Transportable microgrid / nanogrid system

Abstract

To provide a system and an apparatus for implementing a mobile energy system.SOLUTION: In an aspect, a mobile energy system includes a cabinet having an interior space defined by an outer surface of the cabinet, and the interior space can include a battery storage area configured to receive a battery energy storage system having at least 2 kWh of storage capacity. The mobile energy system can also include an item storage area configured to receive and store one or more other items, a connector configured to connect the battery energy storage system located in the battery storage area to an external power source, and a charging cable configured to connect the battery energy storage system to a charging port of an electric vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Priority claims This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 638,781, filed April 25, 2024, and U.S. Patent Application No. 19 / 092,370, filed March 27, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] This specification relates to power solutions such as microgrid / nanogrid systems. Microgrid / nanogrid systems can provide electrical energy for recharging batteries in electric vehicles. For example, a microgrid / nanogrid system can provide power to an EV charging system. A charge port physically connects the charging system to the EV, allowing power to flow to the EV battery through a cord that connects the EV charge port to the charger of the EV charging system. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] In general, one innovative aspect of the subject matter described herein can be embodied in a mobile energy system that includes a cabinet having an interior space defined by an exterior surface of the cabinet, the interior space including (i) a battery storage area configured to receive a battery energy storage system having at least 2 kWh of storage capacity, and (ii) an item storage area configured to receive and store one or more other items. The mobile energy system may also include a connector configured to connect the battery energy storage system disposed within the battery storage area to an external power source, and a charging cable configured to connect the battery energy storage system to a charging port of an electric vehicle. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding methods and apparatus.

[0004] These and other embodiments may each optionally include one or more of the following features: The mobile energy system may have a battery energy storage system disposed within the battery storage area.

[0005] The mobile energy system may include wheels attached to the bottom of the cabinet.

[0006] The mobile energy system can include one or more drawers disposed within the item storage area. The battery storage area can be disposed between a rear of the cabinet and the one or more drawers. The battery storage area can be disposed between a bottom of the cabinet and the one or more drawers.

[0007] The connector may be a NACS connector.

[0008] The mobile energy system may include an inverter connected between the battery energy storage system and a connector. The connector may be configured to connect the battery energy storage system to the solar power system.

[0009] The mobile energy system can include (i) a battery energy storage system, (ii) an electric vehicle, (iii) a solar power generation system, and an energy management device configured to exchange data with a power grid. The energy management device can be configured to modify an amount of power drawn from each of the power grid and the solar power generation system based on the exchanged data. The energy management device can be configured to perform operations including collecting peak usage data regarding the power grid and reducing an amount of power drawn from the power grid during peak usage times based on the peak usage data.

[0010] The energy management device can be configured to perform actions including increasing the amount of power drawn from the solar power generation system or the battery energy storage system during peak usage times, where the amount of power drawn from the solar power generation system or the battery energy storage system is based on the difference between the current load requirements and the amount by which power drawn from the power grid is reduced.

[0011] The energy management device may be configured to electrically isolate the mobile energy system from the power grid.

[0012] The details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a vehicle connected to a conventional EV charging station. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary mobile energy system. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary mobile energy system. [Figure 2C] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary mobile energy system. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is a diagram of another exemplary mobile energy system. [Figure 3B] FIG. 1 is a diagram of another exemplary mobile energy system. [Figure 3C] FIG. 1 is a diagram of another exemplary mobile energy system. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates another exemplary mobile energy system connected to an electric power system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.

[0015] 1 is a diagram 100 of an electric vehicle (EV) 110 connected to a conventional charging station 120, also referred to as an EV charger or charging station. As shown, the charging station 120 has a charging cord 130 that connects to a charging port 140 of the charging station 120. The charging port 140 is configured to physically connect the charging station 120 to the EV 110. In some situations, the EV charging station 120 can be powered from a microgrid / nanogrid power system.

[0016] Typically, charging station 120 is fixed in place. For example, in a public charging location, charging station 120 is secured to the ground (e.g., asphalt / concrete) using, for example, bolts or other fasteners. Similarly, in a private charging station, charging station 120 is bolted to a wall or another immovable structure. Furthermore, conventional installation of charging station 120 includes a permanent electrical connection to a power source. For example, when installed in a private garage, charging station 120 has a dedicated power line installed where charging station 120 is mounted on the wall, and the dedicated power line is securely connected to a power terminal within charging station 120.

