Energy storage based on appliance grade battery

Abstract

Energy storage based on appliance grade batteries is provided. An electric building system includes: a power distribution system configured to distribute power to a plurality of sockets; one or more load sources; and one or more battery systems associated with a respective one of the plurality of outlets and a respective one of the one or more load sources.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications This application is a non-provisional application filed on March 11, 2021, entitled “Appliance Level Battery-Based Energy Storage”, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 159,851 (Attorney’s File No. 0105198-034PR0), and claims the benefit of that non-provisional application. The entire application is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. Background Technology

[0002] In 2019, the average U.S. household used 25 kilowatt-hours of electricity per day, or approximately 10,000 kilowatt-hours per year. In the scenario of deep electrification required for complete decarbonization (including powering all spaces and water heating, vehicles, and cooking), residential electricity consumption would roughly double. As the cost of renewable energy continues to decline, the issue of its dominance is no longer cost, but reliability. A key challenge is balancing time-varying power sources with time-varying loads, ensuring no household experiences power outages when needed. This problem is clearly illustrated by the infamous "duck curve," which shows the times when available solar energy exceeds demand and when demand exceeds supply. It is now widely accepted that significant energy storage is needed to achieve renewable energy penetration exceeding 80%. Based on the predicted levelized cost of storage technologies, lithium-ion batteries are expected to play a dominant role in storage applications, becoming the most cost-effective option besides the longest-duration seasonal and multi-year storage and the sub-second storage required for grid stabilization.

[0003] The hardware costs of these lithium-ion battery packs have continued to decline dramatically (and at a rate exceeding expectations), reaching $137 per kilowatt-hour in 2020 (a tenfold decrease in 10 years), and current reliable forecasts indicate costs of $100 per kilowatt-hour by 2023. These prices are achieved in battery electric vehicles (BEVs), where increased production scale and factory installations have driven prices down to such low levels. Battery cells account for approximately 80% of the cost, with the remainder attributable to the battery pack hardware (battery management system, cell interconnects and isolation, and packaging).

[0004] While these costs have decreased for BEV battery packs, the cost of stationary battery storage hasn't decreased as quickly or significantly. Tesla's Powerwall, with 13.5 kWh of storage capacity, has a standardized cost of around $600 / kWh—not including substantial installation costs, the hardware cost alone is about $8,000. If the home already has proper electrical service, the cost can be as low as $2,000, but if upgrades are needed, the cost can be much higher, with a representative figure of $7,000. This brings the total installation cost of storage to approximately $750 to $1,100 per kWh, an order of magnitude higher than the cost of an EV's battery pack. LG's 9.3 kWh RESU residential storage unit has an even higher installation price, quoted at $1,000 to $1,400 per kWh. Both Enphase and Sonnen offer units priced at $1,000 / kWh, excluding installation fees.

[0005] Even at a utility-scale setting, the installation cost is significantly higher than that of a BEV. PNNL in its 2020 power grid Energy storage technology cost and performance evaluation The study found that the grid installation cost for approximately 10 MWh of capacity was around $400 / kWh in 2020, and is expected to remain around $300 / kWh through 2030. Basic hardware costs accounted for about one-third of these costs, with the remainder going towards grid integration, control and communications, supporting power equipment, and development / installation.

[0006] This market context has put lithium-ion storage on a similar trajectory to solar photovoltaics, where module hardware costs have fallen so drastically that further improvements no longer meaningfully alter the cost of delivering electricity. Instead, improvements in manufacturing and integrating hardware, as well as installation and licensing costs (“soft costs”), have become more influential. In 2018, NREL calculated the average installation cost of residential PV to be $2.70 / W, but hardware costs were less than $1 / W (with PV module costs being only $0.30 / W). Soft costs of solar installations have become the dominant driver, and initiatives such as DOE’s SUNSHOT and SETO have focused on this aspect. Similarly, to reduce the cost of installed stationary storage capacity, both the supporting (non-cell) hardware costs and soft costs of battery storage must be actively addressed. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 An example of an electric building system is shown, which can obtain power from various suitable sources such as the power grid, one or more solar panels and / or battery systems.

[0008] Figure 2 An example of a load source that can be associated with an electric building system in one implementation is shown.

[0009] Figure 3a An example of a furnace load source is shown, which includes a battery system that may be an internal component of the furnace, an integrated component of the furnace, or disposed within the furnace housing, etc.

[0010] Figure 3b Another exemplary embodiment of the battery system is shown, which may be part of a power distribution system and may be installed on and / or in the walls of a building, and may include a socket and a battery configured to receive power from a power line.

[0011] Figure 3c Another exemplary embodiment of a battery system with a battery and a power cord with a plug is shown, wherein the battery system may be a unit disposed between the furnace load source and a socket as part of a power distribution system.

[0012] Figure 4 An exemplary embodiment of a battery system is shown, which may include one or more batteries, a processor, a memory, a clock, a battery control system, a communication system, an interface, and a power bus.

[0013] Figure 5 An exemplary implementation of a battery network is shown, the battery network including three battery systems, a battery server and a user device operatively connected via a network.

[0014] Figure 6a An exemplary method for updating user power distribution is shown.

[0015] Figure 6b An exemplary method for determining the power output configuration is shown.

[0016] Figure 7 An embodiment of an electric building system including a battery system group comprising three battery systems configured to share power via multiple power sharing lines is shown.

[0017] Figure 8 A first state of an exemplary embodiment is shown, wherein a first load source draws power from a circuit breaker via a first socket, and a first battery of a first battery system is charged by power from the circuit breaker.

[0018] Figure 9 A second state of an exemplary embodiment is shown, wherein a second load source draws power from a circuit breaker via a second socket, and a second battery of a second battery system is charged by power from the circuit breaker.

[0019] Figure 10 An exemplary embodiment of a water heater load source with an integrated battery system is shown, the integrated battery system including a power control stage and a battery.

[0020] Figure 11 An example of a battery system block is shown, comprising multiple battery systems that can be coupled to multiple load sources, wherein the battery systems have various suitable form factors that allow the battery systems to be coupled to load sources with different shapes, sizes and forms, such as heat pumps, electric furnaces, refrigerators, water heaters and so on.

[0021] Figure 12 An exemplary embodiment of an elongated battery system is shown, the elongated battery system comprising multiple bundles of batteries arranged along and around the length of a power line and disposed within a sleeve.

[0022] Figure 13 An exemplary implementation of multiple battery systems is shown, which are connected in series and receive power from the power distribution system by inserting one of the battery systems into a socket in the power distribution system.

[0023] Figure 14 As shown Figure 13 The example shown is a battery system that may include removable modular batteries.

[0024] Figure 15 An example of a water heater load source is shown, in which a circular battery system is positioned at the base of the water heater and matches the shape of the water heater.

[0025] Figure 16 An example is shown in which the battery system has a relatively thin planar rectangular shape factor disposed at the base of the refrigerator, wherein a power cord extends from the refrigerator and can be inserted into a socket of the power distribution system via a power plug.

[0026] Figure 17 An example is shown in which the battery system has a rectangular shape factor located at the base and rear of the refrigerator, wherein a power cord extends from the refrigerator and can be inserted into a socket of the power distribution system via a power plug.

[0027] Figure 18 An example is shown in which the battery system has a relatively thin planar rectangular shape factor located on the side wall near the base of the refrigerator, wherein the power cord extends from the refrigerator and can be inserted into a socket of the power distribution system via a power plug.

[0028] Figure 19An example of a dryer load source is shown, in which a rectangular battery system is positioned at the base of the dryer and matches the shape of the dryer.

[0029] Figure 20 An example is shown in which the battery system has rectangular shape factors disposed on the base and sides of the dryer, wherein a power cord extends from the dryer and can be inserted into a socket of the power distribution system via a power plug.

[0030] Figure 21 An example is shown in which the battery system has a rectangular shape factor that can be set in the dryer, and the power cord can be plugged into the socket of the power distribution system via a power plug.

[0031] Figure 22 A perspective view of a wall-mounted battery system is shown.

[0032] Figure 23 It shows Figure 22 Side view of the wall-mounted battery system.

[0033] Figure 24a The chart shows an energy histogram of over 3,000 households using it to cook dinner over 365 days a year, illustrating the battery capacity required to meet this demand.

[0034] Figure 24b The relationship between PV capacity factor and cooking load on a given date is shown for a cluster of 109 houses distributed across TMY3 locations.

[0035] It should be noted that the drawings are not drawn to scale, and for illustrative purposes, elements with similar structures or functions are generally represented by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings. It should also be noted that the drawings are intended only to facilitate the description of preferred embodiments. Every aspect of the described embodiments is not shown in the drawings and does not limit the scope of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0036] This disclosure discusses implementation schemes for systems that move battery storage from centralized installations in the home to the point of load (“edge,” analogous to edge computing). In such distributed energy storage models, appliances can be equipped with onboard batteries and can self-manage their demands on the home and the utility grid. Some implementations of the battery system can be built into the home itself. This allows for storage behind various suitable appliances or other load sources in various implementations without integrating the batteries into the appliances or load sources themselves. The battery unit can be installed behind the wall plug itself or in front of the plug as an intermediary between the appliance and the wall socket.

[0037] In various examples, having multiple battery-powered appliances throughout a home provides the ability for the batteries and appliances to transfer power to each other. For instance, if appliance one is fully charged or nearly fully charged and appliance two is expected to draw power to share a portion of the electrical load, appliance one can be consulted to determine if this is possible without interrupting the circuit or overloading it.

[0038] In some examples, refrigerators, induction cookers, water heaters, and washing machines are specific definitions, but not the only definitions, of appliances that can be equipped with battery storage systems. Power tools can be equipped with such battery storage technology and battery management intelligence to balance the manner and timing of drawing power from the grid. In some implementations of fully connected homes where the battery is connected behind the plug (e.g., fully connected), this can be done at a microscale, thereby optimizing power consumption throughout the household. In some implementations, such systems can offer a variety of benefits, including one or more of those discussed in detail below.

[0039] For example, Figure 1 An example of an electric building system 100 including a building 105 is shown, which can obtain power from various suitable sources such as the power grid 110, one or more solar panels 115, etc. This power can supply a variety of suitable load sources 200 (e.g., appliances, components, systems, vehicles, etc.), such as a heat pump 120, an electric furnace 125, a refrigerator 130, an electric vehicle 135, a water heater 140, an electric underfloor heating element 145, etc. Power can be distributed to or among such load sources via a distribution system 150, which may include power lines 155, electrical sub-components 160 supplying power to electrical outlets 165, etc.

[0040] As discussed in more detail herein, in various embodiments, load source 200 may be associated with battery 305 and / or battery system 300, respectively (see example...). Figure 3a , Figure 3b and Figure 3c However, in some embodiments, the electric building system 100 may include one or more building system batteries 170 that are not directly associated with a particular load source 200, and may be configured to store energy for the electric building system 100, which is typically distributed to the power grid 110, the load source 200 associated with the electric building system 100, etc. In some embodiments, the building system batteries 170 may not be present.

