Energy storage adaptive enhancement for load response

Abstract

According to embodiments described herein, adaptive enhancement for load response is provided via monitoring (710) operating characteristics of members of a first group of power storage units and a second group of power storage units; monitoring (720) demand characteristics of power demand to a storage array, wherein the first group of power storage units are activated to supply power for a first component of the power demand and the second group of power storage units are activated to supply power for a second component of the power demand; and while members of the first group of power storage units and the second group of power storage units remain installed and available to respond to power demand to the storage array: reassigning (740) a given member in the first group as a new member in the second group in response to at least one of a change in the operating characteristics or a change in the demand characteristics.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments presented in this disclosure generally relate to energy storage systems, including various chemical batteries, capacitors, and kinetic energy batteries. Background Technology

[0002] When energy storage devices are deployed, for example, in power plants or secondary power sources, the performance characteristics of these devices change over time and as the devices undergo charge / discharge cycles. Because different energy storage devices are suited to different loads and operating cycles, different energy storage devices can be allocated to handle different components of the power demand load and adapted to the specific use case. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One embodiment of this disclosure is a method comprising: monitoring the operational characteristics of members of a first group of power storage units and members of a second group of power storage units; monitoring the demand characteristics of power demand on a storage array and segmenting the power demand into a fast discharge component and a slow discharge component, wherein the power storage units of the first group are designated to handle the fast discharge component and the power storage units of the second group are designated to handle the slow discharge component, wherein the power storage units of the first group are activated to supply power to the first component of the power demand, and the power storage units of the second group are activated to supply power to the second component of the power demand; and while members of the first group of power storage units and members of the second group of power storage units remain installed and available in response to power demand on the storage array: in response to at least one of a change in operational characteristics or a change in demand characteristics, reassigning a given member of the power storage units of the first group to a new member of the power storage units of the second group.

[0004] In another aspect of any of the methods discussed above or below, although a given member is assigned as a new member of the second group of power storage units, it has operational characteristics that match the operational definition used for the power storage units of the first group.

[0005] In another aspect of any of the methods discussed above or below, members are reassigned based on changes in the operating characteristics of existing members of the second group of power storage units, such changes in operating characteristics result in existing members being reassigned to power storage units in a different group.

[0006] In another aspect of any of the methods discussed above or below, existing members are reassigned as members of one of the following: power storage units in the first group; or power storage units in the third group.

[0007] In another aspect of any of the methods discussed above or below, members are redistributed based on a change in the demand characteristics requiring fewer members to meet the power demand of the first group of power storage units.

[0008] In another aspect of any of the methods discussed above or below, a set number of members are redistributed based on a change in the demand characteristics requiring more members to meet the power demand of the second group of power storage units.

[0009] In another aspect of any of the methods discussed above or below, the method further includes: dividing the power demand into fast discharge components and slow discharge components; and designating a first group of power storage units to handle the fast discharge components and a second group of power storage units to handle the slow discharge components.

[0010] One embodiment of this disclosure is a system comprising: a processor; a memory device including instructions contained therein, the instructions performing operations when executed by the processor, the operations including: monitoring operational characteristics of members of a first group of power storage units and members of a second group of power storage units; monitoring demand characteristics of a power demand on a storage array and segmenting the power demand into a fast discharge component and a slow discharge component, the power storage units of the first group being designated to handle the fast discharge component and the power storage units of the second group being designated to handle the slow discharge component, wherein activating the power storage units of the first group to supply power to the fast discharge component of the power demand and activating the power storage units of the second group to supply power to the slow discharge component of the power demand; and when members of the first group of power storage units and members of the second group of power storage units remain installed and available in response to a power demand on the storage array: in response to at least one of a change in operational characteristics or a change in demand characteristics, reassigning a given member of the power storage units of the first group to a new member of the power storage units of the second group.

[0011] In another aspect of any system discussed above or below, although a given member is assigned as a new member of the second group of power storage units, it has operational characteristics that match the operational definition used for the power storage units of the first group.

[0012] In another aspect of any system discussed above or below, members are reassigned based on changes in the operating characteristics of existing members of the second group of power storage units, such changes in operating characteristics cause existing members to be reassigned to power storage units in a different group.

[0013] In another aspect of any system discussed above or below, existing members are reassigned to one of the following: power storage units of the first group; or power storage units of the third group.

[0014] In another aspect of any system discussed above or below, members are redistributed based on a change in the demand characteristics requiring fewer members to meet the power demand of the first group of power storage units.

[0015] In another aspect of any system discussed above or below, a set of members are redistributed based on a change in the demand characteristics requiring more members to meet the power demand of the second group of power storage units.

[0016] In another aspect of any system discussed above or below, the operation further includes: dividing the power demand into fast discharge components and slow discharge components; and wherein a first group of power storage units is designated to handle the fast discharge components and a second group of power storage units is designated to handle the slow discharge components. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Therefore, a more specific description of the present disclosure, which has been briefly summarized above, can be obtained by referring to embodiments (some of which are shown in the accompanying drawings) in a manner that allows for a detailed understanding of the features cited above. However, it should be noted that the drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present disclosure and should therefore not be considered as limiting its scope, as the present disclosure may allow for other equally effective embodiments.