[0017] If charging station 120 is fixed and wired as discussed above, it is impractical to move charging station 120 to a different location as needed. For example, assume charging station 120 is installed on a garage wall (e.g., bolted to the wall) and a dedicated power line is connected to a power terminal inside the outer casing of charging station 120. In this situation, moving charging station 120 requires not only disconnecting the power connection but also removing charging station 120 from the wall. Additionally, charging station 120 needs to be reattached (e.g., bolted) to the wall at the new location (e.g., a new location in the same residence or a new residence), and a new dedicated power line needs to be run to charging station 120's new location. In situations where charging station 120 is powered by a microgrid / nanogrid system, the microgrid / nanogrid system is similarly installed in a fixed location, so that the microgrid / nanogrid system is also not easily relocatable. Therefore, it is not considered portable.

[0018] To facilitate easier relocation of the charging station, the charging station can be implemented as part of a portable microgrid / nanogrid station (not shown). A portable microgrid / nanogrid station is a device / system configured to connect and control multiple different power sources to multiple power loads and manage behind-the-meter (BTM) power in grid-connected systems as well as off-grid systems. The portable microgrid / nanogrid station can include power generation equipment and EV charging equipment. For example, the portable microgrid / nanogrid station can include or be configured to connect to a generator set (“Genset”), a solar array, a DC battery system, and a unidirectional or bidirectional EV charging system.

[0019] The portable microgrid / nanogrid stations discussed herein are configured to enable plug-and-play functionality using connectors that easily connect the portable microgrid / nanogrid station to a power source and the ability to disconnect the portable microgrid / nanogrid station from a power source without having to access power terminals internal to the portable microgrid / nanogrid station. As described in more detail below, the portable microgrid / nanogrid station may also provide utilities other than the ability to charge EVs. For example, the portable microgrid / nanogrid station may be housed within a cabinet 201 or another structure that includes storage space for items other than the battery energy storage system and / or associated EV charger components. In a specific example, the structure housing the battery energy storage system of the portable microgrid / nanogrid station may include drawers and / or cabinet doors that allow for storage of other items (e.g., tools or other household items) in an item storage area of ​​the structure. The portable microgrid / nanogrid station may also have wheels connected to the bottom of the structure housing the battery energy storage system, the wheels configuring the portable microgrid / nanogrid station to roll, thereby making it easier to relocate the portable microgrid / nanogrid station. For simplicity, the portable microgrid / nanogrid station will be referred to as a mobile energy system.

[0020] 2A-2C are diagrams of an exemplary mobile energy system 200. More specifically, FIG. 2A is a front view of mobile energy system 200, FIG. 2B is a side view of mobile energy system 200, and FIG. 2C is a rear view of mobile energy system 200. FIG. 2A shows the front of three drawers 202a, 202b, and 202c disposed within the interior region of mobile energy system 200. To facilitate opening and closing of drawers 202a, 202b, and 202c, drawer 202a is shown with two knobs 204, and drawers 202b and 202c are shown with respective handles 206.

[0021] The mobile energy system 200 is also configured to accommodate a DC battery system with a bidirectional DC / AC inverter connected to the battery energy storage system 208. The battery energy storage system 208 can have a single battery or a series of interconnected batteries. Adding more batteries to the battery energy storage system 208 can increase the overall storage capacity of the battery energy storage system 208. In some implementations, the storage capacity of the battery energy storage system 208 is at least 2 kWh and can have a storage capacity of 60 kWh or more. Other exemplary capacities are 5 kWh, 10 kWh, or any other capacity that can be selected based on the application. The battery energy storage system 208 is disposed within the interior space of the mobile energy system 200, specifically within a battery storage area configured to receive and store the battery energy storage system. As shown in FIG. 2A, the battery energy storage system 208 is disposed between the bottom 210 of the mobile energy system 200 and the bottom drawer 202c. The size of the battery storage area required to house the battery energy storage system 208 and the amount of space occupied by the battery energy storage system 208 will depend on the particular batteries used within the battery energy storage system as well as the desired total charge capacity.

