Energy storage system control system

Abstract

A control system 100 for an Energy Storage System (ESS) 102 is hardware and communication protocol agnostic and sits outside of a traditional ESS. The ESS 102 comprises a storage battery 110 and an el

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a control system for an Energy Storage System (ESS), and in particular a control system which is hardware and communication protocol agnostic and sits outside of a traditional ESS. BACKGROUND Energy storage systems (ESS) are well known in the art. These typically comprise a battery, an electrical current conversion device and are coupled to an electrical power source which usually takes the form of an electrical grid. Control systems for an ESS are also well known in the art. These control systems are typically integrated within the ESS, such as within the battery or electrical current conversion device, to provide “smart” functionality of ESS components. Known control systems for an ESS do not have the capability to be upgraded to adapt to new use cases due to the control system being integrated within the hardware and the user being unable to access or modify the control system. This results in new or different ESS hardware being required each time the use case changes, and therefore limits the use cases to those provided by the manufacturer. Known control systems for an ESS are also hardware and communication protocol specific and therefore should a user wish to add additional or improved hardware to an ESS, the hardware must not only be compatible but also use the same communication protocol otherwise it will be unable to properly interface with the control system within the existing ESS hardware. However, in many instances the necessary hardware and / or communication protocols are not available from the specific technology provider and thus the ESS is unable to be adapted. The user has no option but to choose whether to forego the desired modification or whether to set up a new ESS with hardware capable of providing the required functionality. Therefore, there exists a need for a control system for an ESS that can sit externally to an existing ESS in order to adapt to new use cases without the need for a change of hardware whilst being hardware and communication protocol agnostic to implement new hardware without the need for a new control system. There also exists a need for such a control system that provides greater functionality for, and control over, the ESS. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE According to a first aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a control system for at least one Energy Storage System (ESS). The, or each, ESS comprises a storage battery and an electrical current conversion device. The ESS is coupled to an electrical power source and an electrical load for charging and discharging, respectively, the storage battery via the electrical current conversion device. The control system comprises a first interface configured to communicatively couple the control system to a storage battery of the, or each, ESS, wherein the first interface is configured to receive storage battery data from the, or each, storage battery. The control system further comprises a second interface configured to communicatively couple the control system to an electrical current conversion device of the, or each, ESS, wherein the second interface is configured to receive electrical current conversion device data from the, or each, electrical current conversion device. The control system further comprises a third interface configured to receive a first control input, the first control input comprising at least one of: a first user input; an external environmental data input; and an external operational data input. The control system is configured to control the operation of the electrical current conversion device, or, when there is a plurality of electrical current conversion devices, at least one of the electrical current conversion devices via the second interface, in dependence on the first control input and at least one of: the storage battery data, or, when there is a plurality of storage batteries, the storage battery data of at least one of the storage batteries; and the electrical current conversion device data, or, when there is a plurality of electrical current conversion devices, at least one of the electrical current conversion devices. The control system having a first and second interface enables the control system to sit externally to the ESS whilst interfacing directly with the storage battery and the electrical current conversion device. This enables the control system to be hardware and communication protocol agnostic so that ESS hardware, i.e. the battery and / or electrical current conversion device, can be changed without the requirement for a new control system. Further, in some examples, it enables one control system to interface with, and control, multiple ESSs. Preferably, in such examples, the ESSs are also electrically coupled together such that power can be imported and exported between the ESSs. The first interface being configured to receive storage battery data enables status monitoring of the storage battery regardless of the storage battery capability. This effectively provides the end user with the equivalent of smart battery functionality without the requirement of such a battery to be present within the ESS. The second interface being configured to receive electrical current conversion device data enables monitoring of the entire ESS via the control system regardless of the electrical current conversion device capability. This effectively provides the end user with the equivalent of smart electrical current conversion device functionality without the requirement of such an electrical current conversion device to be present within the ESS. The third interface being configured to receive a first control input enables a greater range of data to be input to the control system which can improve the reliability of the control system in meeting demands on the ESS. The control system being configured to control the operation of the electrical current conversion device via the second interface, in dependence on the first control input and at least one of: the storage battery data; and the electrical current conversion device data enables the control system to automatically adapt electrical current conversion device control parameters based on an external data source and at least one internal data source which can help improve the reliability of the control system in meeting demands on the ESS. As described above, in some examples, one control system is provided which interfaces with, and controls, multiple ESSs. In this example, the control system may control one ESS in dependence on data, such as storage battery data or electrical current conversion data, received from one or more of the other ESSs. In particular when the plurality of ESSs are electrically coupled together, this enables the plurality of ESSs to be controlled as if they were a distributed energy storage system As will be appreciated, the electrical power source may comprise a plurality of electrical power sources, and the electrical load may comprise a plurality of electrical loads. Preferably the control system is further configured to control the operation of the storage battery, or, when there is a plurality of storage batteries, at least one of the storage batteries via the first interface, in dependence on the first control input and at least one of: the storage battery data, or, when there is a plurality of storage batteries, the storage battery data of at least one of the storage batteries; and the electrical current conversion device data or, when there is a plurality of electrical current conversion devices, at least one of the electrical current conversion devices. The control system being configured to control the operation of the storage battery via the first interface, in dependence on the first control input and at least one of: the storage battery data; and the electrical current conversion device data enables the control system to automatically adapt storage battery control parameters based on an 3 external data source and at least one internal data source which can help improve the reliability of the control system in meeting demands on the ESS. Preferably the control system is further configured to modify configuration data of the electrical current conversion device or, when there is a plurality of electrical current conversion devices, at least one of the electrical current conversion devices, via the second interface, in dependence on the first control input. The control system being configured to modify configuration data of the electrical current conversion device via the second interface, in dependence on the first control input enables the control system to modify control parameters of the electrical current conversion device based on an external input which can help improve the reliability of the control system in meeting demands on the ESS. Preferably the control system is further configured to modify configuration data of the storage battery, or, when there is a plurality of storage batteries, at least one of the storage batteries, via the first interface, in dependence on the first control input. The control system being configured to modify configuration data of the storage battery via the first interface, in dependence on the first control input enables the control system to modify control parameters of the storage battery based on an external input which can help improve the reliability of the control system in meeting demands on the ESS. Preferably the storage battery data comprises at least one of: state of charge; capacity; maximum charge rate; maximum discharge rate; maximum and minimum voltage; current supplied to the battery; power supplied to the battery; storage battery status; and storage battery temperature. Storage battery data can be used to provide the control system and the user with real-time monitoring of the condition of the storage battery. This data could also be used to modify configuration and operational parameters of the storage battery and / or the electrical current conversion device. Preferably the electrical current conversion data comprises at least one of: power generation values; power consumption values; power supply status; and real-time capability information. Electrical current conversion device data can be used to provide the control system and the user with real-time monitoring of the electrical current conversion device. This data could also be used to modify configuration and operational parameters of the electrical current conversion device and / or the storage battery. Preferably the first user input comprises at least one of: a control system firmware update; location data; a user-defined control parameter; and a user-defined use case. The user-defined control parameter may be at least one of: a minimum state of charge for the storage battery; and a maximum state of