[0018] Figure 1 An operational layout of an array of batteries for connection to a load, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0019] Figures 2A-2C Different characterization curves for different batteries according to embodiments of this disclosure are shown.

[0020] Figure 3 A graph showing the battery lifespan based on two different charging curves according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided.

[0021] Figure 4 The requirements partitioning according to embodiments of this disclosure is illustrated.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a continuous battery pack management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a method for processing the redistribution of classified batteries among different groups in an array, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 7This is a flowchart of a method for managing power storage and discharge from a storage array comprising a first group of power storage units (e.g., battery 150) and a second group of power storage units, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a block diagram of a controller unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals are used where possible to refer to the same elements common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements disclosed in one embodiment can be used advantageously in other embodiments without specific reference. Detailed Implementation

[0027] In various deployments of energy storage system (ESS) arrays (e.g., arrays of chemical cells), controller units segment or subdivide individual ESSs into groups based on their operational characteristics and the power storage requirements imposed on the array by the load (e.g., total power level, responsiveness, operational efficiency). This disclosure provides adaptive enhancements for load response, wherein the controller unit updates which power storage devices are grouped to respond to different portions of the load without unloading / reinstalling these devices. Furthermore, reassigned devices may retain operational characteristics that would otherwise classify them within their original groups. However, based on array requirements (e.g., total demand curves or other characteristics of the storage devices), the reassigned devices operate to meet the different portions of the load with the new storage device groups.

[0028] For example, classified as A A given ESS can typically share operating curves with others (e.g., fast response time but low energy storage capacity). A Several ESS-like devices can be grouped together, but can share operating curves with each other (e.g., slow response time, but high energy storage capacity). B The class ESS is regrouped, rather than with the given ESS. Although the given ESS remains classified as... A Class ESS (and display) A (All associated operational characteristics of class ESS), but the controller unit can connect a given ESS with B Class ESSs are regrouped to ensure that the array has enough ESSs allocated to each of the fast response group (including Class A ESSs) and the high storage capacity group (including Class B ESSs and the given ESS).

[0029] The controller unit continuously monitors the performance of the ESS in the array and the demands placed on the array, thereby reassessing and adjusting which ESS is assigned to which group. For example, if A ESS class was downgraded to CFor ESS-type arrays, the controller unit can identify the array during operation. B Replace class A ESS with class ESS, so that when A When ESS is looped, the identified B The ESS class also loops. In another example, if the controller unit identifies that the load requires a larger number of ESSes to match the load... A In response to an ESS-like request, the controller unit identifies one or more non-ESS-like requests. A ESS as A Operate in a manner similar to ESS until the demand curve changes to require fewer units to be installed in the array. A ESS or more B Until such a time as ESS.

[0030] When multiple ESSs are categorized into a first group and the controller unit identifies that at least one ESS in the first group will be operated as part of a different group, the controller unit selects which individual ESS to reallocate based on various factors. In some embodiments, the reassigned individual ESS is identified as the ESS in the first group that has operating characteristics closest to those of the different group, the ESS that is closest to its maintenance or replacement date, the ESS that is easiest to replace, etc.

[0031] Exemplary embodiments

[0032] Figure 1 An operational layout of an array 120 for connecting to a battery 150 connected to a load 110, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, is shown. In various embodiments, the load 110 may be a public power grid, a private subgrid (e.g., a building or campus, whether or not it is normally connected to a public power grid), or a subset of a private subgrid (e.g., circuitry for computers in a server room of a building, but not other circuitry). The load 110 draws power from one or more power sources, including a renewable power source 130 (e.g., a wind turbine generator, a photovoltaic generator, a hydroelectric generator), a fuel power source 140 (e.g., a generator using diesel, propane, natural gas, hydrogen, biomass, etc.), and the battery array 120. In various embodiments, in addition to or as an alternative to a connection to an external power grid (not shown), the load 110 may draw power from one or more of the renewable power source 130, the fuel power source 140, and the battery array 120.

[0033] Battery array 120 includes multiple energy storage systems that can be charged by power supplied from one or more of an external power grid, a renewable power source 130, or a fuel power source 140, or from different members of battery array 120. For example, battery array 120 may include a first battery 150a (generally or collectively referred to as battery 150), a second battery 150b, a third battery 150c, etc. Although the batteries 150 used in battery array 120 are often chemical batteries, in addition to chemical batteries 150, battery array 120 may include various capacitors or mechanical batteries (e.g., flywheels).