[0022] The mobile energy system 200 includes a set of wheels 212 attached to the bottom (e.g., underside) of the mobile energy system 200. The set of wheels 212 may be bolted or otherwise secured to the bottom of the mobile energy system 200. The set of wheels 212 allows the mobile energy system 200 to be easily moved from one location to another. In some implementations, the set of wheels 212 may include a locking mechanism or brake that prevents the wheels from moving. In this manner, unintentional movement of the mobile energy system 200 may be prevented.

[0023] 2B is a side view of mobile energy system 200. In this view, drawers 202a-202c are shown in various stages of insertion / removal into / from the interior (e.g., item storage area) of mobile energy system 200. Each of drawers 202a-202c may be slidably mounted to the side of mobile energy system 200 via drawer slides 214 or other suitable hardware. While drawer slides 214 are shown as side-mounted drawer slides, bottom-mounted drawer slides may also be used.

[0024] 2C is a rear view of mobile energy system 200. In this view, three drawers 202a-202c are again depicted, as is battery energy storage system 208. This view also depicts connector 216 and connector 218 of mobile energy system 200. Connectors 216 and 218 are configured to provide an electrical connection between battery energy storage system 208 and an external device. For example, connector 216 may be a power input connector configured to connect battery energy storage system 208 to an external power source, thereby enabling charging of battery energy storage system 208. For example, connector 216 may connect battery energy storage system 208 to an AC power source or a DC power source.

[0025] The connection to an AC power source may be, for example, a connection to a power grid. In some implementations, the connection to the power grid may be a connection to a utility power service to a home. For example, the connector 216 may be configured to interface with an outlet of a voltage / amperage appropriate for input to the mobile energy system 200. For example, the voltage may be from a 110 volt single-phase power circuit to a 480 V three-phase power circuit, and the amperage may be from 10 to 300 amps.

[0026] The connection to the DC power source can be to a photovoltaic ("PV") solar array. For example, the connector can be configured to connect to a DC output of a solar panel. Alternatively or additionally, the connection to the DC power source can be to a separate battery bank (e.g., storing power from the PV solar array).

[0027] In some implementations, the connector 216 can be a standard EV charging connector or another connector. Examples of EV charging connectors include (but are not limited to): 1. J1772 Connector: This is a Level 2 charging connector used in North America, providing up to 240V of power. It features a standard 5-pin configuration, making it compatible with many EVs on the market. 2. CCS Connector: This is a Combined Charging System connector that can support both Level 2 and DC fast charging. It features a 2-pin DC charging connector located below the Level 2 charging connector. CCS connectors are commonly used in North America, Europe, and Asia. 3. CHAdeMO Connector: This is a Level 3 DC fast charging connector used primarily in Japan and Europe. It features a unique design that includes a large circular connector with two small pins at the bottom. 4. Tesla Connector: This is a proprietary charging connector used exclusively by Tesla vehicles. It supports Level 2 and Level 3 DC fast charging and features a unique 6-pin configuration. 5. Type 2 Connector: This is a European standard charging connector that supports both Level 2 and DC fast charging. It features a 7-pin configuration and is commonly used in Europe. 6. GB / T connector: This is a Chinese national standard charging connector that supports both Level 2 and DC fast charging. It features a 9-pin configuration and is commonly used in China. 7. North American Charging Standard (NACS) Connector: This is a charging connector system developed by Tesla that uses a five-pin layout with two main pins used for both AC charging and DC fast charging. This connector is in the process of being standardized as SAE J3400.

[0028] The connector 216 can have a pin configuration that matches one of the configurations described above or another. As such, a standard EV connector can be plugged into the connector 216, facilitating connection between an external power source and the battery energy storage system 208 to facilitate charging of the battery energy storage system 208. In this manner, the mobile energy system 200 can be configured to be plug-and-play by using a connector-style connection to an external power source. This also facilitates quickly disconnecting the battery energy storage system 208 from the external power source (e.g., to relocate the mobile energy system 200).

[0029] Connector 218 may be an output connector configured to connect battery energy storage system 208 to an EV (or another device) for charging the EV (or other device). Similar to the discussion above, connector 218 may be a standard EV connector (or another connector) where one end of a connectorized charging cable plugs into connector 218 and the other end of the connectorized charging cable plugs into an EV charging port, thereby enabling the transfer of charge from battery energy storage system 208 to the EV.

