Cover with illuminated display for an energy storage system

Abstract

Cover (4) for an energy storage system (1), wherein the cover (4) has an illuminated display (5) divided into a plurality of segments (12), wherein the illuminated display (5) has at least one illuminating means (6) in each of the segments (12), which illuminating means are configured to be controlled in such a way that a luminous signal generated by the illuminated display (5) represents a status of the energy storage system (1), and wherein the cover (4) can be attached in or to the energy storage system (1) such that the illuminated display (5) interacts with a housing part (3) of the energy storage system (1) in such a way that the luminous signal of the illuminated display (5) is at least partially visible through an annular mask (2) of the housing part (3).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a cover with a light indicator for an energy storage system, an energy storage system with such a cover and a system for controlling a light indicator.

[0002] The expansion of solar energy continues to advance. More and more buildings, especially private households, are being equipped with solar systems. Energy storage systems are essential components for maximizing the efficiency and usability of solar power. Such systems typically have several main components, including batteries, inverters, charge and discharge controllers, and an energy management system (EMS). The main function of energy storage systems is to store excess solar power generated during the day and make it available when needed, for example, in the evening or during periods of low sunshine. This increases the self-consumption rate and reduces dependence on the public power grid.

[0003] Such an energy storage system can be provided with a display to indicate, for example, an operating mode, the amount of energy consumed or available, critical events, system events, etc. This can in particular be a corresponding display, for example with an LCD or OLED, which is attached to a front of the system, such as a front panel. However, such displays are complex to program and control and relatively expensive. Therefore, one or more simple LED lights can be provided, such as a status LED or the like. Although these are inexpensive, they offer only a limited range of functions because, although they can be multi-colored, they can often only light up constantly or flash.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved solution for a display for an energy storage system.

[0005] This object is achieved according to the teaching of the independent claims. Various embodiments and further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] A first aspect of the solution presented here relates to a cover for an energy storage system. The cover has an illuminated display divided into several segments, wherein the illuminated display has at least one illuminant in each of the segments, which is configured to be controlled such that a luminous signal generated by the illuminated display represents a status of the energy storage system. The cover can be attached in or to the energy storage system such that the luminous display interacts with a housing part, such as a panel, in particular a front panel, of the energy storage system such that the luminous signal of the illuminated display is at least partially visible through a mask of the housing part. In this way, the luminous signal can be seen from the outside of the energy storage system, for example in the area of ​​a front panel. The mask is designed such that the luminous signal visible from the outside is ring-shaped.The mask can be used to achieve additional optical effects, such as a specific shape. For example, a backlit logo, such as a manufacturer's logo, can be used to indicate status via the illuminated display. It should be noted that the mask can also be seen as part of the illuminated display, as the mask, in particular, creates the actual visual impression for the viewer.

[0007] The term "annular" refers to a surface area bounded by two closed curves or polygons. Combinations of curves and polygons are also included in this term. The annular shape can be the edge of a circle and can also be formed by a closed polygon and / or a closed sequence of straight and / or curved line segments.

[0008] The term “energy storage system” used here refers in particular to a system which can store and release electrical energy by means of at least one energy storage device, in particular in the form of at least one (rechargeable) battery (accumulator). In particular, the energy storage system can be a stationary energy storage system, i.e. it can be permanently installed in a building. The main function of the energy storage system is in particular to store excess energy, in particular solar power produced during the day, and to make it available again when needed, for example in the evening or during periods of little sunshine. The energy storage system is therefore designed in particular for use with a corresponding solar system.

[0009] This can particularly involve applications in private households, but also in other buildings.

[0010] The terms "comprises," "includes," "has," "includes," "has," "has," "having," or any other variation thereof, where used, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a method or apparatus that includes or has a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or that are inherent in such a method or apparatus.

[0011] Furthermore, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive "or" and not an exclusive "or." For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by one of the following conditions: A is true (or present) and B is false (or absent), A is false (or absent) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0012] The terms "a" or "an" as used herein are defined as "one or more." The terms "another" and "another," and any other variations thereof, are defined as "at least one other."

[0013] The term “plurality” or “several” as used here shall be understood to mean “two or more”.