[0034] Each battery 150 in the battery array 120 may have a different construction or chemical composition, a different specified power rating, or be located at a different position than the other batteries 150 in the battery array 120 during its lifespan. For example, the first battery 150a may have... A A newly installed lead-acid battery with a rated capacity of Ah (ampere-hours), the second battery 150b can be one that has been installed (and used) for several months and has... B The rated capacity of the lead-acid battery is Ah, and the third battery 150c can be one that has been installed (and used) for several months. C Nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries with a rated capacity of Ah. As will be understood, the battery array 120 may include a variety of numbers of batteries 150 that are different from each other and can be charged, discharged or replaced / repaired independently, and the number of batteries 150 may be increased or decreased as needed to service load 110 and / or replace / repair existing batteries 150 in the battery array 120.

[0035] A battery controller 160 is provided to monitor and control the charging or discharging (i.e., cycling) of a single battery 150. The battery controller 160 (which may be a computing device, such as…) Figure 8 The apparatus described in more detail below communicates with each battery 150 in the battery array 120 to monitor and control the charging and discharging of individual batteries 150. In various embodiments, the battery controller 160 also communicates with the load 110 (or one or more power-drawing sensors associated with the load 110), the renewable power source 130, and the fuel power source 140 to determine the generator's power output capacity, the current power output level from the generator, and / or the amount of power being drawn by the load 110.

[0036] Although about Figure 1 Described as a single battery 150, but each battery 150 may represent a group of batteries 150 jointly controlled by the battery controller 160. For example, the first group of batteries 150.

[0037] As will be understood, in various embodiments, the battery controller 160 may divide or subdivide the array 120 into more or fewer than three groups.

[0038] Figures 2A-2B Different characterization curves for different batteries 150a-c according to embodiments of this disclosure are shown. The capability of a given battery 150 is affected depending on how it is cycled from a first SoC to a second SoC (and back to the first SoC). Cycling the battery 150 can change the total storage capacity, response time (how quickly the battery 150 can discharge or charge), storage efficiency, etc. Based on their construction or prior use, different batteries 150 can exhibit different characterizations 210 that have different effects on the capability of these batteries 150. Figures 2A-2C In each figure, the characterization 200a-c of a given battery 150 is shown as having a first charging curve 210a, which has a lesser impact on the capability of the battery 150 than a second charging curve 210b, which has a greater impact on the capability of the battery 150.

[0039] exist Figure 2A In the first characterization 200a, an arrangement is shown in which the SoC range of the second charging curve 210b with greater hazard is included within the SoC range of the first charging curve 210a with less hazard. For example, the first charging curve 210a indicates a cycle from 60% to 20% SoC, and the second charging curve 210b indicates a cycle from 40% to 30% SoC.

[0040] exist Figure 2B In the second characterization 200b, an intersecting arrangement is shown, wherein the SoC range of the second charging curve 210b with greater hazard intersects the SoC range of the first charging curve 210a with less hazard. For example, the first charging curve 210a indicates a cycle from 60% to 0% SoC, and the second charging curve 210b indicates a cycle from 100% to 40% SoC; there is an intersection between 40% and 60% SoC. In another example, the first charging curve 210a may have a cycle from 100% to 40% SoC, and the second charging curve 210b may have a cycle from 60% to 0% SoC; there is also an intersection between 40% and 60% SoC, but the positions of the greater / less hazard curves are reversed compared to the first example.

[0041] exist Figure 2CIn the third characterization 200c, a separated arrangement is shown, wherein the SoC range of the second charging curve 210b with greater hazard does not intersect with the SoC range of the first charging curve 210a with less hazard. For example, the first charging curve 210a may indicate a cycle from 75% to 30% SoC, and the second charging curve 210b may indicate a cycle from 100% to 90% SoC; there is a separation between 75% and 90% SoC. In another example, the first charging curve 210a may indicate a cycle from 100% to 90% SoC, and the second charging curve 210b may indicate a cycle from 75% to 30% SoC; there is also a separation between 75% and 90% SoC, but the positions of the greater / less hazard curves are reversed compared to the first example.

[0042] Figure 3 A graph showing the lifetime of battery 150 according to two different charging curves according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. The first lifetime curve 310 shows the percentage capacity of battery 150 accumulated to load 110 with 100,000 (100kAh) ampere-hours (Ah) according to the first charging curve. Similarly, the second lifetime curve 320 shows the percentage capacity of the same battery 150 accumulated to load 110 with 100kAh according to the second charging curve. As will be understood, in Figure 3 The first lifetime curve 310 and the second lifetime curve 320 shown are idealized; various surges or drops in capacity may occur when responding to demand from actual load 110, and capacity may decay as a function of time even when battery 150 is not cycling.

[0043] The first lifetime curve 310 shows the charging curve when based on the highest rating or "minimum hazard" (e.g., from...). Figures 2A-2C The first charging curve 210a shows the capacity of the battery 150 during operation, while the second lifetime curve 320 shows the capacity of the battery 150 when operating according to the minimum rated or "maximum hazard" charging curve (e.g., from the first charging curve 210a). Figures 2A-2C The capacity of battery 150 during operation of the second charging curve 210b). Therefore, by operating battery 150 with the highest rated charging curve, relative to operating battery 150 according to the lowest rated charging curve, battery controller 160 can extend the life of battery 150. As will be understood, battery controller 160 can operate battery 150 according to one of several charging curves that are of moderate hazard level to battery 150 compared to the maximum / minimum hazard charging curve and have a moderate impact on the lifespan of battery 150. Therefore, such a moderate charging curve will have a lifespan curve (not shown) located somewhere between the first lifespan curve 310 and the second lifespan curve 320.