[0030] 2C also defines areas of the cabinet of the mobile energy system 200 designated as a battery storage area 220 and an item storage area 222. The battery storage area 220 is an interior portion of the mobile energy system 200 configured to receive the battery energy storage system 208. The item storage area 222 is an interior portion of the mobile energy system 200 configured to receive other items (i.e., items other than the battery energy storage system 208). As discussed above, the item storage area 222 can be configured to receive drawers 202a-202c, shelves, or other items. In some implementations, the item storage area 222 is accessible through the drawers 202a-202c and / or a cabinet door that can be attached to the front of the mobile energy system 200 using hinges or other suitable hardware. In some implementations, the battery storage area 220 and the item storage area 222 are separated by a physical barrier (e.g., a wall or shelf made of metal, plastic, wood, or another suitable material) such that two separate areas are defined regardless of whether the battery energy storage system 208, drawers 202a-202c, or other items are inserted in either area. Separating these separate areas by a physical barrier can protect the battery energy storage system 208 from damage or contamination from items in the item storage area 222.

[0031] In some implementations, the battery storage area 220 and the item storage area 222 can be at least partially open to one another while remaining separated by other features of the cabinet 201. For example, the dimensions of the battery storage area 220 can be different from the item storage area 222, and dimensional changes within the cabinet 201 can be the point at which the two areas are separated. For example, the battery storage area 220 can have dimensions, connectors, or other features that facilitate storage of the battery energy storage system 208 in the battery storage area 220, while the item storage area 222 can have dimensions that facilitate insertion of items other than the battery energy storage system 208 (e.g., drawers, shelves, etc.).

[0032] 3A-3C are diagrams of another exemplary mobile energy system 300. More specifically, FIG. 3A is a front view of the mobile energy system 300, FIG. 3B is a side view of the mobile energy system 300, and FIG. 3C is a rear view of the mobile energy system 300. FIG. 3A shows the front of four drawers 302a, 302b, 302c, and 302d disposed within the interior region of the mobile energy system 300. To facilitate opening and closing of the drawers 302a, 302b, 302c, and 302d, two knobs 304 are shown on the drawer 302a, and respective handles 306 are shown on the drawers 302b, 302c, and 302d. This is a similar configuration to that described with reference to the mobile energy system 200.

[0033] One difference between mobile energy system 200 and mobile energy system 300 is that mobile energy system 300 depicts drawer 302d at the bottom of mobile energy system 300 instead of a battery energy storage system. Rather, as shown in FIG. 3B , mobile energy system 300 has battery energy storage system 308 located behind drawers 302a-302d at (or near) the back of mobile energy system 300 (e.g., near the face of mobile energy system 300 facing the drawer / cabinet opening). In this configuration, battery energy storage system 308 is located within battery storage area 310 located behind drawers 302a-302d and is positioned to occupy more vertical space (e.g., top to bottom) than horizontal space (e.g., front to back) within mobile energy system 300. This is in contrast to mobile energy system 200, in which battery storage area 220 is configured more horizontally than vertically (e.g., has a greater dimension from front to back of mobile energy system 200). Other configurations of the battery compartment 220 or 310 are possible as well.

[0034] In Figure 3B, the item storage area 312 is again at the front of the mobile energy system 300, and the drawer is extendable from the front of the mobile energy system 300. The mobile energy system 300 again has a set of wheels 314 attached to the bottom of the mobile energy system 300 to support the mobile energy system 300 above the ground and facilitate easy movement / relocation of the mobile energy system 300.

[0035] 3C illustrates the back of the mobile energy system 300 and exemplary locations of two connection points 316 and 318. The two connection points may be two connectors similar to those described above with respect to FIG. 2C. For example, connection point 316 may be a connector that allows a standard EV plug to be connected to the mobile energy system 300. In some implementations, connection point 316 is an output connection point configured to connect the battery energy storage system 308 to an EV for charging the EV. Meanwhile, connection point 318 may be a power input connector configured to connect the battery energy storage system 308 to a power source for charging the battery energy storage system, as discussed with respect to FIG. 2C.

[0036] 4 is a diagram 400 illustrating another exemplary mobile energy system 402 connected to a residential (or other structure) power system. More specifically, a cable 404 is connected at a first end to the mobile energy system 402 and at the other end (i.e., the second end) to a junction box 406. The first end of the cable 404 may be connectorized and thus plugged into a connector 408 on the mobile energy system 402, as discussed above. The second end of the cable 404 may also be connectorized and plugged into a connector on the junction box 406 to provide a plug-and-play connection between the mobile energy system 402 and the residential power system. Alternatively, the cable 404 may be hardwired to the mobile energy system 402 and / or the residential power system.

