Battery state of charge protection

Abstract

This invention discloses systems and methods for monitoring and / or protecting the state of charge (SOC) of one or more batteries. One method includes determining location information associated with the battery via a controller. The method also includes determining one or more battery parameters via the controller. Furthermore, the method includes calculating the SOC of the battery based on the one or more battery parameters and the location information. Finally, the method includes controlling a mode of the battery via the controller and based on the SOC.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 965,422, filed January 24, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The embodiments relate to systems and methods for monitoring and / or protecting the state of charge of one or more batteries, and more specifically, the batteries are batteries charged via one or more solar panels. Background Technology

[0004] Solar energy is gaining traction as a power source worldwide, but this growth faces challenges depending on the climate in which solar panels are installed. For example, cold environments can subject batteries to additional stress, including those that receive power from solar panels. This additional stress can lead to battery failures such as overcharging, over-cycling, and / or over-discharging. Furthermore, this stress can cause batteries to freeze, resulting in battery failure. However, the freezing point of a battery does have a direct relationship with its state of charge and can be avoided.

[0005] Furthermore, cold weather, such as snow and ice, can significantly reduce the efficiency of solar panels. The batteries must have sufficient power to provide at least the minimum required charge to continue system operation. If the solar panels are unable to provide energy, and the batteries have too little charge to simultaneously supply the load and prevent icing, a large-scale failure could occur. Because of these factors, the system needs to be planned for and prepared for cold weather. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One embodiment provides a method for protecting the state of charge (SOC) of a battery. The method includes determining location information associated with the battery via a controller. The method also includes determining one or more battery parameters via the controller. Furthermore, the method includes calculating the SOC of the battery based on the one or more battery parameters and the location information. Finally, the method includes controlling a mode of the battery via the controller and based on the SOC.

[0007] In some embodiments, the method further includes reporting the battery status via a controller. In some embodiments, the status update further includes at least one selected from the group consisting of a change in charging state, power mode, configuration change, and warning notification. In some embodiments, the battery is a lead-acid battery. In some embodiments, the location information includes at least one selected from the group consisting of latitude, longitude, expected season, time, date, ambient temperature, and weather conditions. In some embodiments, the battery parameters include at least one selected from the group consisting of current battery voltage, maximum battery voltage, battery current, maximum battery current, battery temperature, and maximum battery temperature. In some embodiments, the battery mode is selected from the group consisting of a continuous low mode and a continuous full mode. In some embodiments, the method further includes determining that the battery location has changed and updating the location information based on the new location.

[0008] Another embodiment provides a method for protecting the state of charge (SOC) of a battery. The method includes determining context information of a location via an electronic processor. The method includes determining a model indicating anticipated low-power scheduling via the electronic processor and based on the context information. The method includes receiving battery size, solar panel size, and model via the electronic processor. The method includes determining a SOC threshold for low-power scheduling via the electronic processor. The method includes controlling the battery's power mode via the electronic processor.

[0009] In some embodiments, the context information is local weather forecast data. In some embodiments, the method further includes determining the optimal tilt angle of the solar panel based on location and solar panel size. In some embodiments, the method further includes entering a low-power state based on low-power scheduling. In some embodiments, the method further includes determining a power loss probability based on a model. In some embodiments, the method further includes entering a low-power state when the power loss probability exceeds a threshold.

[0010] Another embodiment provides an electric power system including a solar panel, a power source configured to receive energy from the solar panel, and an electronic processor coupled to the power source. The electronic processor is configured to determine an upcoming sub-freezing temperature based on a climate model. The electronic processor is also configured to determine the state of charge of the power source. The electronic processor is further configured to send a signal to the power source instructing it to enter a low-power mode and to activate power reserves for the duration of the freezing temperature.

