Electrical Coupling System

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrical coupling system (100) for electrically connecting an output port (210) of a power source (200) and an input port (310) of a power consumer (300), wherein the electrical coupling circuit (100) includes a first storage unit (1) connected to the output port (210) and the input port (310), respectively, via a first mechanical switch (114), the first mechanical switch (114) being configured to operate in a first mode (M1) in which the first storage unit (1) is in galvanic contact with the output port (210), a second mode (M2) in which the first storage unit (1) is in galvanic contact with the input port (310), or a third mode (M3) in which the first storage unit (1) is in non-galvanic contact with the output port (210) and in non-galvanic contact with the input port (310). The present invention further relates to an electrical system (500) including a power source (200), a power consumer (300), and an electrical coupling system (100).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the invention relates to an electrical coupling system for connecting a power source with a power consumer. [Background technology]

[0002] Different types of voltage systems or power systems are known in the art. A power system may be configured to provide or supply electrical power to an electrical load. Such a power system may represent a power source, such as a wind farm, a solar farm, a mains power grid, or the like.

[0003] Additionally, the power system may be configured to receive electrical power, i.e., power provided by an external power source. Such a power system may represent a power consumer.

[0004] Additionally, a power system may alternately function as a power source or a power consumer at different time instances. A battery system is one example of such a system.

[0005] When connecting a power source with a power consumer, an electrical coupling arrangement is required for the transfer of power from the power source to the power consumer. The electrical coupling may be based on non-galvanic contact, for example by using a transformer, or on direct conductive contact. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] It is an object of embodiments of the present invention to provide a solution that mitigates or overcomes the drawbacks and problems of conventional solutions.

[0007] An object of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a safe solution for transmitting power from a power source to a power consumer.

[0008] The above and further objects are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the above and other objects are achieved by an electrical coupling system for electrically connecting a transmission port of a power source and a reception port of a power consumer, the electrical coupling circuit including a first electrical storage unit connected to the transmission port and the reception port, respectively, via a first mechanical switch, the first mechanical switch comprising: a first mode in which the first storage unit is in galvanic contact with the delivery port; a second mode in which the first storage unit is in galvanic contact with the receiving port; or The first storage unit is configured to operate in a third mode in which it is in non-galvanic contact with the sending port and in non-galvanic contact with the receiving port.

[0010] Non-galvanic contact may be understood as a non-galvanic state, such that the first mechanical switch is in one of the first mode, the second mode, or the third mode at a particular time.

[0011] Thus, the first power storage unit may be configured to load power from the power source when the first mechanical switch is in a first mode and to deliver power to the power consumer when the first mechanical switch is in a second mode.

[0012] An advantage of the electrical coupling system disclosed herein is that it provides safe galvanic isolation between different power systems that may be interconnected with each other, thereby improving personal safety compared to conventional solutions. Furthermore, use of the disclosed electrical coupling system may also improve power transfer efficiency by eliminating the need for transformers, inverters, or DC-DC converters, such as those involving pulse width modulation (PWM), thereby reducing power losses during power transfer.

[0013] In an implementation of the electrical coupling system according to the first aspect, the first mechanical switch is configured to switch from the first mode to the second mode via the third mode, and vice versa.

[0014] In an implementation of the electrical coupling system according to the first aspect, the first mechanical switch includes: Switching to the first mode when the storage level of the first storage unit is below a first threshold; and / or The power supply is configured to switch to the second mode when the storage level of the first power storage unit exceeds a second threshold.

[0015] In an implementation of the electrical coupling system according to the first aspect, the first threshold is lower than the second threshold.

[0016] In an implementation of the electrical coupling system according to the first aspect, the first mechanical switch includes: When an error in the first power storage unit is detected, when a measurement of the first storage unit is made, and / or The power storage unit is configured to switch to a third mode when the first power storage unit enters the passive mode.

[0017] Thereby, the electrical coupling system enters the third mode in relevant critical events.