[0037] Junction box 406 may be configured to connect mobile energy system 402 directly to the residential power system, or junction box 406 may include one or more components that convert power from one state to another before transmission to mobile energy system 402 via cable 404. For example, assume junction box 406 is simply a connection point that electrically connects mobile energy system 402 to the residential solar power system 410. In this example, DC power from solar power system 410 may be provided directly to mobile energy system 402, thereby allowing solar power generated by solar power system 410 to be used to charge battery energy storage system 412 of mobile energy system 402.

[0038] In some implementations, the power at the junction box 406 has already been converted to AC power, for example, by an inverter of the solar power system 410. In these implementations, the AC power from the inverter of the solar power system 410 can be transmitted to the mobile energy system 402 via the cable 404. To facilitate charging of the battery energy storage system 412, the mobile energy system 402 can include power conditioning hardware 414 (e.g., rectifiers, transformers, and / or other power conditioning hardware) that converts the AC power from the junction box 406 to DC power that can charge the battery energy storage system 412.

[0039] In some implementations, the junction box 406 can also be a standard electrical panel for a residence. In these implementations, AC power from the electrical panel can be transmitted back to the mobile energy system 402 via the cable 404. To facilitate charging of the battery energy storage system 412, the mobile energy system 402 can again include power conditioning hardware 414 (e.g., rectifiers, transformers, inverters, and / or other power conditioning hardware) connected between the battery energy storage system 412 and the connector 408 to convert the AC power from the junction box 406 to DC power capable of charging the battery energy storage system 412. If DC power is received at the connector 408 and needs to be converted to AC power to charge the battery energy storage system, the conditioning hardware can include an inverter and / or other power conditioning hardware as described above.

[0040] In some implementations, an energy management device can be included as part of the mobile energy system 402. The energy management device includes one or more processors (e.g., computer hardware) configured to exchange data with one or more of: (i) a battery energy storage system 412, (ii) electric vehicles connected to the mobile energy system 402 (or registered with the energy management device), (iii) a solar power generation system 410, and / or a power grid 416 that provides power to the residence (e.g., from a utility company). For example, the energy management device can include wired and / or wireless communication components that enable communication over a wired network link (e.g., Ethernet) and / or a wireless network link (e.g., BLUETOOTH®, WIFI®, or another wireless communication standard). The energy management device can also be configured to communicate over a Controller Area Network bus (“CANbus”), a vehicle bus standard designed to allow devices to communicate and exchange data without a host computer.

[0041] Using information obtained from (i) the battery energy storage system 412, (ii) the electric vehicles connected to the mobile energy system 402 (or registered with the energy management device), (iii) the PV solar array 410, and / or the power grid 416 that provides power to the residence, the energy management device is configured to modify the amount of power drawn from each of the power grid 416 and the solar power generation system 410. For example, the energy management device may collect peak usage data from the power grid 416 (e.g., times when the load is higher than average or rises to some baseline load) and reduce the amount of power drawn from the power grid 416 during peak usage times. During these peak times, the energy management device is also configured to increase the amount of power drawn from the solar power generation system 410 (or battery energy storage system 412) during the peak usage times. For example, the amount of power drawn from the solar power generation system 410 or the battery energy storage system 412 may be based on the difference (e.g., a mathematical difference) between the current load requirement and the amount by which the power drawn from the power grid 416 is reduced. In other words, the energy management device can increase the amount of power drawn from the solar power generation system 410 or the battery energy storage system 412 to replace the amount of power no longer being drawn from the power grid 416 to meet the current load (e.g., the amount of power needed to power connected devices in the home).

[0042] The energy management device may also be configured to reduce current load by sending instructions to one or more of the EV chargers or EVs (e.g., in the mobile energy system 402) to refrain from charging during specified times (e.g., peak usage times). For example, when the energy management device detects that the current load on the power grid 416 is approaching a specified upper threshold, the energy management device 416 may send a "do not charge" instruction to the mobile energy system 402 and / or the EVs. The "do not charge" instruction may include, for example, a set of commands (e.g., codes) that cause the mobile energy system 402 and / or the EVs to refrain from charging for a certain period of time or until a specified condition is met (e.g., the load on the power grid 416 falls below an upper threshold or another lower threshold).