[0014] The terms “configured” or “set up” to fulfil a specific function (and respective variations thereof) which may be used within the meaning of the invention are to be understood as meaning that the corresponding device is already in a design or setting in which it can carry out the function or is at least adjustable – i.e. configurable – so that it can carry out the function after being set accordingly. The configuration can be carried out, for example, by appropriately setting parameters of a process sequence or of switches or the like for activating or deactivating functionalities or settings. In particular, the device can have a plurality of predetermined configurations or operating modes, so that the configuration can be carried out by selecting one of these configurations or operating modes.

[0015] Various exemplary embodiments of the cover are described below, each of which, unless expressly excluded or technically impossible, can be combined with each other as well as with the other aspects of the present solution described.

[0016] In some embodiments, the cover is mountable in or on the energy storage system such that it forms a protective barrier between terminals of the energy storage system and the environment, in particular to prevent accidental contact with the electrical terminals of the energy storage system.

[0017] The cover according to these embodiments is thus a multi-purpose cover that has both a protective and an illuminating function. In an assembled or closed state, it encloses an area of ​​the energy storage system in which the terminals, plug connections, etc. are located, thus protecting a user from electrical hazards during assembly, disassembly, or maintenance of the energy storage system. Furthermore, internal system components of the energy storage system, in particular the terminals, are protected from ambient moisture and dust. In a disassembled or opened state, a user is allowed safe access to the terminals, particularly when mounting the energy storage system on high-voltage components.Furthermore, the cover provides segmented illumination for indicating the status of an energy storage system, in particular for displaying programmable numerical information, animations, and the like, appropriately through static and / or dynamic control of the light sources. The illuminated indicator thus offers more options for status indication than simple LEDs, while also being considerably simpler and more cost-effective than a display. In these embodiments, it can be referred to as a protective cover.

[0018] In some embodiments, the segments are arranged in a circle. By arranging the segments in a circle, the illuminated display can be used in particular for displays in the form of circular disks or circular rings. This arrangement of the segments offers a variety of status display options in a compact space, especially compared to, for example, a linear sequence. For example, circular animations are also easy for a viewer to understand. For example, a charging status can be represented by a clockwise rotation and a discharging status by a counterclockwise rotation. A variety of design options using other animations, including color schemes, are conceivable.

[0019] The number of illuminated segments can be varied, especially depending on desired requirements. For example, the number of segments can be adapted to the numerical resolution requirements of the energy storage system (e.g., higher resolution for systems with higher storage capacity). For example, the number of illuminated segments can indicate a charge level. In a special example, twelve segments can be provided in a circle, similar to the hours on a clock.

[0020] In some embodiments, the lighting means are embodied as LEDs arranged on a flexible circuit board, wherein the flexible circuit board is arranged in the illuminated display such that at least one of the LEDs is arranged in each segment in order to illuminate the corresponding segment. The flexible circuit board (in particular as an "LED strip") can in particular be bent accordingly in order to reach each of the segments. In a circular arrangement, for example, a flexible circuit board in the form of a strip can run in an inner part so that the LEDs point outwards and thereby indirectly illuminate the respective segment. In this way, uniform illumination can be achieved.

[0021] In some embodiments, the illuminated display further comprises a reflector device which is arranged and configured such that it generates, for each segment, a reflection of a light signal from a light source of the respective segment that is distinct from neighboring segments. In addition, a reflector structure can be arranged in each segment, for example opposite the respective light source. The reflector device is in particular made of a material or has a surface such that light is at least partially reflected, for example a bright or white surface or a reflective surface. By separating the segments, the individual light signals from the light sources in the segments are not mixed, which can improve the overall impression, for example when the segments have different colors.Additional reflector structures can achieve further effects, such as improved reflection or, conversely, shading of certain areas of the segments.

[0022] In some embodiments, the illuminated display further comprises a light-guiding device arranged and configured to guide light signals from the lighting means into the segments. In particular, a light signal from indirect lateral illumination can thus be distributed homogeneously across the surfaces of the segments.

[0023] In some embodiments, the illuminated display further comprises a diffuser device. This allows diffused illumination to be achieved, making the illuminated points of the individual LEDs or the separate illumination of the individual segments less conspicuous and achieving a uniform illumination result.

[0024] By varying the optical reflection properties of the reflector device and the optical light collection / diffusion properties of the light guide device or diffuser device, uniform illumination of individual segments can be flexibly designed.