[0041] Although Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of an electric building system 100 is shown, but such an embodiment should not be construed as limiting the various load sources 200 that can be powered, such as those associated with batteries and / or battery systems. For example, Figure 2 Further examples of load sources 200 that may be associated with the electric building system 100 in other embodiments are shown. Additionally, while various embodiments of the electric building system 100 may relate to single-family homes, it should be understood that other embodiments may relate to multi-family homes, mixed-use buildings, commercial buildings, factories, airports, farms, or other suitable buildings, structures, or land. Furthermore, some embodiments may be applicable to vehicles or structures such as cruise ships, offshore platforms, airplanes, buses, etc.

[0042] In addition, although Figure 1 The example illustrates an electric building system 100 associated with a power grid 110 (such as a regional power supplier supplying power to multiple buildings 105 and / or electric building systems 100), but in other embodiments, the electric building system 100 may not be associated with or connected to the power grid 110. Additionally, although Figure 1 The example illustrates an electric building system 100 that obtains power from one or more solar panels, but in other embodiments, any suitable additional or alternative power generation systems and methods may be part of the electric building system 100, such as wind turbines, hydro turbines, geothermal generators, nuclear power systems, chemical or combustion generators, etc.

[0043] First, such methods can store energy in homes more cost-effectively than currently available. As demonstrated by the order-of-magnitude difference in price between EVs and home batteries, the cost of a factory installing a battery in an appliance rather than a home is likely to be significantly lower, as it may not require inspection or custom electrical work. When homeowners replace appliances at the end of their lifespan, the additional storage capacity comes into the home by default with the new appliances, which in various implementations may not require custom or electrical work. In this way, in various examples, homes can naturally acquire the ability to switch to renewable energy sources and meet most of their energy needs via a standard technology upgrade cycle—for example, homeowners never need to opt to purchase a $10,000 home battery or hire an electrician to install it.

[0044] Furthermore, various implementations of this approach can eliminate the substantial upgrade costs required to replace fossil fuel appliances. Many appliances, such as induction cooktops and electric dryers, require dedicated, high-capacity circuits that only operate at full capacity for short periods. This electrical work significantly increases the cost of such upgrades, presents a major barrier, and may negate any value proposition that the increased efficiency of these more advanced appliances might offer. For example, a four-burner induction cooktop with an oven costs between $1,000 and $2,000, and (fortunately, a proper 240V circuit is already available) can be installed by a homeowner or general contractor for $150 to $200. However, if the induction cooktop is replacing a gas stove, the likelihood of having a proper, unused circuit available in the right location is very low, and the cost of installing the required 30- to 40-amp electrical circuit is approximately $800 to $1,000, with an additional $380 to $460 if the route from the circuit breaker to the stove is long or inconvenient. Moreover, in most cases, the available electrical services are designed under the assumption of fossil fuel use and are insufficient for such a large additional circuit. In this scenario, upgrading the maintenance panel could add an extra $1,500 to $4,000 to the project cost, making the total cost of replacing a gas stove 2 to 6 times the base cost of a new appliance.

[0045] In various implementations, appliances with integrated or associated batteries, as discussed herein, can eliminate the need for upgraded electrical services because they can provide the required high current during use while drawing only a small average power from existing 110V power outlets for recharging. In the case of induction cooktops, the vast majority of dinner cooking needs can be met by an integrated battery ranging from 0.75 kWh to 1.5 kWh, such as... Figure 24a As shown in the diagram, simulated dinner cooking demands from 3,000 households over 365 days a year have been aggregated into a histogram. If installed at the current EV price, this battery would only add $100 to $200 to the appliance cost, and this increase would be even smaller as the industry scales up and costs continue to decrease. As a result, the total project cost for homeowners to eliminate this residential emission source remains predictable and low, and dinner cooking loads (which primarily occur outside the solar production window) can be cost-effectively switched to renewable energy.

[0046] Figure 24a and Figure 24b This demonstrates the modeling of time-resolved residential solar energy potential and residential cooking needs. Figure 24a The graph shows an energy histogram of over 3,000 households using it for cooking dinner over 365 days a year, illustrating the battery capacity required to meet this demand. Figure 24bThis paper presents the PV capacity factor and cooking load for a given date across a cluster of 109 houses distributed across TMY3 locations. It illustrates the mismatch between supply and demand. Inferences are made based on the NASA MERRA-2 dataset and the NRELRESStock model.

[0047] Additionally, centralized main household batteries may require large, dedicated inverters to supply AC power, even though many appliances (such as induction cookers) use internal rectification to convert power back to DC. In various implementations, placing batteries at these load points allows for direct DC power supply to appliances, drawing only a modest amount of AC from the power outlet. At the system level, in various implementations, this eliminates the inverter rectification cycle of drawing and delaying power from the grid, and significantly reduces the power requirements for inverters powered from rooftop solar arrays. The result can be reduced system costs and increased efficiency due to the elimination of power conversion.

[0048] Furthermore, large battery packs that may be required for primary household batteries are often damaged by a single faulty cell. In contrast, a commercially available 1 kWh battery pack that can be used to power household appliances may be easier to manage than a centralized battery pack and can be more easily replaced in case of failure in various implementations. In some implementations, having fewer cells under a battery management system (BMS) allows for better control over charging cycles, mechanical and thermal stress, and more robust health diagnostics, resulting in longer battery life. The price point of the battery management system and the supporting power electronics means that increasing their number will not be a cost barrier. As an additional benefit of this approach, in some implementations, smaller battery packs for point-of-load storage may be better suited for the second-life applications of plug-in EV batteries—the supply of which is expected to grow rapidly over the next 10 years. Even after use in EVs, such batteries are expected to retain 70% of their initial capacity and can be used for another 10 years in their second-life applications.

[0049] Turning Figure 3a , Figure 3b and Figure 3c Various exemplary embodiments of a battery system 300 comprising one or more batteries 305 are shown. Figure 3a , Figure 3b and Figure 3c In the exemplary embodiment, the load source of furnace 125 is shown as being associated with or having an internal battery system 300; however, it should be understood that various other suitable load sources 200 may be applicable to various embodiments.

[0050] Figure 3aAn example of a load source 200 for a furnace 125 is shown, the load source including an embodiment 300A of a battery system 300 having a battery 305. For example, the battery system 300A may be an internal component of the furnace 125, an integrated component of the furnace 125, disposed within the housing of the furnace 125, etc. For example, in some embodiments, a portion of the battery system 300A and / or the battery 305 may be an integral part of the furnace 125, such that such a portion cannot be removed from the furnace 125 or cannot be easily removed from the furnace; in some examples, this may include such a portion being enclosed within the housing of the furnace 125, preventing a user from accessing such a portion from the outside. However, in some examples, the battery 305 may be removable, replaceable, and / or modular, as discussed herein.

[0051] like Figure 3a As shown, the furnace 125 may include a power cord 310 with a plug 315 configured to couple to a power outlet 165 of a power distribution system 150. For example, the power distribution system 150 may supply power to the outlet 165 via the power cord 155, wherein the outlet 165 is located in building 105 (…). Figure 1 The stove 125 is mounted on a wall, with power lines 155 extending through the wall, etc. The stove 125 can be inserted into a socket 165, which can supply power to the stove 125 and a battery 305 of a battery system 300, which can be configured to store electricity and / or supply power to the stove 125, as discussed herein.

[0052] In some implementations, one or more batteries 305 and / or battery systems 300 may be integrated into the load source 200 at the factory where the load source is manufactured (e.g., integrated into the appliance housing) or may be integrated into the aftermarket for the load source. For example, the load source 200 (e.g., an appliance) may be specifically designed to allow an appropriate number of batteries 305 and / or other components of the battery system 300 to be integrated within their normal housing. This may allow such load sources 200 or appliances to be placed in a residence without any changes to how they are integrated into standardized fixtures (such as countertops). In various implementations, electrical connections to the batteries 305 and / or other components of the battery system 300 are fabricated in the factory and fully integrated into the appliance circuitry. This may allow the load source 200 (such as appliances utilizing DC current (e.g., an induction cooker)) to draw power directly from one or more batteries 305 without increasing the cost of a high-power inverter.

[0053] In some implementations, the battery may be designed to be integrated into the load source (e.g., the appliance) in an aftermarket factory setup. For example, a company that is not the original equipment manufacturer of the appliance purchases a new appliance, installs the battery system 300 in its own facility, and resells the appliance as a new appliance. In some examples, the refurbisher installs one or more batteries 305 and / or components of the battery system 300 within the appliance's housing, wiring them directly to the appliance's integrated electrical system. This may be desirable in some implementations if such a high-voltage connection is required given the danger of handling it if not by a qualified professional. Furthermore, in some implementations where the load source 200 (e.g., the appliance) has an internal rectifier circuit that converts 60 Hz AC current to DC (such as an induction cooker), it may be desirable in some examples to connect the battery system 300 directly to the load source's internal circuitry (e.g., to avoid the need for an expensive high-power inverter).

[0054] The battery system 300 can be installed within the load source in various suitable ways. For example, Figure 16 , Figure 17 and Figure 18 Three exemplary embodiments of a battery system 300 disposed within a load source 200 of a refrigerator 130 are shown. Figure 16 An example is shown in which the battery system 300 has a relatively thin planar rectangular shape factor disposed at the base of the refrigerator 130, wherein a power cord 310 extends from the refrigerator 130, wherein the power cord can be inserted into a socket 165 of the power distribution system 150 via a power plug 315. Figure 17 An example is shown in which the battery system 300 has a rectangular shape factor disposed at the base and rear of the refrigerator 130, wherein a power cord 310 extends from the refrigerator 130 and can be inserted into a socket 165 of the power distribution system 150 via a power plug 315. Figure 18 An example is shown in which the battery system 300 has a relatively thin planar rectangular shape factor located on a side wall near the base of the refrigerator 130, wherein a power cord 310 extends from the refrigerator 130 and can be inserted into a socket 165 of the power distribution system 150 via a power plug 315. Figure 20 An example is shown in which the battery system 300 has a rectangular shape factor disposed on the base and side of the dryer, wherein a power cord 310 extends from the dryer and can be inserted into a socket 165 of the power distribution system 150 via a power plug 315. Figure 21 An example is shown in which the battery system 300 has a rectangular shape factor that can be set in a dryer, and the power cord 310 can be inserted into the socket 165 of the power distribution system 150 via the power plug 315.

[0055] Figure 10An exemplary embodiment of a water heater 140 load source 200 with an integrated battery system 300 is shown, the integrated battery system including a power control stage 1050 and a battery 305. In this example, the power control stage 1050 obtains AC 120V power by plugging into a socket 165 of a power distribution system 150. The power control stage 1050 can be configured to output AC 120V / 240V power to the water heater 140 load source 200, which in various examples may be based on the power obtained from the battery 305 and / or the power distribution system 150. The battery 305 can be operatively coupled to the power control stage 1050 and configured to receive power (e.g., direct current (DC)) and supply power to the power control stage 1050.

[0056] Figure 3b Another exemplary embodiment 300B of a battery system 300 having a battery 305 and a socket 165 is shown. For example, the battery system 300B may be part of a power distribution system 150 and may be located on and / or within a wall of a building 105, and may include a socket 165 and a battery 305 configured to receive power from a power line 155. In various embodiments, the socket 165 and / or battery 305 may be internal components of the battery system 300B, integrated components of the battery system 300B, disposed within a housing of the battery system 300B, etc. For example, in some embodiments, the socket 165 and / or a portion of the battery 305 may be an integral part of the battery system 300B, such that such a portion cannot be removed from the battery system 300B or cannot be easily removed from the battery system. In some examples, this may include such a portion being enclosed within a housing of the battery system 300B, such that a user cannot access such a portion from the outside except for the socket's interface plug. However, in some examples, the battery 305 may be removable, replaceable, and / or modular, as discussed herein.