[0043] Additionally, the energy management unit can be configured to trigger a discharge mode in which energy stored in the EV's battery is discharged to reduce the current load on the power grid 416 (or another power source). For example, the energy management unit can send a command to the EV causing the EV to enter a discharge mode in which power from the EV's battery is made available for use as a power source for other electrical components / devices. Similarly, the energy management unit can send a command to the bidirectional EV charger of the mobile energy system 402 causing the bidirectional charger to transfer power from the EV battery to other components / devices connected to the cable 404.

[0044] In some implementations, the energy management device (or another component of the mobile energy system 402) can be configured to operate in an “off-grid” mode. “Off-grid” mode is a mode in which the mobile energy system 402 is electrically isolated from the power grid 416 such that the mobile energy system operates independently of the power grid 416. In this mode, the mobile energy system 402 can obtain all of its power from the solar power system 410, another green energy source (e.g., wind, hydro, etc.), a generator, or another independent power source. For example, the energy management device can flip a switch that disconnects the mobile energy system 402 from its electrical connection with the power grid 416.

[0045] The energy management device can be located within the junction box 406, included as part of power conditioning hardware 414 located within the mobile energy system 402, or located elsewhere. In some implementations, the energy management device can be configured to charge the battery energy storage system 412 when load demand on the power grid 416 and / or solar power generation system 410 is below a specified amount (e.g., at least 50% of the peak load demand, or another specified amount below the peak load demand), thereby ensuring that charging of the battery energy storage system 412 does not overload the power grid 416 and / or solar power generation system 410. By limiting charging of the battery energy storage system 412 to periods other than peak load times, the cost of charging the battery energy storage system 412 is also generally lower.

[0046] In some implementations, the energy management device can be configured to manage “vehicle to everything” (V2X) functionality. V2X refers to the transfer of power stored in an EV battery to other devices or systems. For example, power stored in an EV can be transferred to a battery energy storage system 412, a power grid 416, a solar power system 410, and / or a home (e.g., an AC panel of a home or other structure). To facilitate implementation of V2X functionality, the mobile energy system 402 (e.g., power conditioning hardware 414) can be configured to charge the battery energy storage system 412 using power from an EV connected to the mobile energy system 402 and can also include a bidirectional charger configured to charge an EV connected to the mobile energy system 402.

[0047] The communication link between the bidirectional charger and the EV can be a V2G-compliant communication protocol, such as International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 15118 or Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) 2.0.1. Other suitable communication protocols can also be used. The communication link can facilitate the exchange of information, such as the amount of charge available in the EV, the amount of charge available in the battery energy storage system 412, the current load on the power grid 416, the amount of stored power associated with the solar power generation system 410, and / or other information. The energy management device can use information obtained using the communication link and / or send instructions over the communication link to adjust the direction of power flow (e.g., from the battery energy storage system 412 or another power source to the EV, or from the battery energy storage system 412 or another power source to the EV) based on current and expected load conditions. In other words, the energy management device can perform load balancing based on the obtained information.

[0048] In some implementations, the energy management device can be configured to perform real-time load balancing and / or predictive load balancing. For example, the energy management device can perform real-time load balancing by monitoring load conditions on various power sources and adjusting the charging of the battery energy storage system 412 and / or EVs based on real-time changes occurring. The real-time load balancing functionality enables the mobile energy system 402 to react to detected changes in load demand and / or power supply conditions, which may be intermittent or temporary.

[0049] For example, assume that a tree has downed power lines from the power grid 416, the weather is becoming cloudy, and cloudy weather is forecast for the next 24 hours. In this situation, the energy management device may determine that supply from the power grid 416 will be interrupted for a period of time and that the solar power generation system 410 will be generating power at less than maximum capacity for a period of time. In response to this determination, the energy management device may determine how to adjust power allocation to mitigate the impact of the interruption on the power supply in a manner that reduces demand during the interruption. For example, the energy management device may use V2X functionality to transfer power from the EV to the battery energy storage system 412 (or another device or system) to compensate for the sudden decrease in available power from the power grid 416 and the solar power generation system 410. Similarly, the energy management device may use power from the battery energy storage system 412 as a power source for a home (or other structure) during a power interruption. In this manner, the energy management device may react to unexpected events by adjusting the flow of power through the mobile energy system 402 to optimize use of available power.