[0011] In some embodiments, the climate model includes determining the start date of winter based on historical temperature data. In some embodiments, the electronic processor is also configured to determine the sulfuric acid concentration of the power supply. In some embodiments, a low-power mode maintains the power supply at a capacity above its freezing capacity. In some embodiments, the electronic processor is also configured to determine at least one from the group consisting of power supply voltage, power supply current, and power supply temperature. In some embodiments, the electronic processor is also configured to switch the power supply from a normal power mode to a low-power mode. In some embodiments, the electronic processor is also configured to switch the power supply from a low-power mode to a normal power mode.

[0012] Other aspects of this application will become apparent from consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 An example of a solar energy system according to some embodiments is shown.

[0014] Figure 2 Illustrations are shown according to some embodiments Figure 1 An example of a controller for a solar energy system.

[0015] Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the use of some embodiments of the invention. Figure 2 The method executed by the controller.

[0016] Figure 4 A graph showing the relationship between temperature and acid concentration according to some embodiments is presented.

[0017] Figure 5 A graph showing the relationship between battery state of charge and freezing point according to some embodiments is presented.

[0018] Figure 6 This illustrates the use of, according to some embodiments, by Figure 2 The flowchart shows the operations performed by the controller.

[0019] Figure 7 This illustrates the use of, according to some embodiments, by Figure 2 The flowchart shows the operations performed by the controller.

[0020] Figure 8 This illustrates the use of, according to some embodiments, by Figure 1 The flowchart shows the operations performed by the server.

[0021] Figure 9 This illustrates the use of, according to some embodiments, by Figure 1 The flowchart shows the operations performed by the server.

[0022] Figure 10 This illustrates the use of, according to some embodiments, by Figure 1 The flowchart shows the operations performed by the server. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Before explaining any embodiment in detail, it should be understood that the embodiment, in its application, is not limited to the details of the configuration and arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or shown in the accompanying drawings. The embodiment can be practiced or performed in various ways. Furthermore, it should be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered limiting. The use of “comprising,” “including,” or “having,” and variations thereof is intended to cover the items listed thereafter and their equivalents, as well as additional items. Unless otherwise stated or limited, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled,” and variations thereof, are widely used and cover direct and indirect mounting, connection, support, and coupling.

[0024] Furthermore, it should be understood that embodiments may include hardware, software, and electronic components or modules, which, for the purposes of discussion, may be shown and described as if most components were implemented solely in hardware. However, those skilled in the art, based on this detailed description, will recognize that in at least one embodiment, the electronic aspects may be implemented in software (e.g., stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium) capable of being executed by one or more electronic processors, such as one or more microprocessors and / or application-specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”). Therefore, it should be noted that embodiments may be implemented using multiple hardware and software-based devices and multiple different structural components. For example, the “server” and “computing device” described in the specification may include one or more processing units, one or more computer-readable medium modules, one or more input / output interfaces, and various connectors (e.g., system buses) for connectivity components.

[0025] Figure 1 A system 100 is shown, including a solar panel 102, a data collection module 104, and one or more antennas 106. The one or more antennas 106 are configured, for example, to send information to a server 108. The server 108 is configured to send information to a user device 110, such as a computer, mobile device, etc. The solar panel 102 converts solar energy received from solar rays into electrical energy and stores the energy in a power source (e.g., a battery) 200. Figure 2 (As shown). Solar panel 102 can be configured to supply power to load 112. Load 112 can be, for example, a power grid. In some embodiments, load 112 receives power from battery 200. The energy converted and stored by solar panel 102 is measured by data collection module 104. Solar panel 102 can also store energy in an additional power source / battery (not shown) or in the grid system.

