System and method for identifying a health state of an energy storage system of a system regulating air

Abstract

This invention relates to a system and method for identifying the health status of an energy storage system in an air conditioning system. An air conditioning system includes: a controller; an energy storage system (ESS), which is a battery, wherein the ESS is operable to provide power to the system; and an AC power bus for connecting the system to an AC power grid to selectively charge the ESS; wherein the controller is configured to: request health status data of the ESS from the ESS; determine the health status of the ESS based on the health status data; and request replacement of the ESS in response to the health status of the ESS.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments described herein relate to an air conditioning system, and more specifically to a system and method for identifying the health status of an energy storage system (ESS) that conditions the air, is connected to a smart grid, and automatically takes corrective action if the ESS is at the end of its life. Background Technology

[0002] Electricity powers countless devices and equipment in commercial, industrial, residential applications, and data centers. For example, electricity powers lights, motors, household appliances, medical equipment, computers, air conditioning systems, electric vehicle charging stations, data center processing and cooling needs, and many other electrical devices. In most regions, electricity utilities generate electricity and distribute it through AC power grids. Shortages and / or increased costs associated with fossil fuel use, the intermittency of renewable resources, the variability of power demand and supply, and increased energy demand, among other factors, significantly impact the continued availability and cost of electricity for consumers and businesses. Generally, shortages and / or increased costs occur during periods of peak demand. Peak demand can occur based on time of day (such as in the morning or evening). On a more stochastic basis, peak demand (or demand exceeding available supply) can be a result of natural disasters or occur over extended periods, such as cloudy skies (if power from the grid comes from solar power) or wind variations (if power from the grid comes from wind turbines). For example, hurricanes or earthquakes can damage the power grids and / or generators of electricity utilities, resulting in substantial losses of electrical power for commercial, industrial, and residential applications. Repairing these damaged lines and generators can take hours, days, or weeks. Various sites may also lose power from the grid for other reasons, including maintenance. During these periods of power loss, sites may be unable to continue operating. Furthermore, a growing number of data centers are significantly increasing their demand for energy from the grid.

[0003] Electricity from the power grid is often more expensive during peak demand periods. For example, power utilities may use low-cost generators during periods of minimum demand, and further increase the cost of generators during periods of peak demand. Unfortunately, existing infrastructure does not adequately address these different costs associated with peak and minimum demand. As a result, commercial, industrial, data center, and residential applications typically draw power from the power grid during peak demand periods, despite the higher costs associated with generating electricity.

[0004] Some energy consumers (such as commercial, industrial, data center, and residential users) may be driven by factors other than cost, such as the expectation of supporting sustainable energy options, as described further below. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A system for regulating air is disclosed, comprising: a controller; an energy storage system (ESS) which is a battery, wherein the ESS is operable to provide power to the system; and an AC power bus for connecting the system to an AC power grid to selectively charge the ESS; wherein the controller is configured to: request health status data of the ESS from the ESS; determine the health status of the ESS based on the health status data; and request replacement of the ESS in response to the health status of the ESS.

[0006] In addition to one or more aspects of the system or as an alternative, the controller is configured to request replacement of the ESS upon making the first determination that the ESS is in an end-of-life (EOL) state.

[0007] In addition to one or more aspects of the system or as an alternative, the controller is configured to make a second determination that the ESS cannot be charged above a charging threshold prior to a request to replace the ESS.

[0008] In addition to one or more aspects of the system or as an alternative, the system is connected to the virtual power plant; and before the request to replace the ESS and after the second determination, the controller is configured to make a third determination that the solar power generation capacity (SGCapacity) of the virtual power plant is greater than the SGCapacity threshold.

[0009] In addition to one or more aspects of the system or as an alternative, before a request to replace the ESS and after the third determination, the controller is configured to make a fourth determination that the cost of replacing the ESS is below a cost threshold.

[0010] In addition to one or more aspects of the system or as an alternative, prior to a request to replace the ESS and after the fourth determination, the controller is configured to execute an algorithm on non-transitory memory to make a fifth determination that the ESS should be replaced.

[0011] Apart from one or more aspects of the system or as an alternative, the algorithm is a trained artificial intelligence model (AI model).

[0012] In addition to one or more aspects of the system or as an alternative, AI models are generative models.

[0013] In addition to one or more aspects of the system or as an alternative, when determining whether to request an ESS replacement, the controller is configured to analyze one or more variables, including: the power required by the ESS; the health status of the ESS; the total number of batteries installed in the ESS; the expected amount of power that can be stored in the ESS; the total number of ESSs connected to the AC power grid in a predetermined area; the expected amount of power that can be stored in that total number of ESSs connected to the AC power grid in the predetermined area; the cost of replacing the ESS; or the ambient temperature.

[0014] In addition to one or more aspects of the system or as an alternative, the controller is configured to request the replacement of the ESS when the operating cost of the ESS over a predetermined time period is greater than the cost of replacing the ESS; or when the additional operating profit of replacing the ESS over a predetermined time period is greater than a predetermined profit threshold compared to the operating profit of the ESS.

[0015] A method for controlling a system for regulating air is disclosed, the system being powered by an energy storage system (ESS) including a battery, wherein the ESS is connected to an AC power grid via an AC power bus to charge the ESS, the method comprising: requesting health status data of the ESS by a controller operatively coupled to the system and the ESS; determining the health status of the ESS based on the health status data; and requesting replacement of the ESS in response to the health status of the ESS.

[0016] In addition to one or more aspects of the method, or as an alternative, the method includes requesting replacement of the ESS by the controller when making a first determination that the ESS is in an end-of-life (EOL) state.

[0017] In addition to one or more aspects of the method, or as an alternative, the method includes a second determination by the controller that the ESS cannot be charged above a charging threshold before requesting a replacement of the ESS.

[0018] In addition to one or more aspects of the method, or as an alternative, before requesting a replacement of the ESS and after the second determination, the method includes a third determination by the controller that the solar power generation capacity (SGCapacity) of the virtual power plant is greater than the SGCapacity threshold.

[0019] In addition to one or more aspects of the method or as an alternative, before requesting a replacement ESS and after the third determination, the method includes a fourth determination by the controller that the cost of replacing the ESS is below a cost threshold.

[0020] In addition to one or more aspects of the method, or as an alternative, before requesting replacement of the ESS and after the fourth determination, the method includes the controller executing an algorithm on a non-transitory memory to make a fifth determination that the ESS should be replaced.

[0021] Apart from one or more aspects of this method, or as an alternative, the algorithm is a trained artificial intelligence model (AI model).

[0022] Apart from one or more aspects of the method or as an alternative, AI models are generative models.

[0023] In addition to one or more aspects of the method, or as an alternative, the method includes the controller analyzing, when determining whether to request a replacement of the ESS, one or more of the following factors: the power required by the ESS; the health status of the ESS; the total number of batteries installed in the ESS; the expected amount of power that can be stored in the ESS; the total number of ESSs connected to the AC power grid within a predetermined area; the expected amount of power that can be stored in the total number of ESSs connected to the AC power grid within the predetermined area; the cost of replacing the ESS; or the ambient temperature.

[0024] In addition to one or more aspects of the method or as an alternative, the method includes a controller requesting the replacement of the ESS when the operating cost of the ESS over a predetermined time period is greater than the cost of replacing the ESS; or when the additional operating profit of replacing the ESS over a predetermined time period, compared to the operating profit of the ESS, is greater than a predetermined profit threshold. Attached Figure Description

[0025] This disclosure is illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings and is not limiting, in which similar reference numerals indicate similar elements.

[0026] Figure 1 The system depicted in the example embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2 The controller is depicted in the example embodiment.

[0028] Figure 3A Electrical architecture depicted in an example embodiment.

[0029] Figure 3B Electrical architecture depicted in an example embodiment.

[0030] Figure 4A Electrical architecture depicted in an example embodiment.

[0031] Figure 4B Electrical architecture depicted in an example embodiment.

[0032] Figure 5A An electrical architecture for a fixed-speed compressor with a DC architecture is depicted in an example embodiment.

[0033] Figure 5B An electrical architecture for a fixed-speed compressor with an AC architecture is depicted in an example embodiment.

[0034] Figure 5C An electrical architecture for a variable speed compressor with a DC architecture is depicted in an example embodiment.

[0035] Figure 5D An electrical architecture for a variable speed compressor with an AC architecture is depicted in an example embodiment.

[0036] Figure 6 The electrical architecture for a compressor powered by a multilevel inverter is depicted in an example embodiment.

[0037] Figure 7 A phase branch of a five-level, multiphase inverter is depicted in the example embodiment.

[0038] Figure 8 The communication between the controller, thermostat, and remote system is depicted in the example embodiment.

[0039] Figure 9 The control process is depicted in the example embodiment.

[0040] Figure 10 The electrical architecture of an air conditioning system supporting a standby power mode is depicted in an example embodiment.

[0041] Figure 11 The first standby power mode is depicted in the example embodiment.

[0042] Figure 12 The second standby power mode is depicted in the example embodiment.

[0043] Figure 13 The control process for standby power operation is depicted in the example embodiment.

[0044] Figure 14A An ecosystem is shown configured to perform a method that identifies the health status of the ESS (Energy Saving System) of a system connected to the smart grid and automatically takes corrective action if the battery is at the end of its life (EOL).

[0045] Figure 14B The flowchart illustrates a method for identifying the health status of an ESS (Energy Saving System) connected to a smart grid and automatically taking corrective measures if the battery is at the end of its life (EOL).