[0050] The energy management device can also be configured to perform predictive load management. Predictive load management differs from real-time load management in that predictive load management generates a future plan for how power flow will be adjusted based on past information (e.g., load demand and / or power availability). For example, the energy management device can use past load information from the power grid 416 to determine when the battery energy storage system 412 and / or EV should be charged and / or when power from the battery energy storage system 412 and / or EV should be made available to power devices in a home (or other structure). The predictive load management plan generated by the energy management device can be executed as generated, for example, if real-time events do not significantly change the assumptions on which the predictive load management plan was generated. However, if real-time events significantly affect the assumptions on which the plan was generated, the real-time load management functionality of the energy management device can adjust the predictive load management plan, as discussed above.

[0051] The energy management device can also be configured to perform load balancing when a single-phase load (e.g., a single-phase EV charger) is connected to a three-phase power source. For example, the energy management device can distribute the single-phase load across the three phases of the power source so that each phase of the power source carries a balanced or equal load (e.g., within a specified tolerance). More specifically, the energy management device can determine the size of the single-phase load connected to the three-phase power source and distribute substantially equal portions of the single-phase load across the three phases of the power source. In situations where multiple single-phase loads are connected to a three-phase power source, the energy management device can also be configured to take into account the power factors of the different single-phase loads when performing load balancing. For example, the energy management device can be configured to perform power factor correction (e.g., using capacitors and / or inductors) across the single-phase loads.

[0052] In some implementations, the mobile energy system 402 can include a battery management system / device 418, which can be a separate system or part of an energy management apparatus. The battery management system 418 includes one or more processors (or other computing devices) and a set of sensors (e.g., voltage sensors, current sensors, temperature sensors, etc.) configured to monitor the battery energy storage system 408, analyze the status or operating capacity of the battery energy storage system 408, provide protection against various conditions, and / or take corrective action to prevent unsafe conditions. For example, the battery management system 418 can be configured to measure and calculate the remaining capacity (e.g., state of charge) of the battery energy storage system 408 over time.

[0053] Using the determined remaining capacity allows the battery management system 418 to provide a user with information regarding the current state of charge of the battery energy storage system 408 and manage the charging / discharging of the battery energy storage system 408. For example, the battery energy storage system 408 can use the determined current state of charge to ensure that the battery energy storage system 408 is not overcharged or over-discharged, thereby extending the life of the battery energy storage system 408.

[0054] The determined remaining capacity may also be used by the battery management system 418 to control when the battery energy storage system 408 is charged and / or used to provide auxiliary power to components at the location (e.g., a residential power system). For example, if the battery management system 418 determines that the battery energy storage system 408 has more charge than a specified amount, the charging of the battery energy storage system 408 may be delayed until the load on the power grid 416 falls below a specified threshold, thereby reducing energy generation demands on the power grid 416 and / or obtaining lower cost power to recharge the battery energy storage system 408.

[0055] The battery management unit 418 may also be configured to monitor the health / performance of the battery energy storage system 408, for example, by determining whether the battery energy storage system 408 has experienced capacity degradation over time. In some situations, capacity degradation can be determined by comparing a current charge capacity to a previous charge capacity. This capacity degradation information can be used, potentially in combination with changes in internal resistance measurements over time, to predict the remaining life of the battery and report that information to the energy management unit and / or a user (e.g., via a user interface or wireless device).

[0056] The battery management unit 418 may also be configured to perform cell balancing to ensure that different cells of the battery energy storage system 408 have similar voltage levels and states of charge. Performing cell balancing can help to maintain the capacity of the battery energy storage system 408 and / or the lifespan of the battery energy storage system 408, for example, by reducing the likelihood that a particular cell will be overcharged or over-discharged due to an imbalance between the cells.

[0057] The battery management unit 418 may also be configured to maintain the battery energy storage system 408 within a specified operating temperature range. For example, the battery management unit 418 may monitor the temperature inside the battery energy storage system 408 and / or the mobile energy system 402 and adjust charge / discharge operations when the temperature approaches (and / or falls outside) the upper / lower limits of the specified operating temperature range. In this manner, the battery management unit 418 may vary the amount of heat generated by the battery energy storage system 408 in order to keep the temperature within the specified operating range.