[0026] The data collection module 104 includes multiple electrical and electronic components that provide power, operational control, and / or protection to the data collection module 104 and / or components and modules within the power system 100. For example, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the data acquisition module 104 includes, among other things, a controller 202 (e.g., an electronic processor, microprocessor, microcontroller, or other suitable programmable device), a meter transmission unit (MTU) 204, a memory 206, one or more input devices 208, and one or more output devices 210. The controller 202 may include a control unit, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), and multiple registers (in... Figure 2 An electronic processor 205 (displayed as a set of registers) is included. A controller 202, an MTU 204, a memory 206, input devices 208, and output devices 210, along with various modules or circuits connected to the controller 202, are connected via one or more control and / or data buses. A data collection module 104 (including its components) can receive power from a battery 200. The battery 200 can be, for example, a lead-acid battery, a lithium-ion battery, or a battery with other known chemistry. In normal operation, a solar panel 102 charges the battery 200, enabling the data collection module 104 to operate for a predetermined period of time.

[0027] Memory 206 is a non-transitory computer-readable medium and includes, for example, a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area and data storage area may include combinations of different types of memory, such as ROM, RAM (e.g., DRAM, SDRAM, etc.), EEPROM, flash memory, hard disk, SD card, or other suitable magnetic, optical, physical, or electronic storage devices. Controller 202 is connected to memory 206 and (e.g., during execution) executes instructions that can be stored in the RAM of memory 206, the ROM of memory 206 (e.g., on a generally permanent basis), or another non-transitory computer-readable medium (such as another memory or disk). Software included in the embodiments of system 100 and controller 202 may be stored in the memory 206 of controller 202. This software includes, for example, firmware, one or more applications, program data, filters, rules, one or more program modules, and other executable instructions. Controller 202 is configured to retrieve from memory 206 and execute, among other things, instructions related to the control processes and methods described herein. In other embodiments, controller 202 includes additional, fewer, or different components.

[0028] MTU 204 is configured to measure various instruments connected to system 100, such as water meters, gas meters, and electricity meters. These instrument measurements are stored in memory 206 and can be used to determine diagnostic information indicating the state of system 100. In some embodiments, MTU 204 is configured to provide pricing information based on instrument measurements. In some embodiments, MTU 204 can be configured to send a notification indicating a fault (i.e., a maintenance request, status, error, etc.) to controller 202. This fault can be based on instrument measurements.

[0029] Furthermore, instrument measurement and diagnostic information can be sent to server 108 (e.g., via antenna 106). Antenna 106 can transmit and receive data for data collection module 104 at a predetermined radio frequency. In some embodiments, the predetermined radio frequency is a frequency in the range of 450MHz to 470MHz. In some embodiments, antenna 106 can transmit and receive data via a wide-area network (WAN). For example, antenna 106 can be configured to communicate via cellular networks (3G, 4G, 5G, etc.), fiber optic networks, Ethernet, Wi-Fi networks, and WiMAX networks. Furthermore, information transmitted and received by antenna 106 can be encrypted.

[0030] The data collection module 104 can be further configured to receive upcoming weather information via the antenna 106. For example, the data collection module 104 can be configured to receive location weather station information via the antenna 106. In some embodiments, the server 108 can automatically send weather information to the data collection unit module via the antenna 106.

[0031] return Figure 1 Server 108 may include an electronic processor, memory, and a communication interface. Server 108 uses the communication interface to communicate via one or more communication lines or buses, wirelessly, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, server 108 maintains a database storing information about multiple data collection modules. Furthermore, server 108 may receive requests from user equipment 110 regarding the status of data collection module 104 and solar panel 102. Server 108 may send commands and warnings to data collection module 104, or may forward notifications received by data collection module 104 to user equipment 110.

[0032] User equipment 110 allows users to send and receive data about system 100. For example, user equipment 110 can display data that details the current state of system 100, such as data provided by data collection module 104. User equipment 110 can display the amount of power provided by solar panel 102. User equipment 110 can also display the amount of power stored in battery 200. In some embodiments, a user can send data to server 108 via user equipment 110. For example, a user can input information such as battery type, solar panel type, upcoming weather alerts, weather forecasts, etc.

