Modular battery storage system

Abstract

A battery storage system comprises a multilevel converter and a plurality of storage sections. Each storage section comprises at least one holding device for holding at least one battery and at least one cable having at least one connector for electrically connecting at least one of the batteries. The multilevel converter comprises a plurality of converter modules connected in series with each other and each converter module has at least one bypass switch configured to bypass the converter module and a battery switch configured to simultaneously disconnect the batteries when the bypass switch is on. The battery storage system further comprises a controller having means for detecting the presence of a battery in each storage section and means for configuring the switches of the plurality of converter modules based on the presence of the batteries such that the plurality of converter modules provide a required voltage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a battery-based energy storage system. It can be based on a second-life electric vehicle battery. Background Technology

[0002] The market for equipment for reusing used batteries is increasing. Therefore, batteries that have already been used, for example, in electric vehicles and are no longer at full capacity can be further utilized for grid stabilization. For this purpose, a variety of battery types should be usable in battery storage systems. Furthermore, allowing easy replacement of individual batteries may be beneficial, for example, if they reach the end of their lifespan or if they are defective. Additionally, battery storage systems should be able to operate with a variable number of batteries, and preferably, even if the batteries are located in random storage locations.

[0003] EP 2704247A2 discloses a battery rack with an integrated cooling system. Such a rack can store many batteries and provide cooling for the batteries simultaneously. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The problem this invention aims to solve is to provide a flexible battery storage system that can employ a variable number of batteries and is easily replaceable. Furthermore, it allows the use of different types of batteries, such as those with different voltages and / or different capacities. The solution to this problem is described in the independent claims. The dependent claims relate to further improvements to the invention.

[0005] A battery storage system may include a multilevel converter combined with multiple storage sections. Each of the storage sections may include means for holding at least one battery module. Such holding means may include mechanical supports, which may be a set of rails, wheels, trays, or any other suitable means. The holding means may also include means for securing or fastening the battery to the battery module or storage section. Furthermore, each storage section may include at least one cable having at least one connector configured for electrically connecting at least one of the batteries. The cable may also be configured for connecting multiple batteries in the storage section. The cable may have a cross-section sufficient for battery current and insulation sufficient for battery voltage. The cable connector may be a standard battery connector of either a plug or a socket type. It may be a single-pole or multi-pole connector. Alternative battery connectors may be cable shoes or simple uninsulated wire ends.

[0006] A multilevel converter comprises multiple modules connected in series to form a module string. Each module includes at least two switches: a bypass switch configured to bypass the module; and a battery switch configured to simultaneously disconnect the battery when the bypass switch is turned on. This configuration essentially results in two switching states. In the on state, the bypass switch is off and the battery switch is closed, allowing the battery to be included in the string. In the off state, the bypass switch is closed and the battery switch is off, disconnecting the battery from the string and maintaining current flowing through the string via the bypass switch.

[0007] The battery storage system may also include a controller having means for detecting the presence of batteries in each battery module. Since it is possible to use different types of batteries—which further have different voltages, different capacities, and different current capabilities—the controller can be configured to determine at least one of the following: battery voltage, battery capacity, state of health, temperature, current, voltage, battery cell information, and other information such as brand, type, manufacturing date, operating hours, charging cycles, etc. This information can be collected directly (e.g., by measuring battery voltage) or indirectly (e.g., by querying the battery controller or battery management system within the battery).

[0008] The controller may also include means for configuring the switches in the modules so that the modules can be turned on or off. If available, the modules can also be configured for other states. The switching states can be configured based on the presence of the battery, allowing multiple modules to provide the required voltage in series.

[0009] Reliable operation of the battery storage system is only possible when the controller has information about the presence of batteries in the battery module. The module can only be switched on when batteries are present. Otherwise, it must be in the off state, thus bypassing the module.

