Including the arrangement and related methods of energy storage units.

Abstract

An arrangement (10) is disclosed, comprising a series connection of a plurality of energy storage units (1), a plurality of bypass circuits (2), and a plurality of control modules (6, 7), each bypass circuit (2) being configured to bypass a corresponding energy storage unit in the series connection, wherein each control module (6, 7) corresponds to a corresponding bypass circuit in the bypass circuit (2). Each control module (6, 7) is configured to control the operation of the corresponding bypass circuit (2) and at least one other bypass circuit (2) in the plurality of bypass circuits (2) to selectively bypass the corresponding energy storage unit (1) in the series connection, such that the selective bypassing of the operation of the corresponding energy storage unit (1) in the series connection by each of the plurality of bypass circuits (2) can be controlled by at least two control modules (6, 7). A related method is also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to energy storage systems. More specifically, this invention relates to an arrangement and related methods comprising a plurality of energy storage units (e.g., including or composed of capacitors). Background Technology

[0002] Energy storage systems can be constructed as a series of interconnected energy storage (ES) units to achieve relatively high voltage, power, and energy ratings. Typically, each ES unit in such a string has an associated controller and / or communication unit (which may be referred to as an input / output unit). Each controller can be configured to control the operation of its corresponding ES unit. However, a string of ES units forming a large number of series connections can lead to relatively low operational reliability of the energy storage system, because a failure in a single ES unit in the series connection, or a failure in the controller and / or communication unit of an ES unit, can cause the entire string to fail. Summary of the Invention

[0003] For energy storage systems constructed as a series of interconnected (e.g., cascaded) ES units, each ES unit is typically provided with a protection circuit that can selectively isolate and / or bypass the corresponding ES unit. The operation of the protection circuit is usually controlled by a controller and / or communication unit corresponding to the ES unit associated with the protection circuit. This capability allows the faulty ES unit to be isolated and / or bypassed via the corresponding protection circuit in the event of a fault in one of the ES units. In this way, even if one ES unit fails, the remaining (fault-free) ES units in the string can remain operational. However, a fault in one ES unit, along with a fault in the corresponding controller and / or communication unit, can lead to a failure of the entire string. This is because the operation of the protection circuit corresponding to the faulty ES unit is typically controlled by the controller and / or communication unit corresponding to that ES unit. Therefore, in the event of a fault in one ES unit, along with a fault in the corresponding controller and / or communication unit, the entire string may have to be de-energized. This results in the risk of failing to meet the reliability and availability requirements of the energy storage system, especially when the string comprises a very large number of ES units connected in series.

[0004] In view of the foregoing, the problem of the present invention is to achieve relatively high operational reliability of an energy storage system configured as a series of interconnected (e.g., serially connected) ES units.

[0005] Another problem with the present invention is to reduce or even avoid the risk of a complete string failure in such an energy storage system, where a failure exists in one of the ES units and simultaneously in the corresponding controller and / or communication units.

[0006] To address at least one of these problems and others, an arrangement and method according to the independent claim is provided. The dependent claims define preferred embodiments.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, an arrangement is provided. This arrangement may include a series connection of a plurality of energy storage units. The arrangement may include a plurality of bypass circuits. Each bypass circuit may be configured to bypass a corresponding energy storage unit in the series connection. The arrangement may include a plurality of control modules. Each control module may correspond to a corresponding bypass circuit in the bypass circuits. Each control module may be configured to control the operation of the corresponding bypass circuit and at least one other bypass circuit in the plurality of bypass circuits to selectively bypass the corresponding energy storage unit in the series connection, such that the selective bypassing of the corresponding energy storage unit in the series connection by each of the plurality of bypass circuits can be controlled by at least two control modules.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method is provided. The arrangement may include a series connection of a plurality of energy storage units. The arrangement may include a plurality of bypass circuits. Each bypass circuit may be configured to bypass a corresponding energy storage unit in the series connection. The arrangement may include a plurality of control modules. Each control module may correspond to a corresponding bypass circuit in the bypass circuits. The method may include: each control module controlling the operation of the corresponding bypass circuit and at least one other bypass circuit in the plurality of bypass circuits to selectively bypass the corresponding energy storage unit in the series connection (e.g., if a fault exists in the energy storage unit), in such a way that the selective bypassing of the corresponding energy storage unit in the series connection by each of the plurality of bypass circuits can be controlled by at least two control modules. By controlling the operation of a corresponding bypass circuit and at least one other bypass circuit among multiple bypass circuits through each control module to selectively bypass the corresponding energy storage unit in series connection, this can mean that if needed or desired, for example, if a fault exists in one or more of those energy storage units, each control module can control the operation of the corresponding bypass circuit and / or at least one other bypass circuit among multiple bypass circuits to selectively bypass the corresponding energy storage unit in series connection.