[0033] Figure 3 A battery protection operation or method 300 according to some embodiments performed by controller 202 is illustrated. For example, at block 302, controller 202 determines location information associated with the battery. This location information may include, for example, latitude, longitude, expected season, time, date, ambient temperature, and / or weather conditions. Latitude and longitude may be received via a global positioning system (GPS) device associated with system 100 and / or manually entered by a user. In some embodiments, the latitude and longitude of the location where solar panel 102 is installed may be stored in memory 206. Furthermore, the location information may include the manufacturing location of components of system 100. In some embodiments, the ambient temperature is determined via a temperature sensor (such as a thermistor or thermocouple) coupled to controller 202. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor is part of MTU 204.

[0034] In some embodiments, controller 202 establishes a climate model. For example, machine learning algorithms can analyze historical weather data for the location to determine expected weather. Controller 202 can use the climate model to determine future temperature, humidity, etc. Controller 202 can use the model to determine the expected number of low-power days in a given year. For example, typically cold, foggy, and / or rainy days result in less power generated by solar panel 102. The climate model can develop a power loss probability based on the model, which indicates the number of days when insufficient power is stored for operation. In some embodiments, the climate model provides recommended battery and solar panel sizes. The recommended battery and solar panel sizes can be determined based on the climate of the location, thereby enabling the generation and storage of sufficient power. In some embodiments, location information also includes design constraints such as wind ratings, pole stress, roof ratings, temperature rating ranges, aesthetic and / or cost constraints of the equipment. Design constraints can be used in conjunction with the climate model to determine recommended battery sizes, recommended solar panel sizes, recommended battery models, and / or recommended solar panel models.

[0035] In some embodiments, controller 202 may utilize a climate model to determine the power loss probability for a given solar panel 102 and / or battery 200. For example, the model may determine, at least based on the climate of the location, the frequency with which the selected battery 200 and / or solar panel 102 will fail during an operational period (e.g., a 5-year battery, a 15-year solar panel). When determining the power loss probability, controller 202 may further utilize design constraints. In some embodiments, the power loss probability changes over time as the battery 200 and solar panel 102 are used. For example, the power loss probability may be recalculated monthly based on the climate and weather experienced by the solar panel 102 and battery 200. The power loss probability may be recalculated when using battery parameters, such as how often the battery 200 undergoes a full charge cycle.

[0036] In some embodiments, controller 202 may utilize climate models to determine seasonal cycles, such as the predicted start and duration of the season. For example, the length, variability, and / or severity of winter may be determined based on latitude, cloud factors, and proximity to objects or water, mountains, and prevailing winds. In some embodiments, historical data may be used to determine the start and end dates of winter for a given location. In some embodiments, controller 202 may identify two seasonal cycles, such as a winter cycle and a non-winter cycle.

[0037] In some embodiments, controller 202 may utilize a climate model to determine the tilt angle of solar panel 102. For example, the worst-case weather conditions may be determined based on the climate model. Controller 202 may determine the optimal fixed angle of solar panel 102 required to maintain minimum power to load 112. In some embodiments, controller 202 determines the tilt angle of solar panel 102 for each season. For example, controller 202 may determine the optimal fixed angle of solar panel 102 during winter, where this optimal fixed angle is required to maintain minimum power to load 112. The determined tilt angle may also be determined to allow rainwater to wash away dirt, bird debris, and other environmental factors from solar panel 102. For example, solar panel 102 located in a normally dry environment may have a larger tilt angle, thereby allowing for an easier cleaning process.

[0038] In some embodiments, the tilt angle is further determined based on the latitude of the location of the solar panel 102. For example, a solar panel located at 0° latitude (the equator) may have an optimal tilt angle of approximately 13°. A solar panel located at 45° latitude may have an optimal tilt angle of approximately 65°. A solar panel located at 90° latitude (the North or South Pole) may have an optimal tilt angle of approximately 90°. The optimal tilt angle may increase non-linearly with increasing latitude. In some embodiments, the optimal tilt angle is determined using the following equation:

[0039]

[0040] Where LatDeg is the latitude and TiltDeg is the optimal tilt angle.