[0044] Generally, the battery controller 160 operates the batteries 150 according to a known maximum rated charge curve for each battery 150, thereby extending the lifespan of these batteries 150. Additionally, the battery controller 160 operates on batteries 150 that are classified as sharing a maximum rated charge curve with each other in a shared group. For example, if array 120 includes... N A battery 150 with a first charging curve and M If a battery 150 has a second charging curve, then the battery controller 160 can... N Batteries with the first charging curve are cycled together as the first group, and... M Batteries with a second charging curve are cycled together as a second group, wherein each group is controlled independently of the others.

[0045] In some embodiments, the batteries 150 in array 120 are initially selected to have various charging profiles to meet different requirements of load 110 and to preserve the operational capability of those batteries 150. For example, when load 110 has long-term and stable demand, a battery 150 with the highest rated charging profile may be selected, which has a larger SoC range (e.g., from 80% to 20% SoC, rather than from 60% to 40% SoC). Similarly, when load 110 has short-term and bursty demand, a battery with the highest rated charging profile may be selected, which has a smaller SoC range (e.g., from 80% to 60% SoC or from 40% to 20% SoC, rather than from 80% to 20% SoC). In various embodiments, the batteries 150 in array 120 are initially selected for other characteristics (e.g., ease of maintenance, cost, discharge or charge speed, specific manufacturer, etc.), and the charging profile is a secondary consideration in how a given battery 150 is cycled. As will be understood, array 120 may include a mix of different batteries 150 (and other ESSs) selected to handle different portions of the demand from load 110, such that battery controller 160 can extend the overall lifespan of array 120 under various conditions.

[0046] Figure 4Demand partitioning according to embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. When viewed in the time domain, the total demand curve 410 for the array 120 can be divided into a first sub-demand curve 420a and a second sub-demand curve 420b, which combine to form the total demand curve 410. When analyzed in the frequency domain (e.g., by taking a Fourier transform of the total demand curve 410), the periodic components of each sub-demand curve in the first sub-demand curve 420a and the second sub-demand curve 420b become more apparent. In various embodiments, the battery controller 160 can allocate different groups of batteries 150 to respond to different portions of the total demand curve 410.

[0047] In various embodiments, the battery controller 160 may set a frequency threshold 430 such that a first battery pack 150 processes the portion of the demand with a frequency below the frequency threshold 430, and a second battery pack processes the portion of the demand with a frequency above the frequency threshold 430. In one example, a first battery pack consisting of chemistry cells with slow response times is allocated to process a first sub-demand curve 420a, while a second battery pack consisting of capacitors is allocated to process a second sub-demand curve 420b.

[0048] However, the battery controller 160 is not limited to using the batteries 150 initially provided to the array 120, but can enhance or weaken the membership of each group based on the load curve of the array 120, thereby including more or fewer batteries 150 from the array 120. Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a continuous battery pack management method 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Method 500 initially begins at block 510, where a user scales, resizes, and / or segments array 120 based on a user-specified load curve for an intended use instance of array 120. The user-specified load curve may include an initially specified load curve for load 110 served by array 120, and may include an updated load curve based on observed and predicted load characteristics and / or observed battery characteristics (e.g., responses to batteries 150 offline for maintenance or newly installed batteries 150) from blocks 520-550 of method 500. In various embodiments, the user updates the load curve whenever batteries 150 are installed, unloaded, repaired, replaced, and / or recharacterized. Additionally or alternatively, the user may update the load curve when the use instance of array 120 changes. For example, when array 120 is used to supplement or facilitate power generation, or to provide cross-start or black-start support for a power plant, the user may update the load curve in response to adding or removing one or more generators from the power plant (e.g., for maintenance).

[0050] As part of establishing the load curve according to block 510 (and updating the load curve according to block 550), in one embodiment, the battery controller 160 categorizes the batteries 150 into groups for collective control. (See also: ...) Figure 6 and Figure 7 In more detail, when the battery 150 degrades due to use, the battery controller 160 can reclassify the battery 150 into different groups, and when the load curve changes, the battery controller 160 can regroup the battery 150.

[0051] At block 520, battery controller 160 identifies and manages array 120 according to the currently active load curve to respond to power demands from load 110. In various embodiments, battery controller 160 cycles different groups of batteries 150 to respond to different portions of the demand from load 110, wherein groups are configured according to blocks 510 and / or 550. A group is identified from array 120 of several batteries 150 that cycle according to a shared charging curve. For example, batteries 150 assigned to a first group cycle according to a first charging curve, and batteries 150 assigned to a second group cycle according to a second charging curve. In various embodiments, battery controller 160 sets the charging curve for each group to the highest rated charging curve for the type of batteries 150 in each group.