[0057] like Figure 3b As shown, the furnace 125 may include a power cord 310 with a plug 315 configured to couple to a power outlet 165 of the battery system 300B. For example, the battery 305 of the battery system 300B and / or the power distribution system 150 (via power cord 155) may supply power to the outlet 165, which is located on a wall of the building 105. Figure 1 The power cord 155 extends through walls, between outlets and appliances, etc. The power cord 115 can be configured to supply power to the battery 305, which can be stored by the battery 305, as discussed herein.

[0058] In some implementations, the battery 305 and components of the battery system 300 are designed to be nested with a load source (e.g., an appliance) as a base or backing. In various examples, such nesting can be done by the customer. The battery 305 and / or components of the battery system 300 can be designed to be nested directly outside the appliance, for example, by taking into account the shape and intended location of the appliance within the house 105. In various examples, one or more components of the battery 305 and battery system 300 (e.g., a power control stage) are encapsulated in a manner that allows them to be placed directly next to the appliance. The appliance can be inserted into the battery system 300, which is then inserted into a wall.

[0059] For example, in some implementations, the components of battery 305 and / or battery system 300 may be packaged as a flat panel, the size of which is designed to be the same as, similar to, no more than, or slightly smaller than the footprint of a conventional refrigerator, and its width and depth are typically standardized to match the counter depth. In some examples, such a refrigerator will be placed on top of a thin battery pack, thereby effectively connecting appliances and increasing storage without causing any significant interference with the use, appearance, or placement of the appliances.

[0060] In various implementations, battery 305 and / or battery system 300 can be designed to be placed at an outlet panel. For example, battery 305 and / or battery system 300 can be encapsulated in a flat plate that inserts directly into a standard wall outlet. These plates can be designed with a low profile and allow appliances to be pushed against the wall as usual. Battery 305 and / or battery system 300 can be fixed to the wall immediately behind the appliance (in some implementations, such as a dryer, refrigerator, or water heater) in a manner that hardly changes the placement of the machine.

[0061] For example, Figure 11 An example of a battery system block 1100 is shown, comprising multiple battery systems 300 that can be coupled to multiple load sources 200, wherein the battery systems 300 have various suitable form factors that allow the battery systems 300 to be coupled to load sources 200 of different shapes, sizes, and forms (such as heat pumps 120, electric furnaces 125, refrigerators 130, water heaters 140, etc.). For example, as Figure 11 As shown in the example, battery system block 1100 may include one or more thin planar rectangular battery systems 300 that may be coupled to the bottom of furnace 125 or one side of refrigerator 130. Battery system block 1100 may also include circular planar battery systems 300 that may be coupled to the top of water heater 140. Battery system block 1100 may also include an elongated embodiment 1200 of the battery systems 300 that may function similarly to or as a supplement to a power cord, which may be coupled to various load sources 200, such as heat pump 120, etc. Figure 11 As shown in the example. Figure 12 An exemplary embodiment of an elongated battery system 1200 is shown, the elongated battery system including a plurality of bundles 1220 batteries 305 arranged along and around the length of a power line 310 and disposed within a sleeve 1240.

[0062] Figure 3c Another exemplary embodiment 300C of a battery system 300 is shown, comprising a battery 305 and a power cord 310 with a plug 315. For example, the battery system 300C may be a unit disposed between a load source 200 of a furnace 125 and a socket 165 as part of a power distribution system 150. The socket 165 may be disposed on and / or in a wall of building 105 and may be configured to receive power from the power cord 155.

[0063] In various embodiments, battery 305 may be an internal component of battery system 300C, an integrated component of battery system 300C, or disposed within a housing of battery system 300C. For example, in some embodiments, battery 305 may be an integral part of battery system 300C, such that such a part cannot be removed from battery system 300C or cannot be easily removed from battery system; in some examples, this may include such a part being enclosed within a housing of battery system 300C. However, in some examples, battery 305 may be removable, replaceable, and / or modular, as discussed herein.

[0064] like Figure 3c As shown, the battery system 300C may include a power cord 310 with a plug 315 configured to couple to a power outlet 165 of the power distribution system 150. For example, the power distribution system 150 (via power cord 155) may supply power to the outlet 165, which is located on a wall of building 105. Figure 1 The power cord 155 extends through a wall, etc. The socket 165 can be configured to supply power to the battery 305, the power of which can be stored by the battery 305 as discussed herein, and can also supply power to the load source 200 of the stove 125. Additionally, in various embodiments, the socket 165 can be configured to supply power to the load source 200 of the stove 125 via the battery system 300C. The stove 125 can be electrically coupled to the battery system 300C in various suitable ways, including directly via the power cord 310 or via the power cord 310, which is removably inserted into the battery system 300C via a plug 315 or other suitable element.

[0065] For example, Figure 15An example of a load source 200 for a water heater 140 is shown, wherein a circular battery system 300 is disposed at the base of the water heater 140 and conforms to the shape of the water heater 140. The battery system 300 is inserted into a wall socket 165A of a power distribution system 150 via a first plug 315A and a first power cord 310A. The load source 200 for the water heater 140 is inserted into a battery system socket 165B of the battery system 300 via a second power cord 310B and a plug 315B. In another example, Figure 19 An example of a dryer load source 200 is shown, wherein a rectangular battery system 300 is disposed at the base of the dryer and conforms to the shape of the dryer. The battery system 300 is inserted into a wall socket 165A of the power distribution system 150 via a first plug 315A and a first power cord 310A. The dryer load source 200 is inserted into a battery system socket 165B of the battery system 300 via a second power cord 310B and a plug 315B of the dryer load source 200.

[0066] Additionally, it should be understood that the electric building system 100 may include any suitable number and type of battery system 300, including Figure 3a , Figure 3b and 3c One or more of the battery systems 300 shown. However, in some examples, none may be present. Figure 3a , Figure 3b and 3c One or more of the battery systems 300 shown.

[0067] An exemplary embodiment includes a first battery system, which is an integral component of a first load source among a plurality of load sources and disposed within a housing of the first load source. The first load source includes a first power cord inserted into a first socket among a plurality of sockets. The first battery system includes a first battery configured to receive and store power from the first socket. The first load source is configured to be fully powered by the power stored by the first battery and to be fully powered by power received from the first socket, and to be partially powered by both the first battery and power received from the first socket. A second battery system includes a second battery and a second socket among a plurality of sockets, disposed within a wall of the building. The second load source includes a second power cord inserted into the second socket among a plurality of sockets. The second battery is configured to receive and store power from the power distribution system. The second load source is configured to be fully powered by power stored in the second battery and to be fully powered by power obtained from the power distribution system and to be partially powered by both the second battery and power obtained from the power distribution system; and a third battery system electrically disposed between the third load source and a third socket of the plurality of sockets, the third battery system including a third power line inserted into the third socket, wherein the third load source includes a fourth power line inserted into a fourth socket of the third load source, the third battery system including a third battery configured to receive and store power from the third socket, the third load source being configured to be fully powered by power stored in the third battery and to be fully powered by power obtained from the third socket via the third battery system and to be partially powered by both the third battery and power obtained from the third socket via the third battery system.

[0068] The battery system 300 may include various suitable components. For example, Figure 4 An exemplary embodiment of a battery system 300 is shown, which may include one or more batteries 305, a processor 410, a memory 420, a clock 430, a battery control system 440, a communication system 450, an interface 460, and a power bus 470.

[0069] For example, in some embodiments, battery system 300 may include a computing device configured to perform the methods or portions thereof discussed herein. Memory 420 may include a computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by processor 410, cause battery system 300 to perform the methods or portions thereof discussed herein, or other suitable functions. Clock 430 may be configured to determine a date and / or time (e.g., year, month, day of week, day of year, time, etc.), and as discussed in more detail herein, it may be used in some examples to configure the power storage and / or power discharge of battery 305 based on time.

[0070] In various embodiments, the battery control system 440 can be configured to control the power storage and / or power discharge of the battery 305 based on instructions from a processor, etc. Additionally, in some embodiments, the battery control system 440 can determine various aspects, characteristics, or states of the battery 305, such as state of charge (e.g., percentage of charge or discharge), battery charge capacity, battery health, battery temperature, etc. For example, in various embodiments, the battery system 300 may include various suitable sensors to determine such aspects, characteristics, or states of the battery 305 or other elements of the building system 100, which may include environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity inside or outside the building 105.

[0071] In various embodiments, the communication system 450 may be configured to allow the battery system 300 to communicate via one or more communication networks as discussed in more detail herein. In some embodiments, the communication network may include wireless and / or wired networks and may include communication with devices such as one or more other battery systems 300, user devices, servers, etc.

[0072] Interface 460 may include various elements configured to receive input and / or (e.g., present information to a user). For example, in some embodiments, the interface may include a touchscreen, keyboard, one or more buttons, one or more lights, speaker, microphone, haptic interface, etc. In various embodiments, the user may use interface 460 for a variety of suitable purposes, such as configuring battery system 300, viewing aspects, characteristics, or status of battery system 300, configuring network connectivity of battery system 300, etc.

[0073] The power bus 470 can be configured to draw power from one or more sources and / or supply power to one or more load sources 200. For example, in various embodiments, the power bus 470 can draw power from one or more power outlets 165 (see example...). Figure 3a and Figure 3cThe battery system 300 may obtain power through an interface with the power distribution system 150 or directly from a power source such as the grid 110 or solar panels 115. The power obtained in this way may be stored via one or more batteries 305 or directed to one or more load sources 200 connected to the battery system 300. The power obtained in this way may be directed to one or more such load sources 200 via or around one or more batteries 305.

[0074] One or more batteries 305 can be any suitable system configured to store and discharge energy. For example, in some embodiments, one or more batteries 305 may include rechargeable lead-acid, nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel metal hydride (NiMH), lithium-ion (Li-ion), lithium-ion polymer (LiPo), rechargeable alkaline batteries, etc. As discussed herein, rechargeability in various embodiments can be defined as the ability to store and discharge energy multiple times without a significant decrease in the capacity to store and discharge energy over at least a number of cycles (e.g., 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 10k, 100k, 1M, 10M, 100M, etc.). While various preferred embodiments may include the chemical storage of electrical energy, in other embodiments, one or more batteries 305 may be configured to store energy in various suitable ways, such as mechanical energy, compressed fluid, thermal energy, etc.

[0075] In some implementations, one or more batteries 305 may include or be defined by a removable case, which allows one or more batteries 305 to be scaled or replaced. In some examples, the battery pack may consist of small sub-battery packs that can be easily removed. In some examples, this may allow replacement of old or faulty battery cells. Additionally, in some examples, such a configuration allows for fine-tuning of the battery pack size within the network of the battery system 300, as discussed herein. For example, one or more batteries 305 may initially be sized and located in the same location as the intended load source 200.