[0009] Each control module is configured to control the operation of a corresponding bypass circuit and at least one other bypass circuit among multiple bypass circuits to selectively bypass the corresponding energy storage unit in series connection. This allows the selective bypassing of the corresponding energy storage unit in series connection by each bypass circuit to be controlled by at least two control modules, enabling relatively high operational reliability of the series connection of energy storage units. In the event of a fault in one energy storage unit, the corresponding bypass circuit can be controlled to bypass the faulty energy storage unit in series connection. Furthermore, even if the control module corresponding to the bypass circuit also fails (preventing it from controlling the operation of the bypass circuit to bypass the faulty energy storage unit in series connection), at least one other control module among the multiple control modules is still capable of controlling the operation of the bypass circuit corresponding to the faulty energy storage unit to bypass the faulty energy storage unit in series connection. Therefore, in the event of a fault in one energy storage unit and a simultaneous fault in the control module corresponding to the bypass circuit of the faulty energy storage unit, the risk of failure of the entire series connection of energy storage units can be reduced or even avoided.

[0010] Each of any energy storage units may, for example, include or be composed of an electrical energy storage unit. Each energy storage unit may be selectively charged with electrical energy supplied to it and selectively discharged with electrical energy stored in it. Each or any energy storage unit may, for example, include or be composed of one or more batteries, capacitors and / or supercapacitors. Each or any of the (electric) energy storage units may alternatively be referred to as an (electric) energy storage cell.

[0011] Each or any bypass circuit may include, for example, one or more switches (e.g., one or more solid-state switches) and may include one or more resistors.

[0012] Each control module can be configured to control the operation of the corresponding bypass circuit in the event of a fault in the energy storage unit (and possibly in the event that the control module is not faulty) to selectively bypass the corresponding energy storage unit in series connection.

[0013] For each control module, if a fault exists in the control module and at least one other control module that is also capable of controlling the operation of the bypass circuit to selectively bypass the corresponding energy storage unit in the series connection is not faulty, then the at least one other control module (e.g., not the control module in which the fault exists) can be configured to control the operation of the bypass circuit to selectively bypass the energy storage unit in the series connection.

[0014] The arrangement may include at least one fault sensor, which may be configured to sense the presence of a fault in any of the energy storage units and / or any of the control modules. The at least one fault sensor may not be included in the arrangement, but may be detached from and connected to the arrangement.

[0015] Each control module may include at least a control unit and a switching device.

[0016] For each control module, the control unit of that control module can be configured to control the operation of the bypass circuit corresponding to that control module by transmitting at least one control signal to the bypass circuit to selectively bypass the energy storage unit corresponding to the bypass circuit in series connection. For each control module, the switching device of that control module can be configured to selectively transmit any control signal from the control unit of at least one other control module that is also capable of controlling the operation of the bypass circuit to selectively bypass the energy storage unit corresponding to the bypass circuit in series connection to control the operation of the bypass circuit to selectively bypass the energy storage unit corresponding to the bypass circuit in series connection.

[0017] For each or any control module, the switching device of the control module may, for example, include at least one electromechanical relay and / or at least one solid-state relay, or be composed of at least one electromechanical relay and / or at least one solid-state relay.

[0018] For each control module, the control unit of the control module can be configured to control the operation of the bypass circuit corresponding to the control module by transmitting at least one control signal to the bypass circuit in the event of a fault in the energy storage unit (and possibly in the event that there is no fault in the control unit of the control module), so as to selectively bypass the energy storage unit corresponding to the bypass circuit in the series connection.

[0019] For each control module, if a control unit of the control module is faulty and the operation of the bypass circuit can be controlled to selectively bypass the corresponding energy storage unit in series, and the control unit of at least one other control module is not faulty, then the control unit of the at least one other control module (e.g., not the control unit in which the fault is) can be configured to control the operation of the bypass circuit by transmitting at least one control signal to the bypass circuit via a switching device of the control module corresponding to the bypass circuit, so as to selectively bypass the energy storage unit in series.

[0020] In the context of this application, a “control signal” or “control signaling” can be an object used to transmit or convey information, commands, messages, etc., and / or a detectable physical quantity or pulse (such as voltage or current) by means of transmitting information, commands, messages, etc.

[0021] Each or any of the control modules and / or control units may, for example, comprise any suitable central processing unit (CPU), microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), etc., or any combination thereof. Each or any of the control modules and / or control units may optionally be capable of executing software instructions stored in a computer program product, for example, in the form of memory. The memory may be, for example, any combination of read-write memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). The memory may include persistent storage devices, such as magnetic storage, optical storage, solid-state storage, or remotely mounted storage, or any combination thereof.