charge for the storage battery. A first user input can allow the user to provide the control system with data which can temporarily or permanently modify the use case of the ESS. Providing this data to the control system can result in a more versatile use of the ESS as well as increased reliability of the ESS in meeting electricity demands. The location data may comprise location data of the ESS, and I or location data of the user. When the location data is that of the user, the control system may use that user location data to determine how the ESS is controlled. For example, when the location data indicates that the user is away from the location of the ESS, i.e. their home, the control system may reduce the power supplied to an electrical heating system of the home. Further, the control system may determine that the user location data indicates that the user is returning home but will not be home for 1 hour, for example, and will control the electrical heating system such that the required temperature is achieved only at the time when the user arrives home, to reduce overall power consumption. The user location data may be limited to “user at home”, and “user not at home, and is X km away”, or the user location data may comprise location data for the user within the home. In this latter case, the local user location data may comprise the room within which the user is currently. Such local user location data may be used by the control system to control the electrical loads more precisely, for example if the user enters the kitchen, the refrigerator may be turned on, if it were currently turned off to reduce power consumption. The local user location data may be provided by proximity sensors, wi-fi triangulation; or the like. Preferably the external environmental input comprises at least one of: wind forecast; solar generation forecast; local cloud coverage data; extreme weather warnings; and temperature forecast. The external environmental input may comprise historical data for any or all of the above inputs. External environmental data can be used by the control system to better account for a reduction or surplus of available energy to the ESS as well as possible increased demand on the ESS. External environmental data can also be used by the control system to protect the ESS from potential damage. Preferably the external operational input comprises at least one of: electrical power source status; electrical load status; forecast power outages; and variable electricity tariff data. The external operational input may also comprise the carbon intensity value of the electrical power source. When the electrical power source comprises the mains electrical grid, the carbon intensity value of the electrical power source may be the grid level carbon intensity value. The carbon intensity value may be a normalised carbon impact value, and / or may comprise a forecasted carbon intensity value for the next 1 to 48 hours, 1 to 24 hours, 1 to 12 hours, 1 to 6 hours, 1 to 3 hours, or any other time value available from the grid operators. The external operational input can be used by the control system to modify charging and discharging of the storage battery to, among other things, minimise power outages experienced by the user, minimise cost of electricity use, minimise carbon intensity of electricity used for any given time period, and I or balance cost of electricity use versus carbon intensity of the electricity used. The control system may be configured to receive a first user input in the form of a user-defined control parameter, the user-defined control parameter being a user preference indication. The user preference indication may be a ratio of preference for minimising cost of electricity use versus minimising carbon intensity of the electricity used. The user preference indication may therefore be a ratio of weightings input to a control algorithm for determining charging and discharging of the storage battery. The user input may take the form of a linear slider in a user interface which extends from “financial” to “green”. In use, if the user selects a user preference indication weighted towards reducing cost, the control system will select cheaper tariff electricity in preference to lower carbon intensity, and vice versa. The external operational input may also comprise more detailed electrical generation information from other electrical power sources connected to the local electrical grid. For example, grid-tied inverters, wind-turbines, hydro generation, extra solar generation, or non-renewable generation such as a fossil fuel generator, or vehicle-to-grid (V2G) enabled vehicles. Yet further, the external operational input may comprise a control signal configured to command the control system to operate in a pre-defined manner. The pre-defined manner may be to operate as a node in a distributed power plant (sometimes known as a “virtual power plant”), and / or a distributed energy storage system. In this case, the external operational input may comprise a series of such control signals such that the 6 control system and the ESS operate under the remote control of a single entity, such as a mains electrical grid supplier. Preferably the third interface is configured to receive the external environmental data from at least one of: weather sensors; online weather data; local temperature sensors; satellite data; and wind sensors. External environmental data can be used by the control system to determine current and future electricity generation and / or availability which can be used to modify the ESS control and operational parameters. Preferably the control system further comprises a fourth interface configured to receive a second control input, the second control input comprising a second user input for configuring at least one of: control system operational parameters; storage battery operational parameters; and electrical current conversion device operational parameters. The second control input comprising a second user input can allow the user to specify known future demand on the ESS which can be used by the control system to modify parameters of the ESS hardware. Preferably the fourth interface comprises at least one of: a graphical user interface; a command line interface; and an application interface. The application interface may be an Application Programming Interface (API). An application interface can improve the user experience as well as increase the ease with which a user can modify the control system and thus ESS operational parameters. The fourth interface may be further configured to provide an output to a user. The output may comprise at least one of: the storage battery data; the electrical current conversion device data; and a notification. The notification may comprise an alert if the control system determines one or more parameters have met a threshold level. For example, if the State of Charge of the storage battery is below a threshold level and the electrical power source is unavailable, the control system may output an alert to the user. Preferably, the control system further comprises a fifth interface configured to output a control signal, the control signal being configured to control the electrical load, or, when there is a plurality of electrical loads, at least one of the electrical loads, or when a plurality of electrical loads are connected to the, or each, ESS, at least one of the electrical loads. The control signal may be determined in dependence on the first control input and at least one of: the storage battery data, or, when there is a plurality of storage batteries, the storage battery data of at least one of the storage batteries; and the electrical current conversion device data, or, when there is a plurality of electrical current conversion devices, at least one of the electrical current conversion devices. By providing such a fifth interface configured to output a control signal to control the electrical load, the system advantageously enables the optimisation of energy use in dependence on the current situation. For example, where the electrical power source is predicted to be limited in coming hours or days, the control signal can be configured to reduce the electrical load. The electrical load may comprise at least one of: a load directly connected to the electrical current conversion device; and a load indirectly connected to the electrical current conversion device. In this case, a load directly connected to the electrical current conversion device(s) may be part of a so-called “island grid” that is separate to any electrical mains grid to which the, or each, ESS may be coupled. As will be appreciated, any such load in the ’’island grid” will continue to receive power from the ESS, even if power from the electrical mains grid is unavailable. Further, in this case, a load indirectly connected to the electrical conversion device may be any local load connected to the electrical mains grid and / or to a source of local power, such as solar or wind, connected to the electrical mains grid via a local inverter. The electrical load may be the mains electrical grid. In this case, the control system may discharge the storage battery, via the electrical current storage device, to the mains electrical grid when an export tariff is sufficiently high and when user power demands are sufficiently low. As will be appreciated, the control system may also direct power to the mains electrical grid directly from the local grid, i.e. from the locally generated power source, such as a renewable energy power source. The electrical load may be an appliance or electric device, or any other end-use device which consumes electrical energy. The appliance or electric device may be an electric vehicle charger, a washing machine, a refrigerator, consumer electronics such as televisions, and computers, or the like. In a commercial user context, the electrical load may be manufacturing machinery, plant equipment, a forklift truck charger, or the like. Preferably, at least one electrical load is coupled to the, or the respective, electrical current conversion device via a controllable switch. In this case, the control signal output by the fifth interface is configured to control the controllable switch. The control signal may be configured to control the controllable switch at a duty cycle in order to modulate the electrical load. By providing such a control signal to a controllable switch, an electrical load that would otherwise not be capable of being remotely switched on and 8 off, or being modulated in any manner, can be controlled in such a way. The control system may comprise one or more such controllable switches configured to be connected to one or more electrical loads. The duty cycle provided may be between 10% and 90%, and may be variable between the upper and lower limits. Alternatively, the duty cycle may be incrementally adjustable in increments of 5%, 10%, 20%, or 25%. At least one of the electrical loads coupled to the, or the respective, electrical current conversion device may be configured to receive a control signal for