[0041] At block 304, controller 202 is configured to determine one or more battery parameters of battery 200. Battery parameters may include, for example, battery voltage, maximum battery voltage, battery current, maximum battery temperature, battery cycle time, battery capacity, battery aging factors, etc. Battery parameters can be sent from the electronic processor of battery 200 to controller 202. In some embodiments, controller 202 may determine battery parameters based on power received from battery 200. In some embodiments, battery parameters are stored in memory 206.

[0042] In some embodiments, determining one or more battery parameters of battery 200 includes determining the sulfuric acid concentration within battery 200. For example, a lead-acid battery contains an electrolyte composed of sulfuric acid and distilled water. As battery 200 discharges, the sulfuric acid concentration decreases. In some embodiments, determining one or more battery parameters of battery 200 includes determining the freezing point of battery 200. For example, the relationship between sulfuric acid concentration and the freezing point of the electrolyte is as follows: Figure 4 As shown in the diagram. This relationship can be used to determine the freezing point of the electrolyte inside battery 200.

[0043] return Figure 3 At block 306, controller 202 is configured to calculate the state of charge (SOC) of the battery based on one or more battery parameters and location information. In some embodiments, the SOC is determined using a coulomb counting method. In the coulomb counting method, the current flowing out of battery 200 is integrated over time to determine the total energy leaving battery 200. In some embodiments, the SOC is determined using a specific gravity method. In the specific gravity method, the battery discharge voltage is converted into an estimated SOC using instantaneous battery temperature, voltage, and current measurements.

[0044] In some embodiments, the battery state of charge (SOC) is determined based on the battery freezing point. For example, if the concentration of sulfuric acid is determined to be less than 40%, there is an approximately linear relationship between the battery SOC and the battery freezing point, such as... Figure 5 As shown. The state of charge can be found using the following equation:

[0045] Where SoC is in a state of charge, and T C This is the freezing point temperature of battery 200, in degrees Celsius.

[0046] In some embodiments, the state of charge (SOC) of the battery is determined based on battery temperature, battery voltage, battery current, and battery series resistance (e.g., in ohms). In such embodiments, the following equation can be used:

[0047] enter:

[0048] T celcius = Temperature in Celsius

[0049] V bat =Battery voltage

[0050] I bat = Battery current (positive value indicates charging; negative value indicates discharging)

[0051] BSR = Battery series resistance in ohms (default is 0.06 ohms for new batteries).

[0052] R sys =LTC4015 resistor in ohms (always set to 0.004 ohms)

[0053] B count =Number of batteries

[0054] B AHRS =Amp-hour capacity of a single battery

[0055] Intermediate calculations:

[0056] OCV 25C = Battery open circuit voltage at 25 degrees Celsius

[0057] ·OCV 25C =V bat +0.0741650164866545*2.71828182845905^(-0.0535910302272393*T bat )+(0.0000231911473560863*T bat ^2–0.0044201531556652*T bat +0.211524699929488)*(1–2.718282182845905^(-0.0311545574131909*(-V bat *Ibat )))*121.721441588921 / (B count *B AHRS )+((-V bat *I bat +LTCPowerBoardWatts) / V bat )*(BSR MeasuredDaily +CableResistance Constant +R sys –1.47822446680515E-06*T bat ^3+0.0000860627243786663*T bat ^2–0.00195378950686534&T bat +0.0606897311855272

[0058] ActivityFactor = Battery Activity Factor

[0059] ·ActivityFactor=-17713.4182389649+5722.96922645935*OCV 25C –693.396695713713*OCV 25C ^2+37.338752522479*OCV 25C ^3–0.753940315715226*OCV 25C ^4