[0025] A second aspect of the present solution relates to an energy storage system with a cover according to the first aspect, as well as a housing part, such as a panel, in particular a front panel, which has an at least partially transparent mask, wherein the cover is mounted in or on the energy storage system such that the illuminated display interacts with the housing part such that the luminous signal of the illuminated display is at least partially visible through the mask. As mentioned above, for example, a logo, such as a manufacturer's logo, which then forms the mask, can be used on a front panel for status display by backlighting using the lighting device.

[0026] In some embodiments of the energy storage system, the illuminated display touches the mask or is very close to the mask, e.g., at most 2 cm from the mask. By spatially proximate the illuminated cover to the housing part, the light sources (LEDs) can be operated at reduced brightness (for a given target segment surface brightness), which can reduce the inherent energy consumption of the illuminated display. The service life of the individual LEDs in the segments can also be extended by operating at lower brightness due to the associated reduced power loss.

[0027] In some embodiments of the energy storage system, it comprises a control device for controlling the light indicator, wherein the control device is different from a main control device of the energy storage system. By using such a separate control device, the light indicator can receive the status information independently of the main control device of the energy storage system. This reduces the data processing load on the main control device and facilitates the display of the system status using the light indicator, for example, during transition events such as system software updates. The control device can receive the system status from the main control device and then control the light indicator accordingly based on this.

[0028] A third aspect of the present solution relates to a system for controlling a light indicator, in particular a light indicator of a cover according to the first aspect or a light indicator in an energy storage system according to the second aspect. The light indicator is divided into several segments and has at least one light source in each of the segments. The system comprises a main control device of the energy storage system and a control device of the light indicator. The control device of the light indicator is configured to receive status data of the energy storage system from the main control device of the energy storage system and to control the light indicator, in particular the light sources (individually or together), based on the received status data, such that a light signal generated by the light indicator represents a status of the energy storage system.

[0029] In some embodiments of the system, the control device of the light display is configured to control the light sources statically and / or dynamically, so that the light signal generated by the light display represents programmable numerical information and / or animations regarding the status of the energy storage system.

[0030] In some embodiments of the system, the control device of the illuminated display is configured to control the illuminants individually to individually adjust the brightness and / or color of individual illuminants, or jointly to adjust the brightness and / or color of all illuminants together. For example, the optical properties of each segment can be individually optimized to compensate for technical tolerances and uniform lighting requirements. Alternatively, the optical properties of the segments can also be jointly optimized to compensate for technical tolerances and uniform lighting requirements.

[0031] The features and advantages explained with respect to one aspect of this solution also apply accordingly to the other aspects of the solution.

[0032] Further advantages, features and possible applications of this solution will become apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings.

[0033] It shows: Fig. 1 a front view of an energy storage system; Fig. 2 an embodiment of a cover with illuminated display; Fig. 3 schematically shows a structure of a light display; Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating the control of a light indicator; Fig. 5 a segmented reflector device; Fig. 6 a cover with the reflector device made of Fig. 5; Fig. 7 schematically shows an energy storage system with a cover with illuminated display in an exploded view; Fig. 8 a mounted cover; Fig. 9 an example of illumination of the illuminated display (without mask); Fig. 10 another example of illumination of the illuminated display (without mask); Fig. 11 Examples of illumination of the illuminated display (with mask); and Fig. 12 examples of alternative masks.

[0034] In the figures, like reference numerals designate like, similar, or corresponding elements. Elements shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Rather, the various elements shown in the figures are depicted in such a way that their function and general purpose will be understood by those skilled in the art. Connections and couplings between functional units and elements shown in the figures can also be implemented as indirect connections or couplings, unless expressly stated otherwise. Functional units can, in particular, be implemented as hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0035] Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of an energy storage system 1 in a front view, ie in particular a view of a housing part 3, which here is a front panel. An annular mask 2 can be seen, which is illuminated by means of an illuminated display 5. A cover 4 with an illuminated display 5 is shown in Fig. 2 and is explained in more detail below.