[0076] When battery system 300 (or electric building system 100 or battery network 500) monitors and learns specific behaviors of load source 200, user behaviors associated with load source 200, etc., it can determine that one or more batteries 305 of battery system 300 are too large or too small. Similarly, different battery systems 300 on the network of battery system 300 can determine that their battery packs are too large or too small, or another device can make such a determination as discussed herein. In some embodiments, battery system 300 can indicate via interface 460 that battery system 300 will be better utilized if a sub-battery pack (e.g., one or more batteries 305 of a plurality of batteries) is moved from one load source 200 to another load source (e.g., by moving one or more batteries 305 from a first battery system 300 within electric building system 100 to a second battery system 300). The determination of electric building system 100 or battery network 500 is discussed in more detail herein (see [link to documentation]). Figure 5 A method for configuring one or more batteries 305.

[0077] It should be understood that Figure 4 The example provided is merely an exemplary implementation of the battery system 300, and the battery system 300 with fewer or more components or with less or more complexity is within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. For example, Figure 4 One or more of the components may be specifically absent in some embodiments, may be present in any suitable plurality, etc. In some embodiments, communication system 450 may be absent, and battery system 300 may be inoperable for wired and / or wireless communication with other devices. In some embodiments, components such as processor 410 and clock 430 may be absent. In some examples, interface 460 may include multiple interface elements or a complex interface, or in some embodiments it may be a simple interface 460, or it may be absent. In some embodiments, the interface for battery system 300 may be embodied on a separate device such as a user device (e.g., a smartphone, laptop computer, home automation system, or other suitable device). Additionally, battery system 300 may have a variety of suitable sizes, including systems weighing 1 to 5 pounds, 10 to 30 pounds, 50 to 100 pounds, 150 to 500 pounds, 500 to 1,500 pounds, etc.

[0078] In determining which loads are best addressed in some implementation schemes, we can look at data from the EIA Residential Energy Consumption Survey. Assuming residential energy use is electrified, we can combine current electricity usage with natural gas and propane used in the home (assuming commonly obtained coefficients of performance, if applicable) to calculate total energy consumption. We find that, among residential uses, the largest user (HVAC) requires specialized installation anyway and is a better candidate for heat storage. Other users (e.g., lighting) are widely distributed across many installations throughout the home and may not be a good first target for battery integration in some implementation schemes. The remaining uses are large enough to be significant in the residential energy use graph (>100 kWh per household per year) and are packaged as single-item appliances. These include refrigerators, televisions, dryers, stoves, freezers, dehumidifiers, microwave ovens, etc. Among these, dryers and induction cookers may be of particular interest in some implementation schemes because they typically require dedicated high-capacity 240V circuits, which can be avoided in various implementation schemes by battery integration (e.g., battery system 300 as discussed in this paper). Some implementations may include (e.g., small) batteries directly integrated into the light bulb, which automatically turn on during power outages, when grid demand is at its maximum, or when the time-to-use (TOU) rate is high. End use Household kilowatt-hours / year shared Battery integrated electrical device suitable for a particular exemplary embodiment Request 240V Peak hourly ratio to average* heater 3985 31% No, professional installation and heat storage are required. yes 7.6 water heater 2368 19% No, professional installation and heat storage are required. yes 4.2 AC 1812 14% No, professional installation and heat storage are required. yes 8.0 illumination 1104 8% No, not centralized no 2.6 refrigeration 750 6% Yes, appliances, installed by the homeowner. no 1.3 TV + peripherals 738 6% Yes, appliances, installed by the homeowner. no 2.2 clothes dryer 583 5% Yes, appliances, installed by the homeowner. yes 39 stove 481 4% Yes, appliances, installed by the homeowner. yes 3.9 ceiling fan 194 2% Yes, appliances, installed by the homeowner. no 2.1 Freezer 173 1% Yes, appliances, installed by the homeowner. no 1.3 dehumidifier 130 1% Yes, appliances, installed by the homeowner. no 2.1 Micro-wave oven 116 1% Yes, appliances, installed by the homeowner. no 2.1 hot tub 70 <1% No, <100 kWh / year yes 3.5 Laundry 64 <1% No, <100 kWh / year no 39 Pool heating 28 <1% No, <100 kWh / year yes 3.6 Table 1: Comparison of Total Energy Consumption in Electrified Homes by End Use. Some larger home appliances (HVAC) require specialized installation and may not be good candidates for appliance integration in some implementations. In some implementations, some home appliances may be too small to warrant battery integration. The non-limiting list of candidates for exemplary implementations shown in Table 1 includes refrigerators, televisions, dryers, stoves, freezers, dehumidifiers, and microwave ovens. Data from RECS. *Estimated ratio of hourly peak load to hourly average load derived from the ResStock model. This exemplary implementation should not be construed as limiting or indicating that the named exemplary appliances are or are not part of the various implementations. In fact, in other implementations, any of the appliances discussed above, herein, or otherwise may be or may not be part of some implementations, and the inclusion or exclusion of a given system or appliance in a given implementation may be for a variety of suitable reasons or principles.

[0079] Using the electrification of household cooking appliances as a case study, data shows that most residential cooking loads likely occur at night, potentially away from peak solar power generation times. Annual cooking uses 0.112 billion cubic feet of natural gas and 2.11 billion gallons of propane, representing emissions of 6 and 1.2 MT CO2e, respectively. Furthermore, gas cooktop saturation is increasing, not decreasing, because gas cooking is still considered "high-end" compared to electric cooktops, which dominate the existing appliance inventory. Comparing residential energy consumption surveys from 2009 and 2015, the proportion of households using natural gas or propane as their primary cooking fuel increased by 5%. This trend must be reversed to effectively achieve carbon reductions in the residential sector. Beyond the impact of this trend on carbon emissions, a growing body of scientific literature demonstrates the negative health effects of indoor air pollution from fossil fuel cooking, including triggering respiratory illnesses such as asthma.

[0080] Turning Figure 5 An exemplary embodiment of a battery network 500 is shown, the battery network including three battery systems 300A, 300B, 300C, a battery server 510, and a user device 520 operatively connected via a network 530. In various embodiments, the network may include various suitable wired and / or wireless networks, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, wired connections, cellular networks, the Internet, local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), wired connections, etc. In various embodiments, battery systems 300A, 300B, and 300C may be connected via a communication system 450 (see...). Figure 4 They can communicate with each other and / or with the battery server 510 and the user device 520.

[0081] In some implementations, battery system 300 may obtain, send, or be controlled by one or both of battery server 510 and user device 520, as discussed in more detail herein. In some implementations, battery server 510 and / or user device 520 may be located remotely to or near battery system 300 within battery network 500. For example, in some implementations, battery system 300 may be located within or associated with a load source 200 of a house, and user device 520 may be used to configure battery system 300 individually or jointly. In some examples, user device 520 may be a smartphone and may be used by a user when inside or around a house or when the user is away from the house. In some examples, battery server 510 may be a remote physical or cloud-based server or server system that may be configured to store data related to battery system 300, store data provided by battery system 300 and / or user device 520, or configure battery system 300 and / or user device 520, as discussed in more detail herein.

[0082] Although Figure 5 An example of the implementation of the battery network 500 is shown, but it should be understood that various suitable additional configurations of the battery network 500 are also within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. For example, in another implementation, any suitable plurality of battery systems 300 may be part of the battery network 500, including 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 50, 100, 1k, 10k, 100k, 1M, 5M, 10M, 50M, etc. Similarly, any suitable number of battery servers 510 and user devices 520 may be present, or one or both of battery servers 510 and user devices 520 may not be present. Additionally, in some examples, battery servers 510 and / or user devices may be part of one or more battery systems 300 and do not need to be as described above. Figure 5 The individual components shown in the example. For example, in some embodiments, a network with multiple battery systems 300 may exist, wherein one or more of such battery systems have the capabilities, functionality, components, etc. of one or both of battery server 510 and user device 520. For example, a mesh network with multiple battery systems 300 may have a central hub battery system 300 that controls the entire network, stores data for the entire network, or provides data to the entire network.

[0083] In various implementations, different battery packs may exist associated with a given user or administrator in the battery network 500. For example, in some implementations, multiple separate electric building systems 100 may exist (see example...). Figure 1 Each electric building system 100 includes multiple battery systems 300, and each of these individual electric building systems 100 can be associated with a different user or administrator and controlled by a different user device 520 associated with that user or administrator. However, in some embodiments, all such individual electric building systems 100 can communicate with the same battery server 510, which can be configured to store data associated with different user or administrator accounts associated with different electric building systems 100. Such aggregated data can be used for configuration information or to provide information to multiple different electric building systems 100, as discussed in more detail herein, including network-wide, world-wide, country-wide, state-wide, county-wide, town-wide, block-wide, etc.

[0084] While the advantages of integrated batteries for appliances and batteries associated with appliances discussed herein (e.g., battery system 300) are listed, in some examples, the methods described in various implementations may significantly disrupt the status quo and may introduce several risks. For example, a simple implementation using point batteries may result in an increase in the total storage capacity required by a household. If the size of appliance battery 305 or appliance-associated battery 305 is not well matched to energy demand patterns, some capacity may remain unused, leading to wasted reserves. Mitigation strategies for this risk may include one or more of the following.

[0085] For example, in some implementations, the size of battery 305 may be determined based on data analysis and the use of predictive models to achieve optimal correlation between load transition estimates and field performance. In some examples, such size determination may include determining the size of one or more batteries 305 to be integrally installed within a given load source 200 based on the intended use within the given electrified building system 100, the location within the electrified building system, the area location, etc. Similarly, in some implementations, users may be provided with recommendations regarding the size of the battery 305 associated with a given load source 200, which may include recommendations regarding the size of modular batteries 305 associated with the load source 200 (e.g., internal, external, within a wall socket, etc.).

[0086] Additionally, as discussed herein, the electric building system 100 or battery network 500 may include multiple battery systems 300 associated with a respective load source 200, each of which includes one or more modular batteries 305. In various embodiments, the electric building system 100 or battery network 500 may monitor the multiple battery systems 300 and determine whether a modular battery 305 should be removed from a battery system 300; whether it should be added to a battery system 300; whether it should be moved from one battery system 300 to another; whether it should be removed and replaced with a larger or smaller modular battery 305; whether it should be removed and replaced with a healthier battery 305; and so on. In some embodiments, such monitoring may be performed by one of the multiple battery systems 300, by a battery server 510, by a user device 520, etc.

[0087] For example, a method for determining the configuration of multiple batteries 305 of multiple battery systems 300 within an electric building system 100 or battery network 500 may include obtaining data regarding the current configuration of the multiple batteries 305. For example, in some embodiments, the batteries 305 inserted into the battery system 300 may have identifiers indicating the characteristics of the battery 305 (e.g., a unique battery identifier, a battery model identifier, etc.), or the user may input information about the battery configuration. In some embodiments, such battery configuration data may be obtained directly from queries to the multiple battery systems 300, or may be stored in a user power distribution system, indicated by the user, etc.

[0088] The method may also include monitoring the usage and / or performance of multiple batteries 305 and / or battery systems 300. For example, such usage and / or performance data may be stored in a user power distribution system. Whether a change to the current battery configuration should be made can be determined based on the usage and / or performance data, the current battery configuration, and the characteristics of the expected and / or unexpected performance of the batteries 305, battery systems 300, electric building system 100, battery network 500, etc. If it is determined that a change to the current battery configuration should be made (e.g., a change to the expected performance), one or more suggested changes can be indicated to the user (e.g., via interface 460, user device 520, etc.). Such determinations can be made based on available additional capacity (e.g., additional batteries can be coupled to open battery slots of one or more battery systems 300), the ability to replace batteries of different sizes (e.g., battery slots that allow replacement of larger and / or smaller batteries), etc.