[0010] In another embodiment, at least one module can have different on-states. In a first positive on-state, the batteries can be connected in a positive or forward orientation relative to the preceding and following batteries, such that the negative terminal of one battery is connected to the positive terminal of the preceding battery, and the positive terminal of the other battery is connected to the negative terminal of the following battery. In a negative on-state, the batteries can be connected in reverse polarity, such that their positive terminals are connected to the positive terminal of the preceding battery, and their negative terminals are connected to the negative terminal of the following battery. The positive on-state increases the series voltage of the batteries, while the negative on-state decreases the series voltage of the batteries. Multiple batteries connected in parallel can also exist in an on-state. In such an on-state, the total current can be higher or the individual load on each battery can be lower.

[0011] In one embodiment, at least one device for detecting the presence of a battery may include a voltage measuring device that measures the battery voltage. If a certain minimum battery voltage is exceeded, this device may simply provide a battery presence signal. Furthermore, it may be required that the battery voltage be below the maximum battery voltage. The device for detecting the presence of a battery may also include a weight measuring device configured to detect the mass of the battery. This weight measuring device may be a mechanical switch that can be triggered if the battery is placed on it. It may also be a strain gauge or any mass measurement device that can provide an estimate of the battery's size and capacity. A volume measuring device may also be present, configured to detect the battery's volume. This volume measuring device may also be a mechanical switch triggered by a battery protruding near a switch. It may also be a volume or distance measuring device. If the battery's volume is known, this may also provide an indication of the battery's capacity. An optical detection device configured to detect the battery's appearance may also be present, such as its size or color, or markings on the battery (e.g., barcodes, QR codes, or any other encoding). This may also provide an indication of the specific type of battery.

[0012] This implementation allows for highly flexible configuration of the battery storage system. It does not require each storage section to be occupied by batteries further connected to cabling. Only sufficient batteries are needed, meaning they must be in place and connected to achieve the required string output voltage. The battery storage system can be dynamically filled with batteries by simply adding them and connecting them. The controller can then detect the presence of a battery and include it in the multilevel converter switching sequence if necessary. Essentially, a new battery can be inserted even under full load of the multilevel converter because the associated module is in the off position in an unoccupied storage section. To remove a battery, the controller must be instructed to switch the corresponding module to the off state. This can be done via software commands, by manual or automatic switching devices (such as position detectors, presence detectors), or by the battery presence detector itself.

[0013] The storage section may include multiple mechanical devices for holding at least one or more batteries. These devices may be rails, drawers, rollers, or other means that can support the batteries and / or simply push them into or pull them out of the storage section. Lifting devices may also be present to raise the batteries to the correct height within the storage section.

[0014] The storage section may also provide means for centering and / or aligning the battery. It may also include means for holding or securing the battery within the storage section. Mechanical dampers or shock absorbers may also be present to reduce mechanical loads during battery insertion or removal, which may be caused, for example, by the battery reaching the end of the battery rail.

[0015] If the battery has been correctly inserted into the storage section, mechanical feedback can be provided. Additionally, an indication that the controller has detected the battery's presence can be provided, for example, via a screen, display panel, or software within an application. This allows for the indication of a different, defective battery.

[0016] The storage section may also include at least one connector that is mechanically held in a fixed position that matches a particular battery type, such that the connector automatically connects to the battery when the battery slides into the storage section.

[0017] At least one cable and at least one connector may include a cable and / or connector for at least one communication interface to communicate data with the battery. Through this communication, the controller may, for example, receive data from the battery indicating the battery type and brand, battery life, capacity, voltage and other electrical characteristics, and health or charging status. Furthermore, the controller may configure the battery to a specific operating state.

[0018] The connector may have an electrical protection device to prevent the connector from being touched. This protection device can be automatically removed or activated when the battery is inserted into the storage compartment. The connector may include contacts of different lengths, such that, for example, when the battery is inserted into the storage compartment, the front contact establishes electrical contact before the rear contact.