[0018] In an implementation of the electrical coupling system according to the first aspect, the electrical coupling system includes a first electrical switch connected between the first power storage unit and the first mechanical switch.

[0019] Thereby, electrical safety may be further improved.

[0020] In an implementation of the electrical coupling system according to the first aspect, the first electrical switch is configured to be in a non-conducting state when the first mechanical switch is switched to the first mode or the second mode.

[0021] This further improves electrical safety.

[0022] In an implementation of the electrical coupling system according to the first aspect, the first electrical switch is configured to be in a conducting state when the first mechanical switch is switched to the first mode or the second mode.

[0023] This further improves electrical safety.

[0024] In an implementation of the electrical coupling system according to the first aspect, the first electrical switch is configured to be in a non-conducting state when the first mechanical switch is in the third mode.

[0025] Thereby, power losses may be reduced.

[0026] In an implementation of the electrical coupling system according to the first aspect, the electrical coupling system includes: a second storage unit connected to the sending port and the receiving port via a second mechanical switch; and a third power storage unit connected to the sending port and the receiving port, respectively, via a third mechanical switch.

[0027] In an implementation of the electrical coupling system according to the first aspect, at a first time simultaneously, the first mechanical switch is configured to operate in a first mode, the second mechanical switch is configured to operate in a second mode, and the third mechanical switch is configured to operate in the second mode.

[0028] This allows for power delivery without power outages.

[0029] In an implementation of the electrical coupling system according to the first aspect, the third mechanical switch is configured to switch to the first mode at a second time point after the first time point.

[0030] In an implementation of the electrical coupling system according to the first aspect, the first mechanical switch is configured to switch to the second mode at a third time point after the second time point.

[0031] In an implementation of the electrical coupling system according to the first aspect, the second mechanical switch is configured to switch to the first mode at a fourth time point after the third time point.

[0032] In an implementation of the electrical coupling system according to the first aspect, at a first time, the first mechanical switch is configured to operate in a first mode, the second mechanical switch is configured to operate in a second mode, and the third mechanical switch is configured to operate in a third mode.

[0033] Thereby, the electrical coupling system is prepared for several different applications.

[0034] In an implementation of the electrical coupling system according to the first aspect, the third mechanical switch is configured to switch to the first mode or the second mode at a second time point after the first time point.

[0035] In an implementation of the electrical coupling system according to the first aspect, the electrical coupling system includes: a second electrical switch connected between the second power storage unit and the second mechanical switch; and a third electrical switch connected between the third power storage unit and the third mechanical switch.

[0036] In an implementation of the electrical coupling system according to the first aspect, the electrical coupling system includes a control device configured to communicate with and control the mechanic switch and the electrical switch.

[0037] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the above and other objects are achieved by an electrical system including a power source, a power consumer, and an electrical coupling system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Further applications and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

[0039] The accompanying drawings are intended to clarify and explain different embodiments of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0040] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic of an electrical coupling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1A-1C illustrate the operation of mechanical and electrical switches according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates an electrical coupling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates an electrical coupling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 illustrates a power system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] 1 shows an electrical coupling system 100 for electrically connecting an output port 210 of a power source 200 and an input port 310 of a power consumer 300. The disclosed electrical coupling circuit 100 includes a first power storage unit 1 connected to the output port 210 and the input port 310 via a first mechanical switch 114, respectively.

[0042] The first mechanical switch 114 according to the present invention is configured to operate in a first mode M1 in which the first storage unit 1 is in galvanic contact with the sending port 210, a second mode M2 ​​in which the first storage unit 1 is in galvanic contact with the receiving port 310, or a third mode M3 in which the first storage unit 1 is in non-galvanic contact with the sending port 210 and in non-galvanic contact with the receiving port 310. Thus, the first storage unit 1 may be in one of three operating modes or states M1, M2, M3 at any given time.