[0089] For example, it can be determined that the electric building system 100 or battery network 500 will be able to store and / or use more renewable energy (e.g., from solar panels 115) rather than using power from the grid 110 by increasing the size of one or more batteries 305. In some examples, increasing the total battery storage capacity of the electric building system 100 or battery network 500 may be appropriate regardless of the location of the battery system 300 (e.g., regardless of the load source 200 associated with the battery system).

[0090] However, in some examples, it may be desirable to increase the capacity of the battery system 300 associated with a particular load source 200 that frequently consumes more energy than the capacity of one or more batteries 305 of the battery system 300. In other words, it can be determined that increasing the storage capacity at a given battery system 300 could allow sufficient renewable electricity to be stored such that typical use of the load source 200 associated with that given battery system 300 does not require (or requires less) grid power to power the load source 200 when renewable electricity is not directly available, which may be desirable from a cost and / or environmental perspective.

[0091] In some examples, such as when the energy storage capacity of one or more batteries 305 of battery system 300 is used only minimally or sparingly (e.g., at most 5% to 10% of the battery storage capacity is used), it may be determined to reduce the capacity of battery system 300 associated with a particular load source 200. In such examples, it may be desirable to redeploy one or more batteries 305 to another battery system 300 where the storage capacity can be better utilized, or it may be desirable to reduce the physical size of battery system 300, which could be desired to reduce the visibility of battery system 300 or allow for more ideal placement of load source 200 (e.g., electrical appliances) around battery system 300.

[0092] In another example, it can be determined that one or more batteries 305 of a battery system degrade in performance over time, which may indicate that one or more batteries have failed and may make it desirable to indicate that such one or more batteries 305 should be replaced or removed (e.g., due to poor performance, fire hazard, etc.).

[0093] In another example, considering how a given load source 200 is used or operated, it can be determined that different types of batteries 305 may be suitable for coupling with the battery system 300 associated with the given load source 200. For example, if the given load source 200 is typically used at high power for short periods of time, it can be determined that the first battery 305 should be replaced with a second battery that performs better for that power consumption. Similarly, if the load source 200 is continuously turned on at low power, it can be determined that the first battery 305 should be replaced with a second battery that performs better for that power consumption.

[0094] While some examples of determining a battery configuration may involve an electric building system 100 or battery network 500 having multiple battery systems 300, in some implementations, such a battery configuration determination may involve an electric building system 100 or battery network 500 having only a single battery system 300, or may be applied at the level of a single battery system 300 (e.g., regardless of and without knowing whether other battery systems 300 exist in the electric building system 100 or battery network 500).

[0095] Furthermore, while various implementations involve determining a battery configuration for long-term use to support typical use of load source 200, in some implementations, atypical or emergency power needs can be identified and temporary battery configurations can be suggested. For example, in exceptional circumstances, when usage patterns deviate from normal, one or more batteries 305 can be moved between end uses (e.g., between different battery systems 300). In some examples, sub-battery packs can be moved from one load source 200 to another to facilitate this need. In another example, it can be suggested to add batteries 305 to battery system 300 or replace replacement batteries 305 to accommodate temporary or atypical power needs (e.g., during grid outages, during holidays when cooking may be more frequent, during heat waves, etc.).

[0096] In various implementations, the removal, insertion, or replacement of battery 305 can be performed manually by the user. However, some implementations may include a mobile autonomous device that transfers power between electrical appliances via a portable battery or battery replacement.

[0097] Additionally, in some implementations, onboard or network-based control laws can adapt to usage patterns, allowing a given battery capacity to meet anticipated demand. Furthermore, these laws in various implementations can be configured to adapt to local time-of-use rates, thereby allowing behind-the-scenes energy arbitrage. The implementation of these control laws can be based on reinforcement learning and control techniques, accompanied by a best-practice user interface that allows homeowners to monitor and adjust. For example, Figure 6a An exemplary method 600 for updating user power distribution is shown, which begins at box 605, where user power data is obtained. In box 610, power cost data is obtained, and in box 615, the user power distribution is updated. Method 601 loops back to box 605, allowing the user power distribution to continue being updated, which may include real-time updates or periodic updates at various suitable intervals (e.g., seconds, minutes, hours, days, etc.).

[0098] For example, in some implementations, user power consumption data may be obtained by one or more battery systems 300 of battery network 500, wherein such data is stored at one or more of battery system 300, battery server 510, and user device 520. Such data may include the time and duration of one or more power consumption phases, the identity of the load source associated with such power consumption phases, the type of power consumption phase (e.g., making dinner, making breakfast, running a dishwasher, washing clothes, drying clothes, watching TV, playing video games, operating a computer, heating the house, cooling the house, etc.), and any efficiency or problems associated with such power consumption phases (e.g., power depletion, inability to output sufficient power to meet demand, etc.). Additionally, such data may include information about the power consumed by one or more batteries 305 of one or more battery systems 300, the power consumed from grid energy 110, the power consumed from solar energy, etc.

[0099] Electricity cost data can be obtained from a variety of suitable sources, such as directly via public or private utility servers or servers that collect data from multiple sources providing energy cost data (e.g., battery server 510). Such data can include real-time changes in energy costs, planned cost changes based on time of day, day of the week, season, etc. This electricity cost data can be correlated with the location of a given battery system 300, electric building system 100, etc. (e.g., data affecting the cost of electricity consumed at the location of such battery system 300 and / or electric building system 100). Additionally, in some embodiments, electricity cost data can include the price to be paid for energy supplied to the grid 110, which can include real-time, time-of-day, day-of-the-week, and seasonal prices.

[0100] In various implementations, user power distribution can be associated with one or more electric building systems 100 and can include data at the building level, battery system level 300, battery level, load source level, etc. For example, power distribution can include the location of building 105, the location and type of battery systems 300 within building 105, and real-time and historical data regarding the power used, stored, or supplied by one or more batteries 305, load sources 200, battery systems 300, grid power 110, solar power 115, etc. As discussed herein, such data can include data on electricity consumption and the health status, capacity, etc., of one or more batteries 305, battery systems 300, load sources 200, solar power 115, grid power 110, etc. Such user power distribution can be stored at various suitable locations, including at one or more battery systems 300, battery servers 510, user devices 520, etc.

[0101] Turning Figure 6bAn exemplary method 601 for determining a power output configuration is illustrated, comprising a block 620 for obtaining current power consumption data and a block 625 for obtaining current power output capacity data. At block 630, a power output configuration is determined, and at block 635, it is determined whether the determined power output configuration differs from the current power output configuration. If so, at block 640, the current power output configuration is modified (e.g., modified to the determined output configuration). However, if not, the current power output configuration is maintained at block 645. Regardless of whether the current power output configuration has been changed or modified, method 601 returns to block 620, which allows monitoring to determine whether changes to the power configuration are necessary, desired, etc. Such monitoring can be performed in real time or periodically at various suitable intervals (e.g., seconds, minutes, hours, days, etc.).

[0102] In some implementations, such method 601 may be performed individually and / or separately by one or more battery systems 300, or may be performed by one or more battery systems 300, user device 520, or battery server 510 to configure one or more battery systems 300. For example, using Figure 5 For illustrative purposes, in some embodiments, each of battery systems 300A, 300B, and 300C can individually control its own configuration (e.g., via method 601), and / or one or more of the battery systems can be configured by another device (e.g., another battery system 300, battery server 510, user device 520, etc.). In other words, in some embodiments, a single battery system 300 can be self-controlled, and / or a group of battery systems 300 can be individually or as a group controlled by another device or one of the battery systems 300 (e.g., the primary battery system 300). Therefore, power consumption data and power output capacity data can be obtained from multiple battery systems 300 or from a single battery system 300, which may or may not include the transmission of such data via a network (e.g., network 530).

[0103] Determining the output configuration can be used for various suitable purposes, such as maximizing the use of renewable energy (e.g., solar panel 115); maximizing the storage of electricity from renewable energy sources; maximizing the storage of such electricity when the cost of electricity from grid 110 is low or low; maximizing the performance of load source 200; maximizing the energy efficiency of load source; maximizing the energy storage of one or more batteries 305; minimizing the charging time of one or more batteries 305; and so on. For example, in some examples, shorter nighttime cooking sessions can be fully covered by onboard or associated batteries 305, charging during the day using ample solar energy, while longer, more demanding nighttime cooking sessions can be powered jointly by batteries 305 and low-capacity outlets (e.g., outlet 165). In this way, in some examples, the charging and discharging control laws of the system and / or network can maximize the use of renewable electricity without impacting the user experience.

[0104] In various implementations, the size of the batteries 305 of one or more battery systems 300 does not need to be set to fully cover the load shifts of appliances (e.g., 24 hours) to effectively increase renewable energy coverage or for other suitable purposes. Based on energy usage statistics, a small reduction in allocated battery capacity can significantly improve average utilization while only minimally increasing power consumption during off-peak power generation periods.

[0105] While various embodiments include a single battery 305 and / or battery system 300 serving a single load source 200, in other embodiments, a given battery 305 and / or battery system 300 may supply power to more than just the load source 200 or may supply power to one or more other batteries 305 and / or battery systems 300. For example, Figure 7An embodiment of an electric building system 100 is shown, comprising a battery system group 705 including three battery systems 300A, 300B, and 300C, configured to share power via multiple power sharing lines 710. In some embodiments, some or all of the power sharing lines may be unidirectional or bidirectional. For example, in some embodiments, a first battery system 300A may supply power to a second battery system 300B and a third battery system 300C, and may receive power from the second battery system 300B and the third battery system 300C. However, in some embodiments, while a first battery system 300A may supply power to the second battery system 300B and the third battery system 300C, it may only receive power directly from the second battery system 300B (and not from the third battery system 300C). However, in various implementations, even if a given battery system 300 cannot receive power directly from another specific battery system 300, it can be configured to receive power indirectly from that battery system via another battery system 300.

[0106] Power sharing between battery systems 300 via power sharing line 710 can be accomplished in a variety of suitable ways, including within walls, via bidirectional power sharing line 710, or via power lines extending between battery systems in other suitable ways (such as through a room, in or above a ceiling, in or above an HVAC component, in or below a floor, in or below the ground, etc.).

[0107] In various implementations, edge storage can enable strategies for load sharing between appliances, including the use of bidirectional power converters at the plug and dedicated wired connections. For example, during a Thanksgiving marathon cooking session, dryer battery capacity (e.g., battery system 300A associated with the dryer) can be drawn upon to supplement the stove's capacity (e.g., via battery system 300B associated with the stove). Additionally, if needed, battery capacity can be drawn from other sources, such as from a water heater (e.g., battery system 300C associated with the water heater) to further power the stove and / or dryer later in the evening if power from the dryer's battery system 300A has been depleted and power from the grid 110 is not desired, or if renewable energy (e.g., from solar panels 115) is unavailable based on the time of day or conditions.

[0108] Control of power sharing within the battery system group 705 can be accomplished in various suitable ways. For example, in some embodiments, multiple battery systems 300 can act as individual peer nodes and can negotiate among themselves to share power. In other embodiments, one battery system 300 of the battery system group 705 can be the dominant battery system 300 and control power sharing and / or power sharing, and is controlled by another device (such as battery server 510, user device 520, etc.).