[0022] The arrangement may include at least one fault sensor (e.g., at least one fault sensor as described above), which may be configured to sense the presence of a fault in any of the energy storage units and / or in any of the control units. The at least one fault sensor may not be included in the arrangement, but may be detached from and connected to the arrangement.

[0023] The at least one fault sensor may, for example, include at least one fault sensor known in the art for sensing the presence of a fault in any energy storage unit and / or any control module (or control unit) of any energy storage unit. The at least one fault sensor may be configured to sense (e.g., monitor) one or more characteristics or quantities, at least indicating the operating or health status of each or any of the energy storage units and / or control modules (or control units), and compare the sensed characteristics, quantities, etc., with a threshold selected (e.g., predefined) for the characteristics, quantities, etc. For example, for each energy storage unit or control module (or control unit), if the sensed characteristics, quantities, etc., exceed the selected threshold, the at least one fault sensor may determine that a fault exists in the energy storage unit or control module (or control unit). For example, the at least one fault sensor may be configured to sense (e.g., monitor) the voltage and / or temperature of each or any of the energy storage units.

[0024] The series connection of these multiple energy storage units can form a series of energy storage units. For each control module, the at least one additional bypass circuit configured to control its operation can be a bypass circuit corresponding to the energy storage unit immediately preceding and / or immediately following the energy storage unit in the series of energy storage units that corresponds to the bypass circuit corresponding to the control module. In other words, for each control module, the at least one additional bypass circuit configured to control its operation can be a bypass circuit corresponding to the energy storage unit adjacent to the energy storage unit in the series of energy storage units that corresponds to the bypass circuit corresponding to the control module.

[0025] For each energy storage unit, the energy storage unit, the corresponding bypass circuit, and the corresponding control module can define the components of the arrangement. Thus, the arrangement can include multiple components, each of which can include an energy storage unit, a bypass circuit, and a control module.

[0026] The arrangement may include at least one or more auxiliary power sources. Each auxiliary power source may be connected to at least one component in the assembly for selectively supplying power to the energy storage unit of that at least one component.

[0027] A voltage potential difference may exist among components having a control module capable of controlling the operation of a given bypass circuit to selectively bypass corresponding energy storage units in a series connection. Such a voltage potential difference may make direct electrical control connections between those components difficult or even impossible. Embodiments of the present invention are addressing this potential problem. For example, since components may be operating at different potentials, activating or operating a switching device using direct electrical links or connections between components may be difficult or infeasible.

[0028] Each component can have a potential associated with a reference potential.

[0029] For each bypass circuit, all components of a control module capable of controlling the operation of the bypass circuit to selectively bypass the corresponding energy storage unit in the series connection can have the same reference potential.

[0030] As described above, this arrangement may include multiple auxiliary power sources.

[0031] Each auxiliary power source can be connected to at least one of the components to selectively supply power to the energy storage unit of that at least one component. For each bypass circuit, all said components having a control module capable of controlling the operation of the bypass circuit to selectively bypass the corresponding energy storage unit in the series connection and having the same reference potential can be connected to the same auxiliary power source.

[0032] Alternatively, each auxiliary power supply may be connected to a corresponding component in the assembly, for example, only to a corresponding component in the assembly.

[0033] Alternatively or additionally, for each control module, the switching device for that control module may include at least one solid-state relay or be composed of at least one solid-state relay to achieve isolation (e.g., full isolation) between control signals from different control modules or control units.

[0034] Further objects and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to exemplary embodiments. It should be noted that the invention relates to all possible combinations of the features recited in the claims. Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent when examined in conjunction with the appended claims and the description herein. Those skilled in the art will recognize that different features of the invention can be combined to produce embodiments other than those described herein. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Figures 1 to 6 Each figure in the diagram is a schematic diagram of an arrangement according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0037] All accompanying drawings are schematic and not necessarily drawn to scale, and generally only show the parts necessary to illustrate embodiments of the invention, wherein other parts may be omitted or are merely illustrated. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The invention will now be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example, such that this disclosure will convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of arrangement 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Arrangement 10 includes a series connection of multiple energy storage units 1. It should be understood that... Figure 1 Only some energy storage units in energy storage unit 1 are depicted. It should also be understood that... Figure 1 The number of energy storage units 1 shown is based on an example, and the arrangement 10 may include more than Figure 1 The diagram shows fewer or more energy storage units.

[0041] Energy storage unit 1 may include, for example, an electrical energy storage unit or be constituted by an electrical energy storage unit, and may be referred to as such herein without loss of generality. Each energy storage unit 1 may be selectively charged with electrical energy supplied to it and selectively discharged with electrical energy stored in it. Figure 1 As indicated herein, each energy storage unit may include, for example, one or more capacitors and / or supercapacitors or be composed of one or more capacitors and / or supercapacitors.