[0046] Figure 15 This is another flowchart illustrating a method that identifies the health status of an ESS (Energy Saving System) connected to a smart grid and automatically takes corrective action if the battery is at the end of its life (EOL). Detailed Implementation

[0047] With current global efforts toward electrification and decarbonization, there is an incentive to use efficient, optimized all-electric air conditioning systems that provide comfort while being dispatchable (on-off, modulated, or variable) under different pricing conditions or upon receiving a utility signal. By way of example, utility signals may be received from an electric AC power grid and may include: Independent System Operators (ISOs), which may include independent federally regulated entities established to coordinate regional transmission in a non-discriminatory manner and ensure the safety and reliability of the power system; or Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs), which operate large-capacity power systems across a substantial geographic area and are generally independent, membership-based, non-profit organizations that ensure reliability and optimize bidding for wholesale power supply and demand; or from virtual power plants, which are generally considered to involve the interconnection and aggregation of Distributed Energy Resource (DER) technologies that provide integration of renewable energy and demand flexibility. The reference to a utility refers to one or more entities involved in the generation, transmission, and / or distribution of power.

[0048] The embodiments described herein relate to an air conditioning system that includes an energy storage system (e.g., a battery, a supercapacitor) to provide the level of dispatchability required for interconnection with an electrical power grid.

[0049] Figure 1System 100 is depicted in an example embodiment. System 100 includes components of an air conditioning system. The phrase "air conditioning" is intended to include one or more of the following: heating, cooling, ventilation, humidification, dehumidification, refrigeration, hot water heating, chilled water or fluid, air filtration, and other known air handling operations, or any combination of the foregoing operations. Air conditioning systems may include known types of systems, such as heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps, chillers, split systems, enclosed systems, integrated systems, etc. Air conditioning system 100 includes a first unit 200 and one or more second units 250. Depending on the nature of the air conditioning system, the first unit 200 and the second unit(s) 250 may be located separately (indoor or outdoor) or co-located (indoor or outdoor). For example, in a split system, the first unit 200 is an outdoor unit (e.g., compressor and heat exchanger), and the second unit(s) 250 are indoor units (e.g., expansion mechanism, heat exchanger). In an enclosed system (e.g., rooftop or ground-mounted), the first unit 200 and the second unit 250 are co-located in a single occupied space outside the building. In the refrigeration unit, the first unit 200 and the second unit 250 can be located co-located (indoor or outdoor) or separately. Some integrated systems may have a first unit 200 and a second unit 250 co-located inside a building.

[0050] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the first unit 200 may be an outdoor unit of the split system located at ground level next to building 102, on the roof of building 102, or in any other location. Multiple second units 250 may be located inside building 102, as is common with respect to split systems. It is understood that... Figure 1 This is an example, and the implementation is not limited to a split system.

[0051] System 100 includes controller 220, power converter 230 and energy storage device (ESD) 240. Figure 1 These are exemplary embodiments, and the location of the components is not limited to these examples. Figure 1The locations shown are as follows. For example, the power converter 230, energy storage device 240, and controller 220 may be separate from the first unit 200, which houses the compressor 242, drive 244, fan 246, and load(s) 248. The first unit 200 may include a control unit (not shown) for controlling the operation of the first unit 200. This allows components of the described embodiments to be retrofitted to the existing first unit 200 and / or second unit 250 of an air conditioning system. One or more of the power converter 230, energy storage device 240, and controller 220 may be located within the first unit 200. One or more of the power converter 230, energy storage device 240, and controller 220 may be located near or outside the first unit 200. One or more of the power converter 230, energy storage device 240, and controller 220 may be located within building 102.

[0052] The first unit 200 may include a heat exchanger (not shown) that will be used as a condenser / gas cooler and / or as an evaporator as part of a vapor compression refrigeration cycle.

[0053] In the figures, the positions of all components are illustrative, and embodiments include modifications to the positions of the components shown in the figures. For example, a component illustrated to be connected to the first unit 200 may be a retrofitted component added to an existing first unit 200. Although shown as separate boxes, components may be connected as sub-components and components anywhere in the system (indoor or outdoor) without departing from embodiments of this disclosure.

[0054] Controller 220 can communicate with an air conditioning controller system controller and / or an energy storage device controller. In some embodiments, a single controller can implement all the functions of controller 220, the air conditioning controller, and the energy storage device controller. Controller 220 communicates with components of the described system using wired and / or wireless connections not shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0055] Figure 1 The system and the embodiments described herein allow one or more components of the air conditioning system, as well as other loads not associated with the air conditioning system, to be powered solely by the AC power grid, solely by the energy storage device 240, or by a combination of the AC power grid and the energy storage device 240. One or more components of the air conditioning system include components in the first unit 200 and components in the second unit 250.

[0056] Figure 2A controller 220 according to an embodiment is depicted. The controller 220 includes a sensor interface 222 that can obtain operating parameters of the air conditioning system, such as pressure, temperature, etc. As is known in the art, the controller 220 can adjust the operation of the air conditioning system based on the sensed operating parameters. The controller 220 includes a processor 224 that controls the operation of the system 100. The processor 224 may be implemented using a general-purpose microprocessor that executes a computer program stored on a storage medium to perform the operations described herein. Alternatively, the processor 224 may be implemented in hardware (e.g., ASIC, FPGA) or a combination of hardware and software. The processor 224 allows the controller 220 to perform computations locally, also known as edge computing. The processor 224 can send commands to other components of the air conditioning system 100 based on the results of the local computation.

[0057] The controller 220 includes a memory 226 that can store computer programs, reference data, sensor data, etc., executable by the processor 224. The memory 226 can be implemented using known devices such as random access memory. The controller 220 includes a communication unit 228 that allows the controller 220 to communicate with other components of the system 100, such as the first unit 200, the second unit 250, and the thermostat 260. The communication unit 228 can be implemented using wired connections (e.g., LAN, Ethernet, twisted pair, etc.) and / or wireless connections (e.g., Wi-Fi, near field communication (“NFC”), Bluetooth, etc.).

[0058] In some embodiments, communication unit 228 can provide high-speed data communication over existing cabling systems and / or communication with newer equipment having a high-speed bus, while maintaining communication with existing equipment (e.g., having an RS-485 communication bus). In some embodiments, the HVAC equipment may include four wires for data communication: power, ground, data+, and data-. Of these lines, data+ and data- are used to transmit low-speed standard RS-485 data. The power line is used to provide power to the wall-mounted controller and originates from the second unit 250. This same power line is transmitted to the first unit 200, although it is not typically used. The ability to utilize the power and ground lines of a four-wire system (referred to as “Power Line Communication” (PLC) technology) allows digital / data signals to be transmitted over the power line. In some embodiments, PLC technology may allow data transmission at gigabit or near-gigabit rates using standard two-conductor cabling. This includes the two wires represented by the power and ground of the HVAC equipment. It should be appreciated that other data transmission speeds may be possible. In some embodiments, the communication unit 228 of this disclosure can be configured such that low-speed RS-485 communication can also occur on the data+ and data- lines when high-speed PLC communication occurs through the power and ground lines of a 4-wire system. In some embodiments, the ability to use high-speed communication or a combination of high-speed and low-speed communication enables the controller 220 to utilize machine learning (ML) or artificial intelligence (AI) based algorithms. In some embodiments, high-speed and low-speed communication can occur approximately simultaneously (e.g., within milliseconds of each other). This allows communication between standard HVAC lines and RS-485 control equipment, as well as HVAC equipment containing additional PLC transceivers. This can be advantageous because new high-speed HVAC equipment and existing RS-485 HVAC equipment can coexist on the building's existing wiring.

[0059] refer to Figure 1 Power converter 230 is used to perform any necessary power conversion, including one or more of AC-AC, AC-DC, DC-AC, and DC-DC. Power converter 230 may include several power converters located at different locations within system 100. The power converters 230 may operate bidirectionally, such that one or more power conversions are bidirectional. Figure 1As shown, power converter 230 is connected to an AC and / or DC power source and / or a load. Power converter 230 can also supply power to loads in building 102, including a second unit 250 (if in building 102), a thermostat 260, and a load 270. In normal mode, the loads in building 102 will receive AC power directly from the AC power grid. Controller 220 can select whether power comes from the AC power grid or from power converter 230. An example embodiment of power converter 230 is described herein.

[0060] Energy storage device 240 is configured to provide at least a portion of the power in certain circumstances to operate one or more components of an air conditioning system, such as first unit 200, multiple second units 250, and multiple indoor loads 270 and any other loads. Energy storage device 240 may be implemented using means for storing electrical energy, including one or more of, for example, batteries, battery modules, individual battery cells, supercapacitors, etc. Battery 240 may include several cells in a modular form or as an array of independent multi-cell units. Battery 240 may be made from a single or multiple packaged self-contained system, battery module, or individual cells. Battery 240 (such as a complete plug-and-play battery) may include a box, wires, cells, and modules. For example, battery 240 may include a group of cells configured as self-contained mechanical and electrical units. Energy storage device 240 may include other components (e.g., an ESD management system (ESDMS)) electrically connected to energy storage device 240 and adapted to communicate directly or via ESDMS with controller 220.

[0061] The first unit 200 also includes components that serve as part of an air conditioning system, and includes a compressor 242, one or more drives 244, a fan 246, and other loads 248, as well as a control unit (not shown). A heat exchanger (not shown) in the first unit 200 may function as an evaporator or a condenser / gas cooler. These components are described in more detail herein when relevant to embodiments.

[0062] In a split-type system, within building 102, one or more second units 250 are positioned to regulate one or more zones of building 102. Various known second units can be used to employ the second unit 250, including variable air volume (VAV) units, liquid-cooled second units, fan coil units, furnaces, air handlers (multiple units), etc., which typically include heat exchangers. In other types of systems (e.g., encapsulated or chilled systems), the second units (multiple units) 250 may be located outdoors and include heat exchangers of any form, such as cooling towers.

[0063] The optional thermostat 260 provides a user interface for the air conditioning system 100, allowing the user to input the operating mode of the air conditioning system 100, setpoints for various zones of the system 100, etc. Indoor loads 270 can be powered by the first unit 200. Indoor loads 270 include a wide variety of loads, such as appliances, lighting equipment, electric vehicle chargers, etc. The thermostat 260 is not required, and other technologies can be used to control the air conditioning system.