[0060] ActivityBasis = Battery Base State of Charge

[0061] ActivityBasis = IF(OCV 25C >13.2,1,IF(OCV 25C <11.48,0,(LOG10(EXP((2.041–OCV 25C / 6) / 0.0128463044000366)) / (-1.59868110391458)+3.15) / 6.3))

[0062] Output:

[0063] SOC = Battery State of Charge

[0064] SOC=ActivityBasis*ActivityFactor

[0065] In some embodiments, controller 202 is configured to determine a seasonal threshold for battery 200. This seasonal threshold may be, for example, the amount of minimum power required to power load 112 based on forecast weather for the day (and / or any other time period). In some embodiments, the capacity of battery 200 that may freeze at the current temperature is the frozen capacity. In some embodiments, the seasonal threshold is determined based on a climate model, as previously described. For example, battery 200 may maintain sufficient reserve capacity to remain above the frozen capacity while providing minimum power to load 112. Battery 200 may also have the capability to power load 112 for predetermined weather events and / or low temperatures, as previously described. This reserve capacity may be used to determine the seasonal state of charge threshold by multiplying the duration of the weather event or low temperature by 24 hours / day and further by the battery load watts. For example, for a weather event with a predicted duration of five (5) days, a battery load of 4 watts, and a 50 Ahr 12V battery, the state of charge reserve capacity would be (5 * 24 * 4 / (50 * 12)). In some embodiments, battery 200 may be in a low-power mode. For example, in low power mode, the state-of-charge capacity may be reduced to 10% (5*24*4 / (50*12)).

[0066] In some embodiments, controller 202 may determine a seasonal state of charge (SOC) threshold by estimating the lowest probability temperature for battery 200 based on battery life reliability. In some embodiments, controller 202 may determine the SOC threshold by identifying the freezing point SOC for a given temperature using a freezing point SOC curve equation, as previously described. In some embodiments, controller 202 may determine the SOC threshold by calculating the reserve SOC, multiplying the event duration by the battery load, and dividing the result by the battery watt-hour rating. In some embodiments, controller 202 may determine the SOC threshold by adding the frozen SOC to the reserve SOC.

[0067] At block 306, controller 202 is configured to control the battery in a mode based on state of charge. The battery 200 can be in, for example, a low-power mode, a full-power mode, a reduced-power mode, etc. When in low-power mode, the battery 200 can provide a minimum amount of power, allowing it to provide the minimum functionality of the load 112 provided by system 100.

[0068] In some embodiments, the transition from low-power mode to full-power mode, or from full-power mode to low-power mode, uses a rolling averaging process based on the time between measurements. For example, the following equation can be used:

[0069] StateOfCharge average

[0070] =0.3614 * StateOfCharge measurement +(1-0.3617)

[0071] *StateOfCharge average

[0072] StateOfCharge average It represents the average state of charge, and StateOfCharge measurement The measured state of charge. In some embodiments, when a transition from a full-power mode to a low-power mode is determined, the controller 202 may utilize hysteresis provisioning. For example, the controller 202 may utilize historical state of charge data stored in memory 206 to determine the average state of charge.

[0073] In some embodiments, the minimum functionality of load 112 includes the necessary scheduling to continue when the battery's state of charge drops below a seasonal threshold within a given time period. For example, if the weather is predicted to snow for three days, the minimum functionality includes scheduling details of when and how much the battery 200 should discharge during those three days, so that load 112 receives power and the battery 200 does not freeze.

[0074] In some embodiments, controller 202 is also configured to provide status reports to server 108. Status reports may include, for example, the current state of charge of battery 200, the average state of charge of battery 200, the current mode of battery 200, notifications that solar panel 102 is covered by snow, notifications indicating battery 200 failure, etc. In some embodiments, controller 202 provides status reports based on a predetermined schedule. In some embodiments, controller 202 provides a status report each time the mode of battery 200 changes.