[0043] The delivery port 210 and the receiving port 310 may be any suitable port for conductively and electrically connecting the electrical coupling system 100 to the power source 200 and the power consumer 300, respectively. Each of the mentioned delivery port 210 and receiving port 310 may include one or more sub-ports to connect to one or more power sources 200 and one or more power consumers 300, respectively. The delivery port 210 and the receiving port 310 may include conductive elements for direct conductive coupling. The power in the power source 200 and the power consumer 300 may be direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC). According to embodiments of the present invention, the input DC / AC and output DC / AC of the electrical coupling system 100 may have different voltages / currents and / or frequencies.

[0044] The power source 200 may be a power source that supplies power to an electrical load(s), and may be a battery pack, a wind farm, a solar power plant, a grid power system, or any other suitable power source. The power consumer 300 may be any electrical load(s) that consumes power directly or indirectly for its function, such as, for example, an electric motor, an electric machine, etc. However, the power consumer 300 need not immediately consume power. It may be noted that the power source 200 may switch between being configured to function as a power source and a power consumer at different times. The same applies to the power consumer 300, which may switch between being configured to function as a power consumer and a power source at different times.

[0045] Additionally, as used herein, galvanic contact may refer to direct electrically conductive contact between conductive elements without any intermediate dielectric between them. For example, a first conductive element in mechanical contact with a second conductive element may be considered a galvanic contact in this regard.

[0046] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first mechanical switch 114 is configured to switch from the first mode M1 to the second mode M2 ​​via the third mode M3, which also applies to switching in the opposite direction. That is, according to this embodiment, the first mechanical switch 114 is also configured to switch from the second mode M2 ​​to the first mode M1 via the third mode M3. Thus, the third mode M3 may be considered as an intermediate non-galvanic contact mode between the first mode M1 and the second mode M2, both of which are galvanic contact modes.

[0047] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the first mechanical switch 114 may switch from the second mode M2 ​​or the third mode M3 to the first mode M1 when the storage level of the first power storage unit 1 is below a first threshold. Additionally, the first mechanical switch 114 may switch from the first mode M1 or the third mode M3 to the second mode M2 ​​when the storage level of the first power storage unit 1 exceeds a second threshold. In an embodiment of the present invention, the first threshold is lower than the second threshold. For example, the first threshold may be 10% of the maximum power of the first power storage unit 1, and the second threshold may be 90% of the maximum power of the first power storage unit 1. The first threshold may be any other value, such as 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%, and the second threshold may be any other value, such as 80%, 70%, and 60%.

[0048] Thus, the first power storage unit 1 will switch to the first mode M1 when the monitored power level falls below the first threshold, and will switch to the second mode M2 ​​accordingly when the monitored power level rises above the second threshold. In addition, more than two thresholds may be used to control the operation mode / state of the first power storage unit 1. For example, by using one or more intermediate thresholds, the first power storage unit 1 may switch to the third mode M3 when the power level passes through such intermediate threshold. By appropriately determining the thresholds and adjusting them, the electrical coupling system 100 may harvest and supply power to meet the requirements and conditions set by the power source 200 and the power consumer 300. Furthermore, such determination may optimize the lifespan of the first power storage unit 1, such as a battery.

[0049] Furthermore, when an error / fault of the first power storage unit 1 is detected, the first mechanical switch 114 may switch from the first mode M1 or the second mode M2 ​​to the third mode M3, thereby removing or repairing the first power storage unit 1. The error may mean that the function of the first power storage unit 1 is incomplete or impaired. Other switching conditions for switching from the first mode M1 or the second mode M2 ​​to the third mode M3 may include when measuring the first power storage unit 1 and / or when the first power storage unit 1 enters a power saving mode or a passive mode. Measuring the first power storage unit 1 may be understood as performing any general measurement on the first power storage unit 1, such as measuring its power level or electrical characteristics, such as its resistance and conductivity. Power saving mode or passive mode may mean that the storage unit 1 is completely disconnected from any external load(s) so that power can be stored for a period of time without substantially reducing its power level.