[0052] At box 530, battery controller 160 analyzes the performance of battery 150 in responding to power demands to monitor and evaluate the health of battery 150. Battery controller 160 records various characteristics of the operating features of battery 150, including the state of charge during battery 150 cycles, the rate of discharge / charge, the amount of power stored in battery 150, etc. Health assessment allows battery controller 160 to reclassify one or more batteries 150 that have operating features matching a different category than those previously classified. For example, at installation, a given battery 150 may have operating features that classify it as a Class A battery, but as battery 150 ages and performs charge / discharge cycles, its operating features change. Therefore, battery controller 160 can reclassify an exemplary battery 150 from Class A to Class B, from Class B to Class C, etc., until battery 150 is unloaded or marked as non-functional.

[0053] At box 540, battery controller 160 predicts future demand characteristics for array 120 from load 110. In various embodiments, battery controller 160 monitors and analyzes the demand for array 120 over several historical charge / discharge cycles to identify trends in demand from load 110 and extrapolates these trends to predict future demand for array 120.

[0054] At block 550, battery controller 160 updates the array partitioning based on battery health assessments and predicted demand characteristics. Battery controller 160 uses health assessments of battery 150 (as per block 530) to predict how array 120 will respond to predicted demand (as per block 540). Changes in the capacity or classification of array 120 and / or changes in predicted demand relative to current demand can cause battery controller 160 to update how the array is partitioned into individual battery packs to handle the demand.

[0055] For example, when battery 150 is reclassified from Class A to Class B, array 120 will have fewer Class A batteries to respond to the first portion of demand served by Class A batteries. Therefore, when the predicted first portion remains substantially the same as or increases relative to the current first portion, battery controller 160 updates the load profile for array 120 to include non-Class A batteries in the group serving the first portion of demand. In another example, when Class B batteries are reclassified to Class C, and the predicted demand for the group of Class B batteries is predicted to remain substantially the same or increase, battery controller 160 can reallocate either Class A or Class C batteries to the group of Class B batteries to compensate for the capacity loss caused by the reclassification of Class B batteries.

[0056] Alternatively or concurrently, when a portion of the demand served by a given group of batteries (e.g., Class A batteries) is predicted to increase or decrease beyond a threshold, the battery controller 160 may update the segmentation of array 120 to place batteries 150 of different categories into a shared group. For example, despite the potential negative impact of non-Class A battery cycling based on the highest rated charge profile of Class A batteries, when a first portion of the demand served by the first group of nominally Class A batteries increases beyond the ability of Class A batteries to handle the predicted demand, the battery controller 160 identifies one or more Class B / C / etc. batteries 150 to include in the first group as Class A batteries for cycling. In another example, when a first portion of the demand served by the first group of nominally Class A batteries decreases beyond a threshold amount based on predicted demand, the battery controller 160 identifies one or more Class A batteries to reassign to a different group. Redistributing Class A batteries allows the remaining Class A batteries in the first group to undergo full cycles based on the highest rated charge curve, and the redistributed batteries 150 can be used in a long-term storage group, an uncharged group, a minor instance of the first group (e.g., to reduce the number of cycles per group), or in a different group with different charge curves to enhance the power storage capacity of that different group.

[0057] Figure 6This is a flowchart of a method 600 for processing the redistribution of classified batteries 150 among different groups in array 120 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Method 600 begins at block 610, where the battery controller 160 operates according to load profiles. Each battery group is associated with a category of operational characteristics for batteries 150 (or other ESS) in array 120. For example, a first battery group may be associated with long-term energy storage, and the batteries 150 assigned to the first battery group are held at a high SoC for extended periods and have a maximum rated charge profile with 90% to 20% SoC cycles. In contrast, a second battery group may be associated with fast-response discharge, and the batteries 150 assigned to the second battery group have a maximum rated charge profile with 80% to 60% and 40% to 20% SoC cycles. As will be understood, long-term storage and fast-response discharge are merely two examples of the multiple categories that the battery controller 160 may associate with a given battery group.

[0058] At block 620, battery controller 160 classifies each battery 150 belonging to battery array 120 into a category used to define a battery pack (according to block 610). For example, N batteries 150 in array 120 can be classified as Class A batteries belonging to a first group, and M batteries 150 in array 120 can be classified as Class B batteries belonging to a second group. Therefore, battery controller 160 identifies which batteries 150 can be operated in which group based on their highest rated charge curves, such that the operating curves of the group (satisfied by the batteries 150 (and other ESS)) retain the characteristics required to meet that requirement for the longest possible time or with the highest possible efficiency. For example, batteries with higher rated charge curves for larger and less frequent charge cycles can be classified into a first group defined for long-term storage with larger and less frequent charge cycles, while batteries 150 with higher rated charge curves for smaller and more frequent charge cycles can be classified into a second group defined for fast-discharge storage with smaller and more frequent charge cycles.

