anddecoding, on a processor, the received messages;generating, on the processor, output messages in a second format, and according to the received and decoded messages;sending, on a second data interface, and to the battery management system of thevehicle battery assembly, the output messages.

26. A solar battery system comprising:a vehicle battery assembly of an electric vehicle, the vehicle battery assembly including a plurality of cells;a solar inverter, coupled to one or more solar panels, and configured to power one or more electrical items, the solar inverter including a DC battery output, coupled to the cells of the vehicle battery assembly, and a control interface, configured to send and receive control messages between the solar invert and vehicle battery assembly.

27. The solar battery system of claim 26, wherein the control interface is configurable to communicate according to a plurality of different standards, including at least one vehicle battery format or standard.

28. The solar battery system of claim 26, wherein the vehicle battery has been removed from an electric vehicle.

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