[0064] Figure 3A Electrical architecture depicted in an example embodiment. Figure 3A The positions of the components are illustrative, and any component may be positioned as part of the first unit 200, part of the second unit(s) 250, or separate from the first unit 200 or the second unit(s) 250. This allows the components to be retrofitted into existing air conditioning systems. Although shown as separate boxes, the components may be connected as sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system (indoor or outdoor) without departing from embodiments of this disclosure.

[0065] like Figure 3A As shown, the AC power grid 302 is connected to the first unit 200 via a grid disconnector 304 under the control of the controller 220. This allows the first unit 200 to be powered independently of the AC power grid 302 by the energy storage device 240. The first unit 200 may also be powered by a combination of the AC power grid 302 and the energy storage device 240. The disconnector 304 may also be implemented as, for example, a mechanical switch controlled by the controller 220, or implemented in software by the controller 220 by controlling one or more power converters.

[0066] AC power grid 302 is connected to indoor AC load 308 (such as an air handler, or any fixed installation in a residential, commercial, industrial building, or data center). AC power grid 302 also provides access to AC / AC converter 310, which supplies regulated AC power to compressor driver 244A and fan 246 of compressor 242. AC / AC converter 310 can control the amplitude, frequency, phase, etc. of the AC power supplied to compressor driver 244A and fan 246 of compressor 242.

[0067] AC power grid 302 may also be connected to one of a unidirectional or bidirectional AC / DC converter 312, which interfaces AC power bus 305 with DC power bus 313. DC power bus 313 supplies power to a DC load 248, which may be located in the first unit 200. Under certain conditions, DC power bus 313 supplies power to one or more components of the air conditioning system (e.g., compressor 242 and fan 246) via bidirectional AC / DC converter 312 and AC / AC converter 310. This allows one or more components of the air conditioning system to operate independently of or in conjunction with AC power grid 302. Bidirectional AC / DC converter 312 also allows power from DC bus 313 to be routed to AC power grid 302.

[0068] The DC power bus 313 can be powered by the energy storage device 240. In charging mode, the DC power bus 313 is used to charge the energy storage device 240 (charger not shown). The DC power bus 313 can also be powered by one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, such as solar DC power, wind DC power, geothermal DC power, fuel cells, etc. A DC / DC converter 316 can be used to connect the auxiliary DC source 314 to the DC power bus 313. The DC power bus 313 can provide power to an indoor DC load 318. A DC / DC converter 320 can be used to connect the indoor DC load 318 to the DC power bus 313. A DC / AC converter 347 can be used to connect the DC power bus 313 to an indoor AC load 308 via a disconnector 348. In some operating modes, the energy storage device 240 is used to provide power to the indoor AC load 308. The AC / AC converter 310, AC / DC converter 312, DC / DC converter 320, DC / DC converter 316, and DC / AC converter 347 can provide power to an indoor AC load 308. Figure 1 Implementation of the power converter 230. In some embodiments, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 are connected to the AC power bus 305 via a DC / AC converter (not shown). In other embodiments, one or more auxiliary power sources provide AC power, which is connected to the AC bus 305 and / or the DC bus 313 via a suitable AC / AC converter or AC / DC converter.

[0069] The compressor driver 244A can be implemented in various ways. In one embodiment, the compressor driver 244A is a switch, such as a contactor or relay, that connects the compressor 242 to the output of the AC / AC converter 310. In other embodiments, the compressor driver 244A may be a power converter, such as an AC / AC converter or an AC / DC converter.

[0070] Optional DC / DC converter 241 can provide power conversion between energy storage device 240 and DC power bus 313. DC / DC converter 241 can be a bidirectional converter used to boost or buck DC voltage, such that energy storage device 240 can provide power to DC power bus 313, and DC power bus 313 can charge energy storage device 240. DC / DC converter 241 can be part of energy storage device 240, or it can be a separate component from energy storage device 240.

[0071] Figure 3A The electrical architecture allows one or more components of the air conditioning system (first unit 200 and / or (multiple) second units 250) to be powered solely by the AC power grid 302, solely by the energy storage device 240, or a combination of both. The power supplied by the AC power grid 302 can be limited by a controller 220 that controls various power converters. Other loads, such as indoor DC load 318 and indoor AC load 308, can be powered solely by the AC power grid 302, solely by the energy storage device 240, or a combination of both. One or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components of the air conditioning system (first unit 200 and / or (multiple) second units 250) and / or other loads, either individually or in combination with the AC power grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. Whether power is supplied from the AC power grid 302, energy storage device 240, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof, is based on various factors, such as utility conditions, utility electricity prices, the condition of energy storage device 240, consumer preferences, etc. See below for reference. Figure 9 Discuss the example conditions.

[0072] Figure 3B Electrical architecture depicted in an example embodiment. Figure 3B The positions of the components are illustrative, and any component may be positioned as part of the first unit 200, part of the second unit(s) 250, or separate from the first unit 200 or the second unit(s) 250. This allows the components to be retrofitted into existing air conditioning systems. Although shown as separate boxes, the components may be connected as sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system (indoor or outdoor) without departing from embodiments of this disclosure.

[0073] Figure 3B Similar to Figure 3AThe difference lies in that the AC / AC converter 310 is omitted. The compressor 242 is powered by a compressor driver 244A. The compressor driver 244A may be a switch, such as a contactor or relay, that connects the compressor 242 to the AC power bus 305. In other embodiments, the compressor driver 244A may be a power converter, such as an AC / AC converter or an AC / DC converter. The compressor driver 244A may be controlled by a controller 220.

[0074] Fan 246 is powered by fan driver 244B. Fan driver 244B may be a switch, such as a contactor or relay, that connects fan 246 to AC power bus 305. In other embodiments, fan driver 244B may be a power converter, such as an AC / AC converter or an AC / DC converter. Fan driver 244B may be controlled by controller 220.

[0075] Figure 3B The electrical architecture allows one or more components of the air conditioning system (first unit 200 and / or (multiple) second units 250) to be powered solely by the AC power grid 302, solely by the energy storage device 240, or a combination of both. The power supplied by the AC power grid 302 can be limited by a controller 220 that controls various power converters. Other loads, such as indoor DC load 318 and indoor AC load 308, can be powered solely by the AC power grid 302, solely by the energy storage device 240, or a combination of both. One or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components of the air conditioning system (first unit 200 and / or (multiple) second units 250) and / or other loads, either individually or in combination with the AC power grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. Whether power is supplied from the AC power grid 302, energy storage device 240, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof, is based on various factors, such as utility conditions, utility electricity prices, the condition of energy storage device 240, consumer preferences, etc. See below for reference. Figure 9 Discuss the example conditions.

[0076] Figure 4A An electrical architecture is depicted in another example embodiment. Figure 4AThe positions of the components are illustrative, and any component may be positioned as part of the first unit 200, part of the second unit(s) 250, or separate from the first unit 200 or the second unit(s) 250. This allows the components to be retrofitted into existing air conditioning systems. Although shown as separate boxes, the components may be connected as sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system (indoor or outdoor) without departing from embodiments of this disclosure.

[0077] exist Figure 4A In this configuration, the compressor drive 244A and fan 246 are supplied with DC power, and therefore, an AC / AC converter 310 is not required. The bidirectional AC / DC converter 312 allows the energy storage device 240 to supply power to one or more components of the air conditioning system and / or, under certain conditions, to feed power from the DC bus 313 to the AC power grid 302. The bidirectional AC / DC converter 312 interfaces the AC power bus 305 with the DC power bus 313.

[0078] The compressor driver 244A may be a switch, such as a contactor or relay, that connects the compressor 242 to the DC power bus 313. In other embodiments, the compressor driver 244A may be a power converter, such as a DC / AC converter or a DC / DC converter. The compressor driver 244A may be controlled by a controller 220.

[0079] Figure 4A The electrical architecture allows one or more components of the air conditioning system (first unit 200 and / or (multiple) second units 250) to be powered solely by the AC power grid 302, solely by the energy storage device 240, or a combination of both. The power supplied by the AC power grid 302 can be limited by a controller 220 that controls various power converters. Other loads, such as indoor DC load 318 and indoor AC load 308, can be powered solely by the AC power grid 302, solely by the energy storage device 240, or a combination of both. One or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components of the air conditioning system (first unit 200 and / or (multiple) second units 250) and / or other loads, either individually or in combination with the AC power grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. Whether power is supplied from the AC power grid 302, energy storage device 240, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof, is based on various factors, such as utility conditions, utility electricity prices, the condition of energy storage device 240, consumer preferences, etc. See below for reference. Figure 9 Discuss the example conditions.

[0080] Figure 4B An electrical architecture is depicted in another example embodiment. Figure 4B The positions of the components are illustrative, and any component may be positioned as part of the first unit 200, part of the second unit(s) 250, or separate from the first unit 200 or the second unit(s) 250. This allows the components to be retrofitted into existing air conditioning systems. Although shown as separate boxes, the components may be connected as sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system (indoor or outdoor) without departing from embodiments of this disclosure.

[0081] Figure 4B Similar to Figure 4A The difference lies in that fan 246 includes fan driver 244B. Fan driver 244B may be a switch, such as a contactor or relay, that connects fan 246 to DC power bus 313. In other embodiments, fan driver 244B may be a power converter, such as a DC / AC converter or a DC / DC converter. Fan driver 244B may be controlled by controller 220.