[0109] In some implementations, battery 305, together with battery system 300, can be used to allow load source 200 (e.g., electrical appliance) to share a single circuit breaker. In some implementations, this could be a 120V 15Ag circuit or a 208V / 240V 30 / 40 / 50Ag circuit. For example, Figure 8 and Figure 9 An exemplary embodiment 800 of an electric building system 100 including a power distribution system 150 and a battery network 500 is shown. The power distribution system includes a 40A circuit breaker 820 associated with the 100A service, which transmits power via power lines 155 to a first socket 165A and a second socket 165B. A first load source 200A and a second load source 200B are coupled to corresponding sockets 165A and 165B. The first load sources 200A and 200B are associated with corresponding first battery systems 300A and 300B, including corresponding batteries 305A and 305B, which are configured to supply power to and receive power from the load sources 200A and 200B. The battery systems 300A and 300B may be part of the first load sources 200A and 200B (see, for example...). Figure 3a However, other configurations may exist in other implementations (see, for example...). Figure 3b and Figure 3c ).

[0110] In some implementations, the control algorithm may use various factors (such as state of charge, expected demand, potential TOU savings, and other suitable factors) to determine the optimal or appropriate time for each appliance 200 to use circuit 820, while in some examples ensuring that two appliances 200 do not draw power from the shared circuit 820 at any time (e.g., to keep the current draw below the maximum rating of circuit breaker 820, safe use of wiring as permitted by relevant specifications, etc.).

[0111] In various implementations, the use of circuit 820 can be negotiated by battery systems 300A and 300B as peers, controlled by the master battery system 300, and controlled by battery server 510, user device 520, etc. In some implementations, battery systems 300A and 300B (and / or load sources 200A and 200B) can be connected via network 530 (such as... Figure 8 and Figure 9 The Wi-Fi networks shown in the non-limiting example communicate with each other or with other devices (e.g., battery server 510 or user device 520).

[0112] For example, Figure 8 A first state of an exemplary embodiment 800 is shown, wherein a first load source 200A draws power from a circuit breaker 820 via a first socket 165A, and a first battery 305A of a first battery system 300A is charged by power from the circuit breaker 820. Conversely, a second load source 200B does not draw power from the circuit breaker 820 via a second socket 165B, and a second battery 305B of the second battery system 300B discharges to supply power to the second load source 200B.

[0113] Figure 9 A second state of the exemplary embodiment 800 is shown, wherein the second load source 200B draws power from the circuit breaker 820 via the second socket 165B, and the second battery 305B of the second battery system 300B is charged by power from the circuit breaker 820. Conversely, the first load source 200A does not draw power from the circuit breaker 820 via the first socket 165A, and the first battery 305A of the first battery system 300A discharges to supply power to the first load source 200A.

[0114] In addition to allowing multiple load sources 200 (e.g., appliances) to utilize the same circuit 155 and circuit breaker 820, in some embodiments, this battery system control method may also allow the addition / use of appliances that would otherwise require a full service upgrade (e.g., increasing the allowable current through the main household distribution board). In various embodiments, any suitable number of appliances 200 can utilize the same household circuit at different times to power their operation or charge their battery 305, while battery 305 allows simultaneous use of appliances 200, and control switches can prevent them from simultaneously using the household circuit in some embodiments.

[0115] In various implementations, batteries 305 and / or battery systems 300 can be plugged into each other proportionally. Furthermore, in various examples, the size of the electric building system 100 or battery network 500 is unlimited, and new nodes, storage / load combinations, etc., can be added without interrupting the network or system. In various examples, this can be accomplished through shared network protocols that allow the network to grow. For example, Figure 13 An exemplary embodiment 1300 of multiple battery systems 300 is shown, which are connected in series and receive power from at least the power distribution system 150 by inserting one of the battery systems 300 into a socket 165 of the power distribution system 150. In some embodiments, the battery systems 300 may supply power to a load source 200 or other suitable device in various suitable manners. Figure 14 As shown Figure 13 The example of the battery system 300 shown may include a removable modular battery 305.

[0116] In various implementations, the fully scalable network of battery 305 and / or battery system 300 allows small networks to be developed, grown independently, partially or temporarily connected to other networks, or fully combined to form larger networks. Battery network 500 and / or electric building system 100 in various implementations can be created and controlled by individuals within a shared living environment. For example, an individual with multiple networked battery appliances may move to a room within a shared living environment. This person can choose to join their network with others in the house to form a larger network, allowing the connected batteries 305 and / or battery system 300 to communicate via a shared wireless network and / or via the electrical grid already installed in the house or building (e.g., via network 530 of Figure 50). Appliances in the various examples can then share power, share limited circuit space without overloading it, and otherwise optimize the household electrical load.

[0117] In various implementations, different power networks associated with different users in a shared, working, or operating environment can allow electricity costs and / or credits to be distributed among each given user. For example, the electricity consumed by each user's load source can be tracked together with shared or overhead load source 200, and together with credits for electricity generated by the power network supplied to other users or by renewable energy sources (e.g., solar panels 115) used by other users' power networks.

[0118] These networks can then be connected to form larger networks such as entire apartment buildings, neighborhoods, schools, universities, or towns. The network protocols in these various examples could allow for shared and optimized storage while maintaining an understanding of ownership and allowing electricity to be traded as in a normal market.

[0119] In some examples, a second potential risk of this approach could be effectively managing the thermal demands of the battery within the electrical environment. Due to their high energy density, thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries can be a safety concern and should be prevented in various examples. Additionally, operating the battery at high temperatures can impact its lifespan, even in minor catastrophic scenarios. Because of these factors, the battery management system can have integrated temperature sensing and thermal interlocking. Therefore, various implementations can include such a battery management system along with careful thermal design to isolate the battery compartment from electrical areas or localized environments with unsafe operating temperatures. For example, an effective design strategy for thermal management in various implementations is to construct battery packs with a high aspect ratio close to the surrounding environment. An additional strategy could be incorporating fire suppression devices into the electrical stage within a separate battery system 300. For example, in some implementations, the battery system 300 can include a fire suppression system comprising sensors operable to determine whether a fire has occurred in the battery and, if so, to perform fire suppression measures such as releasing foam, liquid, gas, or creating a vacuum to extinguish the fire.

[0120] The third potential risk involves obtaining sufficient safety certification to integrate batteries directly into appliances and gaining sufficient support from appliance manufacturers to adopt the technology. Mitigation strategies may include one or more of the following: First, some implementations may include data analytics and software modeling to estimate the most effective appliance targets and quantify the value proposition. For example, some examples may include localized estimates of the value per watt-hour of capacity for each appliance based on time-of-use electricity prices, grid size, enabled distributed renewable energy, and avoided power upgrade costs. Second, some implementations may include hardware units that can be located between existing appliances and power outlets before integration with appliances. These hardware units can validate the value proposition in terms of demand response achievable in real-world use, test the robustness of hardware, networking, and control electronics, and can be used to replace appliances with integrated batteries, in conjunction with appliances with integrated batteries, or in conjunction with conventional appliances before replacement with battery-integrated appliances, etc. Third, various implementations may include safety certification through UL or other agencies, and green certification through emerging Energy Star Connected Functional Programs or similar programs.

[0121] In many instances (see, for example) Figure 3aBatteries can reside within the appliance itself, whether it's a stove, refrigerator, HVAC system, washing machine, dryer, television, game console, tools, barbecue grill, lighting fixture, lawnmower, lawn blower, vacuum cleaner, blender, juicer, food processor, basement freezer, speaker, audio equipment, cooling fan, or other appliance. In some examples, these batteries can be factory-installed and integrated directly with the appliance's control electronics. In other instances, the battery can be placed between the appliance and its power source (see, for example...). Figure 3c Examples of this form can include a universal “extension cord” or “power board” with built-in storage, making it suitable as a retrofit for an appliance. Other examples can include a universal “wall plug” with power storage facilities (see, for example...). Figure 3b This can be, or replace, the plugs or sockets typically installed between studs behind drywall in your walls. For example, in one implementation, there could be about 50 of these battery sockets in the house, and each battery socket with 1 kilowatt-hour or more would meet almost all of the house's power storage needs.

[0122] In various implementation schemes, the control schemes for such appliances can operate in multiple modes, including one or more of the following examples. First, such appliances can efficiently share the load between a wall outlet and a battery based on estimated usage demand without hindering the user experience. In some examples, this scheme can be used to maximize energy used from solar installations or other alternative energy sources, or to utilize high-capacity devices extending from a 110V outlet, or to utilize time-of-use pricing. Another control scheme can operate when the appliance is not in use or is expected to be used in the near future, where the appliance provides energy arbitrage services, enabling the home to absorb and store inexpensive electricity from the grid for later use.

[0123] In some examples, battery-integrated appliances can be coordinated via networking to minimize peak power consumption across the entire house. This can be achieved through wireless networks (e.g., 802.11 or mesh) or wired networks (e.g., Ethernet). Fourth, in some examples, battery-integrated appliances can share loads between appliances via external wiring (AC, low-voltage DC, PoE, etc.) or through existing wiring. In some examples, existing wiring can be utilized by adding an air-gap switch to the junction box, which can isolate a series of wires from a circuit breaker and convert / operate DC thereon. Power can also be delivered via DC-to-AC conversion through existing wiring.

[0124] In various implementation schemes, control schemes for battery-integrated appliances can function using several levels of data, including one or more of the following examples. First, they may rely solely on calendars and the time of day to predict load and supply. Second, they can incorporate historical usage data to tailor algorithms to user habits. Third, they can report data back to a central system, where it is aggregated and used to provide control laws. Fourth, it can accept user input to switch control modes (e.g., a user can press a button to preheat the stove to cook a large meal, during which time it will precharge to full capacity and / or share the load between the battery and the plug during operation). Fifth, they can use data from utilities regarding electricity rates (e.g., time-of-use rates) to tailor control laws to use the cheapest electricity from the grid. Sixth, they can use data from rooftop solar arrays to predict and maximize the use of available solar power.

[0125] According to other implementations, batteries can provide additional benefits to appliances. For example, the performance of many conventional appliances is limited by the peak power supplied by the wall outlet. Batteries can allow for higher peak power, which can be used to improve appliance performance. For example, induction cookers can achieve extremely fast heating, higher peak output, and lower noise. On-demand water heating can have higher capacity, thus enabling storage-free water heaters to have higher output. Electric kettles can boil water faster. For motorized devices, these motors can operate with higher peak power and, if needed, can operate at a better voltage than AC from the wall. In some cases, battery thermal management can work synergistically with appliance performance. For example, heat from the battery pack can improve the coefficient of performance (COP) of heat pump units such as electric dryers.

[0126] For home power systems, many costs can be proportional to peak power consumption. Installing batteries for end-use can reduce peak power consumption and thus reduce these costs. By enabling hybrid AC / DC systems, battery-integrated appliances also make it possible to use more efficient solid-state power conversion technologies, including inverters and DC / DC voltage converters.