[0059] At block 630, battery controller 160 assigns batteries 150 to groups based on the operating characteristics (including charging curves) of batteries 150 that match the expected operating curves for the groups and the total demand on array 120. For example, battery controller 160 may initially assign a first plurality of batteries 150 classified into a first category to a first battery group associated with the first category, and initially assign a second plurality of batteries classified into a second category to a second battery group associated with the second category.

[0060] However, when the initial allocation results in a given group not having sufficient capacity to meet a portion of the predicted demand from the load that the group is defined to satisfy, the battery controller 160 can reallocate the battery 150 from one group to another, even though the reallocated battery 150 has a different charging profile than the new group to which it was reassigned. Continuing the example, in response to the first battery group meeting a first demand threshold and in response to the second battery group not meeting a second demand threshold, the battery controller 160 reallocates a given battery from the first plurality of batteries to the second battery group, wherein the given battery remains classified in the first category.

[0061] As will be understood, this redistribution causes the redistributed battery 150 to be operated according to a charging curve other than the highest rated charging curve used for that battery 150. The battery controller 160 selects which battery 150 to redistribute to a mismatched group to preserve each group's ability to best meet the predicted demand for that group. Therefore, if redistributing battery 150 from the first group to the second group results in the first group having insufficient capacity to meet the predicted demand, the battery controller 160 may prioritize redistributing battery 150 from the third, fourth, fifth, etc., group to the second group, rather than redistributing battery 150 from the first group. Additionally, the battery controller 160 may select a single battery 150 based on factors such as the replaceability of the individual battery 150, the similarity in size and / or range between the maximum rated charge curve of the individual battery 150 and the charge curve used by the new group (e.g., for a group with a charge curve of 80%-40% SoC, selecting a battery 150 with a maximum rated charge curve of 70%-30% SoC instead of a battery 150 with a maximum rated charge curve of 60% to 20%), and the usage time of the individual battery 150 (e.g., selecting a battery 150 closer to replacement than another unselected battery 150 for redistribution).

[0062] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a method 700 for managing power storage and discharge from a storage array 120 comprising a first group of power storage units (e.g., battery 150) and a second group of power storage units, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0063] Method 700 begins at block 710, wherein the battery controller 160 continuously monitors the operational characteristics of members of multiple groups of power storage cells. Operational characteristics may include the current SoC, current power capacity, current highest rated charge curve (and other charge curves), installation date, etc. In various embodiments, the battery controller 160 monitors the usage of the power storage cells, including how long the power storage cell has been installed in array 120, how long has elapsed since the power storage cell was last cycled, the charge level the power storage cell is storing, and the duration of storage, etc.

[0064] At block 720, battery controller 160 continuously monitors the demand characteristics of power demand on storage array 120. In various embodiments, power demand comprises several distinct components served by different groups of power storage units. For example, battery controller 160 activates (e.g., discharges) a first group of power storage units to supply power for a first component of power demand, and activates a second group of power storage units to supply power for a second component of power demand. In various embodiments, battery controller 160 uses the continuously monitored demand characteristics to identify trends in demand from load 110 to predict future demand from the load. In various embodiments, battery controller 160 segments power demand into fast discharge and slow discharge components (e.g., frequency domain analysis based on demand characteristics), such that different groups of power storage units are assigned to handle the fast discharge and slow discharge components.

[0065] At block 730, battery controller 160 identifies whether changes in the operating characteristics of the power storage unit (monitored according to block 710) and / or changes in the demand characteristics from load 110 (monitored according to block 720) meet a redistribution threshold. In response to neither the change in operating characteristics nor the change in demand characteristics meeting the redistribution threshold, method 700 returns to block 710. Although in Figure 7 The circuit is shown as a loop, but in various embodiments, blocks 710, 720, and 730 are executed in parallel with each other. Method 700 proceeds to block 740 in response to at least one of a change in operating characteristics or a change in demand characteristics satisfying a redistribution threshold.

[0066] The redistribution threshold is based on the capacity of the power storage units in each group and the projected demand for each of these groups.

[0067] In some embodiments, a reallocation threshold is met when a change in the group's capacity (e.g., the removal or reallocation of one or more members from the group) or a change in the projected demand for the group results in the group having a smaller capacity than the projected demand for the group. In other words, the reallocation threshold can be based on changes in demand characteristics or capacity of the power storage units in a group requiring more members to meet the power demand of the group's power storage units. For example, when the projected demand for the group is 1... X Ah, and the group has 4 X Ah capacity changed to 2 X Ah capacity or predicted demand increases to 2 X When Ah, the reallocation threshold is not met because demand is less than or equal to the group's capacity. In another example, when the predicted demand is 1... X Ah increased to 3 X Ah, and the group's capacity remains at 1.X When Ah is reached, the redistribution threshold is met. Similarly, when the predicted demand remains at 1... X Ah, and the group's capacity is reduced to 0.5. X When Ah is reached, the redistribution threshold is met.