[0082] Figure 4B The electrical architecture allows one or more components of the air conditioning system (first unit 200 and / or (multiple) second units 250) to be powered solely by the AC power grid 302, solely by the energy storage device 240, or a combination of both. The power supplied by the AC power grid 302 can be limited by a controller 220 that controls various power converters. Other loads, such as indoor DC load 318 and indoor AC load 308, can be powered solely by the AC power grid 302, solely by the energy storage device 240, or a combination of both. One or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components of the air conditioning system (first unit 200 and / or (multiple) second units 250) and / or other loads, either individually or in combination with the AC power grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. Whether power is supplied from the AC power grid 302, energy storage device 240, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof, is based on various factors, such as utility conditions, utility electricity prices, the condition of energy storage device 240, consumer preferences, etc. See below for reference. Figure 9 Discuss the example conditions.

[0083] Figure 5A A DC electrical architecture for a fixed-speed first unit 200 is depicted in an example embodiment. Figure 5AThe positions of the components are illustrative, and any component may be positioned as part of the first unit 200, part of the second unit(s) 250, or separate from the first unit 200 or the second unit(s) 250. This allows the components to be retrofitted into existing air conditioning systems. Although shown as separate boxes, the components may be connected as sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system (indoor or outdoor) without departing from embodiments of this disclosure.

[0084] For ease of illustration and explanation, not all components of the first unit 200 are shown. The power converter 230 can be used in conjunction with the embodiments described above or other embodiments. For example, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can be connected to the energy storage device 240 (via a DC bus) to supplement the power from the energy storage device 240. Figure 5A As shown, AC power from AC power grid 302 is supplied to power converter 230 via grid disconnector 304. Power converter 230 includes AC / DC converter 370 and DC / AC converter 372. The output of DC / AC converter 372 is supplied to compressor 242 via compressor driver 244A. Since compressor 242 is at a fixed speed, compressor driver 244A can be a switch such as a contactor or relay.

[0085] Both AC / DC converter 370 and DC / AC converter 372 operate under the control of controller 220. Between AC / DC converter 370 and DC / AC converter 372 is DC link 371, which is optionally connected to energy storage device 240 via DC / DC converter 241. In this arrangement, energy storage device 240 can be charged by power converter 230. Alternatively, energy storage device 240 can provide DC power to DC link 371 to power DC / AC converter 372 and compressor 242. This allows first unit 200 to operate independently of or in conjunction with AC power grid 302. AC / DC converter 370 can be bidirectional to allow energy storage device 240 to supply power to and charge AC power grid 302.

[0086] The controller 220, power converter 230, energy storage device 240, DC / DC converters 320 and 316, and DC / AC converters 347 and 241 can be retrofitted to the existing first unit 200. This allows the energy storage device 240 to be added to an existing air conditioning system so that the first unit 200 can operate independently of the AC power grid 302 or with power from both the AC power grid 302 and the energy storage device 240. It also allows for the modular addition of auxiliary power sources.

[0087] Figure 5A The electrical architecture allows one or more components of the air conditioning system (first unit 200 and / or (multiple) second units 250) to be powered solely by the AC power grid 302, solely by the energy storage device 240, or a combination of both. The power supplied by the AC power grid 302 can be limited by a controller 220 that controls various power converters. Other loads, such as indoor DC load 318 and indoor AC load 308, can be powered solely by the AC power grid 302, solely by the energy storage device 240, or a combination of both. One or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components of the air conditioning system (first unit 200 and / or (multiple) second units 250) and / or other loads, either individually or in combination with the AC power grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. Whether power is supplied from the AC power grid 302, energy storage device 240, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof, is based on various factors, such as utility conditions, utility electricity prices, the condition of energy storage device 240, consumer preferences, etc. See below for reference. Figure 9 Discuss the example conditions.

[0088] Figure 5B An AC electrical architecture for a fixed-speed first unit 200 is depicted in an example embodiment. Figure 5B The positions of the components are illustrative, and any component may be positioned as part of the first unit 200, part of the second unit(s) 250, or separate from the first unit 200 or the second unit(s) 250. This allows the components to be retrofitted into existing air conditioning systems. Although shown as separate boxes, the components may be connected as sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system (indoor or outdoor) without departing from embodiments of this disclosure.

[0089] For ease of illustration and explanation, not all components of the first unit 200 are shown. The power converter 230 may be used in conjunction with the embodiments described above or other embodiments. For example, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 may be connected to the energy storage device 240 (via a DC bus) to supplement the power from the energy storage device 240.

[0090] exist Figure 5BIn this configuration, power converter 230 includes a DC / DC converter 241 coupled to energy storage device 240 and an AC / DC converter 370. AC / DC converter 370 may be bidirectional, allowing energy storage device 240 to supply power to and charge AC power grid 302. Since compressor 242 is at a fixed speed, compressor driver 244A may be a switch such as a contactor or relay.

[0091] The controller 220, power converter 230, and energy storage device 240 can be retrofitted to the existing first unit 200. This allows the energy storage device 240 to be added to an existing air conditioning system so that the first unit 200 can operate independently of the AC power grid 302 or under power from both the AC power grid 302 and the energy storage device 240.

[0092] Figure 5B The electrical architecture allows one or more components of the air conditioning system (first unit 200 and / or (multiple) second units 250) to be powered solely by the AC power grid 302, solely by the energy storage device 240, or a combination of both. The power supplied by the AC power grid 302 can be limited by a controller 220 that controls various power converters. Other loads, such as indoor DC load 318 and indoor AC load 308, can be powered solely by the AC power grid 302, solely by the energy storage device 240, or a combination of both. One or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components of the air conditioning system (first unit 200 and / or (multiple) second units 250) and / or other loads, either individually or in combination with the AC power grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. Whether power is supplied from the AC power grid 302, energy storage device 240, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof, is based on various factors, such as utility conditions, utility electricity prices, the condition of energy storage device 240, consumer preferences, etc. See below for reference. Figure 9 Discuss the example conditions.

[0093] Figure 5C A DC electrical architecture for a variable-speed first unit 200 is depicted in an example embodiment. Figure 5CThe positions of the components are illustrative, and any component may be positioned as part of the first unit 200, part of the second unit(s) 250, or separate from the first unit 200 or the second unit(s) 250. This allows the components to be retrofitted into existing air conditioning systems. Although shown as separate boxes, the components may be connected as sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system (indoor or outdoor) without departing from embodiments of this disclosure.

[0094] Figure 5C Similar to Figure 5A The difference lies in that the compressor driver 244A provides variable speed operation for the compressor 242. The other loads 248 of the first unit 200 can be powered by the output of the DC / AC converter 372.

[0095] The controller 220, power converter 230, energy storage device 240, and DC / DC converter 241 can be retrofitted to the existing first unit 200. This allows the energy storage device 240 to be added to an existing air conditioning system so that the first unit 200 can operate independently of the AC power grid 302 or under power from both the AC power grid 302 and the energy storage device 240.

[0096] For ease of illustration and explanation, not all components of the first unit 200 are shown. The power converter 230 may be used in conjunction with the embodiments described above or other embodiments. For example, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 may be connected to the energy storage device 240 (via a DC bus) to supplement the power from the energy storage device 240.

[0097] Figure 5CThe electrical architecture allows one or more components of the air conditioning system (first unit 200 and / or (multiple) second units 250) to be powered solely by the AC power grid 302, solely by the energy storage device 240, or a combination of both. The power supplied by the AC power grid 302 can be limited by a controller 220 that controls various power converters. Other loads, such as indoor DC load 318 and indoor AC load 308, can be powered solely by the AC power grid 302, solely by the energy storage device 240, or a combination of both. One or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components of the air conditioning system (first unit 200 and / or (multiple) second units 250) and / or other loads, either individually or in combination with the AC power grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. Whether power is supplied from the AC power grid 302, energy storage device 240, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof, is based on various factors, such as utility conditions, utility electricity prices, the condition of energy storage device 240, consumer preferences, etc. See below for reference. Figure 9 Discuss the example conditions.

[0098] Figure 5D An AC electrical architecture for a variable-speed first unit 200 is depicted in an example embodiment. Figure 5D The positions of the components are illustrative, and any component may be positioned as part of the first unit 200, part of the second unit(s) 250, or separate from the first unit 200 or the second unit(s) 250. This allows the components to be retrofitted into existing air conditioning systems. Although shown as separate boxes, the components may be connected as sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system (indoor or outdoor) without departing from embodiments of this disclosure.

[0099] Figure 5D Similar to Figure 5B The difference lies in that the compressor driver 244A provides variable speed operation for the compressor 242. The other loads 248 of the first unit 200 can be powered by the AC power bus 305.

[0100] For ease of illustration and explanation, not all components of the first unit 200 are shown. The power converter 230 may be used in conjunction with the embodiments described above or other embodiments. For example, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 may be connected to the energy storage device 240 (via a DC bus) to supplement the power from the energy storage device 240.

[0101] The controller 220, power converter 230, and energy storage device 240 can be retrofitted to the existing first unit 200. This allows the energy storage device 240 to be added to an existing air conditioning system so that the first unit 200 can operate independently of the AC power grid 302 or under power from both the AC power grid and the energy storage device 240.

[0102] Figure 5D The electrical architecture allows one or more components of the air conditioning system (first unit 200 and / or (multiple) second units 250) to be powered solely by the AC power grid 302, solely by the energy storage device 240, or a combination of both. The power supplied by the AC power grid 302 can be limited by a controller 220 that controls various power converters. Other loads, such as indoor DC load 318 and indoor AC load 308, can be powered solely by the AC power grid 302, solely by the energy storage device 240, or a combination of both. One or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components of the air conditioning system (first unit 200 and / or (multiple) second units 250) and / or other loads, either individually or in combination with the AC power grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. Whether power is supplied from the AC power grid 302, energy storage device 240, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof, is based on various factors, such as utility conditions, utility electricity prices, the condition of energy storage device 240, consumer preferences, etc. See below for reference. Figure 9 Discuss the example conditions.