[0036] Fig. 3 shows a schematic structure of the illuminated display 5. Illuminants 6 in the form of LEDs are supplied with electrical energy and controlled by control signals 7 (see also explanations for control in connection with Fig. 4). Light signals from the LEDs 6 are reflected by a reflector device 8. This is segmented, with the number of segments corresponding to the number of LEDs 6 (see also Fig. 5). This achieves indirect illumination of the segments. The reflected light then passes through a transparent or translucent diffuser device 9, whereby a uniform illumination appearance is achieved by appropriate roughness of the diffuser device 9. This diffuse light then passes through the mask 2 in the housing part 3 to achieve a desired shape, which a viewer 10 then ultimately sees on the energy storage system 1 for status display (cf. Fig. 1). Optionally, a light-guiding device 17 can be provided, which can further improve the homogeneity of the illumination of the segments without compromising the brightness.

[0037] In Fig. 4 schematically shows a system for controlling the illuminated display 5. The main control device 20 of the energy storage system controls the system components, in particular a user interface 21, a battery management system 22, an inverter 23, and measuring devices 24, and sends and receives corresponding control signals. Status data 25 is sent to the control device 30 of the illuminated display 5. Corresponding control signals 34, together with electrical energy 33, are sent from a power supply 31 via a corresponding interface 32 for electrical energy and control signals to the illuminated display 5, thereby operating and controlling it. By providing a separate control device 30 for the illuminated display 5 in addition to the main control device 20, it is achieved that status information can be displayed by means of the illuminated display 5 even while, for example, the software of the main control device 20 is being updated.

[0038] Fig. 5 shows a segmented reflector device 8, in this case with twelve segments 12 separated from each other by partitions 13. This ensures that the illumination by the LEDs 6 is not mixed across the segments 12. The LEDs 6 are arranged on a flexible circuit board 11 (as an "LED strip"), which extends around a core such that the LEDs 6 radiate radially outward. Thus, the segments 12 are indirectly illuminated, with the light (the luminous signals) of the LEDs 6 being reflected by the bright surface of the reflector device 8. In this case, one LED 6 is provided per segment 12. Additional reflector structures 14 can be provided to achieve further optical effects. A connecting cable 15 extends from the outside toward the center of the flexible circuit board 11 so that the illuminated display 5 can be connected to the control device 30.

[0039] In Fig. 6 shows the reflector device 8 mounted in the cover 4. This consists here of a plate made of a transparent material, since the reflector device (and in particular also the LEDs 6) is mounted on the back of the plate (see also Fig. 7). The design shown achieves an optimal protective function, since the cover, in addition to providing illumination, also serves to protect the system components, in particular terminals 16 of the energy storage system 1, or conversely, to protect a user from electrical hazards.

[0040] Fig. 7 shows (in an exploded view) the arrangement of the cover 4 with the illuminated display 5 on the energy storage system 1, in particular on the area with the connections 16. The housing part 3 closes the front of the energy storage system 1, whereby the lighting for the status display can then be seen through the mask 2.

[0041] In Fig. The cover is shown in Figure 8, particularly clamped and / or screwed on by means of hooks, thereby achieving the described protective function. For system installation or maintenance purposes, the cover 4 can be removed to access the connections 16.

[0042] In Fig. 9 and Fig. Figure 10 shows two examples of light patterns for a light display 5. Without the mask 2, the light points of the individual LEDs 6 and the segments 12 are visible. The light patterns differ primarily in their type (e.g., color) and brightness. See also Fig. 2 for another example of a lighting pattern.

[0043] In Fig. Figure 11 shows various examples of lighting patterns that can be achieved using the light display 5 and a mask 2. These can be static or dynamic (moving / animated) and single-color or multi-color, so that they each represent a specific status of the energy storage system 1. The lighting designs can be programmable to represent different statuses, even of different energy storage systems 1, according to individual requirements.

[0044] In Fig. 12 shows examples of alternative masks, where Fig. 11-1 is mask 2, which is used for the examples from Fig. 10 was used. Due to the circular arrangement of the segments 12, the illuminated display 5 is particularly compatible with any circular masks, for example, with individual dots or alternative circular disk-shaped or circular ring-shaped designs, continuous or with interruptions. It is understood that any design can be selected according to individual requirements.

[0045] The expert will readily recognize that the Fig. 1, the housing cover 3 having the mask 2 and the one shown for example in Fig. 6 and Fig.7, the cover 4 shown can be designed as a single component and / or can also be assembled from a plurality of components if the cover 4 is not designed as a protective cover to protect against contact with the electrical connections of the energy storage system. The housing cover 3, like the cover 4, can have the mask 2 or a portion of this mask. The mask 2 can be applied to the housing cover 3 or the cover 4, for example, in the form of a plastic film, which can be self-adhesive, or by printing.