[0042] Arrangement 10 includes multiple bypass circuits 2. Each bypass circuit 2 is configured to bypass a corresponding energy storage unit 1 in a bypass series connection. It should be understood that... Figure 1 Only some of the bypass circuitry in bypass circuit 2 is depicted. It should also be understood that... Figure 1 The number of bypass circuits 2 shown is based on an example, and arrangement 10 may include more than Figure 1 The diagram shows fewer or more bypass circuits.

[0043] Each or any bypass circuit 2 may include a switch 4 (e.g., a solid-state switch, such as comprising one or more insulated-gate bipolar transistors) and a resistor 3. For each bypass circuit 2, the corresponding energy storage unit 1 can be bypassed in a series connection by closing the switch 4. It should be understood that the configuration of the bypass circuits shown in the figure is based on an example, and other configurations that provide the functionality of the corresponding energy storage unit in the bypass energy storage unit are possible. It should also be understood that for each or any bypass circuit 2, its resistor 3 may or may not be a physical resistor, i.e., an actual resistive component arranged in the bypass circuit 2, and the resistor 3 may represent the internal resistance of the switch 4 when it is turned on or the internal resistance of any other component of the bypass circuit 2 (e.g., a busbar, not shown in the figure).

[0044] Arrangement 10 includes multiple control modules, each of which will be indicated by reference numerals 6 and 7 in the following figures. Figure 1 In the embodiments shown, each control module 6, 7 includes a control unit 6 and a switching device 7. However, this is not necessary, and other embodiments or implementations of the control modules 6, 7 are possible.

[0045] For each control module 6, 7, the switching device 7 of the control module 6, 7 may include, for example, one or more relays or be composed of one or more relays, such as at least one electromechanical relay and / or at least one solid-state relay. However, it should be understood that the switching device 7 is not limited to this, and other types of switching devices may be used.

[0046] Each control module 6 and 7 corresponds to a specific bypass circuit in bypass circuit 2. It should be understood that... Figure 1 Only some control modules in control modules 6 and 7 are depicted. It should also be understood that... Figure 1 The number of control modules 6 and 7 shown is based on an example, and the arrangement 10 may include more than Figure 1 The diagram shows fewer or more control modules.

[0047] Each control module 6, 7 is configured to control the operation of the corresponding bypass circuit 2 and at least one other bypass circuit 2 among the plurality of bypass circuits 2 to selectively bypass the corresponding energy storage unit 1 in series connection, in such a way that the selective bypassing of the operation of the corresponding energy storage unit 1 in series connection by each of the plurality of bypass circuits 2 can be controlled by at least two control modules of control modules 6, 7.

[0048] like Figure 1As shown, the series connection of the plurality of energy storage units 1 can form a series of energy storage units 1. For each control module 6, 7, the at least one additional bypass circuit 2 configured to control its operation can be a bypass circuit 2 corresponding to the energy storage unit 1 immediately preceding and / or immediately following the energy storage unit 1 corresponding to the bypass circuit 2 of the control module 6, 7 in the series of energy storage units 1. In other words, for each control module 6, 7, the at least one additional bypass circuit 2 configured to control its operation can be a bypass circuit 2 corresponding to the energy storage unit 1 adjacent to the energy storage unit 1 corresponding to the bypass circuit 2 of the control module 6, 7 in the series of energy storage units 1. However, this is not necessary, and other embodiments or implementations (e.g., not adjacent) are possible.

[0049] according to Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, each control module 6, 7 can be configured to control the operation of the corresponding bypass circuit 2 and at least one other bypass circuit 2 among the plurality of bypass circuits 2 by controlling the operation of the switch 4 of the bypass circuit 2, so as to selectively bypass the corresponding energy storage unit 1 in series connection.

[0050] according to Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, for each control module 6, 7, the control unit 6 of the control module 6, 7 is configured to control the operation of the bypass circuit 2 corresponding to that control module 6, 7 by transmitting at least one control signal to the bypass circuit 2 to selectively bypass the energy storage unit 1 in series connection corresponding to the bypass circuit 2. The switching device 7 of the control modules 6, 7 is configured to selectively transmit any control signal from the control unit 6 of at least one other control module 6, 7 that is also capable of controlling the operation of the bypass circuit 2 to selectively bypass the energy storage unit 1 in series connection corresponding to the bypass circuit 2 to control the operation of the bypass circuit 2 to selectively bypass the energy storage unit 1 in series connection corresponding to the bypass circuit 2. In this manner, each control module 6, 7 is configured to control the operation of the corresponding bypass circuit 2 and at least one other bypass circuit 2 among the plurality of bypass circuits 2, to selectively bypass the corresponding energy storage unit 1 in series connection, such that the selective bypassing of the corresponding energy storage unit 1 in series connection by each of the plurality of bypass circuits 2 can be controlled by at least two control modules of control modules 6, 7. However, other ways of achieving or implementing such capability (e.g., using other methods) Figure 1 Another or other type of control module besides the one shown is possible.