[0019] The battery storage system and / or storage section may also include means for cooling the battery and / or means for cooling the module of the multilevel converter.

[0020] In one implementation, the battery storage system has a modular design, such that multiple storage units can be combined with each other and can be included, for example, in a common rack.

[0021] Such common racks can also provide devices for wiring and connecting storage units, similar to devices for wiring and connecting batteries.

[0022] In one embodiment, the multilevel converter modules may be mechanically included in the storage section, or they may be installed separately. In another embodiment, the modules may be integrated into the battery.

[0023] If a sufficient number of batteries are configured in the battery storage system, the failure of a single battery will not affect the system's functionality, as the controller can use other batteries to switch to the string and generate the required output voltage. To generate a sinusoidal output voltage, the maximum string voltage, consisting of the sum of the battery voltages included in the string, is the same as the AC peak voltage. For optimal reliability, a large number of batteries can be provided. For example, a minimum number of modules can be used to obtain the output voltage, plus the number of modules expected to fail each year, divided by the number of annual maintenance intervals. To increase reliability, the number of additional modules can be multiplied by 2.

[0024] A method of operating a battery storage system including a multilevel converter and multiple storage sections may include the following steps:

[0025] a) Assign at least one converter module to at least one storage section.

[0026] b) Switch all converter modules to the off state.

[0027] c) Identify the storage portion occupied by at least one battery.

[0028] d) Acquire battery data, including at least the battery voltage of the storage portion of the battery.

[0029] e) Check that the total voltage of all storage sections with at least one battery exceeds the required minimum output voltage.

[0030] f) Then begin with multilevel converter operation, for example by selectively switching individual converter modules to on or off states to generate any desired output voltage or waveform (e.g., a sinusoidal output voltage).

[0031] g) Otherwise, stop or proceed to either step ac.

[0032] In one implementation, after initiating multilevel converter operation in step f), the method is periodically performed from step c) during multilevel converter operation. This allows multilevel converter operation to be maintained while checking for battery changes and integrating new batteries, as well as when batteries are removed.

[0033] One implementation includes periodically querying and / or checking at least one means for detecting the presence of at least one battery in a storage section, and immediately setting the converter module of the storage section to a shutdown state if the state of the storage section changes from present to absent.

[0034] If a battery presence detector (e.g., a switching device) is set to a non-existent state at the storage section, the converter module of that storage section is immediately set to a shutdown state to allow safe removal of any batteries from the storage section.

[0035] Another implementation of the method for operating the battery storage system includes the following steps:

[0036] Periodically query and / or check at least one operating parameter, said at least one operating parameter including at least one of health status, charging status, voltage, temperature, and current, and

[0037] If at least one of the operating parameters falls outside a predetermined limit value, the converter module of the storage section is set to a shutdown state.

[0038] In this document, the general term for battery is used. This term can also refer to a battery module, which can be used in most situations. Furthermore, the term battery refers to an energy storage device in a very broad sense, which can include rechargeable battery cells. Such battery cells can include lithium technologies such as LiPo, LFP, NMC, NCA, lithium titanate, or other solid-state or lead-sulfur-based batteries.

[0039] A battery module is typically a packaged system comprising at least two batteries connected to each other in a common housing. Examples include batteries that can be used in battery modules for laptops or electric vehicles. Battery modules can have voltages starting from 12 volts in small systems, increasing to 60 volts in electric vehicles, and reaching up to 400 volts. Attached Figure Description

[0040] In the following description, the invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, without limiting the general inventive concept.

[0041] Figure 1 The battery storage system is shown.

[0042] Figure 2 A block diagram of the battery storage system is shown.

[0043] Figure 3 The modified implementation scheme is shown.

[0044] Figure 4 Another implementation scheme is shown.

[0045] Figure 5 The basic converter module in the off state is shown.

[0046] Figure 6 The basic connector module in the ON state is shown.

[0047] Figure 7 The storage section is shown in more detail.