[0068] In various embodiments, a reallocation threshold is met when a change in the group's capacity (e.g., one or more members are added to the group) or a change in the predicted demand for the group causes the group to have a capacity greater than the predicted demand for the group. In other words, the reallocation threshold can be based on a change in demand characteristics that requires fewer members in the group of power storage units to meet the power demand of the group's power storage units. For example, when the predicted demand decreases below a predefined proportion relative to the group's capacity, one or more members in the group can be reallocated (or retained as inactive or in a "reserve" group). In some embodiments, the predefined proportion is set to be equal to the capacity of one battery 150 allocated to the group, such that when the group has... X A person with XY The battery capacity is 150 Ah, but the projected demand requires ( X -1) Y When the capacity reaches Ah, the battery controller 160 reallocates one battery 150, so that the group has X -1 member and ( X -1) Y The capacity of Ah. In another example, when the group has 2... X One with 2 XY The battery capacity is 150Ah, but the predicted demand requires... XY When the capacity reaches Ah, the battery controller 160 creates a new group and allocates half of the batteries 150 from the existing group to the existing group and the other half to the new group, so that each group has X members and XY Ah capacity.

[0069] At block 740, battery controller 160 reallocates a given member of the power storage cells in the first group to become a new member of the power storage cells in the second group. Block 740 is executed by battery controller 160 while the members of the power storage cells in each group remain installed in array 120 and remain available in response to power demands on storage array 120. In other words, the reallocation of a given member to a different group is performed programmatically without unloading or reinstalling the given member power storage cell located in a different physical location or rewiring any lines or cables associated with the given power storage cell. Once reallocated, the given power storage cell operates according to the set of charging profiles for that group, even if the power storage cell may be operating during a less than ideal charging cycle for the duration of its operating life.

[0070] As will be understood, various changes in array 120 and / or load 110 can cause the redistribution threshold to be met in different ways, which can cause battery controller 160 to perform different or multiple redistributions of power storage units between groups. For example, when battery controller 160 identifies that the capability of an existing member in a first group has degraded, battery controller 160 can redistribute the power storage unit from a second group to the first group to compensate for the degradation in the existing member. In some embodiments, battery controller 160 redistributes and / or reclassifies degraded existing members to different groups (e.g., newly allocated power units from their redistribution group or a third group), or allows degraded power storage units to remain in the first group.

[0071] In various embodiments, the reassigned power storage units remain classified as power storage units typically assigned to different groups based on their associated operating characteristics. In other words, although reassigned as new members of a new power storage unit group, the reassigned members have operating characteristics that match the operating definitions used for power storage units in the previous group. For example, battery controller 160 reassigns Class A batteries from a group consisting only of Class A batteries to a group consisting only of Class B batteries (excluding the reassigned Class A batteries), and operates the reassigned Class A batteries as Class B batteries. In another example, battery controller reassigns Class A batteries from a group consisting only of Class A batteries to a group consisting of Class A, B, C, and D batteries that are not tailored with charging profiles to extend the operating life of specific battery types, but are instead operated with charging profiles designed to improve the responsiveness of array 120 as a whole. As will be understood, although the battery controller 160 can select which power storage unit to redistribute based on the similarity of the charging cycles of the old and new groups, once redistributed, the power storage unit cycles according to the charging curve of the new group, regardless of the impact on the redistributed power storage unit.

[0072] After the power storage units are redistributed, method 700 returns to block 710 to continue monitoring array 120 and adjusting the membership of the energy storage units in each operating group within array 120.

[0073] Figure 8This is a block diagram of a controller unit 800, which, according to one or more embodiments, can be used in a battery controller 160 to control a plurality of batteries 150 in a battery array 120 and / or one or more generators (via a power plant controller, which may also be a controller unit 800). The controller unit 800 includes one or more computer processors 810 and memory 820. The one or more processors 810 represent any number of processing elements, each of which may include any number of processing cores. The memory 820 may include volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory), non-volatile memory elements (e.g., solid-state storage devices, magnetic storage devices, optical storage devices, or flash-based storage devices), or combinations thereof. Furthermore, the memory 820 may be distributed across different media (e.g., network storage devices or external hard disk drives).

[0074] As shown, one or more processors 810 are communicatively coupled to a communication system 830 to send / receive communications with various sensors 850 and other controller units 800 associated with the battery 150 via optical fibers, wires, and / or radio signals. In some embodiments, the various sensors 850 are linked to the battery 150 under the control of the controller unit 800. In other embodiments, the various sensors 850 are independent of the battery 150 under the control of the controller unit 800. For example, the controller unit 800 controlling several batteries 150 can send discharge or charge commands to the battery 150 (or its associated control circuitry) and receive sensor data from individual voltage / current level, temperature, humidity, etc., sensors that are not associated with a particular battery 150.