[0051] Possibly, each or any bypass circuit may include several switches, even if each figure only illustrates a single switch 4 in each bypass circuit. By appropriately arranging the several switches (e.g., four or more switches) in the bypass circuit, the bypass circuit can be provided with the function of selectively reversing the polarity of the energy storage unit corresponding to the bypass circuit. In such cases, an appropriate arrangement of at least two switches in the bypass circuit may be required to provide the bypass circuit with the ability to selectively bypass the corresponding energy storage unit.

[0052] Arrangement 10 may include at least one fault sensor that can be configured to sense whether a fault exists in any of the energy storage units in energy storage unit 1 and / or any of the control units in control unit 6 (or more generally, any of the control modules in control modules 6, 7).

[0053] according to Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, arrangement 10 includes two fault sensors, schematically indicated by 8 and 9, which may be referred to as first fault sensor 8 and second fault sensor 9. First fault sensor 8 may be configured to sense (e.g., monitor) the presence of a fault in any of the energy storage units 1. Second fault sensor 9 may be configured to sense (e.g., monitor) the presence of a fault in any of the control units 6 (or more generally, in any of the control modules 6 and 7). The functions of first fault sensor 8 and second fault sensor 9 may be combined in a single fault sensor, thus this single fault sensor may be configured to sense (e.g., monitor) the presence of a fault in any of the energy storage units 1 and to sense (e.g., monitor) the presence of a fault in any of the control units 6 (or more generally, in any of the control modules 6 and 7).

[0054] Arrangement 10 may include or be connected to another entity (e.g., module or unit) that can sense (e.g., monitor) the state of one or more other components of arrangement 10. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image). Possibly, the function of such an entity can be implemented in any of the aforementioned fault sensors. For example, the state of the switch 4 of each or any bypass circuit 2 (e.g., open or closed, on or off) can be sensed or monitored by such an entity, for example, to track which energy storage unit 1 in the series connection is bypassed (if any).

[0055] For each control module 6, 7, the control unit 6 of control module 6, 7 can be configured to control the operation of the bypass circuit 2 corresponding to the control module 6, 7 by transmitting at least one control signal to the bypass circuit 2 in the event of a fault in the energy storage unit 1, and possibly in the event that the control unit 6 of the control module 6, 7 is not faulty, so as to selectively bypass the energy storage unit 1 in series connection corresponding to the bypass circuit 2. If the control unit 6 of the control module 6, 7 is faulty, and the operation of the bypass circuit 2 can also be controlled to selectively bypass the corresponding energy storage unit 1 in series connection, the control unit 6 of at least one other control module 6, 7 is not faulty, then the control unit 6 of that at least one other control module 6, 7 (e.g., not the control unit 6 of the faulty one) can be configured to control the operation of the bypass circuit 2 by transmitting at least one control signal to the bypass circuit 2 via the switching device 7 of the control module 6, 7 corresponding to the bypass circuit 2, so as to selectively bypass the energy storage unit 1 in series connection. This signaling in Figure 2 The diagram below illustrates an example of a control signaling path. Therefore, Figure 2 The diagram shows... Figure 1 The arrangement 10 shown is illustrated, and an example of the control signaling path between the control unit 6 and the bypass circuit 2 is also illustrated.

[0056] Figure 2 The Chinese illustration shows about Figure 2 An example of the control signaling path between the control unit 6 of the topmost energy storage unit 1 and the bypass circuit 2.

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, each control unit 6 can control the operation of the bypass circuit 2 by transmitting at least one control signal to the bypass circuit 2 corresponding to the control modules 6, 7 including the control unit 6. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the at least one control signal is transmitted to the bypass circuit 2 via a switching device 7 of the control modules 6 and 7 corresponding to the bypass circuit 2. However, the at least one control signal can be transmitted to the bypass circuit 2 in different ways, for example, directly from the control unit 6 to the bypass circuit 2. The control signaling path is illustrated by the solid line between the control unit 6 and its corresponding bypass circuit 2 (via the switching device 7). Figure 2 as well as Figure 1 As shown, the switching device 7 of each control module 6, 7 is connected to the bypass circuit 2 corresponding to that control module 6, 7.

[0058] Furthermore, as well as Figure 2As shown, each control unit 6 can also control the operation of the two other bypass circuits 2 by transmitting at least one control signal to the two other bypass circuits 2 via a switching device 7 corresponding to a corresponding bypass circuit in one of the two other bypass circuits 2, besides the bypass circuit 2 that includes the control module 6, 7 which contains the control unit 6. These control signaling paths are... Figure 2 The diagram shows the dashed and dotted lines between the control unit 6 and the switching device 7.