[0048] Figure 8 The battery module is shown.

[0049] Figure 9 A rear view of the housing is shown.

[0050] Figure 10 A battery module with an open casing is shown.

[0051] Figure 11 Details of the locking mechanism are shown.

[0052] Figure 12 Details of the rack are shown.

[0053] Figure 13 Details of the previous attached figure are shown.

[0054] Figure 14 A rear view of the battery storage system is shown.

[0055] Figure 15 A rack with a converter module in the door is shown.

[0056] Figure 16 Details of the previous rack are shown.

[0057] Figure 17 A flowchart illustrating a method for operating a battery storage system is shown.

[0058] Figure 18 An additional flowchart of part of the process is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0059] exist Figure 1 The image shows a battery storage system 100. The battery storage system 100 may include a rack 105 that can further hold a plurality of storage sections 110. Here, the storage sections are shown within the rack, but they can be arranged in any different manner; for example, the storage sections may be located on the building floor or even outdoors in a location or container. Essentially, the storage sections provide means for holding at least one battery 120.

[0060] In one embodiment, the battery storage system 100 includes a rack 105, and the converter module can be located in the rear or side of the rack. This provides free access to the battery. Alternatively, the converter module can be located in the front door of the rack. This will provide free access to the battery when the door is opened, and will also provide short and easily accessible wiring to the battery. Furthermore, the converter module can be located in a separate module between the front door and the battery—this separate module can be held by hinges to allow access to the battery.

[0061] The term "battery" is used in a very broad sense throughout this document. A battery can include a single battery cell, multiple battery cells, or a battery module. In most applications, battery modules are used because they provide a convenient housing for multiple battery cells. Typically, a battery module includes at least a minimum battery management system that can monitor basic battery characteristics such as output voltage, temperature, and current.

[0062] At least one holding device may be present for holding at least one battery. The holding device may have a very general construction, or it may be specifically adapted to a particular type of battery. A very general type of holding device may be a space in a concrete floor. More specifically, the holding device may be a linear slider in a 19-inch rack, and battery-specific holding devices may be dedicated sliders adapted to a particular type of battery module. Wheels or linear bearings may also be present to support the large mechanical loads caused by the heavy batteries. These can simplify the insertion and / or removal of heavy batteries. Such dedicated holding devices may also include dedicated plug and / or socket connectors for connecting the battery when it is inserted into the storage section.

[0063] Storage section 110 may include at least one electrical connection device 140 configured to electrically connect at least one battery 120. Connection device 140 is not shown in this figure because it is concealed by other structures. Essentially, the electrical connection device can be a wiring, cabling, or connector. It may also include a current bar or a printed circuit board. Essentially, the connector can be any known plug and socket connector, and it may also include threaded connectors such as cable termination sleeves or threaded connections to the current bar. Essentially, the electrical connection device allows the battery to be connected to the battery storage system and disconnected if necessary, such as for battery replacement. Furthermore, the battery connector system can be configured to connect a single battery or multiple batteries within the storage section. For example, multiple battery modules or battery cells may be connected in parallel or series within the storage section or switched in any other configuration.

[0064] As shown in the accompanying figures, not every storage section needs to be occupied by a battery. In the illustrated embodiment, ten storage sections 110 are provided, and only nine of them are occupied by batteries. Typically, the battery storage system will operate using any number of batteries beyond a minimum number. As long as the required minimum number of batteries is reached, batteries can be dynamically inserted into and / or removed from the battery storage system.

[0065] exist Figure 2 The diagram shows a block diagram of a battery storage system. The battery storage system 100 includes a multilevel converter 200, which further includes a plurality of converter modules 210. These converter modules 210 are electrically connected in series to provide voltage and current between a first port 222 and a second port 224. Each output voltage is associated with a storage section 110. Each of the storage sections 110 may contain a battery 120. Empty storage sections, such as storage section 112, may also exist, which may be of the same type as the other storage sections 110 but are not loaded with batteries. The battery 120 can be connected to the associated converter module 210 via an electrical connection device 140. A controller 190 is connected to each of the converter modules 210 and sends control signals to the converter modules 210 via signal line 194.