[0103] Figure 6 The electrical architecture of a variable-speed compressor drive, including a multi-level inverter, is depicted in an example embodiment. For ease of illustration and explanation, not all components of the first unit 200 are shown. Figure 6 The positions of the components are illustrative, and any component may be positioned as part of the first unit 200, part of the second unit(s) 250, or separate from the first unit 200 or the second unit(s) 250. This allows the components to be retrofitted into existing air conditioning systems. Although shown as separate boxes, the components may be connected as sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system (indoor or outdoor) without departing from embodiments of this disclosure.

[0104] like Figure 6As shown, AC power from AC power grid 302 is supplied to power converter 230 via grid disconnector 304. Power converter 230 includes AC / DC converter 380 and multilevel inverter 382. The output of multilevel inverter 382 is supplied to compressor 242. The output of multilevel inverter 382 can be a multiphase, multilevel waveform configured to drive a multiphase motor of compressor 242. In an example embodiment, multilevel inverter 382 is a five-level, three-phase inverter. In another example embodiment, multilevel inverter 382 is a three-level, three-phase inverter.

[0105] The multilevel inverter 382 synthesizes a sinusoidal current waveform to operate and control the compressor 242. This is traditionally accomplished by a two-level inverter. Integration with the energy storage device 240 allows for a natural evolution to higher-order inverters. Three-level and five-level inverters require independent power supplies to set the voltage levels. Figure 6 In this embodiment, the energy storage device 240 can be configured with voltage levels. The energy storage device 240 may include internal battery modules connected in series. The multilevel inverter 382 directly uses the battery modules for each necessary voltage level, thereby enabling the benefits of a multilevel inverter. The multilevel inverter 382 benefits from lower harmonic output and lower dv / dt device stress. The multilevel inverter 382 increases reliability by integrating back-to-back switches or relays that connect or disconnect the battery modules together, and by reconfiguring to a fewer number of levels after a failure has occurred.

[0106] Figure 7 A phase branch of a five-level, multiphase inverter is shown in an embodiment of the multilevel inverter 382. The energy storage device 240 includes at least four battery modules 240A, 240B, 240C, and 240D connected in series. The combination of battery modules 240A, 240B, 240C, and 240D, and the neutral point n, provides five voltage levels for creating a sinusoidal output waveform on one phase. Generally, N battery module voltages are used to provide an N+1 level output waveform for each phase. Switches S1-S4 and S1'-S4' are controlled by controller 220 to generate a sine wave as known in the art. The multilevel inverter 382 can be reconfigured to fewer levels by integrating back-to-back switches or relays that connect or disconnect the battery modules together.

[0107] The voltage levels used in the multilevel inverter 382 do not need to be supplied by a separate battery module. A single battery module can be used to create the voltage levels used to generate the sinusoidal output waveform, where the battery voltage is divided, for example, by capacitors.

[0108] refer to Figure 6Both the AC / DC converter 380 and the multilevel inverter 382 operate under the control of the controller 220. Between the AC / DC converter 380 and the multilevel inverter 382 is a DC link 381 connected to the energy storage device 240. In this arrangement, the energy storage device 240 can be charged by the power converter 230. Alternatively, the energy storage device 240 can provide DC power to the DC link 381 to power the multilevel inverter 382 and the compressor 242. This allows the first unit 200 to operate independently of the AC power grid 302 or with power from both the AC power grid 302 and the energy storage device 240. The AC / DC converter 380 can be bidirectional to allow the energy storage device 240 to supply power to and from the AC power grid.

[0109] Figure 6 The electrical architecture allows one or more components of the air conditioning system (first unit 200 and / or (multiple) second units 250) to be powered solely by the AC power grid 302, solely by the energy storage device 240, or a combination of both. The power supplied by the AC power grid 302 can be limited by a controller 220 that controls various power converters. Other loads, such as indoor DC load 318 and indoor AC load 308, can be powered solely by the AC power grid 302, solely by the energy storage device 240, or a combination of both. One or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components of the air conditioning system (first unit 200 and / or (multiple) second units 250) and / or other loads, either individually or in combination with the AC power grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. Whether power is supplied from the AC power grid 302, energy storage device 240, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof, is based on various factors, such as utility conditions, utility electricity prices, the condition of energy storage device 240, consumer preferences, etc. See below for reference. Figure 9 Discuss the example conditions.

[0110] In the above embodiments, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 may be used to provide DC power. The one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 may include sources such as solar DC power, wind DC power, geothermal DC power, fuel cells, etc.

[0111] Figure 8The communication between controller 220, thermostat 260, and remote system 410 is depicted in the example embodiment. As noted above, controller 220 may be integrated as part of an air conditioning controller and / or battery controller, or it may be standalone and communicate with an air conditioning controller and / or energy storage controller. Controller 220 communicates with thermostat 260 via local link 400. Local link 400 may be a wired connection (e.g., twisted pair, four-wire, power line communication, Modbus, CAN bus, etc.) and / or a wireless connection (e.g., WiFi, radio, or Bluetooth, NFC, etc.). Thermostat 260 may also be implemented using software applications that operate on user devices (e.g., mobile phones, tablets, laptops). Thermostat 260 may also provide controller 220 with occupancy, past performance, and weather information.

[0112] One or both of controller 220 and thermostat 260 can communicate with remote system 410 via network 406. Network 406 can be a long-range network and can be implemented via various communication protocols. Network 406 can be implemented via one or more of one or more of WiMax, LAN, WLAN, PAN, CAN, MAN, WAN, WWAN, or any broadband network, and further utilize technologies such as: by way of example, GSM, PCS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Matter, fixed wireless data, 2G, 2.5G, 3G (e.g., WCDMA / UMTS-based 3G networks), 4G, IMT-Advanced, pre-4G, LTE Advanced, 5G, 6G, mobile WiMax, WiMax 2. WirelessMAN-Advanced networks, Enhanced Data Rate GSM Evolution (EDGE), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced GPRS, iBurst, UMTS, HSPDA, HSUPA, HSPA, HSPA+, UMTS-TDD, 1xRTT, EV-DO, messaging protocols (such as TCP / IP, SMS, MMS, Extensible Message Processing Field Protocol (XMPP), Real-time Messaging Protocol (RTMP), Instant Messaging and Field Protocol (IMPP), Instant Messaging, USSD, IRC) or any other wireless data network, broadband network or messaging protocol.

[0113] Remote system 410 may be embodied as any type of processor-based computing or computer device capable of performing the functions described herein, including but not limited to computers, servers, workstations, desktop computers, laptop computers, notebook computers, tablet computers, mobile computing devices, wearable computing devices, network appliances, web appliances, distributed computing systems (e.g., cloud computing), processor-based systems, and / or consumer electronics devices. Remote system 410 provides information used by controller 220 and / or thermostat 260 to implement energy management routines that control how one or more components of the air conditioning system and load 270 consume power. The information provided by remote system 410 may include utility pricing (which indicates the cost of electricity on the AC power grid 302) and weather information that can be used to predict future utility pricing and the use of one or more components of the air conditioning system. Utility pricing and weather may be pushed to or pulled by remote system 410 using known networking technologies. Utility pricing and / or weather may be determined in real time or be forecasts of future conditions.

[0114] In the embodiments described above, controller 220 communicates with components of the described system using wired and / or wireless connections not shown in the accompanying drawings. Depending on the power source used in the operating mode (e.g., one or more of an AC grid power source, an energy storage device power source, an auxiliary power source, etc.), controller 220 sends command signals to various system components (e.g., AC / AC converter 310, AC / DC converter 312, DC / AC converter 347, DC / DC converter 320, DC / DC converter 316, DC / DC converter 241, AC / DC converter 370, DC / AC converter 372, AC / DC converter 380 and / or multilevel inverter 382, ​​AC disconnector 304, etc.) to route power to one or more components of the air conditioning system, such as first unit 200, (multiple) second units 250, and (multiple) indoor loads 270 and any other loads.

[0115] Figure 9An energy management process is depicted in an example embodiment. This process may be performed by controller 220 and / or thermostat 260. At 600, controller 220 determines whether there is a request for reduced energy use, or any other communication signal, such as a change in energy pricing or an incentive. A utility provider may request reduced energy use for a period of time to avoid service interruptions (e.g., power outages) or other penalties or incentives, such as changes in pricing. Requests for reduced energy use may be accompanied by incentives (e.g., a $5 reduction on the next energy bill). Requests for reduction may also originate from energy consumers such as data centers, where data centers need to maintain their processing and / or cooling loads and incentivize other users to reduce their consumption to ensure energy availability.

[0116] If a request for reduced energy consumption is received, the process proceeds to 602, where a user (e.g., a utility customer) can approve or reject the request. The approval or rejection determination can be pre-defined and pre-programmed by the user into controller 220 and / or thermostat 260. For example, a user might want to always reduce energy consumption, regardless of terms. A user might want to never reduce energy consumption, regardless of terms. A user might want to reduce energy consumption only if the utility provides an incentive. The approval or rejection determination at 602 can also be real-time, where the user enters their approval or rejection of the reduced energy consumption via thermostat 260 or via a mobile device.

[0117] If the user approves reduced energy use at 602, the process proceeds to 604, where one or more components of the air conditioning system (if needed) and / or other loads are at least partially powered by the energy storage device 240. This may require disconnecting the AC disconnector 304 (e.g., power from the AC power grid 302 is zero) and using only the energy storage device 240 to power one or more components of the air conditioning system and / or other loads. Operating one or more components of the air conditioning system and / or other loads may also involve using both the AC power grid 302 and the energy storage device 240 to power one or more components of the air conditioning system and / or other loads. The controller 220 can limit the amount of power drawn from the AC power grid 302 by controlling various power converters 230 in the system (e.g., AC / AC converter 310, AC / DC converter 312, DC / AC converter 347, DC / DC converter 320, DC / DC converter 316, DC / DC converter 241, AC / DC converter 370, DC / AC converter 372, AC / DC converter 380 and / or multilevel inverter 382) to reduce the amount of AC power drawn from the AC power grid 302. The energy storage device 240 and the AC power grid 302 are used in conjunction to provide power to one or more components and / or one or more loads of the air conditioning system.