[0059] Therefore, through Figure 2 The control signaling paths shown in the diagram, for each control module 6, 7, the control unit 6 of control module 6, 7 can be configured to control the operation of the bypass circuit 2 corresponding to that control module 6, 7 by transmitting at least one control signal to the bypass circuit 2 to selectively bypass the energy storage unit 1 in series connection corresponding to the bypass circuit 2. The switching device 7 of control modules 6, 7 can be configured to selectively transmit any control signal from the control unit 6 of at least one of the other control modules 6, 7 that can also control the operation of the bypass circuit 2 to selectively bypass the energy storage unit 1 in series connection corresponding to the bypass circuit 2 to control the operation of the bypass circuit 2 to selectively bypass the energy storage unit 1 in series connection corresponding to the bypass circuit 2.

[0060] Figure 3 The diagram shows... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The arrangement 10 shown is illustrated, and an example of a control signaling path is further illustrated in the case where one of the energy storage units 1 is faulty and simultaneously the control unit 6 of the control module 6, 7 corresponding to the bypass circuit 2 of the faulty energy storage unit 1 is faulty. In such a case, the control module 6, 7 may be unable to control the operation of the bypass circuit 2 to bypass the faulty energy storage unit 1 connected in series. Figure 3 The two crosses indicate the faulty energy storage unit 1 and the faulty control unit 6. If the bypass circuit 2 corresponding to the faulty energy storage unit 1 cannot be controlled by any of the other control modules 6, 7 or control unit 6, the risk of failure of the entire series connection of energy storage unit 1 is greater, and the entire series connection of energy storage unit 1 must be de-energized.

[0061] However, as Figure 3 As shown, through one or more embodiments of the present invention, the bypass circuit 2 corresponding to the fault energy storage unit 1 can also be controlled by the control module 6, 7 or control unit 6 associated with the two bypass units 2 adjacent to the bypass circuit 2 corresponding to the fault energy storage unit 1. Figure 3The solid black arrows indicate two control signaling paths from the two control units 6 associated with the two bypass circuits 2 adjacent to the bypass circuit 2 corresponding to the fault energy storage unit 1 to the bypass circuit 2 corresponding to the fault energy storage unit 1. Both control signaling paths pass through the switching device 7 of the control modules 6 and 7 corresponding to the bypass circuit 2 of the fault energy storage unit 1. Figure 3 As shown, even if a fault exists in the control unit 6 of the control modules 6 and 7 corresponding to the bypass circuit 2 of the faulty energy storage unit 1, the switch 4 of the bypass unit 2 can be closed via either of these two control signaling paths, thereby bypassing the faulty energy storage unit 1 in the series connection. Thus, the remaining energy storage units 1 in the series connection can remain operational.

[0062] For each energy storage unit 1, the energy storage unit 1, the bypass circuit 2 corresponding to the energy storage unit 1, and the control modules 6 and 7 corresponding to the bypass circuit 2 can define the components of the arrangement 10, such that the arrangement 10 can include multiple components. Therefore, each such component can include the energy storage unit 1, the bypass circuit 2, and the control modules 6 and 7.

[0063] exist Figures 4 to 6 In each of the figures, such components are indicated by reference numeral 5. It should be understood that reference numeral 5 only indicates… Figure 4 and Figure 6 One of the components shown in each of the diagrams. Figures 4 to 6 Each figure in the diagram is a schematic diagram of arrangement 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 4 to 6 The arrangement 10 shown in each of the figures is similar to Figures 1 to 3 The arrangement 10 shown in each of the figures, and the same reference numerals in the figures, indicate the same or similar parts having the same or similar functions. In addition to the preceding references... Figure 1 Beyond the description, it should be understood that, Figures 4 to 6 as well as Figures 1 to 3 Only some components of component 5 are depicted (but in Figures 1 to 3 (Components are not indicated by reference numerals in the figures). It should also be understood that the number of components shown in the figures is based on an example, and arrangement 10 may include fewer or more components than shown in the figures. These components may be referred to as cabinets or (electric) energy storage modules.

[0064] Arrangement 10 may include multiple auxiliary power sources. Each auxiliary power source may be connected to at least one component in the assembly for selectively supplying power to at least one energy storage unit 1 of that at least one component in the assembly.

[0065] exist Figure 4 The diagram shows an auxiliary power supply 11, while... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The diagram shows two such auxiliary power supplies 11 and 12. It should be understood that... Figures 4 to 6 Arrangement 10 in each of the figures may include one or more additional auxiliary power supplies, however these additional auxiliary power supplies are not illustrated in the figures.

[0066] There may be voltage potential differences among components having a control module capable of controlling the operation of a given bypass circuit to selectively bypass corresponding energy storage units in a series connection. Such voltage potential differences may make direct electrical control connections between those components difficult or even impossible. Embodiments of the present invention are addressing this potential problem. For example, since the components may be operating at different potentials, activating or operating the switching device 7 using direct electrical links or connections between components may be difficult or infeasible.