[0075] Memory 820 may include a plurality of “modules” for performing the various functions described herein. In one embodiment, each module includes program code executable by one or more processors in processor 810. However, other embodiments may include modules implemented in part or in part in hardware (i.e., circuitry) or firmware. Memory 820 includes a battery characterization logic unit 840 that enables controller unit 800 to test individual batteries 150 and construct various test and operating curves for these batteries, which may be stored in memory 820 for use in controlling the individual batteries 150 and / or performing further tests on the batteries 150.

[0076] In the foregoing, reference has been made to the embodiments presented in this disclosure. However, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described. Rather, any combination of the features and elements provided above (whether or not related to different embodiments) is contemplated to implement and practice the contemplated embodiments. Furthermore, while the embodiments disclosed herein may achieve advantages over other possible solutions or over the prior art, whether a given embodiment achieves a particular advantage does not limit the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the aspects, features, embodiments, and advantages described herein are merely illustrative and, unless expressly cited in the claims, shall not be considered elements or limitations of the appended claims.

[0077] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments disclosed herein can be embodied as a system, method, or computer program product. Therefore, aspects can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects, all of which are generally referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module,” or “system.” Furthermore, aspects can take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer-readable media having computer-readable program code embodied thereon.

[0078] The present invention may be a system, method, and / or computer program product. The computer program product may include a computer-readable storage medium (or media thereof) having computer-readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to implement aspects of the present invention (e.g., portable computer floppy disk, hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable compressed optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage device, magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof).

[0079] Aspects of this disclosure have been described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments presented in this disclosure. It will be understood that each block in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create units for implementing the functions / actions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams.

[0080] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, code segment, or code portion comprising one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions described in the blocks may not occur in the order shown in the drawings. For example, in practice, depending on the functionality involved, two blocks shown consecutively may be executed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order. It should also be noted that each block in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, may be implemented by a system based on dedicated hardware or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions that performs the specified function or action.

[0081] In view of the foregoing, the scope of this disclosure is determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method (700) for managing power storage and discharge from a storage array (120) comprising a first group of power storage units and a second group of power storage units, the method comprising: Monitor (710) the operational characteristics of the members of the first group of power storage units and the members of the second group of power storage units; The monitoring (720) measures the power demand characteristics of the storage array and divides the power demand into a fast discharge component and a slow discharge component. The first group of power storage units is designated to process the fast discharge component, and the second group of power storage units is designated to process the slow discharge component. The first group of power storage units is activated to supply power to the fast discharge component of the power demand, and the second group of power storage units is activated to supply power to the slow discharge component of the power demand. as well as When the members of the first group of power storage units and the members of the second group of power storage units remain installed and available in response to the power demand of the storage array: In response to at least one of the changes in the operating characteristics or the changes in the demand characteristics, a given member of the power storage unit of the first group is reassigned (740) to a new member of the power storage unit of the second group.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Although the new member is assigned as a power storage unit in the second group, the given member has operational characteristics that match the operational definition used for the power storage units in the first group.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein, The given member is reassigned based on changes in the operating characteristics of existing members of the second group of power storage units, such changes causing the existing member to be reassigned to a different group of power storage units.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The existing members are reassigned to one of the following: The first group of power storage units; or The third group of power storage units.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein, The given members are reallocated based on the changing demand characteristics that require fewer members, in order to meet the power demand of the first group of power storage units.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein, The given members are reallocated based on the changing demand characteristics that require more members, in order to meet the power demand of the power storage units in the second group.

7. A system (800) for managing power storage and discharge from a storage array (120) comprising a first group of power storage units and a second group of power storage units, the system comprising: Processor (810); as well as A memory (820) device, the memory device including instructions contained therein, the instructions performing operations when executed by the processor, the operations including: Monitor (710) the operational characteristics of the members of the first group of power storage units and the members of the second group of power storage units; The system monitors (720) the power demand characteristics of the storage array and divides the power demand into fast discharge components and slow discharge components. A first group of power storage units is designated to handle the fast discharge component, and a second group of power storage units is designated to handle the slow discharge component. The first group of power storage units is activated to supply power to the fast discharge component of the power demand, and the second group of power storage units is activated to supply power to the slow discharge component of the power demand. When the members of the first group of power storage units and the members of the second group of power storage units remain installed and available in response to the power demand of the storage array: In response to at least one of the changes in the operating characteristics or the changes in the demand characteristics, a given member of the power storage unit of the first group is reassigned (740) to a new member of the power storage unit of the second group.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein, Although the new member is assigned as a power storage unit in the second group, the given member has operational characteristics that match the operational definition used for the power storage units in the first group.

9. The system according to any one of claims 7 or 8, wherein, The given member is reassigned based on changes in the operating characteristics of existing members of the second group of power storage units, such changes causing the existing member to be reassigned to a different group of power storage units.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein, The existing members are reassigned to one of the following: The first group of power storage units; or The third group of power storage units.

11. The system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The given members are reallocated based on the changing demand characteristics that require fewer members, in order to meet the power demand of the first group of power storage units.

12. The system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The given members are reallocated based on the changing demand characteristics that require more members, in order to meet the power demand of the power storage units in the second group.

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