modulating the load. In this case, the control signal may be configured to modulate the load. The control system may comprise a look-up table comprising a list of the or each electrical load coupled to the, or each, ESS. The look-up table preferably comprises one or more parameters associated with each respective electrical load, and each parameter may be used as a second user input. The parameters may be one or more of: priority; modulation in YES or NO; minimum duty cycle in %; instantaneous power rating in kW; total rate of power consumption for a single cycle; time taken for a single cycle; and type of electrical load. The priority parameter may be a numbered list with the or each electrical load having the lowest priority being modulated or switched off in preference to the or each electrical load having the highest priority. The total rate of power consumption for a single cycle, may be the rate of power consumption for an electrical load, such as a washing machine, which may be 1 kWh. Together with the time taken for a single cycle, such as 2 hours for a washing machine cycle, enables the control system to determine operation based on both the expected power consumption and the time taken for a complete cycle to be completed. The type of load parameter may be one of: continuous power consumption; intermittent power consumption; and limited duration power consumption. For example, lighting in a 24-hour use commercial property may be considered continuous power consumption, a refrigerator or a heating system may be considered intermittent power consumption; and a washing machine may be considered limited duration power consumption. In dependence on the type of load parameter, the control system may be configured to control operation of the electrical current conversion device. For example, an intermittent power consumption electrical load may be switched off, or the initiation of providing power to such a load may be delayed, if the total electrical load is required to be reduced. By providing such a look-up table, the control system may be able to more effectively control the ESS to ensure that the user requirements are met. Preferably the control system further comprises a communication module having network connectivity, and configured to communicate with the third interface, and when present the fourth interface, and when present the fifth interface. The network connectivity may provide communication between the control system and an external device. The network connectivity may provide communication between the control system and an external network, such as the internet. The communication module may comprise a wired connection or a wireless connection. The control system having network connectivity can allow the control system to make better use of available data from multiple sources, such as weather stations, which can have an influence on the use of the ESS. Preferably the control system is configured to estimate future available energy supply from the electrical power source in dependence on the first control input, and when present the second control input. The control system may be further configured to determine, when present, the control signal in dependence on the estimated future available energy supply from the, or each, electrical power source. Estimation of future available energy supply from the, or each, electrical power source, for example the mains electrical grid, can enable the control system to adapt the configuration of the, or each, ESS to make better use of the storage battery and provide the user with a greater percentage of electricity from renewable sources. This may also reduce the costs of electricity for the user. Preferably the control system is further configured to control the operation of the, or each, electrical current conversion device in dependence on the estimated future available energy supply from the , or each, electrical power source. Preferably the first and second interface each comprise at least one of: a hardware interface; and a software interface. Preferably the electrical power source coupled to the, or each, ESS comprises at least one of: a mains electrical grid; a local electrical grid, preferably wherein the local electrical grid comprises a source of renewable energy; and a direct DC power source. In this case, the local electrical grid may comprise at least one of: an AC coupled power source; and a DC coupled power source. The AC coupled power source is preferably indirectly coupled to the electrical current conversion device via an external inverter, such as a grid-tied inverter. The DC coupled power source is preferably directly coupled to the electrical current conversion device. The local electrical grid may be coupled to the ESS and, when available, the mains electrical grid. Preferably, the local electrical grid is configured to be coupled to the ESS downstream of the electrical usage meter used to measure the import and export of electricity from or to the mains electrical grid by the user I property. As will be appreciated, the electrical usage meter is often at the so-called cut-out, which is the separation between the mains electrical grid, owned and operated by the distribution network operator (DNO), and the user owned system, which in this case comprises the local electrical grid. In this way, the local electrical grid and the ESS can supply power to user / property while there is instantaneous power being supplied by the local electrical grid, for example when a solar array is receiving sufficient sunlight or a wind turbine is receiving sufficient wind, or if there is insufficient instantaneous power, while the state of charge of the ESS storage battery is above a set value and the ESS is providing power to the local electrical grid via the electrical current conversion device. The said set value of the state of charge (SoC) may be set by a user input, or set to the battery manufacturer’s recommended minimum value, or directly set by the control system. Optionally, the present disclosure anticipates a plurality of ESSs connected to a single control system. In this option, the control system is configured to receive data and output control signals, as described herein, to each electrical current conversion device and storage battery of each ESS, as appropriate. Further, in this option, the cut-out, and therefore the boundary of the local grid, may be located such that the local grid encompasses the plurality of ESSs and any power source coupled thereto. The incoming / outgoing power from / to the mains electrical grid may be measured at the cutout. Alternatively, the incoming / outgoing power may be measured at each ESS. In an alternative, the present disclosure anticipates a plurality of ESSs, each connected to a corresponding control system, as described herein. In this alternative, one of the plurality of control systems may be configured to be a primary control system, with the or each other control system configured to be a secondary control system. The primary control system is preferably configured to receive data from each secondary control system, the data being the data received by the respective secondary control system via the various interfaces. The primary control system is further configured to output control signals to the or each secondary control system to control the respective secondary control system, such that the plurality of ESSs operate as a distributed electrical storage system (also known as a distributed energy storage system). In this alternative, the cut-out may be upstream of the plurality of ESSs (for example, at the boundary of a block of flats), or a cut-out may be provided upstream of each ESS (for example, at each property in a housing estate). Advantageously, the control system of the present disclosure provides a platform for energy management that enables a user, such as a private household, or a commercial property, to manage the energy that they use in an effective manner. That user can set their own priorities for type of energy used, and balance that with the associated cost. They can also prioritise the electrical loads that can be used to balance supply and demand while fulfilling the requirements for type of energy used and its availability. The control system of the present disclosure may comprise a processor and associated memory. The memory storing instructions which when executed by the processor cause the control system to be configured and used as described herein. According to a second aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an Energy Storage System (ESS) configured to be coupled to an electrical power source and an electrical load. The ESS comprising at least one storage battery; an electrical current conversion device; and a control system according to a first aspect of the present disclosure. According to a third aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a method for controlling at least one Energy Storage System (ESS). The, or each, ESS comprising a storage battery and an electrical current conversion device and coupled to an electrical power source and electrical load for charging and discharging, respectively, the storage battery via the electrical current conversion device. The method comprising the steps of: receiving storage battery data from the, or each, storage battery; receiving electrical current conversion device data from the, or each, electrical current conversion device; receiving a first control input, the first control input comprising at least one of: a first user input, an external environmental data input; and an external operational data input; and controlling the operation of the electrical current conversion device or, when there is a plurality of electrical current conversion devices, at least one of the electrical current conversion devices, in dependence on the first control input and at least one of: the storage battery data, and the electrical current conversion device data. As will be appreciated, the method may also comprise carrying out any of the methodlike steps described above in relation to the first aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1(a) shows a flow diagram of one example of the control system and ESS; Figure 1(b) shows an example of the control system, including the electrical power sources and electrical loads coupled thereto; Figure 2 shows a flow diagram of another example of the control system and ESS; Figure 3 shows a flow diagram of another example of the control system and ESS; Figure 4 shows a flow diagram of another example of the control system and ESS; Figure 5(a) shows a flow diagram of the control system modifying parameters of the ESS in response to a first control input; Figure 5(b) shows a flow diagram of a specific example of the control system modifying parameters of the ESS in response to a first control input; Figure 6 shows a flow diagram of the control system modifying parameters of the ESS in response to a second control input; and Figure 7 shows a flow diagram of the control system modifying parameters of the ESS in