[0127] Battery-integrated electrical systems in various implementations can offer flame retardancy to prevent lithium-ion battery thermal runaway and may include fire alarms to warn of emergencies. Additional health monitoring devices can also be incorporated to monitor the battery pack's health. This can be implemented through capacity monitoring, internal resistance measurement, or impedance spectroscopy. Such devices can also be made waterproof to protect the batteries and electronics. These devices can also provide voltage regulation services for home electrical systems.

[0128] In various implementations, the battery can allow high-power appliances to be used with a 110 socket instead of having to be installed in a 220 socket. In some examples, the battery can have a storage time of 4 to 24 hours.

[0129] Some implementation schemes can obtain real-time or historical usage data for rooms, houses, buildings, blocks, cities, states, etc.

[0130] In various examples, minimizing reversals can be beneficial (e.g., an inverter in a battery module located on a DC bus can prevent multiple reversals).

[0131] Some implementations allow for power sharing between appliances (e.g., via extension cords, existing or new in-wall wiring, Ethernet, etc.).

[0132] Some implementations may have the battery module in other locations, such as in a wall socket, or between the wall socket and the appliance.

[0133] Some examples could include suggesting to users where to place the battery module.

[0134] Some examples may feature an integral or replaceable battery module within the appliance. Such battery modules can be configured as waterproof, heat-resistant standalone units and can provide shallow battery cycling, fire suppression, battery monitoring, etc. The entire module, including the control system, can be a replaceable unit because the control system may be cheaper than the battery.

[0135] The battery modules in various examples can acquire and use different types of data to control battery usage. This can depend on network connectivity or system complexity. A simple battery module might simply include a clock and lookup table, where the module operates based on time, date, season, etc. Another more complex version might simply store usage history from the battery module itself or a local battery module, using a clock to control battery operation. Yet another more complex version might have network connectivity (e.g., an internet connection), providing access to data from the power grid, using data from remote modules, and so on.

[0136] Various implementation schemes can be configured to predict usage based on the data discussed above. Some implementation schemes can be configured to operate based on user input (e.g., a user instructs them to cook at a later time or date). Predictions can be based on data such as the user's calendar, user-defined schedules, etc.

[0137] In some examples, a house can act as a hybrid AC / DC bus.

[0138] In some implementations, the socket 165 may have an air-gap circuit breaker, and various devices may turn the socket on / off (e.g., a battery system 300 coupled to the socket 165; a battery system 300 not coupled to the socket 165; a battery server 510; a user device 520; etc.). Such control of the air-gap circuit breaker may be via wired and / or wireless communication (e.g., a network 530).

[0139] Some devices may have high voltage requirements, and having a local battery 305 can reduce these requirements, resulting in faster and better appliances (e.g., faster heating). Appliances can be configured to increase voltage as needed to provide improved performance. Other benefits may include static electricity reduction in washer / dryers, quieter operation due to supersonic induction, and improved inverter efficiency.

[0140] While specific examples are discussed herein, these examples should not be construed as limiting various alternative and additional embodiments to the scope and spirit of this disclosure. For example, electrical appliances, devices, or systems that may be associated with one or more batteries as discussed herein may include one or more of the examples in the table below. Furthermore, while residential examples are the focus of some of the examples herein, other embodiments may include multi-family buildings, commercial buildings, vehicles, etc. Electrical appliances watt kitchen mixer 500 can opener 150 coffee machine 1000 dishwasher 1200 to 1500 Espresso machine 800 Freezer – Vertical – 15 cubic feet 1240 watt-hours / day** Freezer – Cabinet Type – 15 cubic feet 1080 watt-hours / day** Refrigeration unit – 20 cubic feet (AC) 1411 watt-hours / day** Refrigeration unit – 16 cubic feet (AC) 1200 watt-hours / day** Waste disposal 450 electric kettle 1200 Micro-wave oven 1000 Electric oven 1200 toaster 850 oven 1200 Vertical mixer 300 Heating / Cooling Box Fan 200 ceiling fan 120 Central air conditioning – 24,000 BTU NA 3800 Central air conditioning – 10,000 BTU NA 3250 Furnace fan blower 800 heater NA 1500 Electric instant water heater 18000 electric water heater 4500 Window air conditioner 10,000 BTU NA 900 Window air conditioner 12,000 BTU NA 3250 Well pump – 1 / 3 1HP 750 Laundry room electric clothes dryer 3000 Gas dryer 1800 washing machine 800 iron 1200 living room Blu-ray player 15 Cable TV box 35 DVD player 15 LCD TV 150 Plasma TV 200 satellite antenna 25 Stereo receiver 450 video game consoles 150 lamp CFL bulb – 40 watt equivalent 11 CFL bulb – 60 watt equivalent 18 CFL bulb – 75 watts equivalent 20 CFL bulb – 100 watt equivalent 30 20-watt energy-saving lamp 22 25-watt energy-saving lamp 28 Halogen lamp – 40 watts 40 50-watt incandescent bulb 50 100-watt incandescent bulb 100 LED bulb – 40 watt equivalent 10 LED bulb – 60 watt equivalent 13 LED bulb – 75 watt equivalent 18 LED bulb – 100 watt equivalent 23 office Desktop computer (standard) 200 Desktop computer (gaming) 500 laptop computer 100 LCD monitor 100 modem 7 Paper shredder 150 printer 100 router 7 Smartphones – Recharging 6 Tablet PC – Recharge 8 tool Band saw – 14″ 1100 Belt sander – 3″ 1000 Chainsaw – 12 inches 1100 Circular Saw – 7-1 / 4″ 900 Circular saw 8-1 / 4″ 1400 Disc sander – 9″ 1200 Drilling rig – 1 / 4″ 250 Drilling rig – 1 / 2″ 750 Drilling Rig – 1″ 1000 hedge machine 450 weeder 500 music Clock radio 7 curling iron 150 dehumidifier 280 electric shaver 15 electric blanket 200 Hair dryer 1500 humidifier 200 Wireless Telephone – Receiver 5 Wireless Telephone – Transmission 75 sewing machine 100 vacuum cleaner 1000

[0141] At least one embodiment of this disclosure may be described according to the following terms: 1. An electric building system comprising: A building having a power distribution system that receives power from the power grid and / or one or more solar panels, the power distribution system including multiple power lines extending through the walls of the building, the multiple power lines distributing power around the building to multiple outlets at different locations around the building; Multiple load sources, located at different locations around the building, including one or more of a heat pump, an electric furnace, a refrigerator, and a water heater; and Multiple battery systems are disposed at different locations around the building, wherein each of the battery systems is associated with a different corresponding socket among the multiple sockets and is associated with one of the load sources, the multiple battery systems comprising: A first battery system, which is an integral component of a first load source among the plurality of load sources and disposed within the housing of the first load source, the first load source including a first power cord inserted into a first socket among the plurality of sockets, the first battery system including a first battery, the first battery being configured to receive and store power from the first socket, the first load source being configured to be fully powered by the power stored by the first battery and to be fully powered by the power received from the first socket and to be partially powered by both the first battery and the power received from the first socket; A second battery system, comprising a second battery and a second socket among the plurality of sockets, the second battery system being disposed within the walls of the building, wherein a second load source includes a second power cord inserted into the second socket among the plurality of sockets, wherein the second battery is configured to receive and store power from the power distribution system, the second load source is configured to be fully powered by the power stored by the second battery and fully powered by the power received from the power distribution system and partially powered by both the second battery and the power received from the power distribution system; and A third battery system electrically disposed between a third load source and a third socket among the plurality of sockets, the third battery system including a third power line inserted into the third socket, wherein the third load source includes a fourth power line inserted into a fourth socket of the third load source, the third battery system including a third battery configured to receive and store power from the third socket, the third load source being configured to be fully powered by the power stored by the third battery and fully powered by the power received from the third socket via the third battery system and partially powered by both the third battery and the power received from the third socket via the third battery system; Each of the first battery system, the second battery system, and the third battery system further includes: processor, memory, Battery control system Interface, and Power bus.

[0142] 2. The electric building system according to Clause 1, wherein each of the first battery system, the second battery system, and the third battery system further includes a communication system configured to allow the first battery system, the second battery system, and the third battery system to: They communicate with each other via wireless network; Communicating with a remote battery server; and Communicates with at least one user device.

[0143] 3. An electric building system according to Clause 1 or 2, wherein the first battery system, the second battery system, and the third battery system are configured to share stored power with each other via the power distribution system, comprising: The first battery is configured to provide stored power to the second battery system and the third battery system; The second battery is configured to provide stored power to the first battery system and the third battery system; and The third battery is configured to provide stored power to the first battery system and the second battery system.

[0144] 4. The electric building system according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the battery control system of the first battery system, the second battery system, and the third battery system is each configured as follows: Obtain current power consumption data associated with the corresponding load source associated with the battery system; Obtain the current power output capacity of the corresponding battery in the battery system; Determine a new power output configuration that prioritizes the use and storage of energy from the one or more solar panels over the use of electricity from the power grid; and Replace the current power output configuration with the new power output configuration as follows: Stop using electricity from the aforementioned power grid, and This results in the power obtained from the one or more solar panels being stored at the battery of the battery system and / or the load source associated with the battery system being powered by the power obtained from the one or more solar panels.

[0145] 5. An electric building system comprising: A building having a power distribution system that receives power from the power grid and one or more renewable energy sources, the power distribution system distributing the power around the building to multiple outlets at different locations around the building; Multiple load sources, the multiple load sources being located at the different locations surrounding the building; and Multiple battery systems are disposed at the different locations around the building, wherein each of the battery systems is associated with a different corresponding socket among the multiple sockets and is associated with one of the load sources respectively.

[0146] 6. The electric building system according to Clause 5, wherein said plurality of battery systems comprises: A first battery system, which is an integral component of a first load source among the plurality of load sources and disposed within the housing of the first load source, the first load source including a first power cord inserted into a first socket among the plurality of sockets, the first battery system including a first battery configured to receive and store power from the first socket, the first load source being configured to be fully powered by the power stored by the first battery and to be fully powered by the power received from the first socket and to be partially powered by both the first battery and the power received from the first socket.

[0147] 7. The electric building system according to Clause 5 or 6, wherein said plurality of battery systems comprises: A first battery system, comprising a first battery and a first socket among the plurality of sockets, the first battery system being disposed within the walls of the building, wherein a first load source comprises a first power cord inserted into the first socket among the plurality of sockets, wherein the first battery is configured to receive and store power from the power distribution system, the first load source being configured to be fully powered by the power stored by the first battery and to be fully powered by the power received from the power distribution system and to be partially powered by both the first battery and the power received from the power distribution system.

[0148] 8. The electric building system according to any one of clauses 5 to 7, wherein said plurality of battery systems comprises: A first battery system electrically disposed between a first load source and a first socket of the plurality of sockets, the first battery system including a first power line inserted into the first socket, wherein the first load source includes a second power line inserted into a fourth socket of the first load source, the first battery system including a first battery configured to receive and store power from the first socket, the first load source being configured to be fully powered by the power stored by the first battery and configured to be fully powered by the power received from the first socket via the first battery system and configured to be partially powered by both the first battery and the power received from the first socket via the first battery system.

[0149] 9. The electric building system according to any one of clauses 5 to 8, wherein each of the plurality of battery systems comprises: Battery processor, memory, Battery control system Interface, and Power bus.

[0150] 10. An electric building system according to any one of clauses 5 to 9, wherein each of the battery systems further includes a communication system configured to allow the battery systems to communicate with each other via a wireless network.