[0046] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciated that a wide variety of variations exist. It should also be understood that the described exemplary embodiments are merely non-limiting examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the devices and methods described herein. Rather, the foregoing description will provide one skilled in the art with guidance for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes in the operation and arrangement of the elements described in an exemplary embodiment may be made without departing from the subject matter as defined in the appended claims, as well as their legal equivalents. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 energy storage system 2 Mask 3 Housing part (front panel) 4 Cover 5 LED indicators 6 bulbs 7 electrical energy and control signals 8 Reflector device 9 Diffuser device 10 viewers 11 flexible circuit board 12 segments 13 Separation 14 Reflector structure 15 connection cables 16 connections 17 Light guide device 20 Main control device 21 User interface 22 Battery management system 23 inverters 24 measuring devices 25 status data 30 Control device 31 Power supply 32 Interface for electrical energy and control signals 33 electrical energy 34 control signals

Claims

[1] Cover (4) for an energy storage system (1), wherein the cover (4) has a light-emitting display (5) divided into a plurality of segments (12), wherein the light-emitting display (5) has at least one light-emitting means (6) in each of the segments (12), which light-emitting means are designed to be controlled in such a way that a light signal generated by the light-emitting display (5) represents a status of the energy storage system (1), and wherein the cover (4) can be attached in or on the energy storage system (1) such that the light-emitting display (5) interacts with a housing part (3) of the energy storage system (1) in such a way that the light signal of the light-emitting display (5) is at least partially visible through an annular mask (2) of the housing part (3). [2] Cover according to claim 1, wherein the cover (4) can be mounted in or on the energy storage system (1) in such a way that it forms a protective barrier between terminals (16) of the energy storage system (1) and the environment. [3] Cover according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the segments (12) are arranged in a circle. [4] Cover according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lighting means (6) are designed as LEDs which are arranged on a flexible printed circuit board (11), wherein the flexible printed circuit board (11) is arranged in the illuminated display (5) in such a way that in each of the segments (12) at least one of the lighting means (6) is arranged in order to illuminate the corresponding segment (12). [5] Cover according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the illuminated display (5) further comprises a reflector device (8) which is arranged and configured such that it generates, for each of the segments (12), a reflection of a light signal of a light source (6) of the respective segment (12) which is delimited from adjacent segments (12). [6] Energy storage system (1) with a cover (4) according to one of the preceding claims and a housing part (3) which has an at least partially transparent mask (2), wherein the cover (4) is mounted in or on the energy storage system (1) in such a way that the illuminated display (5) interacts with the housing part (3) in such a way that the luminous signal of the illuminated display (5) is at least partially visible through the mask (2). [7] Energy storage system according to claim 6, further comprising a control device (30) for controlling the light display (5), wherein the control device (30) is different from a main control device (20) of the energy storage system (1). [8] System for controlling a light indicator (5), in particular a light indicator (5) of a cover (4) according to one of claims 1 to 5 or a light indicator (5) in an energy storage system (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the light indicator (5) is divided into several segments (12) and has at least one light source (6) in each of the segments (12), wherein the system comprises a main control device (20) of the energy storage system (1) and a control device (30) of the light indicator (5), wherein the control device (30) of the light indicator (5) is configured: - to receive status data (25) of the energy storage system (1) from the main control device (20) of the energy storage system (1); and - to control the lighting means (6) based on the received status data (25) so that a light signal generated by the light display (5) represents a status of the energy storage system (1). [9] System according to claim 8, wherein the control device (30) of the illuminated display (5) is arranged to control the lighting means (6) statically and / or dynamically, so that the light signal generated by the illuminated display (5) represents programmable numerical information and / or animations regarding the status of the energy storage system (1). [10] System according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the control device (30) of the illuminated display (5) is configured to control the lighting means (6) individually in order to individually adjust a brightness and / or color of individual lighting means (6), or wherein the control device (30) of the illuminated display (5) is configured to control the lighting means (6) together in order to adjust a brightness and / or color of the lighting means (6) together.

Images