response to a network data input. Figure 1(a) shows one example of a control system 100 for an energy storage system (ESS) 102. The control system comprises, in this example a first interface 104, a second interface 106, and a third interface 108. The ESS 102, in this example comprises a storage battery 110 and an electrical current conversion device 112. It will be appreciated that the ESS 102 may comprise one or more storage batteries. The ESS 102 is connected to an electrical power source 114 via the electrical current conversion device 112. In this example, the electrical power source 114 comprises both a mains electrical grid and a local solar array. It will be appreciated that the electrical power source may comprise a mains electrical grid and / or a local electrical grid, preferably wherein the local electrical grid comprises a source of renewable energy. One or more electrical loads are also connected to the electrical current conversion device. The first interface 104 is configured to communicatively couple the control system 100 to the storage battery 110 such that the control system 100 receives storage battery data from the storage battery 110 via the first interface 104. It will be appreciated that the storage battery data may comprise at least one of: state of charge; capacity; maximum charge rate; maximum discharge rate; maximum and minimum voltage; current supplied to the battery; power supplied to the battery; storage battery status; and storage battery temperature. The second interface 106 is configured to communicatively couple the control system 100 to the electrical current conversion device 112 such that the control system 13 100 receives electrical current conversion device data from the electrical current conversion device 112 via the second interface 106. It will be appreciated that the electrical current conversion device data may comprise at least one of: power generation values; power consumption values; power supply status; and real-time capability information. The third interface 108 is configured to receive a first control input 116. In this example, the first control input 116 is local solar generation forecast provided by local solar sensors. It will be appreciated that the first control input may comprise at least one of: a first user input; an external environmental data input; and an external operational data input. In this example, the control system 100 is configured to control the operation of the electrical current conversion device 112 in dependence on the first control input 116, the storage battery data, and the electrical current conversion device data. Figure 1(b) shows an example of an ESS domain 118, comprising the ESS 102 described above. The ESS domain 118 is shown to include various electrical power sources and electrical loads coupled to the ESS; these power sources and electrical loads are, in effect, under the control of the ESS because they are all downstream of the so-called cut-out 120 from the distribution network operator (DNO) 122. The cut-out 120 from the distribution network operator usually is at the electricity meter of the property, and thus everything downstream of the electricity meter is owned by, and under the control of, the user (the property owner). In this example, the electrical current conversion device is a hybrid inverter capable of receiving and outputting AC and DC electrical power, as described further below. As can be seen, the electrical power sources coupled to the ESS 102 comprise a mains electrical grid 122 (in practice, this is under the control of the DNO), a local electrical grid 124, an island electrical grid 126, and directly coupled DC power sources 140. It should be noted here that the control system of the ESS can actively connect and disconnect from each of the electrical power sources as and when appropriate. For example, the control system may actively disconnect from the mains electrical grid when there is an area wide power failure of that grid, or if the power available from the other power sources is sufficient for the user’s needs. The local electrical grid 124 comprises any local electrical power generation received via a mains grid-tied inverter 128, for example a solar array 130, together with any local electrical loads 132, 134. The local electrical grid 124 may lose power in the absence of the mains electrical grid 122. The island grid 126 comprises electrical loads 136, 138 directly coupled to the electrical current conversion device 112, and therefore these loads can be provided with electrical power from the storage battery even when the mains grid 122, local grid 124, and DC power sources 140 have failed. In practice, the electrical loads of the island grid 126 will be connected to, and synchronous with, the mains grid 122 and the local grid 124. As will be appreciated, the grid-tied inverter 128 of this example may be tied to the island grid 126, and thus be capable of providing power to the island grid if other power sources fail. The directly coupled DC power sources 140 may be a solar array, wind turbine, hydroelectric turbine, or similar, which provide direct DC power to the electrical current conversion device 112 (a hybrid inverter in this example). The electrical loads coupled to the electrical current conversion device may either be directly connected, 138, and thus capable of being switched, and / or modulated by the control system, or indirectly connected 134, 136 and controllable via a remotely controlled switch, or other software controls directly controlling the electrical load. Further features of the electrical loads and associated control regimes are described below. The disclosure also anticipates that a plurality of such ESS domains may be provided downstream of a cut-out 120. One such example may be a block of flats, where the main cut-out 120 is for the whole block, but each individual flat may have its own ESS domain. In this example, a single control system 100 may be used to control each of the ESS domains, or alternatively each ESS domain may comprise a control system 100. In this latter case, one of the control systems 100 may be a primary control system configured to provide control instructions to the other, secondary, control systems. Figure 2 shows a further example of a control system 200 for an energy storage system (ESS) 202. The control system comprises, in this example a first interface 204, a second interface 206, a third interface 208, and a fourth interface 210. The ESS 202, in this example comprises a storage battery 212 and an electrical current conversion device 214. It will be appreciated that the ESS 202 may comprise one or more storage batteries. The ESS 202 is connected to an electrical power source 216 via the electrical current conversion device 214. In this example, the electrical power source 216 comprises both a mains electrical grid and a local solar array. It will be appreciated that the electrical power source may comprise a mains electrical grid and / or a local electrical grid, preferably wherein the local electrical grid comprises a source of renewable energy. The first interface 204 is configured to communicatively couple the control system 100 to the storage battery 212 such that the control system 200 receives storage battery data from the storage battery 212 via the first interface 204. It will be appreciated that the storage battery data may comprise at least one of: state of charge; capacity; maximum charge rate; maximum discharge rate; maximum and minimum voltage; current supplied to the battery; power supplied to the battery; storage battery status; and storage battery temperature. The second interface 206 is configured to communicatively couple the control system 200 to the electrical current conversion device 214 such that the control system 200 receives electrical current conversion device data from the electrical current conversion device 214 via the second interface 206. It will be appreciated that the electrical current conversion device data may comprise at least one of: power generation values; power consumption values; power supply status; and real-time capability information. The third interface 208 is configured to receive a first control input 218. In this example, the first control input 218 is a local solar generation forecast provided by local solar sensors. It will be appreciated that the first control input 218 may comprise at least one of: a first user input; an external environmental data input; and an external operational data input. The fourth interface 210 is configured to receive a second control input 220, the second control input 220 comprising a second user input for configuring at least one of: control system operational parameters; storage battery operational parameters; and electrical current conversion device operational parameters. It will be appreciated that the fourth interface may comprise at least one of: a graphical user interface; a command line interface; and an application programming interface (API). In this example, the control system 200 is configured to control the operation of the electrical current conversion device 214 in dependence on the first control input 218, the storage battery data, and the electrical current conversion device data. The control system 200 is further configured to control the operation of the storage battery 212 via the first interface 204, in dependence on the first control input 218 and at least one of: the storage battery data; and the electrical current conversion device data. The control system 200 is further configured to modify configuration data of the electrical current conversion device 214 via the second interface 206, in dependence on the first control input 218. The control system 200 is further configured to modify configuration data of the storage battery 212 via the first interface 204, in dependence on the first control input 218. Figure 3 shows a further example of a control system 300 for an energy storage system (ESS) 302. The control system comprises, in this example a first interface 304, a second interface 306, a third interface 308, a fourth interface 310, and a communications module 312. The ESS 302, in this example comprises a storage battery 314 and an electrical current conversion device 316. It will be appreciated that the ESS 302 may comprise one or more storage batteries. The ESS 302 is connected to an electrical power source 318 via the electrical current conversion device 316. In this example, the electrical power source 318 comprises both a mains electrical grid and a local solar array. It will be appreciated that the electrical power source may comprise a mains electrical grid and / or a local electrical grid, preferably wherein the local electrical grid comprises a source of renewable energy. The first interface 304 is configured to communicatively couple the control system 300 to the storage battery 314 such that the control system 300 receives storage battery data from the storage battery 314 via the first interface 304. It will be appreciated that the storage battery data may comprise at