[0067] Each component 5 can have a potential associated with a reference potential.

[0068] As one possibility for solving the aforementioned potential problems, for each bypass circuit 2, all components 5 of the control modules 6 and 7 that are capable of controlling the operation of the bypass circuit 2 to selectively bypass the corresponding energy storage unit 1 in series connection can have the same reference potential, and those components 5 can also be connected (e.g., only connected to) the same auxiliary power supply 11. This possibility exists in... Figure 4 As illustrated in the diagram. Therefore, arrangement 10 can include multiple auxiliary power supplies, even when... Figure 4 Only one auxiliary power supply is illustrated. Each auxiliary power supply can be connected to at least one component in component 5 (e.g., connected to two components, such as...). Figure 4 As shown in the diagram, it is used to selectively supply power to the energy storage unit 1 of at least one of the components 5. For each bypass circuit 2, there are control modules 6 and 7 capable of controlling the operation of the bypass circuit 2 to selectively bypass the corresponding energy storage unit 1 in the series connection, and all said components 5 having the same reference potential are connected to the same auxiliary power supply 11. Figure 4 The diagram illustrates an exemplary connection between the auxiliary power supply 11 and two components in component 5.

[0069] As another possibility for solving the aforementioned potential problems, for each bypass circuit 2, all components 5 of the control modules 6 and 7, which are capable of controlling the operation of the bypass circuit 2 to selectively bypass the corresponding energy storage unit 1 in the series connection, can have the same reference potential, and each auxiliary power supply can be connected to a corresponding component in the component 5 (e.g., the auxiliary power supply can be connected to different components 5). This possibility exists... Figure 5 As shown in the diagram. Figure 5As shown, each of the auxiliary power supplies 11 and 12 is connected to a corresponding component in component 5. Figure 5 The diagram illustrates an exemplary connection between auxiliary power supplies 11 and 12 and two components in component 5.

[0070] As another possibility for solving the aforementioned potential problems, for each control module 6, 7, the switching device 7 of the control modules 6, 7 may include at least one solid-state relay or be composed of at least one solid-state relay to achieve isolation (e.g., full isolation) between control signals from different control modules 6, 7 or control unit 6. For example, for each or any control module 6, 7, the switching device 7 of the control modules 6, 7 may include or be composed of multiple interconnected solid-state relays, which may, for example, be connected in parallel. Figure 6 The diagram illustrates exemplary connections between auxiliary power supply 11 and one of the components 5, and between auxiliary power supply 12 and another component 5, wherein the corresponding switching device 7 of control modules 6 and 7 includes at least one solid-state relay or is composed of at least one solid-state relay.

[0071] In summary, an arrangement is disclosed. This arrangement includes a series connection of multiple energy storage units, multiple bypass circuits, and multiple control modules. Each bypass circuit is configured to bypass a corresponding energy storage unit in the series connection, and each control module corresponds to a corresponding bypass circuit. Each control module is configured to control the operation of the corresponding bypass circuit and at least one other bypass circuit among the multiple bypass circuits to selectively bypass the corresponding energy storage unit in the series connection, such that the selective bypassing of the corresponding energy storage unit in the series connection by each of the multiple bypass circuits can be controlled by at least two control modules. A related method is also disclosed.

[0072] Although the invention has been described in the accompanying drawings and the foregoing description, such description is to be considered illustrative or exemplary rather than restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations of the disclosed embodiments can be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention through a study of the drawings, this disclosure, and the appended claims. In the appended claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a (or an)" does not exclude a plural. The simple fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously. Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. An arrangement (10) including an energy storage unit, comprising: Multiple energy storage units (1) are connected in series; Multiple bypass circuits (2), each bypass circuit being configured to bypass a corresponding energy storage unit in the series connection; as well as Multiple control modules (6, 7), wherein each control module corresponds to a corresponding bypass circuit in the bypass circuit; Each control module is configured to control the operation of a corresponding bypass circuit and at least one other bypass circuit among the plurality of bypass circuits to selectively bypass a corresponding energy storage unit in the series connection, thereby enabling the selective bypassing of the corresponding energy storage unit in the series connection by each of the plurality of bypass circuits to be controlled by at least two control modules. Wherein, for each energy storage unit, the energy storage unit, the bypass circuit corresponding to the energy storage unit, and the control module corresponding to the bypass circuit define the components (5) of the arrangement, such that the arrangement includes multiple components, each component including an energy storage unit, a bypass circuit, and a control module, wherein each component has a potential related to a reference potential; In each bypass circuit, all components of a control module capable of controlling the operation of the bypass circuit to selectively bypass the corresponding energy storage unit in the series connection have the same reference potential. Furthermore, each bypass circuit has a control module capable of controlling the operation of the bypass circuit to selectively bypass the corresponding energy storage unit in the series connection, and all the components having the same reference potential are connected to the same auxiliary power supply.

2. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein each control module is configured to control the operation of the corresponding bypass circuit in the event of a fault in the energy storage unit, so as to selectively bypass the corresponding energy storage unit in the series connection.

3. The arrangement according to claim 2, wherein if a fault exists in the control module and the operation of the bypass circuit can also be controlled to selectively bypass the corresponding energy storage unit in the series connection, and if no fault exists in at least one other control module, the at least one other control module is configured to control the operation of the bypass circuit to selectively bypass the energy storage unit in the series connection.

4. The arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 3 further includes at least one fault sensor (8, 9), said at least one fault sensor being configured to sense whether a fault exists in any of the energy storage units and / or any of the control modules.

5. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein each control module includes at least a control unit (6) and a switching device (7), wherein for each control module: The control unit of the control module is configured to control the operation of the bypass circuit by transmitting at least one control signal to the bypass circuit corresponding to the control module, so as to selectively bypass the energy storage unit corresponding to the bypass circuit in the series connection. The switching device of the control module is configured to selectively transmit any control signal from the control unit of at least one other control module that is also capable of controlling the operation of the bypass circuit to selectively bypass the energy storage unit corresponding to the bypass circuit in the series connection to the bypass circuit to control the operation of the bypass circuit to selectively bypass the energy storage unit corresponding to the bypass circuit in the series connection.

6. The arrangement according to claim 5, wherein for each control module: The control unit of the control module is configured to, in the event of a fault in the energy storage unit, control the operation of the bypass circuit by transmitting at least one control signal to the bypass circuit corresponding to the control module, so as to selectively bypass the energy storage unit corresponding to the bypass circuit in the series connection.

7. The arrangement of claim 6, wherein if a fault exists in the control unit of the control module, and the operation of the bypass circuit can also be controlled to selectively bypass the corresponding energy storage unit in the series connection, and there is no fault in the control unit of at least one other control module, the control unit of the at least one other control module is configured to control the operation of the bypass circuit by transmitting at least one control signal to the bypass circuit via a switching device of the control module corresponding to the bypass circuit, so as to selectively bypass the energy storage unit in the series connection.

8. The arrangement according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein for each control module, the switching device of the control module comprises at least one electromechanical relay and / or at least one solid-state relay, or is composed of at least one electromechanical relay and / or at least one solid-state relay.

9. The arrangement according to any one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising at least one fault sensor (8, 9) configured to sense the presence of a fault in any of the energy storage units and / or in any of the control units.

10. The arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5 to 7, wherein the series connection of the plurality of energy storage units forms a series of energy storage units; For each control module: The control module is configured to control its operation by at least one other bypass circuit, which is a bypass circuit corresponding to the energy storage unit immediately preceding and / or immediately following the energy storage unit in the series of energy storage units that corresponds to the bypass circuit corresponding to the control module.

11. The arrangement of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of auxiliary power sources (11, 12), each auxiliary power source being connected to at least one of the components for selectively supplying power to the energy storage unit of the at least one of the components.

12. The arrangement of claim 1 further includes a plurality of auxiliary power supplies (11, 12), each auxiliary power supply being connected to a corresponding component of the assembly.

13. A method for operating an arrangement including energy storage units, the arrangement including a series connection of a plurality of energy storage units, a plurality of bypass circuits, and a plurality of control modules, each bypass circuit being configured to bypass a corresponding energy storage unit among the energy storage units in the series connection, wherein each control module corresponds to a corresponding bypass circuit among the bypass circuits, the method comprising: Each control module controls the operation of a corresponding bypass circuit and at least one other bypass circuit among the plurality of bypass circuits to selectively bypass the corresponding energy storage unit in the series connection, thereby enabling the selective bypassing of the corresponding energy storage unit in the series connection by each of the plurality of bypass circuits to be controlled by at least two control modules. Wherein, for each energy storage unit, the energy storage unit, the bypass circuit corresponding to the energy storage unit, and the control module corresponding to the bypass circuit define the components (5) of the arrangement, such that the arrangement includes multiple components, each component including an energy storage unit, a bypass circuit, and a control module, wherein each component has a potential related to a reference potential; In each bypass circuit, all components of a control module capable of controlling the operation of the bypass circuit to selectively bypass the corresponding energy storage unit in the series connection have the same reference potential. Furthermore, each bypass circuit has a control module capable of controlling the operation of the bypass circuit to selectively bypass the corresponding energy storage unit in the series connection, and all the components having the same reference potential are connected to the same auxiliary power supply.

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