[0066] exist Figure 3 The following is a modified embodiment of the battery storage system 100. Here, the converter module 210 is included in the storage section 110. This results in a very compact and modular design for the battery storage system. The functionality remains essentially the same as described above.

[0067] exist Figure 4 Another embodiment of the battery storage system 100 is shown in the figure. Here, the controller 190 is divided into multiple sub-controllers—which are part of the storage section. Thus, each storage section includes a sub-controller 192 that communicates with the main controller 191. The sub-controllers 192 can also communicate with each other. Communication can be via a standard network or bus system.

[0068] Typically, any controller—such as a main controller and / or a sub-controller—can communicate with the battery management system included in the battery.

[0069] Typically, different combinations of devices can exist within one or more common housings. For example, each converter module can have its own housing. Sub-controllers may also be included in the common housing along with the converter modules. Furthermore, the storage section can have a separate housing, which may also include converter modules and / or sub-controllers.

[0070] exist Figure 5The diagram shows the basic converter module 210 in the off state. Here, the bypass switch 212 is closed and the battery switch 214 is open, disconnecting the battery and allowing bypass current 213 to flow between the first module port 216 and the second module port 217. The current can also flow in the opposite direction as indicated.

[0071] exist Figure 6 In this configuration, the basic connector module 210 is in the ON state. Here, the bypass switch 212 is OFF and the battery switch 214 is OFF, allowing the battery 120 to be included in the current path, and allowing battery current 215 to flow between the first module port 216 and the second module port 217. In this case, as indicated by the arrow indicating battery current 215, the battery can be discharged and provide power to an external load. Current can also flow in the opposite direction for charging the battery 120 from an external source.

[0072] These figures illustrate only the minimum requirements for the converter module. The converter module must be able to provide an on-state where the battery is included in the current path and an off-state where the battery is off but current continues to flow. This can also be achieved through other, more complex switching topologies, which may include not only two switches, but also three, four, five, six, or more switches. These more complex topologies typically provide multiple additional on-states, where, for example, batteries can be switched to another battery in series, anti-series, or parallel. Typically, in such on-states, there is power exchange with the battery, meaning the battery is being charged or discharged, while in the off-state, the converter module behaves passively and simply conducts current without delivering or consuming power.

[0073] exist Figure 7The storage section 110 is shown in more detail below. For simplicity, the storage section shown here includes a converter module 210 and a sub-controller 192. Essentially, the same concept applies to all other embodiments and modifications shown herein. Each storage section 110 includes a converter module 210, which may have a first module port 216 and a second module port 217 for connection to another converter module 210 of another storage section 110. A sub-controller 192 may also be present, which can communicate with other sub-controllers and / or the main controller via a communication link 193. The storage section 110 may also provide an electrical connection device 140 configured to connect a battery to the converter module 210. Here, the battery is drawn as a dashed line to indicate that the battery is optional. The sub-controller 192 includes a device 180 for detecting the presence of a battery. This device may be configured to measure the voltage across the battery terminals or it may detect the presence of a battery by physical or optical detection. Such a device may be a sensor 182, which may be a mechanical switch, a weight sensor, a light sensor, a temperature sensor, or a voltage or current sensor. It can also receive battery voltage information from converter module 210.

[0074] exist Figure 8 The image shows a battery module 300, which can be inserted into the storage section 110. In fact, as shown in... Figure 1 The battery 120 shown can be held in the battery module 300 shown. The battery module 300 may include a housing 310, which will typically be relatively rigid because it may have to withstand the weight of a large number of battery cells. The housing may include rails 320 or wheels, which can allow the housing to slide into the storage section 110.