least one of: state of charge; capacity; maximum charge rate; maximum discharge rate; maximum and minimum voltage; current supplied to the battery; power supplied to the battery; storage battery status; and storage battery temperature. The second interface 306 is configured to communicatively couple the control system 300 to the electrical current conversion device 316 such that the control system 300 receives electrical current conversion device data from the electrical current conversion device 316 via the second interface 306. It will be appreciated that the electrical current conversion device data may comprise at least one of: power generation values; power consumption values; power supply status; and real-time capability information. The third interface 308 is configured to receive a first control input 320. In this example, the first control input 320 is a local solar generation forecast provided by local solar sensors. It will be appreciated that the first control input 320 may comprise at least one of: a first user input; an external environmental data input; and an external operational data input. The fourth interface 310 is configured to receive a second control input 322, the second control input 322 comprising a second user input for configuring at least one of: control system operational parameters; storage battery operational parameters; and 17 electrical current conversion device operational parameters. It will be appreciated that the fourth interface may comprise at least one of: a graphical user interface; a command line interface; and an application interface. The communications module 312 is connected to a network 324. In this example, the communications module 312 is configured to communicate with the third interface 308 and the fourth interface 310. It will be appreciated that the communications module 312 may be configured to communicate with the third interface 308, the fourth interface 310, or both. In this example the network 324 is the internet and in particular access to an extreme weather warning system. It will be appreciated that the network may be a local network or may be the internet. In this example, the control system 300 is configured to control the operation of the electrical current conversion device 316 in dependence on the first control input 320, the storage battery data, and the electrical current conversion device data. The control system 300 is further configured to control the operation of the storage battery 314 via the first interface 304, in dependence on the first control input 320 and at least one of: the storage battery data; and the electrical current conversion device data. The control system 300 is further configured to modify configuration data of the electrical current conversion device 316 via the second interface 306, in dependence on the first control input 320. The control system 300 is further configured to modify configuration data of the storage battery 314 via the first interface 304, in dependence on the first control input 320. Figure 4 shows a further example of a control system 400 for an energy storage system (ESS) 402. The control system comprises, in this example a first interface 404, a second interface 406, a third interface 408, a fourth interface 410, and a communications module 412. The ESS 402, in this example comprises a storage battery 414 and an electrical current conversion device 416. It will be appreciated that the ESS 402 may comprise one or more storage batteries. The ESS 402 is connected to an electrical power source 418 via the electrical current conversion device 416. In this example, the electrical power source 418 comprises both a mains electrical grid and a local solar array. It will be appreciated that the electrical power source may comprise a mains electrical grid and / or a local electrical grid, preferably wherein the local electrical grid comprises a source of renewable energy. The first interface 404 is configured to communicatively couple the control system 400 to the storage battery 414 such that the control system 400 receives storage battery data from the storage battery 414 via the first interface 404. It will be appreciated that the 18 storage battery data may comprise at least one of: state of charge; capacity; maximum charge rate; maximum discharge rate; maximum and minimum voltage; current supplied to the battery; power supplied to the battery; storage battery status; and storage battery temperature. The second interface 406 is configured to communicatively couple the control system 400 to the electrical current conversion device 416 such that the control system 400 receives electrical current conversion device data from the electrical current conversion device 416 via the second interface 406. It will be appreciated that the electrical current conversion device data may comprise at least one of: power generation values; power consumption values; power supply status; and real-time capability information. The third interface 408 is configured to receive a first control input 420. In this example, the first control input 420 is a local solar generation forecast provided by local solar sensors. It will be appreciated that the first control input 420 may comprise at least one of: a first user input; an external environmental data input; and an external operational data input. The fourth interface 410 is configured to receive a second control input 422, the second control input 422 comprising a second user input for configuring at least one of: control system operational parameters; storage battery operational parameters; and electrical current conversion device operational parameters. It will be appreciated that the fourth interface may comprise at least one of: a graphical user interface; a command line interface; and an application interface. The communications module 412 is connected to a network 424. In this example, the communications module 412 is configured to communicate with the third interface 408 and the fourth interface 410. It will be appreciated that the communications module 412 may be configured to communicate with the third interface 408, the fourth interface 410, or both. In this example the network 424 is the internet and in particular access to an extreme weather warning system. It will be appreciated that the network may be a local network or may be the internet. The control system 400 is configured to, in this example, estimate future available energy supply from the electrical power source 418, in particular from the local grid and / or any directly coupled DC power sources, in dependence on the first control input 420. It will be appreciated that the control system 400 may be configured to estimate the future available energy supply from the electrical power source 400 in dependence on the first control input 420, the second control input 422, or both. The estimation of availability of the energy supply from the electrical power source may use weather forecasts to estimate likely power supply from renewable sources in the local grid, or in the directly coupled DC power sources. In this example, the control system 400 is configured to control the operation of the electrical current conversion device 416 in dependence on the first control input 420, the storage battery data, and the electrical current conversion device data. The control system 400 is further configured to control the operation of the storage battery 414 via the first interface 404, in dependence on the first control input 420 and at least one of: the storage battery data; and the electrical current conversion device data. The control system 400 is further configured to modify configuration data of the electrical current conversion device 416 via the second interface 406, in dependence on the first control input 420. The control system 400 is further configured to modify configuration data of the storage battery 414 via the first interface 404, in dependence on the first control input 420. The control system 400 is further configured to control the operation of the electrical current conversion device 416 in dependence on the estimated future available energy supply from the electrical power source 418. Figure 5(a) shows a flow diagram of how a control system 100 according to Figure 1 controls the electrical current conversion device parameters in response to a first control input 116. In this example the first control input is local solar generation data which is provided by local solar sensors. It will be appreciated that the first control input may comprise at least one of: a first user input; an external environmental data input; and an external operational data input. In this example the ESS 102 is connected to an electrical power source 114 which comprises a mains electrical grid and a local solar array. It will be appreciated that the electrical power source 114 may comprise a mains electrical grid and / or a local electrical grid, preferably wherein the local electrical grid comprises a source of renewable energy. The control system 100 receives the first control input 502, in this example the first control input 116 is solar generation data. The control system 100 then determines the increase in solar energy production 504 from the solar array of the electrical power source 114. The control system 100 then utilises internal logic and algorithms to determine, based on the current use case, whether or not to continue using the mains electrical grid 506. If the control system 100 determines that it will continue using the mains electrical grid then the control system will update the electrical current conversion device parameters 508. If the control system determines that it will not continue to use the mains 20 electrical grid, then the control system 100 will update the electrical current conversion device parameters to control the electrical current conversion device 112 to stop drawing electricity from the mains electrical grid and switch to only drawing electricity from the local solar array. Figure 5(b) shows a flow diagram of a specific example of how a control system 100 according to Figure 1 controls the electrical current conversion device parameters in response to a first control input 116. In this example the control system is managing the power from the electrical power source to the storage battery, i.e. when and when not to charge the storage battery and from which power source, in dependence on forecast solar generation. For example, if the control system (possibly via a user input) is requesting a 100% state of charge (SoC) to the storage battery, but there is solar generation predicted, over the required timescale, that represents only 20% of the storage battery capacity, then the control system can stop charging the storage battery from the mains grid at 80% SoC, as the solar generation will charge the remaining 20%. Figure 6 shows a flow diagram of how a control system 200 according to Figure 2 updates ESS 202 parameters in response to a second control input 220 via the fourth interface 210. In this example, the second control input 220 is a