[0151] 11. An electric building system according to any one of clauses 5 to 10, wherein the plurality of battery systems comprises a first battery system, a second battery system, and a third battery system, the first battery system, the second battery system, and the third battery system being configured to share stored power with each other via the power distribution system, comprising: The first battery of the first battery system is configured to provide stored power to the second battery system and the third battery system; The second battery of the second battery system is configured to provide stored power to the first battery system and the third battery system; and The third battery of the third battery system is configured to provide stored power to the first battery system and the second battery system.

[0152] 12. The electric building system according to any one of clauses 5 to 11, wherein at least one of the plurality of battery systems is configured as follows: Obtain current power consumption data associated with the load source associated with the at least one battery system; Obtain the current power output capability of the batteries in the at least one battery system; Determine a new power output configuration that prioritizes the use and storage of energy from the one or more renewable energy sources over the use of electricity from the power grid; and Replace the current power output configuration with the new power output configuration as follows: Stop using electricity from the aforementioned power grid, and This results in electricity obtained from at least one of the one or more renewable energy sources being stored at the battery of the at least one battery system and / or causes the load source associated with the at least one battery system to be powered by electricity obtained from at least one of the one or more renewable energy sources.

[0153] 13. An electric building system comprising: A power distribution system configured to distribute power to multiple outlets; One or more load sources; and One or more battery systems associated with the following: The corresponding socket among the plurality of sockets, and The corresponding load source among the one or more load sources.

[0154] 14. The electric building system according to Clause 13, wherein said one or more battery systems comprise: A first battery system is disposed within a first load source among the one or more load sources, the first load source including a first power cord inserted into a first socket among the plurality of sockets, the first battery system including a first battery configured to receive and store power from the first socket, the first load source being configured to be fully powered by the power stored by the first battery and to be fully powered by the power received from the first socket and to be partially powered by both the first battery and the power received from the first socket.

[0155] 15. The electric building system according to Clause 13 or 14, wherein said one or more battery systems comprise: A first battery system, comprising a first battery and a first socket of the plurality of sockets, the first battery system being disposed within a wall of a building, wherein a first load source comprises a first power cord inserted into the first socket of the plurality of sockets, wherein the first battery is configured to receive and store power from the power distribution system, the first load source being configured to be fully powered by the power stored by the first battery and to be fully powered by the power received from the power distribution system and to be partially powered by both the first battery and the power received from the power distribution system.

[0156] 16. The electric building system according to any one of clauses 13 to 15, wherein said one or more battery systems comprise: A first battery system, the first battery system including a first power cord inserted into the first socket, wherein the first load source includes a second power cord inserted into a fourth socket of the first load source, the first battery system including a first battery, the first battery being configured to receive and store power from the first socket, the first load source being configured to be fully powered by the power stored by the first battery and configured to be fully powered by the power received from the first socket via the first battery system and configured to be partially powered by both the first battery and the power received from the first socket via the first battery system.

[0157] 17. An electric building system according to any one of Clauses 13 to 16, wherein the one or more battery systems comprise a plurality of battery systems, each of the plurality of battery systems comprising a communication system configured to allow the plurality of battery systems to communicate with each other via a network.

[0158] 18. An electric building system according to any one of clauses 13 to 17, wherein said one or more battery systems comprise a first battery system and a second battery system, the first battery system and the second battery system being configured to share stored power with each other, comprising: The first battery of the first battery system is configured to provide stored power to the second battery system; and The second battery of the second battery system is configured to provide stored power to the first battery system.

[0159] 19. An electric building system according to any one of clauses 13 to 18, wherein at least one of the battery systems in the one or more battery systems is configured to: The power output configuration of the at least one battery system is changed to: Stop using electricity from the grid, and This results in the storage of electricity obtained from renewable energy in the batteries of the at least one battery system and / or causes the load source associated with the at least one battery system to be powered by electricity obtained from renewable energy.

[0160] The described embodiments are prone to various modifications and alternatives, and specific examples of these are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in detail herein by way of example. However, it should be understood that the described embodiments are not limited to the specific forms or methods disclosed, but rather, this disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives. Furthermore, elements of a given embodiment should not be construed as applicable only to that exemplary embodiment, and thus elements of one exemplary embodiment may be applicable to other embodiments. Additionally, in some embodiments, elements specifically illustrated in some embodiments may be explicitly absent in other embodiments. Therefore, a description of an element present in one example should be interpreted as supporting some embodiments in which such elements are explicitly absent.

Claims

1. A furnace electrical appliance, said furnace electrical appliance comprising: Furnace casing; Four induction cooker cooking zones are located on the top surface of the stove casing; An oven, including an oven door located on the front of the oven housing; Multiple of the at least five knobs are located on the front of the oven housing, above the oven door, and below the top surface of the oven housing. Multiple of the at least five knobs are configured for operation of the four induction cooker cooking zones and the oven. A power cord with a plug configured to couple to a 120V, 15A power outlet of a residential electrical distribution system; as well as A battery system, which is an internal and integrated component of the furnace electrical system, is disposed within the furnace casing of the furnace electrical system and includes: One or more lithium-based batteries are configured as follows: Stores power obtained from a power cord with a plug coupled to a power outlet in the residential power distribution system. The four induction cooker cooking zones, located on the top surface of the stove casing, are fully powered. Fully power the oven to the stove appliance. The communication system is configured to allow the battery system to communicate via one or more communication networks, including the Internet and Wi-Fi networks. The interface includes a touchscreen configured to present information to a user, allowing the user to configure the battery system, view aspects or characteristics or status of the battery system, and configure network connectivity of the battery system via a communication system. processor, The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the battery system to: Obtain current user electricity consumption data. Obtain current power output capacity data. The power output configuration is implemented, at least in part, based on current electricity consumption data and current power output capacity, including powering the furnace appliance via power from a power outlet and one or more lithium-based batteries, and The battery charging configuration is implemented based at least in part on current power consumption data and current power output capacity, including charging or not charging one or more lithium-based batteries via power from a power outlet. The power output configuration and battery charging configuration are determined and implemented for one or more of the following purposes: Maximize the power storage of one or more lithium-based batteries from renewable energy sources; Maximize the power storage of one or more lithium-based batteries when the cost of electricity from the grid is low or even lower. Maximize the performance of one or more cooking zones of the stove appliance, such as an induction cooktop and / or an oven; Maximize the energy efficiency of the furnace and electrical appliances; Maximize the energy storage of one or more lithium-based batteries; and Minimize the charging time of one or more lithium-based batteries.

2. The furnace appliance of claim 1, wherein the battery system further includes an internal rectifier circuit configured to convert 60Hz AC current into DC current.

3. The furnace appliance of claim 1, wherein the power output configuration and battery charging configuration are further determined based at least on the time of day and the cost of electricity obtained from the power grid connected to the residential distribution system.

4. The stove appliance of claim 1, wherein the stove appliance obtains power generated by solar panels at the residence through the residence's power distribution system.

5. A furnace electrical appliance, said furnace electrical appliance comprising: Furnace casing; One or more induction cooker cooking zones are located on the top surface of the furnace casing; An oven, including an oven door located on the front of the oven housing; A power cord with a plug configured to couple to a power outlet in the building’s electrical distribution system; as well as A battery system, which is an internal and integrated component of the furnace electrical system, is disposed within the furnace casing of the furnace electrical system and includes: One or more batteries are configured as follows: Stores power obtained from a power line with a plug coupled to a power outlet in the building's electrical distribution system. The induction cooker cooking zone is fully powered on one or more of the induction cooker cooking areas located on the top surface of the cooker casing, and The oven is fully powered by the stove appliance, and A furnace electrical outlet is disposed on the outer surface of the furnace housing, the furnace electrical outlet being configured to share power stored by one or more household appliances by plugging one or more household appliances into the furnace electrical outlet, the furnace electrical outlet being configured to provide power to and fully power one or more household appliances, the one or more household appliances including at least one of a refrigerator, a heat pump, and a water heater.

6. The furnace appliance according to claim 5, wherein the furnace appliance obtains 120V, 15A power from a power outlet in the building's electrical distribution system.

7. The furnace appliance according to claim 5, wherein one or more batteries are lithium-based batteries.

8. The furnace appliance according to claim 5, wherein the battery system further comprises: processor, and The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the battery system to: Get the current user's electricity consumption data. Obtain current power output capacity data. Implementing a power output configuration includes supplying power to the furnace appliances via power from a power outlet and one or more batteries, and Implement a battery charging configuration, including charging or not charging one or more batteries via power from a power outlet.

9. The furnace electrical system according to claim 8, wherein the power output configuration and battery charging configuration are determined and implemented for one or more of the following purposes: Maximize the power storage of one or more batteries from renewable energy sources; Maximize the power storage of one or more batteries when the cost of electricity from the grid is low or even lower. Maximize the performance of one or more cooking zones of the stove appliance, such as an induction cooktop and / or an oven; Maximize the energy efficiency of the furnace and electrical appliances; Maximize the energy storage of one or more batteries; as well as Minimize the charging time of one or more batteries.

10. A furnace electrical appliance, said furnace electrical appliance comprising: Furnace casing; One or more cooking areas; A power cord with a plug configured to couple to a power outlet in a power distribution system; as well as A battery system, comprising one or more batteries, wherein the one or more batteries are configured to: Storing power obtained from a power cord with a plug coupled to a power outlet in a power distribution system, and Power one or more cooking zones.

11. The stove appliance according to claim 10, wherein one or more cooking zones are induction cooker cooking zones.

12. The oven appliance according to claim 10, further comprising an oven. One or more of the batteries are also configured to power the oven of the stove appliance.

13. The furnace appliance according to claim 10, wherein the battery system is an internal and integrated component of the furnace appliance, and the battery system is disposed within the furnace casing of the furnace appliance.

14. The furnace electrical appliance according to claim 10 further includes a furnace electrical socket disposed on the outer surface of the furnace housing.

15. The stove appliance of claim 14, wherein the stove electrical outlet is configured to share power stored by one or more individual appliances with one or more individual appliances by plugging one or more individual appliances into the stove electrical outlet.

16. The stove appliance of claim 14, wherein the stove electrical outlet is configured to provide power to one or more household appliances and to power the operation of one or more household appliances, the one or more household appliances including at least one of a refrigerator, a heat pump, and a water heater.

17. The furnace appliance of claim 10, wherein the furnace appliance receives 120V, 15A power from a power outlet in the power distribution system.

18. The furnace appliance of claim 10, wherein one or more batteries are lithium-based batteries.

19. The furnace appliance of claim 10, wherein the battery system further comprises: processor, and The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the battery system to: Implementing a power output configuration includes supplying power to the furnace appliances via power from a power outlet and one or more batteries, and Implement a battery charging configuration, including charging or not charging one or more batteries via power from a power outlet.

20. The furnace electrical system of claim 19, wherein the power output configuration and battery charging configuration are determined and implemented for one or more of the following purposes: Maximize the power storage of one or more batteries from renewable energy sources; Maximize the power storage of one or more batteries when the cost of electricity from the grid is low or even lower. Maximize the performance of one or more cooking zones of the induction cooker appliance; Maximize the energy efficiency of the furnace and electrical appliances; Maximize the energy storage of one or more batteries; as well as Minimize the charging time of one or more batteries.

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