[0118] One or more components of the air conditioning system operated using energy storage device 240 may also include limiting the amount of power drawn from AC power grid 302 to a power limit (e.g., 1 kW over a 2-hour period). Controller 220 can limit the amount of power drawn from AC power grid 302 by controlling various power converters 230 in the system (e.g., AC / AC converter 310, AC / DC converter 312, DC / AC converter 347, DC / DC converter 320, DC / DC converter 316, DC / DC converter 241, AC / DC converter 370, DC / AC converter 372, AC / DC converter 380, and / or multilevel inverter 382) to reduce the amount of AC power drawn from AC power grid 302. At 604, other loads may be powered by energy storage device 240, including (multiple) indoor loads 270, which may include (multiple) indoor DC loads 318 and / or (multiple) indoor AC loads 308. The process returns to 600.

[0119] At any given time, the energy storage device 240 will lack sufficient charge, causing one or more components of the air conditioning system to require power solely from the AC power grid 302. The controller 220 can detect when the condition of the energy storage device 240 (such as state of charge (SOC), state of health (SoH), voltage, temperature, etc.) is outside acceptable limits for providing power to one or more components of the air conditioning system or other loads. If the condition of the energy storage device 240 is outside acceptable limits, one or more components of the air conditioning system and / or other loads will require power from the AC power grid 302. This causes discharging of the energy storage device 240 to stop and / or charging of the energy storage device 240 to begin.

[0120] If no request for reduced energy use is received from any of the 600 utilities or other sources, the process proceeds to 606, where controller 220 determines whether system 100 should use power from energy storage device 240. An example of a situation where system 100 should use power from energy storage device 240 occurs when utility electricity is at peak price, close to grid capacity, or at at least one of the grid capacities. This determination can be made in real time or previously using forecasts and transmitted from the utility to the air conditioning system. Peak price does not necessarily require the price for electricity to be at its maximum, but is generally referred to in the art as a period above the average energy cost. Whether the utility is at peak price can be determined by utility pricing obtained from remote system 410 or current or future weather information obtained from remote system 410. This information can also be stored locally at controller 220. If the utility is at peak price, close to grid capacity, or at grid capacity in at least one of these conditions, the process proceeds to 604, where one or more components of the air conditioning system and loads 270 (including indoor AC loads 308 and / or other loads) are powered by the energy storage device 240, either alone or in conjunction with the AC power grid 302. As noted above, the controller 220 can limit the amount of power drawn from the AC power grid 302 by controlling the various power converters 230 within the system. Utility power at peak price and grid capacity are not the only factors that can be relied upon in determining the power that the system should use from the energy storage device 240.

[0121] Regarding grid capacity, information about grid capacity and current grid load can be obtained from remote systems (such as utility pricing sources). If the AC power grid 302 is at or near grid capacity (e.g., within the grid capacity threshold and optionally increasing), it may be wise to use power from the energy storage device 240 to avoid power interruptions.

[0122] Another example of a situation where the system should use power from energy storage device 240 occurs when a user requests reduced energy use. The user can use thermostat 260 to place system 100 in a reduced energy use mode (e.g., eco-friendly mode), which causes the system to use power from energy storage device 240 to power one or more components of the air conditioning system.

[0123] In another example, the system may use power from energy storage device 240 based on machine learning (ML) and / or artificial intelligence (AI) control algorithms implemented by controller 220 based on data from box 602 (e.g., user consent) or data from box 600 (e.g., requests to reduce energy use).

[0124] If the system should not use power from energy storage device 240 at 606, the process proceeds to 608, where the energy storage device 240 is charged using AC power grid 302. At 610, controller 220 determines whether the battery condition is within acceptable limits, including state of charge (SOC), state of health (SoH), temperature, voltage, or conditions exceeding safety and / or operating limits. If so, the process returns to 600. At 610, controller 220 can detect parameters of energy storage device 240 to confirm that parameters such as battery health, operating range, temperature range, voltage, capacity, etc., are within valid limits.

[0125] It should be noted that the energy storage device 240 can be charged even when utility electricity is at peak prices. This can include failure modes, test modes, etc. Therefore, charging the energy storage device 240 is not limited to off-peak utility electricity price times.

[0126] If the energy storage device has a condition outside the acceptable limits at 610, the process proceeds to 612, where the energy storage device 240 can be charged if the SoC is low, or the energy storage device 240 can be completely disconnected if the energy storage device 240 is not operating in accordance with safety and / or operational limits.

[0127] Although Figure 9 This involves operating one or more components and / or other loads of the air conditioning system to reduce power consumption; however, other techniques can be used to reduce power consumption, such as using a variable speed drive to reduce compressor speed, changing the thermostat setpoint, etc. In other embodiments, the utility may request increased energy usage. This request may be a real-time request or a future request based on predicted conditions. Increased energy usage may include charging energy storage device 240.

[0128] If the thermostat 260 is equipped with a processor 261, then Figure 9One or more operations of the process may be performed by the thermostat 260. The processor 261 may be implemented using a general-purpose microprocessor that executes a computer program stored on a storage medium to perform the operations described herein. Alternatively, the processor 261 may be implemented in hardware (e.g., an ASIC, FPGA) or a combination of hardware and software. The controller 220 and the thermostat may be implemented in combination or separately. Figure 9 All or some of the operations in the operation.

[0129] In other embodiments, controller 220 and / or thermostat 260 execute system enhancement routines based on optimization (including model predictive control) or machine learning techniques to improve the performance of the entire air conditioning system, taking into account carbon impact, energy performance, energy cost, lifecycle cost, impact on equipment life, and reliability. System enhancement routines can operate with or without information about weather, occupancy, historical usage, customer preferences, equipment performance maps (HVAC, battery), and the likelihood of energy outages. Flexible machine learning techniques regarding customer preferences, usage, and decisions about temperature, cost, and environmental issues can be used to improve control logic and optimization. Other control strategies (such as precooling and preheating) that offer advantages in cost, performance, efficiency, environment, comfort, and reliability can be implemented by controller 220 and / or thermostat 260.

[0130] Figure 10 The electrical architecture of an air conditioning system 700 supporting a standby power mode is depicted in an example embodiment. The air conditioning system 700 is connected to an AC power grid 302 via a sensor switch 702 connected to an AC power bus 305. The sensor switch 702 acts as a disconnector between the AC power grid 302 and the AC power bus 305. The sensor switch 702 also monitors the presence of AC power from the AC power grid 302 and monitors the load on the AC power bus 305. The sensor switch 702 may be a single smart switch or a combination of a voltage / current sensor and a switch (e.g., a circuit breaker or relay). The sensor switch 702 communicates with a controller 220 via a wired and / or wireless connection. The AC power grid 302 is connected to an indoor AC load 308 on the AC bus 305.

[0131] The first unit 200 (e.g., an outdoor unit) includes a compressor 242 and a driver that includes an AC / DC converter 370 and a DC / AC converter 372. The output of the DC / AC converter 372 is supplied to the compressor 242. Both the AC / DC converter 370 and the DC / AC converter 372 operate under the control of a controller 220. Between the AC / DC converter 370 and the DC / AC converter 372 is a DC link 371 connected to an energy storage device 240. In this arrangement, the energy storage device 240 can be charged from an AC power grid 302 via the AC / DC converter 370. Alternatively, the energy storage device 240 can supply DC power to the DC link 371 to power the DC / AC converter 372 and the first unit 200, which includes the compressor 242. This allows the first unit 200 to operate independently of the AC power grid 302. The AC / DC converter 370 may be configured to operate bidirectionally in response to commands from the controller 220, allowing the first unit 200 to feed power from the energy storage device 240 to the AC power bus 305 and the indoor AC load 308.

[0132] DC link 371 may also be powered by one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, such as solar DC power, wind DC power, geothermal DC power, fuel cells, etc. A DC / DC converter 316 may be used to connect the auxiliary DC sources 314 to DC link 371. One or more auxiliary DC sources 314 may be used to power the first unit 200, including compressor 242, charge energy storage device 240, power indoor AC load 308, and feed power to AC power grid 302.

[0133] Figure 10 The first unit 200 is depicted in a normal operating mode available to the AC power grid 302. In normal operating mode, the controller 220 does not limit the operating speed of the compressor 242. Furthermore, the thermostat 260 can be set by the user to any temperature setpoint.

[0134] Figure 11 An air conditioning system 700 is depicted in its first standby power mode. Figure 11In this configuration, the AC power grid 302 does not provide power. Losses in the AC power grid 302 can be detected by a sensor switch 702, which communicates with the controller 220. In the first standby power mode, the first unit 200, including the compressor 242, is powered using the energy storage device 240 and / or an auxiliary DC source 314 (if present). The controller 220 modifies the operating parameters of the air conditioning system 700 to increase the operating time of the first unit 200, including the compressor 242. One operating parameter controlled by the controller 220 is the speed of the compressor 242. The controller 220 limits the operating speed of the compressor 242 to conserve power supplied from the energy storage device 240. Another operating parameter controlled by the controller 220 is the temperature setpoint at the thermostat 260. Controller 220 can set the temperature setpoint at thermostat 260 to a predetermined value (e.g., 75 degrees Fahrenheit), or offset the current temperature setpoint at thermostat 260 by an offset amount (e.g., +5 degrees Fahrenheit when in cooling mode). Controller 220 can control one or both of the operating speed of compressor 242 and the temperature setpoint at thermostat 260. Controlling one or both of these operating parameters reduces the energy consumption of the first unit 200, including compressor 242, and extends the operating time of the first unit 200 when power is supplied by energy storage device 240.