user input to a mobile application where the user specifies that there will be an anomalous energy demand on the ESS 202 starting in 24 hours and lasting for five hours. It will be appreciated that the second control input can be a second user input for configuring at least one of: control system operational parameters; storage battery operational parameters; and electrical current conversion device operational parameters. It will also be appreciated that the fourth interface comprises at least one of: a graphical user interface; a command line interface; and an application interface. After the user inputs the information into the mobile application the control system 200 receives the user input 602 via the fourth interface 210. The control system 200 utilises internal logic and algorithms to determine the new demand on the ESS 604 over the time specified by the user. For example, if the user input indicates an anomalous energy demand on the ESS 202 starting in 24 hours and lasting for five hours, the control system may increase the target SoC for the storage battery to compensate for the expected increase in consumption. The control system 200 internal logic and algorithms then determine if a change in ESS parameters is required 606 in order to fulfil the new demand on the ESS 202. For example, a comparison may be made between provided demand data and typical consumption data for similar time periods. If there is a difference, this difference can be 21 calculated. This difference (in this use case typically a measure of energy e.g. in kWh) can be directly translated to storage battery SoC; i.e. if the excess demand is 20 kWh, and 20 kWh is 45% SoC of the storage battery, then an extra 45% SoC could be charged from the mains electrical grid using cheaper off-peak tariffs. If the control system 100 internal logic and algorithms determine that no change is necessary then the control system 100 will update the electrical current conversion device 614 via the second interface 206. If the control system 200 internal logic and algorithms determine that a change in ESS parameters is required then the internal logic and algorithms will determine the required SoC of the storage battery 608 required to meet the new demand. The control system 200 then modifies the storage battery parameters 610 via the first interface 204 to increase the maximum SoC of the storage battery such that the new demand on the ESS 202 can be fulfilled with minimal dependency on the mains electrical grid 216. The control system 200 then communicates the new storage battery parameters to the electrical current conversion device 612 via the second interface 206 to permit charging of the storage battery 212 to the new maximum SoC. The control system 200 then updates the electrical current conversion device parameters 614 via the second interface 206 to specify by what time the storage battery 212 should achieve the new maximum charge level. Figure 7 shows a flow diagram of how a control system 300 according to Figure 3 updates ESS parameters in response to a network data input. In this example, the control system 300 is connected to a network, and more specifically, the internet and receives an extreme weather warning as well as warnings of potential local grid power outages. It will be appreciated that the network may be a local network, the internet, or both. The control system 300 receives the network data input 702 from the network 324 via the communications module 312 which is communicatively coupled to the third 308 and fourth 310 interfaces. The control system 300 internal logic and algorithms then determine if a change in ESS parameters is required 704 in response to the network data input. If the control system 300 internal logic and algorithms determine that no change is necessary then the control system 300 will update the electrical current conversion device parameters 710 via the second interface 306. If the control system 300 internal logic and algorithms determine that a change in ESS parameters is required then the control system 300 modifies the storage battery 22 parameters 706 via the first interface 304 to increase the maximum SoC of the storage battery to 100%, for example. The control system 300 then communicates the modified storage battery parameters to the electrical current conversion device 708 via the second interface 306 to permit charging of the storage battery 314 to the new maximum SoC. The control system 300 then updates the electrical current conversion device parameters 710 via the second interface 306 which controls the electrical current conversion device 316 to immediately begin charging of the storage battery 314 to the new maximum SoC in anticipation of a local grid power outage. In addition to controlling the SoC of the storage battery by charging the storage battery from the electrical power source, or sources, the SoC of the storage battery may be controlled by controlling the electrical loads connected to the ESS. In order to control the electrical loads the control system comprises an interface for outputting a control signal configured to control the electrical load. Alternatively, or in addition, in some examples the control system comprises controllable switches for directly switching electrical loads on and off. The control signal output by the control system may be determined in dependence on the first control input and at least one of: the storage battery data; and the electrical current conversion device data. As will be appreciated, such control may be used where the electrical power source is predicted to be limited in coming hours or days, and thus the control signal can be configured to reduce the electrical load, in order to increase the SoC of the storage battery in preparation for the predicted limited electrical power. As described above, the electrical load may comprise a load directly connected to the electrical current conversion device, or a load indirectly connected to the electrical current conversion device. By enabling the electrical loads to be controlled by a controllable switch, they can either be completely switched off, for example, an electric vehicle charger can be switched off when power is limited and the user has indicated that the vehicle is not required in the coming hours, or the power to the electrical load modulated. When modulated, the switch may be switched on and off in accordance with a duty cycle to reduce the average power consumption of the electrical load. For example, a refrigerator might be placed on a 50% duty cycle to reduce power consumption without unduly limiting the performance of the refrigerator, so long as the duty cycle is not maintained at that level for an extended period of time. In other examples, or in addition, the electrical loads may be controlled by providing the control signal directly to the electrical load. In this case, the control signal may be configured to modulate the load, or to switch it off. In order to appropriately control the electrical loads, the control system can be provided with a look-up table comprising a list of each electrical load coupled to the ESS, where each electrical load is associated with one or more parameters. In this example, each parameter can be used as a second user input as described above. The parameters can be one or more of: priority; modulation in YES or NO; minimum duty cycle in %; instantaneous power rating in kW; total rate of power consumption fora single cycle; time taken for a single cycle; and type of electrical load. The priority parameter may be a numbered list with the or each electrical load having the lowest priority being modulated or switched off in preference to the or each electrical load having the highest priority. As will be appreciated, the priority parameter may be time varying, with the relative priority of each load changing during the course of the day, week, or month. For example, an electric vehicle charger may have a low priority during week days when the user works from home, but a high priority during week days when the user travels to work. By providing a “modulation, YES or NO” parameter the control system is aware that some electrical loads cannot be modulated, rather only switched on or off. By providing a minimum duty cycle in %, the control system is aware of the minimum duty cycle that the electrical load can be safely operated at, for example it may not be appropriate to operate a refrigerator below a 50% duty cycle. By providing the instantaneous power rating in kW, the control system is aware of the expected power consumption, and thus can predict when and how much power is required. For example, knowing that a 7 kW electric vehicle charger will be used for 6 hours between the hours of 1 am and 7 am, enables the control system to adjust the SoC of the storage battery to minimise cost, or perhaps minimise carbon intensity of the electrical power used to ultimately charge the vehicle. The type of load parameter may be one of: continuous power consumption; intermittent power consumption; and limited duration power consumption. For example, lighting in a 24-hour use commercial property may be considered continuous power consumption, a refrigerator or a heating system may be considered intermittent power consumption; and a washing machine may be considered limited duration power consumption. In dependence on the type of load parameter, the control system can be configured to control operation of the electrical current conversion device. For example, 24 an intermittent power consumption electrical load may be switched off, or the initiation of providing power to such a load may be delayed, if the total electrical load is required to be reduced. In one further use case, the external operational input comprises a control signal configured to command the control system to operate in a pre-defined manner. In this example, the pre-defined manner is to operate as a node in a distributed power plant (sometimes known as a “virtual power plant”), and / or a distributed energy storage system. In this case, the external operational input may comprise a series of such control signals such that the control system and the ESS operate under the remote control of a single entity, such as a mains electrical grid supplier. In this manner, the user is able to sign up to being involved in a distributed power plant or energy storage system, the control system would then receive control signals from the central controller of the distributed power plant (for example the user’s energy supplier) to behave appropriately (i.e. feed power into the mains electrical grid in times of high mains electrical grid load, or receive power from, and charge the storage battery, the mains electrical grid in times of low mains grid load). In this further use case, the single entity may be the primary control system 100 described above, with the secondary control systems 100 configured to receive control signals from the primary control system such that the plurality of ESS domains operate as a distributed power plant and distributed energy storage system.