[0075] exist Figure 9 The image shows a rear view of housing 310. The rear side of the housing may include a connection panel 330, which may also include electrical connectors 335 that mate with or are part of a connection device 140 (such as a high-current connector). These connectors can be automatically engaged when the battery module 300 is inserted into a rack having storage section 110.

[0076] exist Figure 10The image shows a battery module 300 with an open housing 310. It may include multiple battery cells 340. The battery module 300 may also have a locking mechanism 350, which may include an operating handle 351 at the front of the housing, at least one transmission rod 352, and at least one lock 353 at the rear of the housing. By operating the handle at the front of the housing, one or a pair of locks 353 at the rear of the housing can be operated and engaged with the storage section 110, so that the housing 310 can be securely locked within the storage section 110.

[0077] exist Figure 11 Details of the locking mechanism 350 are shown in the diagram. Switch 360 can be operated by handle 351 and provides a signal to controllers 190, 192 that the handle housing has been operated and the battery module has been locked within storage section 110. The controller can only switch the converter module associated with the corresponding storage section 110 to the ON state when it has received a positive signal from the switch. A switch coupled to the battery module itself could also exist, but this specific solution, which detects the state of the lever operating the locking mechanism, offers some additional benefits. To remove the module, the locking lever must be operated. The switch is triggered and provides a signal to the controller that disables the battery even before the lever is in the fully unlocked position and before the battery can be pulled out. This allows for safe shutdown before battery removal.

[0078] exist Figure 12 The image shows details of a rack comprising multiple storage sections 110. Nine of the ten storage sections 110 are occupied by battery modules 300. Only one storage section is empty. A rear panel 400 is shown at the empty storage section.

[0079] exist Figure 13 The details of the previous figure are shown in the image. Here, the rear panel 400 is enlarged. The rear panel 400 includes at least one power connector 410, which may be part of the connection device 140. A communication connector may also be present, which can be used for communication between the controllers of the internal battery module management system and the battery storage system. The rear panel 400 may also include a converter module 210.

[0080] exist Figure 14 The image shows a rear view of a battery storage system. This battery storage system includes a rack 105 with ten storage sections 110. Of course, the rack can include any other number of storage sections. Furthermore, the battery storage system can also include any other number of storage sections.

[0081] In this embodiment, each storage unit includes a converter module 210. For clarity, only some of the converter modules are labeled here. The converter modules 210 can be mounted to the rear panel 400. When a battery is inserted, they can be automatically connected via a power connector 410 as shown in the preceding figures. The converter modules 210 are connected via a bus 430 providing connections 216 and 217 between adjacent modules. Additionally, a communication bus 193 can be provided. This results in a very compact system.

[0082] Figure 15 A rack 105 with converter modules 210 in door 107 is shown. Here, the converter modules 210 can be arranged close to their respective storage sections, which can hold batteries 120. In this way, the converter modules 210 can be easily accessed simply by opening the rack door. Furthermore, the wiring to the batteries is relatively short. When the door is open, the converter modules are removed from the batteries, allowing the batteries to be easily removed or inserted into their storage sections.

[0083] Figure 16 Details of the preceding rack are shown. In this embodiment, the converter module houses sub-controllers 192 within the same housing. Each sub-controller can be connected to another sub-controller or the main controller via communication line 193. The converter module can be connected to the battery 120 via power cable 230. Furthermore, the sub-controllers can be connected to the battery 120 via bus cable 232, enabling them to communicate with the battery management system.

[0084] exist Figure 17 The diagram shows a flowchart of a method for operating a battery storage system including a multilevel converter and multiple storage sections. The method begins at step 800.

[0085] In step 801, the system is started and the number of battery modules is counted.

[0086] In step 802, the number of connected modules is checked, and / or the presence of modules is checked to see if the detection has changed, or if the number of modules has changed.