[0075] Figure 6Alternative battery protection operations or methods 600 performed by controller 202 according to some embodiments are illustrated. At block 602, controller 202 determines context information of the location based on the location. This context information may be, for example, the location information previously described. At block 604, controller 202 may determine a model indicating expected low power dispatch based on the context information. This model may be, for example, similar to the climate model previously described in method 300. This model may indicate the number of days on which the power provided by solar panel 102 is expected to be below a threshold. At block 606, controller 202 receives the battery size, solar panel size, and / or model. At block 608, controller 202 may determine a state of charge (POC) threshold for low power dispatch. For example, controller 202 may consider the battery size, solar panel size, model, and / or low power dispatch to determine the POC threshold. The POC threshold may indicate the minimum POC required for battery 200 to provide minimum functionality to load 112 and to maintain a state of charge above the freezing point of battery 200 for the current ambient temperature. At box 610, controller 202 can control the power mode of battery 200.

[0076] Figure 7 Operations or methods 700 performed by controller 202 according to some embodiments are illustrated. At block 702, controller 202 determines an upcoming temperature below freezing based on a climate model. For example, controller 202 may use a climate model as described above to determine that the upcoming night will be characterized by a temperature of -2°C. At block 704, controller 202 determines the state of charge of a power source (e.g., battery 200). At block 706, controller 202 sends a signal to the power source instructing it to enter a low-power mode. At block 708, controller 202 activates a power reserve for the duration of the freezing temperature. For example, system 100 may include a power reserve charged by solar panel 102. Once the power reserve is fully charged, controller 202 may shut down the power reserve from system 100. In the event that battery 200 enters a low-power mode, controller 202 may activate the power reserve to supply power to load 112, thereby allowing battery 200 to remain in a state of charge above the freezing state of charge.

[0077] Figure 8An operation or method 800 for determining a new state of charge threshold, performed by controller 202 according to some embodiments, is illustrated. For example, at block 802, controller 202 determines location information associated with battery 200. This location information may be similar to the location information previously discussed in method 300. At block 804, controller 202 determines that the location of battery 200 has changed. For example, the longitude and latitude of battery 200 stored in memory 206 may be compared with the longitude and latitude received by a GPS device associated with system 100. If the longitude and latitude of battery 200 stored in memory 206 (previous location) do not match the longitude and latitude received by the GPS device (current location), controller 202 determines that the location of battery 200 has changed.

[0078] At box 806, controller 202 determines a new model based on location information. For example, controller 202 uses new climate information, historical information, and expected weather to develop a new model for the new location. At box 808, controller 202 determines new seasonal thresholds based on the new model. Controller 202 can also be configured to control the mode of battery 200 based on the new seasonal thresholds.

[0079] The disclosed methods are not limited to being executed by controller 202, but can also be executed by other components of system 100, such as, for example, server 108. Figure 9 The diagram illustrates operations or methods 900 that can be performed by server 108 according to some embodiments. At block 902, server 108 receives latitude and longitude. Server 108 may receive this information from user equipment 110, a GPS device, etc. At block 904, server 108 determines a climate model for that latitude and longitude, as previously discussed. At block 906, server 108 determines the battery size and solar panel size based on the climate model. For example, server 108 may determine the battery size and solar panel size, resulting in the optimal power required for load 112 while taking into account possible low-power days.

[0080] Figure 10Additional operations or methods 1000 that may be performed by server 108 according to some embodiments are illustrated. At block 1002, server 108 receives battery size and / or solar panel size. At block 1004, server 108 receives one or more locations. For example, server 108 may receive a series of latitude and longitude pairs, each latitude and longitude pair corresponding to a location. At block 1006, server 108 determines a feasibility score for each of the one or more locations. For example, server 108 may assign a feasibility score from 0 to 100 to each location, detailing whether a given battery size and solar panel size are feasible for that location. For example, a solar panel with 100 watts output and a battery with a 30 AHr rating may have a feasibility score of 25 at a location at longitude 79.4°W and latitude 43.7°N. In some embodiments, the feasibility score may be an alphabetical scale (FA), a percentage score, or a simple binary score (thumbs up or thumbs down). At step 1008, server 108 determines an optimal configuration for each location. For example, if the feasibility score for a given location is low, server 108 can provide battery size and solar panel size that will increase the feasibility score. In some embodiments, server 108 further considers expected cost when determining the optimal configuration.