Claims

1. A control system for at least one Energy Storage System (ESS), the, or each, ESS comprising a storage battery and an electrical current conversion device and coupled to an electrical power source and an electrical load for charging and discharging, respectively, the storage battery via the electrical current conversion device, the control system comprising:a first interface configured to communicatively couple the control system to a storage battery of the, or each, ESS, wherein the first interface is configured to receive storage battery data from the, or each, storage battery;a second interface configured to communicatively couple the control system to an electrical current conversion device of the, or each, ESS, wherein the second interface is configured to receive electrical current conversion device data from the, or each, electrical current conversion device; anda third interface configured to receive a first control input, the first control input comprising at least one of: a first user input; an external environmental data input; and an external operational data input,wherein the control system is configured to control the operation of the electrical current conversion device, or, when there is a plurality of electrical current conversion devices, at least one of the electrical current conversion devices, via the second interface, in dependence on the first control input and at least one of: the storage battery data, or, when there is a plurality of storage batteries, the storage battery data of at least one of the storage batteries; and the electrical current conversion device data or, when there is a plurality of electrical current conversion devices, at least one of the electrical current conversion devices.

2. The control system according to Claim 1, wherein the control system is further configured to control the operation of the storage battery, or, when there is a plurality of storage batteries, the storage battery data of at least one of the storage batteries , via the first interface, in dependence on the first control input and at least one of: the storage battery data or, when there is a plurality of storage batteries, the storage battery data of at least one of the storage batteries; and the electrical current conversion device data or, when there is a plurality of electrical current conversion devices, at least one of the electrical current conversion devices.

3. The control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control system is further configured to modify configuration data of the electrical current conversion device, or, when there is a plurality of electrical current conversion devices, at least one of the electrical current conversion devices, via the second interface, in dependence on the first control input.

4. The control system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the control system is further configured to modify configuration data of the storage battery or, when there is a plurality of storage batteries, of at least one of the storage batteries, via the first interface, in dependence on the first control input.

5. A control system according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage battery data comprises at least one of: state of charge; capacity; maximum charge rate; maximum discharge rate; maximum and minimum voltage; current supplied to the battery; power supplied to the battery; storage battery status; and storage battery temperature.

6. A control system according to any preceding claim, wherein the electrical current conversion data comprises at least one of: power generation values; power consumption values; power supply status; and real-time capability information.

7. A control system according to any preceding claim, wherein the first user input comprises at least one of: a control system firmware update; location data; a user-defined control parameter; and a user-defined use case.

8. A control system according to any preceding claim, wherein the external environmental input comprises at least one of: wind forecast; solar generation forecast; local cloud coverage data; extreme weather warnings; and temperature forecast.

9. A control system according to any preceding claim, wherein the external operational input comprises at least one of: electrical power source status; electrical load status; forecast power outages; and variable electricity tariff data.

10. A control system according to any preceding claim, wherein the third interface is configured to receive the external environmental data from at least one of: weather sensors; online weather data; local temperature sensors; satellite data; and wind sensors.

11. The control system according to any preceding claim, wherein the control system further comprises a fourth interface configured to receive a second control input, the second control input comprising a second user input for configuring at least one of: control system operational parameters; storage battery operational parameters; and electrical current conversion device operational parameters.

12. The control system according to claim 11, wherein the fourth interface comprises at least one of: a graphical user interface; a command line interface; and an application interface.

13. The control system according to any preceding claim, wherein the control system further comprises a fifth interface configured to output a control signal, the control signal being configured to control the electrical load, or, when there is a plurality of electrical loads, at least one of the electrical loads.

14. The control system according to Claim 13, wherein the control signal is determined in dependence on the first control input and at least one of: the storage battery data, or, when there is a plurality of storage batteries, the storage battery data of at least one of the storage batteries; and the electrical current conversion device data or, when there is a plurality of electrical current conversion devices, at least one of the electrical current conversion devices.

15. The control system according to any preceding claim, wherein the electrical load comprises at least one of: a load directly connected to the electrical current conversion device; a load indirectly connected to the electrical current conversion device.

16. The control system according to Claim 15, wherein at least one electrical load is coupled to the, or the respective, electrical current conversion device via a controllable switch.

17. The control system according to Claim 16, when dependent on Claim 13, or 14, wherein the control signal is configured to control the controllable switch.

18. The control system according to Claim 15, 16 or 17, wherein at least one of the electrical loads coupled to the, or the respective, electrical current conversion device is configured to receive a control signal for modulating the load.

19. The control system according to Claim 18, when dependent on Claim 13, or 14, wherein the control signal is configured to modulate the load.

20. The control system according to any preceding claim, wherein the control system further comprises a communication module having network connectivity, configured to communicate with the third interface, and / or when dependent on claims 11 or 12, the fourth interface, and / or when dependent on claims 13 or 14, the fifth interface.

21. The control system according to any previous claim, wherein the control system is configured to estimate future available energy supply from the electrical power source in dependence on the first control input, and / or when dependent on claims 11 or 12, the second control input.

22. The control system according to claim 15, wherein the control system is further configured to control the operation of the electrical current conversion device, or, when there is a plurality of electrical current conversion devices, at least one of the electrical current conversion devices, in dependence on the estimated future available energy supply from the electrical power source, and / or when dependent on claims 13 or 14, the control system is further configured to determine the control signal in dependence on the estimated future available energy supply from the, or each, electrical power source.

23. The control system according to any preceding claim, wherein the electrical power source coupled to the, or each, ESS comprises at least one of: a mains electrical grid; a local electrical grid, preferably wherein the local electrical grid comprises a source of renewable energy; and a direct DC power source.