[0087] If the number of modules has changed, then proceed to step 803, which integrates the new module into the system. The system now knows it has another module. If the number of modules has decreased, then one less module is needed to generate the requested output voltage and / or output voltage waveform. If the number of modules has not changed, then skip this step.

[0088] In step 804, the health data of all batteries is checked. This is the first step of the cyclic process. Based on this, if all modules are in a safe state, then step 805 proceeds to step 806; otherwise, step 812 follows. In step 806, it is checked whether a battery module must be removed. If no battery needs to be removed, then proceed again to step 804, where a health check of the battery modules is performed. If a battery must be removed, then in step 807 it is checked whether the remaining number of active modules is sufficient for the required output voltage or output waveform.

[0089] If sufficient, step 808 proceeds to step 809, where the modules to be removed are bridged or switched to a shutdown state. The process then continues to step 802 for configuration number changes.

[0090] If it has been determined in step 808 that the number of active modules is insufficient, then in step 810, a system shutdown is performed and an error message is sent to the operator. The process ends in step 811.

[0091] If it is determined in step 805 that at least one module is not in a safe state, the process continues to step 812 and proceeds to step 813, which further proceeds to perform a health check of the state 804. The process between steps 812 and 813 is shown in the next figure.

[0092] Figure 18 A further flowchart illustrates a portion of the process for handling an unsafe state of the module. This begins at step 812 of the previous figure and proceeds to step 814, where it is determined whether the fault could be harmful to people and / or the environment. If the fault is harmful, then step 815 shuts down the system and sends an alarm message to the operator. The program ends at step 811.

[0093] If step 814 determines that the fault is not harmful, the process proceeds to step 816, which checks if the non-interruptible operation mode is valid. If this is not valid, the process continues to step 821, causing the system to shut down and sending an error message to the operator. Finally, the program is terminated in step 811. Step 816 can be omitted, so that step 811 follows step 814.

[0094] If the non-interruption operation mode is valid in step 816, then check whether the remaining number of active modules is sufficient for the required output voltage and / or waveform. If it is sufficient, step 818 proceeds to step 819 to disable the defective module and continues to step 813, which returns to the figure in the previous drawing.

[0095] If the number of modules is determined to be insufficient in step 818, the process proceeds to step 820, causing the system to shut down and send an error message to the operator, and finally terminating the program in step 811.