[0135] Figure 12 A second backup power mode is depicted in the example embodiment. Figure 12In this mode, the AC power grid 302 does not provide power. Losses in the AC power grid 302 can be detected by sensor switch 702, which communicates with controller 220. In the second standby power mode, the first unit 200, including compressor 242, is powered using energy storage device 240 and / or auxiliary DC source 314 (if present). Controller 220 modifies the operating parameters of the air conditioning system 700 to increase the operating time of the first unit 200, including compressor 242. One operating parameter controlled by controller 220 is the speed of compressor 242. Controller 220 limits the operating speed of compressor 242 to conserve power supplied from energy storage device 240. Another operating parameter controlled by controller 220 is the temperature setpoint at thermostat 260. Controller 220 can set the temperature setpoint at thermostat 260 to a predetermined value (e.g., 75 degrees Fahrenheit), or offset the current temperature setpoint at thermostat 260 by an amount (e.g., +5 degrees Fahrenheit when in cooling mode). Controller 220 can control one or both of the operating speed of compressor 242 and the temperature setpoint at thermostat 260. Controlling one or both of these operating parameters reduces the power consumption of the first unit 200, including compressor 242, and extends the operating time of the first unit 200 when power is supplied by energy storage device 240.

[0136] The second standby power mode also includes supplying power to the indoor AC load 308 using the energy storage device 240 and / or the auxiliary DC source 314 (if present). In the second standby power mode, the controller 220 configures the AC / DC converter 370 in bidirectional mode, such that DC power from the energy storage device 240 and / or the auxiliary DC source 314 (if present) is converted into AC power and applied to the AC power bus 305. The controller 220 also disconnects the sensor switch 702 to disconnect the AC power bus 305 from the AC power grid 302. The controller 220 may use the smart switch 702 to monitor the power consumption of the indoor AC load 308 and prioritize supplying power to the first unit 200, including the compressor 242, relative to the indoor AC load 308. For example, if the operating time of the first unit 200 (based on the current state of charge of the energy storage device 240) is less than a time limit (e.g., 4 hours), the controller 220 can put the AC / DC converter 370 into unidirectional mode, so that power from the energy storage device 240 is supplied only to the first unit 200 and not to the indoor AC load 308. This will switch the standby power mode from... Figure 12 The second backup power mode in the system is changed to Figure 11 The first backup power mode.

[0137] Figure 13The control process for standby power operation of the air conditioning system 700 in the example embodiment is described. The control process may be implemented by controller 220. At 710, controller 220 determines whether AC power grid 302 is available. This is performed by monitoring the power level sensed by sensor switch 702. If AC power grid 302 is available, then at 712, air conditioning system 700 operates in normal mode (e.g., ...). Figure 10 (As shown in the image).

[0138] If the AC power grid 302 is unavailable, the process proceeds to 714, where the controller 220 determines whether it is in the first standby power mode (e.g., ...). Figure 11 (as shown) or second backup power mode (such as) Figure 12 (As shown) Operation under the following conditions. The determination of operation in the first standby power mode or the second standby power mode may be based on the energy availability of the energy storage device 240 and / or the presence of one or more auxiliary DC sources 314. For example, the controller 220 may determine that the state of charge of the energy storage device 240 is insufficient to provide power to both the first unit 200, including the compressor 242, and the indoor AC load 308. The controller 220 may determine that one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 are absent, or do not provide sufficient power to provide power to both the first unit 200, including the compressor 242 and the fan, and the indoor AC load 308. In these cases, the first standby power mode is selected, and the process proceeds to 716.

[0139] At 716, controller 220 isolates AC bus 305 from energy storage device 240. This may not require affirmative operation, except to confirm that AC / DC converter 370 is in unidirectional mode, which only allows AC-to-DC conversion and prevents energy storage device 240 from providing power to AC bus 305.

[0140] At 718, the controller 220 can control one or both of the operating parameters of the air conditioning system 700 by adjusting the operating speed of the compressor 242 and the temperature setpoint at the thermostat 260.

[0141] At 720, power is supplied to the first unit 200, which includes the compressor 242, using energy storage device 240 and one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 (if present).

[0142] If controller 220 selects the second standby power mode at 714, the process proceeds to 722, where controller 220 connects energy storage device 240 to AC power bus 305 by configuring AC / DC converter 370 for bidirectional operation. Controller 220 disconnects sensor switch 702 to disconnect AC power bus 305 from AC power grid 302. DC power from energy storage device 240 is converted to AC power by AC / DC converter 370 and applied to AC power bus 305.

[0143] At 724, the controller 220 can control one or both of the operating parameters of the air conditioning system 700 by adjusting the operating speed of the compressor 242 and the temperature setpoint at the thermostat 260.

[0144] At 726, energy storage device 240 and one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 (if present) are used to provide power to the first unit 200, including compressor 242, and indoor AC load 308.

[0145] Both steps 720 and 726 can return to 710. In this way, controller 220 can switch between normal mode, first backup power mode and second backup power mode as appropriate.

[0146] Figure 13 The control process prioritizes power supply to the first unit 200, including the compressor 242, relative to other loads such as the indoor AC load 308.

[0147] Systems 100 and 700 identified above may have the same configuration as each other, or may be different as indicated above. Energy storage device 240 may also be referred to as energy storage system (ESS) 240. While ESS 240 may alternatively be referred to as battery 240 as indicated above, a specific battery within ESS 240 having multiple batteries may alternatively be referred to below as battery 243, such as... Figure 14A As shown in the figure.

[0148] Now turning to reference Figure 14A and Figure 14BEcosystem 1010 and the flowchart illustrate a method for identifying the health status of an ESS 240 of a system 100 connected to a smart grid 302 via an AC power bus 305, and for automatically taking corrective action if the ESS 240 is in an end-of-life (EOL) state. As shown, the ESS 240 includes at least one battery 243, and the ESS may have an ESS controller or a battery management system (BMS) 245. The criteria used to determine whether the ESS 240 in the AC power grid 302 (i.e., the smart grid) has reached an EOL state may differ from other applications such as battery-powered vehicles (e.g., EVs). In an EV, an ESS 240 that can only be charged to 80% or less of its peak capacity may be considered to have reached its EOL state. This is because reliably powering the various electrical systems of a vehicle that powers a battery over an extended continuous period of time is more critical than providing supplemental power to a residential air cooling or heating system. Therefore, for ESS 240 of system 100 which can be a residential system, if the operating cost is lower than the replacement cost of ESS 240, then ESS 240 can be considered to be operable and has not yet reached its EOL until the remaining capacity of ESS 240 drops below 50% of its peak design capacity.

[0149] According to an embodiment, the health of the ESS 240 of system 100 in smart grid 302 can be dynamically adjusted by controller 220 based on power demand, service capacity, and the condition of the ESS 240. This condition may include, for example, the total number of batteries 243 installed in the ESS 240, the total number of ESS 240s installed in the grid 302 in the area, the estimated amount of reserve power that can be stored in the ESS 240s, the seasonal cost of replacing the ESS 240s, and ambient temperature. The load on grid 302 can be a factor, as it is desirable to minimize grid load, for example, during peak usage periods (such as in hot summer months). If controller 220 can determine that a small number of systems 100 (e.g., within a certain area) have ESS 240s, there may be a determination to replace the ESS 240s more quickly compared to a scenario where many systems 100 in the area have ESS 240s. This is because each system 100 drawing power from grid 302 can cause overstress to grid 302. Therefore, it is desirable to operate each available ESS 240 at maximum capacity. Alternatively, if the ESS 240 has sufficient power to remain above the threshold for extended periods, there may be a possibility of delaying its removal from service for replacement, even if the ESS 240's performance is less than ideal. This could be due to the ESS 240's ability to add power to the virtual power plant (VPP), allowing the grid 302 to selectively rely on drawing power from the ESS 240, for example, during peak hours.

[0150] like Figure 14A As shown, system 100 is one of multiple systems 100A-100C, which are similarly configured and connected via grid 302, making ecosystem 1010 a virtual power plant (VPP). The VPP integrates various distributed energy resources (DERs), including rooftop solar panels, wind turbines, ESS 100A-100C distributed throughout the region, and demand response units such as generators, to balance energy supply and demand on a large scale. In the context of a VPP, SGcapacity refers to its solar power generation capacity, representing the total amount of electricity that can be generated from solar power resources within the VPP, for example, the total amount of electricity generated from solar panels distributed throughout the entire VPP within the region. SGcapacity helps determine how much solar energy can be contributed to grid 302 or used to meet local demand.

[0151] System 100 has a controller 220, which is operatively connected to ESS 240, for example, via BMS 245, and operatively connected to a central management service 1020 via network 1030, which, as a non-limiting example, may be an electricity utility. As a non-limiting example, the central management service 1020 may also be a cloud service.

[0152] refer to Figure 14B As shown in box 1410, the method includes the controller 220 requesting health status data 1040 for the ESS 240 from the ESS 240. Figure 14A ).

[0153] As shown in box 1420, the method includes the controller 220 determining, based on health status data 1040, whether the ESS 240 is functionally normal, i.e., whether the ESS 240 is in an EOL state.

[0154] If the determination at box 1420 is that ESS 240 is in an EOL state ("Yes" at 1420), then as shown in box 1430, the method includes the controller 220 transmitting a service request for replacing ESS 240 via network 1030, for example, to the central management service 1020. The process then ends.

[0155] If the determination at box 1420 is that ESS 240 is not in an EOL state ("No" at 1420), then as shown in box 1440, the method includes determining by controller 220, which communicates with ESS 240, whether ESS 240 can be charged to a level above a charging threshold, i.e., charged to at least 70%.

[0156] If the determination at box 1440 is that ESS 240 can charge above the charging threshold ("Yes" at box 1440), then the process ends.