24. An Electrical Storage System (ESS) configured to be coupled to an electrical power source and an electrical load, comprising:at least one storage battery;an electrical current conversion device; anda control system according to any preceding claim.

25. A method for controlling at least one Energy Storage System (ESS), the ESS comprising a storage battery and an electrical current conversion device and coupled to an electrical power source and an electrical load for charging and discharging, respectively, the storage battery via the electrical current conversion device, the method comprising:receiving storage battery data from the, or each, storage battery;receiving electrical current conversion device data from the, or each, electrical current conversion device;receiving a first control input, the first control input comprising at least one of: a first user input; an external environmental data input; and an external operational data input; andcontrolling the operation of the electrical current conversion device or, when there is a plurality of electrical current conversion devices, at least one of the electrical current conversion devices, in dependence on the first control input and at least one of: the storage battery data; and the electrical current conversion device data.Amendments to the Claims have been filed as follows:CLAIMS1. A control system for at least one Energy Storage System (ESS), the, or each, ESS comprising a storage battery and an electrical current conversion device and coupled to an electrical power source and an electrical load for charging and discharging, respectively, the storage battery via the electrical current conversion device, the control system comprising:a first interface configured to communicatively couple the control system to a storage battery of the, or each, ESS, wherein the first interface is configured to receive storage battery data from the, or each, storage battery;a second interface configured to communicatively couple the control system to an electrical current conversion device of the, or each, ESS, wherein the second interface is configured to receive electrical current conversion device data from the, or each, electrical current conversion device; anda third interface configured to receive a first control input, the first control input comprising at least one of: a first user input; an external environmental data input; and an external operational data input,wherein the control system is configured to control the operation of the electrical current conversion device, or, when there is a plurality of electrical current conversion devices, at least one of the electrical current conversion devices, via the second interface, in dependence on the first control input and at least one of: the storage battery data, or, when there is a plurality of storage batteries, the storage battery data of at least one of the storage batteries; and the electrical current conversion device data or, when there is a plurality of electrical current conversion devices, at least one of the electrical current conversion devices.

2. The control system according to Claim 1, wherein the control system is further configured to control the operation of the storage battery, or, when there is a plurality of storage batteries, the storage battery data of at least one of the storage batteries , via the first interface, in dependence on the first control input and at least one of: the storage battery data or, when there is a plurality of storage batteries, the storage battery data of at least one of the storage batteries; and the electrical current conversion device data or, when there is a plurality of electrical current conversion devices, at least one of the electrical current conversion devices.

3. The control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control system is further configured to modify configuration data of the electrical current conversion device, or, when there is a plurality of electrical current conversion devices, at least one of the electrical current conversion devices, via the second interface, in dependence on the 5 first control input.

4. The control system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the control system is further configured to modify configuration data of the storage battery or, when there is a plurality of storage batteries, of at least one of the storage batteries, via the first10 interface, in dependence on the first control input.15"‘d-CM5. A control system according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage battery data comprises at least one of: state of charge; capacity; maximum charge rate; maximum discharge rate; maximum and minimum voltage; current supplied to the battery; power supplied to the battery; storage battery status; and storage battery temperature.

6. A control system according to any preceding claim, wherein the electrical current conversion data comprises at least one of: power generation values; power20 consumption values; power supply status; and real-time capability information.

7. A control system according to any preceding claim, wherein the first user input comprises at least one of: a control system firmware update; location data; a user-defined control parameter; and a user-defined use case.

258. A control system according to any preceding claim, wherein the external environmental input comprises at least one of: wind forecast; solar generation forecast; local cloud coverage data; extreme weather warnings; and temperature forecast.

309. A control system according to any preceding claim, wherein the external operational input comprises at least one of: electrical power source status; electrical load status; forecast power outages; and variable electricity tariff data.

10. A control system according to any preceding claim, wherein the third interface is configured to receive the external environmental data from at least one of: weather sensors; online weather data; local temperature sensors; satellite data; and wind sensors.

11. The control system according to any preceding claim, wherein the control system further comprises a fourth interface configured to receive a second control input, the second control input comprising a second user input for configuring at least one of: control system operational parameters; storage battery operational parameters; and electrical current conversion device operational parameters.

12. The control system according to claim 11, wherein the fourth interface comprises at least one of: a graphical user interface; a command line interface; and an application interface.

13. The control system according to any preceding claim, wherein the control system further comprises a fifth interface configured to output a control signal, the control signal being configured to control the electrical load, or, when there is a plurality of electrical loads, at least one of the electrical loads.

14. The control system according to Claim 13, wherein the control signal is determined in dependence on the first control input and at least one of: the storage battery data, or, when there is a plurality of storage batteries, the storage battery data of at least one of the storage batteries; and the electrical current conversion device data or, when there is a plurality of electrical current conversion devices, at least one of the electrical current conversion devices.

15. The control system according to any preceding claim, wherein the electrical load comprises at least one of: a load directly connected to the electrical current conversion device; a load indirectly connected to the electrical current conversion device.

16. The control system according to Claim 15, wherein at least one electrical load is coupled to the, or the respective, electrical current conversion device via a controllable switch.

17. The control system according to Claim 16, when dependent on Claim 13, or 14, wherein the control signal is configured to control the controllable switch.

18. The control system according to Claim 15, 16 or 17, wherein at least one of the electrical loads coupled to the, or the respective, electrical current conversion device is configured to receive a control signal for modulating the load.

19. The control system according to Claim 18, when dependent on Claim 13, or 14, wherein the control signal is configured to modulate the load.

20. The control system according to any preceding claim, wherein the control system further comprises a communication module having network connectivity, configured to communicate with the third interface, and / or when dependent on claims 11 or 12, the fourth interface, and / or when dependent on claims 13 or 14, the fifth interface.

21. The control system according to any previous claim, wherein the control system is configured to estimate future available energy supply from the electrical power source in dependence on the first control input, and / or when dependent on claims 11 or 12, the second control input.

22. The control system according to claim 15, wherein the control system is further configured to control the operation of the electrical current conversion device, or, when there is a plurality of electrical current conversion devices, at least one of the electrical current conversion devices, in dependence on the estimated future available energy supply from the electrical power source, and / or when dependent on claims 13 or 14, the control system is further configured to determine the control signal in dependence on the estimated future available energy supply from the, or each, electrical power source.

23. The control system according to any preceding claim, wherein the electrical power source coupled to the, or each, ESS comprises at least one of: a mains electrical grid; a local electrical grid, preferably wherein the local electrical grid comprises a source of renewable energy; and a direct DC power source.04 11 2424. The control system according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the electrical power source comprises a mains electrical grid and a local electrical grid using a source of renewable energy, preferably wherein the renewable energy is solar energy, wherein when the control system, preferably via a user input, requests a state of charge of 5 the battery of X% at future time t, the control system is configured to control the charging of the storage battery to X-Y% using the mains electrical grid and then to X% using the local electrical grid, wherein Y% is determined in dependence on at least the predicted solar generation from the present time to future time t.10 25. An Electrical Storage System (ESS) configured to be coupled to an electricalpower source and an electrical load, comprising:at least one storage battery;an electrical current conversion device; anda control system according to any preceding claim.15

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