[0096] Reference list of numbers

[0097] 100 Battery Storage System

[0098] 105 rack

[0099] 107 doors

[0100] 110 storage section

[0101] 120 battery

[0102] 130 Holding Device

[0103] 140 electrical connection device

[0104] 180 Device for detecting the presence of a battery

[0105] 190 controller

[0106] 191 Main Controller

[0107] 192 Sub-controllers

[0108] 193 communication lines

[0109] 200 multilevel converter

[0110] 210 converter module

[0111] 212 Bypass Switch

[0112] 213 bypass current

[0113] 214 Battery Switch

[0114] 215 battery current

[0115] 216 First Module Port

[0116] 217 Second Module Port

[0117] 222 first port

[0118] 224 Second Port

[0119] 230 power cable

[0120] 232 bus cable

[0121] 300 battery module

[0122] 310 housing

[0123] 320 slide rail

[0124] 330 Connection Panel

[0125] 335 connector

[0126] 340 battery cells

[0127] 350 Locking Agency

[0128] 351 controller

[0129] 352 transmission rod

[0130] 353 lock

[0131] 400 backplate

[0132] 410 power connector

[0133] 420 communication connector

[0134] 430 busbar

[0135] 800-821 Flowchart Steps

Claims

1. A battery storage system (100) including a multilevel converter (200), wherein the multilevel converter (200) includes a plurality of converter modules (210) connected in series with each other, and Each of the converter modules (210) includes at least one bypass switch (212) and at least one battery switch (214), the at least one bypass switch (212) being configured to bypass at least one battery (120), and the battery switch (214) being configured to simultaneously disconnect the at least one battery (120) when the bypass switch (212) bypasses the at least one battery (120). Its features are: The battery storage system (100) further includes multiple storage sections (110), wherein each storage section (110) includes - At least one holding device (130) configured to hold at least one battery (120), and - At least one electrical connection device (140) configured to electrically connect the at least one battery (120). Furthermore, at least one of the converter modules (210) is associated with at least one of the storage portions (110). The battery storage system (100) further includes a controller (190) having means (180) for detecting the presence of at least one battery in each storage section (110) and means (194) for configuring switches (212, 214) of the plurality of converter modules (210) based on the presence of the battery so that the plurality of converter modules (210) provide the required voltage.

2. The battery storage system according to claim 1, Its features are, Each converter module (210) has at least: In the ON state, the bypass switch (212) is open and the battery switch (214) is closed, and In the off state, the bypass switch (212) is closed to bypass the at least one battery (120), and the battery switch (214) is open.

3. The battery storage system according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, The controller (190) is configured to switch the converter module (210) to a shutdown state if the presence of at least one battery is not detected at the associated storage section (110).

4. The battery storage system according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, The device (180) for detecting the presence of the battery (120) is configured to detect the electrical connection between the battery (120) and the converter module (210).

5. The battery storage system (100) according to claim 1 or 2. Its features are, At least one storage section (110) has at least one means (180) for detecting the presence of a battery, said means (180) comprising at least one of the following: - A voltage measuring device configured to measure battery voltage. - A weight detection device configured to detect battery quality. - A volume detection device configured to detect the battery volume. - An optical inspection device configured to inspect the appearance or markings of a battery.

6. The battery storage system according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, The controller (190) is configured to communicate with at least one battery management system included in the at least one battery (120).

7. The battery storage system according to claim 6, Its features are, The controller (190) is configured to communicate battery health data and / or battery operation data with the at least one battery management system.

8. The battery storage system according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, A communication connector is provided in at least one of the storage sections, wherein the communication connector is capable of being used for communication between the battery’s internal battery module management system and the controller (190).

9. The battery storage system (100) according to claim 1 or 2. Its features are, At least one storage section (110) includes at least one of means for securing the battery to the storage section and / or a tray for holding the battery.

10. The battery storage system (100) according to claim 1 or 2. Its features are, The at least one electrical connection device (140) includes at least one of a cable, a current strip, and a printed circuit board having at least one connector.

11. The battery storage system (100) according to claim 1 or 2. Its features are, Multiple storage units (110) are held by a rack (105), and multiple associated converter modules (210) are held inside the door of the rack.

12. A method of operating a battery storage system (100), the battery storage system (100) comprising: A multilevel converter (200), which includes multiple converter modules (210), and Multiple storage sections (110) configured to hold at least one battery (120), the method comprising the steps of: a) Assign at least one converter module (210) to at least one storage section, b) Switch all multilevel converters to the off state. c) Identify the storage portion occupied by at least one battery. d) Acquire battery data, including at least the battery voltage of the storage portion of the battery. e) Check that the total voltage of all storage sections with at least one battery exceeds the required minimum output voltage. f) Then begin with multilevel converter operation. g) Otherwise, stop or proceed to either step ac.

13. The method of operating the battery storage system (100) according to claim 12, the method comprising continuing periodically from step c) during multilevel converter operation after starting multilevel converter operation in step f).

14. The method of operating the battery storage system (100) according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising the following steps: The device (180) periodically queries and / or checks at least one means for detecting the presence of at least one battery in the storage section, and immediately sets the converter module of the storage section to a shutdown state if the state of the storage section changes from present to absent.

15. The method of operating the battery storage system (100) according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising the following steps: Periodically query and / or check at least one operating parameter, said at least one operating parameter including health status, charging status, voltage, and current, and If at least one of the operating parameters falls outside a predetermined limit value, the converter module of the storage section is set to a shutdown state.

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