[0081] Among other things, embodiments provide systems and methods for monitoring and / or protecting the state of charge of one or more batteries. Various features and advantages of this application are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A method for protecting the state of charge of a battery, the method comprising: The location information associated with the battery is determined via the controller; One or more battery parameters are determined via the controller; The state of charge of the battery is calculated based on the one or more battery parameters and the location information; and The power mode of the battery is controlled via the controller and based on the state of charge, so that the battery is kept in a state of charge higher than the frozen state of charge. The location information includes at least one selected from the group consisting of latitude, longitude, expected season, time, date, ambient temperature, and weather conditions.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising reporting the state of the battery via the controller.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The status also includes at least one selected from the group consisting of a change in state of charge, power mode, configuration change, and warning notification.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The battery is a lead-acid battery.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The battery parameters include at least one selected from the group consisting of current battery voltage, maximum battery voltage, battery current, maximum battery current, battery temperature, and maximum battery temperature.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The power mode of the battery is selected from a group consisting of a low power mode and a full power mode.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: It has been determined that the position of the battery has been changed; and The location information is updated based on the new location.

8. A method for protecting the state of charge of a battery, the method comprising: The context information of the location is determined via an electronic processor and based on the location associated with the battery; The electronic processor determines a model indicating the expected low-power scheduling based on the context information; The electronic processor receives the battery dimensions, solar panel dimensions, and the model. The state of charge threshold for the low-power scheduling is determined via the electronic processor; and The power mode of the battery is controlled via the electronic processor and based on the state of charge threshold, so that the battery remains in a state of charge higher than the frozen state of charge. The contextual information of the location includes at least one selected from the group consisting of latitude, longitude, expected season, time, date, ambient temperature, and weather conditions.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The context information is local weather forecast data.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising determining an optimal tilt angle of the solar panel based on the location and the size of the solar panel.

11. The method of claim 8, further comprising entering a low-power state based on the low-power scheduling.

12. The method of claim 8, further comprising determining the power loss probability based on the model.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising entering a low-power state when the power loss probability exceeds a threshold.

14. An electric power system, comprising: Solar panels; A power source configured to receive energy from the solar panels; and An electronic processor coupled to the power supply, the electronic processor being configured to: The upcoming sub-freezing temperature is determined based on a climate model associated with the location information of the power source; Determine the state of charge of the power source; A signal is sent to the power source instructing it to enter a low-power mode, thereby maintaining the power source in a state of charge higher than the frozen state of charge; and Activate power reserves during freezing temperatures. The location information includes at least one selected from the group consisting of latitude, longitude, expected season, time, date, ambient temperature, and weather conditions.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein, The climate model includes determining the start date of winter based on historical temperature data.

16. The system according to claim 14, wherein, The electronic processor is also configured to determine the sulfuric acid concentration of the power source.

17. The system according to claim 14, wherein, The low-power mode keeps the power supply at a capacity higher than the frozen capacity.

18. The system according to claim 14, wherein, The electronic processor is also configured to determine at least one from the group consisting of power supply voltage, power supply current, and power supply temperature.

19. The system according to claim 14, wherein, The electronic processor is also configured to switch the power supply from a normal power mode to the low power mode.

20. The system according to claim 19, wherein, The electronic processor is also configured to switch the power supply from the low-power mode to the normal-power mode; and A hysteresis supply is provided when switching from the low power mode to the normal power mode.

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