[0157] If the determination at box 1440 is that ESS 240 cannot charge to a level higher than the charging threshold ("No" at box 1440), then as shown at box 1460, the method includes determining whether SGcapacity is higher than the threshold by a controller 220 communicating with, for example, a central management service 1020 via network 1030 smart grid 302.

[0158] If the determination at box 1450 is that SGCapacity is not higher than the SGCapacity threshold ("No" at box 1450), then the process ends. If SGCapacity is lower than the SGCapacity threshold, there is a risk of low-power operation in the VPP if the ESS 240 is taken offline for replacement, so replacement will not be requested in this case.

[0159] If the determination at box 1450 is that SGCapacity is higher than the SGCapacity threshold ("Yes" at box 1450), then as shown in box 1460, the method includes determining whether there are seasonally high costs for replacing ESS 240. This can be achieved via network 130 with central management service 1020 ( Figure 14A The communication controller 220 determines that the central management service 1020 can store the information in a lookup table that indicates the current price and whether the price is higher than a price threshold.

[0160] If the determination at box 1460 indicates that there is a seasonally high cost for replacing the ESS 240 ("Yes" at box 1460), then the process ends.

[0161] If the determination at box 1460 indicates that there is no seasonally high cost for replacing ESS 240 (“No” at box 1460), then as shown in box 1470, the method includes the controller 220 determining whether to recommend replacing ESS 240. This can be performed by the controller 220 using algorithm 1045 locally or at a central management service 1020, or by a trained generative artificial intelligence (AI) model 1050. Figure 14A This is to determine whether the failure of ESS 240 is imminent or unlikely to occur within a period below the threshold.

[0162] If the determination at box 1470 is "No" and replacing ESS 240 is not recommended (the value at box 1470 is "No"), then the process ends.

[0163] If the determination at box 1470 is to recommend replacing ESS 240 (Yes at box 1470), the process loops back to box 1430, where controller 220 transmits a service request for replacing ESS 240 via network 1030, for example, to central management service 102. The process then ends.

[0164] Go to Figure 15 Another flowchart illustrates a method for controlling an air conditioning system 100 powered by an ESS 240, including a battery 243. The ESS 240 is connected to an AC power grid 302 via an AC power bus 305 to charge the ESS 240.

[0165] As shown in box 1510, the method includes requesting health status data 1040 of ESS 240 from a controller 220 operatively coupled to system 100 and ESS 240. As shown in box 1520, the method includes determining the health status of ESS 240 based on the health status data. As shown in box 1530, the method includes requesting replacement of ESS 240 in response to the health status of ESS 240.

[0166] As shown in box 1540, the method includes the controller 220 requesting replacement of ESS 240 upon making a first determination that ESS 240 is in an end-of-life (EOL) state.

[0167] As shown in box 1550, the method includes a second determination by controller 220 that ESS 240 cannot be charged above a charging threshold before requesting replacement of ESS 240.

[0168] As shown in box 1560, the method includes a third determination by controller 220 before requesting replacement of ESS 240 and after the second determination, that the solar power generation capacity (SGCapacity) of the virtual power plant including system 100 is greater than the SGCapacity threshold.

[0169] As shown in box 1570, the method includes a fourth determination by controller 220 before requesting replacement of ESS 240 and after the third determination, that the cost of replacing ESS 240 is below a cost threshold.

[0170] As shown in box 1580, the method includes the controller 220 executing an algorithm on a non-transitory memory to make a fifth determination that the ESS should be replaced before requesting replacement of the ESS and after the fourth determination. As indicated, the algorithm may be a trained artificial intelligence (AI) model, and more specifically a generative AI model.

[0171] As shown in box 1590, the method includes the controller 220 analyzing weighted factors when determining whether to request replacement of ESS 240, including one or more of the following: the power required by ESS 240; the health status of ESS 240; the total number of batteries 243 installed in ESS 240; the expected amount of power that can be stored in ESS 240; the total number of ESS 240 connected to AC power grid 302 in a predetermined area; the expected amount of power that can be stored in that total number of ESS 240 connected to AC power grid 302 in the predetermined area; the cost of replacing ESS 240; or the ambient temperature.

[0172] As shown in box 1600, the method includes: (i) when the operating cost of ESS 240 over a predetermined time period is greater than the cost of replacing ESS 240; or (ii) when the additional operating profit of replacing ESS 240 over a predetermined time period is greater than a predetermined profit threshold compared to the operating profit of ESS 240, the controller 220 requests the replacement of ESS 240.

[0173] Benefits of the implementation include extended ESS 240 lifespan, reduced field service costs, and maximized backup energy available to the grid.

[0174] As described above, embodiments may take the form of processes implemented by a processor and devices (such as controller 220 and / or thermostat 260) for practicing those processes. Embodiments may also take the form of computer program code comprising instructions embodied in a tangible medium such as a network cloud storage device, SD card, flash drive, floppy disk, CD ROM, hard disk drive, or any other computer-readable storage medium, wherein when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by the computer, the computer becomes a device for practicing the embodiments. Embodiments may also take the form of computer program code, for example, whether stored in a storage medium, loaded into and / or executed by the computer, or transmitted through a transmission medium, such as via electrical wiring or cable, via optical fiber, or via electromagnetic radiation, wherein when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by the computer, the computer becomes a device for practicing the embodiments. When implemented on a general-purpose microprocessor, the computer program code segments configure the microprocessor to create specific logic circuits.

[0175] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “comprising” and / or “including” specify the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0176] Those skilled in the art will recognize that various exemplary embodiments are shown and described herein, each having certain features in a particular embodiment, but this disclosure is not intended to be limited thereto. Rather, modifications may be made to this disclosure to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, combinations, sub-combinations, or equivalent arrangements not previously described but commensurate with the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, while various embodiments of this disclosure have been described, it will be understood that aspects of this disclosure may include only some of the described embodiments. Therefore, this disclosure should not be considered limited to the foregoing description, but only to the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for regulating air, the system comprising: Controller; An energy storage system (ESS), which is a battery, wherein the ESS is operable to provide power to the system; and An AC power bus is used to connect the system to an AC power grid to selectively charge the ESS; The controller is configured as follows: Request the health status data of the ESS from the ESS; The health status of the ESS is determined based on the health status data; and In response to the health status of the ESS, a request is made to replace the ESS.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to request the replacement of the ESS upon making a first determination that the ESS is in an end-of-life (EOL) state.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Prior to the request to replace the ESS, the controller is configured to make a second determination that the ESS cannot be charged above a charging threshold.

4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The system is connected to a virtual power plant; and Before the request to replace the ESS and after the second determination, the controller is configured to make a third determination that the solar power generation capacity (SGCapacity) of the virtual power plant is greater than the SGCapacity threshold.

5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, Before the request to replace the ESS and after the third determination, the controller is configured to make a fourth determination that the cost of replacing the ESS is below a cost threshold.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, Before the request to replace the ESS and after the fourth determination, the controller is configured to execute an algorithm on non-transitory memory to make a fifth determination that the ESS should be replaced.

7. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The algorithm is a trained artificial intelligence model (AI model).

8. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The AI ​​model is a generative model.

9. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, When determining whether to request the replacement of the ESS, the controller is configured to analyze one or more variables, including: the power required by the ESS; the health status of the ESS; the total number of batteries installed in the ESS; the expected amount of power that can be stored in the ESS; the total number of ESSs connected to the AC power grid within a predetermined area; the expected amount of power that can be stored in the total number of ESSs connected to the AC power grid within the predetermined area; the cost of replacing the ESS; or the ambient temperature.

10. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The controller is configured to: when the operating cost of the ESS within a predetermined time period is greater than the cost of replacing the ESS; or When the additional operating profit of replacing the ESS within a predetermined time period is greater than a predetermined profit threshold compared to the operating profit of the ESS itself. The request is to replace the ESS.

11. A method for controlling a system for regulating air, said system being powered by an energy storage system (ESS) including a battery, wherein, The ESS is connected to the AC power grid via an AC power bus to charge the ESS, and the method includes: The controller, which is operatively connected to the system and the ESS, requests the health status data of the ESS; The health status of the ESS is determined based on the health status data; and In response to the health status of the ESS, a request is made to replace the ESS.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising requesting the replacement of the ESS by the controller upon making a first determination that the ESS is in an end-of-life (EOL) state.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, Before requesting the replacement ESS, the method includes a second determination by the controller that the ESS cannot be charged above a charging threshold.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein, Before requesting the replacement of the ESS and after the second determination, the method includes a third determination by the controller that the solar power generation capacity (SGCapacity) of the virtual power plant is greater than the SGCapacity threshold.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein, Before requesting the replacement ESS and after the third determination, the method includes a fourth determination by the controller that the cost of replacing the ESS is below a cost threshold.

16. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein, Before requesting the replacement of the ESS and after the fourth determination, the method includes the controller executing an algorithm on a non-transitory memory to make a fifth determination that the ESS should be replaced.

17. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein, The algorithm is a trained artificial intelligence model (AI model).

18. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein, The AI ​​model is a generative model.

19. The method of any one of claims 11 to 18, further comprising the controller analyzing, when determining whether to request a replacement ESS, one or more of the following factors: the power required by the ESS; the health status of the ESS; the total number of batteries installed in the ESS; the expected amount of power that can be stored in the ESS; the total number of ESSs connected to the AC power grid within a predetermined area; the expected amount of power that can be stored in the total number of ESSs connected to the AC power grid within the predetermined area; the cost of replacing the ESS; or the ambient temperature.

20. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 19, comprising: When the operating cost of the ESS within a predetermined time period is greater than the cost of replacing the ESS; or When the additional operating profit of replacing the ESS within a predetermined time period is greater than a predetermined profit threshold compared to the operating profit of the ESS itself. The controller requests the replacement of the ESS.

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