[0058] The battery management unit 418 may also include voltage protection circuitry and / or logic to protect the battery energy storage system 408 from over-voltage and under-voltage conditions. For example, the battery management unit 418 may disconnect the battery energy storage system 408 from power or limit charging of the battery energy storage system 408 if the voltage exceeds a specified upper threshold. Similarly, the battery management unit 418 may limit / stop discharging the battery energy storage system 408 if the detected voltage falls below a lower threshold.

[0059] While this specification contains details of many specific implementations, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention or what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of a particular invention. Certain features described herein in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Furthermore, while features may be described above as acting in a particular combination, and may even be initially claimed as such, in some cases one or more features from a claimed combination can be excluded from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variations of the subcombination.

[0060] Similarly, although acts are shown in a particular order in the figures, this should not be understood as requiring that such acts be performed in the particular order or sequential order shown, or that all of the shown acts be performed, to achieve desirable results.

[0061] Thus, specific embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the activities recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. In addition, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In certain implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 200 Mobile Energy System 201 Cabinet 202a Drawer 202b Drawer 202c Drawer 204 Knob 206 Handle 208 Battery Energy Storage System 210 Bottom 212 Wheels 214 Drawer Slide 216 Connector 218 Connector 220 Battery Compartment 222 Item Storage Area 300 Mobile Energy System 302a Drawer 302b Drawer 302c Drawer 302d Drawer 304 Knob 306 Handle 308 Battery Energy Storage System 310 Battery Compartment 312 Item Storage Area 314 wheels 316 Connection Points 318 Connection Points 400 Figures 402 Mobile Energy System 404 Cable 406 Junction Box 408 Connector 410 Photovoltaic power generation system, PV solar array 412 Battery Energy Storage System 414 Power Conditioning Hardware 416 Power Grid 418 Battery management system / device, battery management system, battery management device

Claims

1. A cabinet having an interior space defined by an exterior surface of the cabinet, the interior space comprising: a battery storage area configured to receive a battery energy storage system having a storage capacity of at least 2 kWh; an item storage area configured to accept and store one or more other items; a cabinet comprising: a connector configured to connect a battery energy storage system disposed within the battery storage area to an external power source; a charging cable configured to connect the battery energy storage system to a charging port of an electric vehicle; A mobile energy system comprising:

2. 10. The mobile energy system of claim 1, further comprising the battery energy storage system disposed within the battery storage area.

3. The mobile energy system of claim 1 , further comprising wheels attached to a bottom of the cabinet.

4. 10. The mobile energy system of claim 1, further comprising one or more drawers disposed within the item storage area.

5. 5. The mobile energy system of claim 4, wherein the battery storage area is disposed between a rear surface of the cabinet and the one or more drawers.

6. 5. The mobile energy system of claim 4, wherein the battery storage area is disposed between a bottom of the cabinet and the one or more drawers.

7. The mobile energy system of claim 1 , wherein the connector comprises a NACS connector.

8. 10. The mobile energy system of claim 1, further comprising an inverter connected between the battery energy storage system and the connector.

9. 10. The mobile energy system of claim 1, wherein the connector is configured to connect the battery energy storage system to a solar power system.

10. 10. The mobile energy system of claim 1, further comprising: an energy management device configured to exchange data with (i) the battery energy storage system, (ii) the electric vehicle, (iii) a solar power generation system, and a power grid.

11. 11. The mobile energy system of claim 10, wherein the energy management device is further configured to vary an amount of power drawn from each of the power grid and the solar power system based on the exchanged data.

12. The energy management device collecting peak usage data regarding the power grid; reducing the amount of power drawn from the power grid during peak usage times based on the peak usage data; and 12. The mobile energy system of claim 11, further configured to perform operations including:

13. The energy management device increasing the amount of power drawn from the solar power generation system or the battery energy storage system during the peak usage hours, wherein the amount of power drawn from the solar power generation system or the battery energy storage system is based on a difference between a current load requirement and an amount by which the power drawn from the power grid will be reduced. The mobile energy system of claim 11 , further configured to perform operations including:

14. 11. The mobile energy system of claim 10, wherein the energy management device is further configured to electrically isolate the mobile energy system from the power grid.

Images