[0050] FIG. 2 shows in more detail how the mechanical switch 114 may operate according to the present solution. In FIG. 2a, the first mechanical switch 114 is operating in a first mode M1, whereby the first storage unit 1 is in galvanic contact with the sending port 210 but not with the receiving port 310. In FIG. 2c, the first mechanical switch 114 is in a second mode M2, whereby the first storage unit 1 is in galvanic contact with the receiving port 310 but not with the sending port 210. Finally, in FIG. 2b, the first mechanical switch 114 is in a third mode M3, whereby the first storage unit 1 is not in galvanic contact with the receiving port 310, is not in galvanic contact with the sending port 210, and is therefore not in galvanic contact with either the power source 200 or the power consumer 300. Thus, the first storage unit 1 is in a no-conductive-contact mode when in the third mode M3.

[0051] 2 additionally illustrates when the electrical coupling system 100 includes a first electrical switch 116 that is associated with and synchronized with the first mechanical switch 114 during operation. In this embodiment, the first electrical switch 116 is connected between the first power storage unit 1 and the first mechanical switch 114. Thus, power to and from the first power storage unit 1 must always pass through the first electrical switch 116. The first electrical switch 116 may be of any suitable type, such as, for example, a field effect transistor (FET) that has a conducting state in which current can pass through the first electrical switch 116 and a non-conducting state in which current cannot pass through the first electrical switch 116. This solution allows the use of low-voltage FETs, which are cheaper to manufacture compared to high-voltage FETs.

[0052] In an embodiment of the present invention, the synchronization between the first mechanical switch 114 and the first electrical switch 116 relates particularly to three different operating modes of the mechanical switches, namely, modes M1, M2, and M3. Before the first mechanical switch 114 switches to the first mode M1, the first electrical switch 116 may switch from a conducting state to a non-conducting state. Thus, the first electrical switch 116 is configured to be in a non-conducting state when the first mechanical switch 114 switches to the first mode M1 or the second mode M2. Furthermore, after the first mechanical switch 114 switches to the second mode M2, the first electrical switch 116 may switch from a non-conducting state to a conducting state. Thus, the first electrical switch 116 is configured to be in a conducting state when the first mechanical switch 114 switches to the first mode M1 or the second mode M2. Thereby, when the mechanical switch switches, no current flows, which means that no electric arc is generated. For the third mode M3, when the first mechanical switch 114 is in the third mode M3 for power saving and measurement, the first electrical switch 116 may be in a non-conducting state.

[0053] 3 illustrates an electrical coupling system 100 including an additional power storage unit. In this non-limiting disclosed example, the electrical coupling system 100 includes a second power storage unit 2 connected to the sending port 210 and the receiving port 310, respectively, via a second mechanical switch 124. The electrical coupling system 100 further includes a third power storage unit 3 connected to the sending port 210 and the receiving port 310, respectively, via a third mechanical switch 134. However, it will be recognized that the electrical coupling system 100 may include any number of power storage units configured similarly to the first power storage unit 1, i.e., configured to function and operate in a first mode M1, a second mode M2, and a third mode M3, etc., according to any embodiment of the first power storage unit 1. In an embodiment of the present invention, each power storage unit 1, 2, 3 is connected to a power source 200 and a power consumer 300 via respective conductive lines and mechanical switches 114, 124, 134 and additional electrical switches 116, 126, 136.

[0054] It may be further noted that each storage unit 1, 2, 3 may include a set 118, 128, 138 of electrical modules, such as batteries, capacitors, and / or transformers, that may store electrical power. The sets 118, 128, 138 of electrical modules within the storage units 1, 2, 3 may be interconnected with each other via conductive interfaces and communication interfaces. The sets 118, 128, 138 of electrical modules for each storage unit 1, 2, 3 may be configured to provide different voltage values ​​depending on the voltage configuration of the sets 118, 128, 138 of electrical modules. As shown in FIG. 6 , the referenced voltage configuration may be controlled by a control device or arrangement 400, for example via control lines or the like.

[0055] FIG. 4 illustrates possible operating configurations or states of the power storage units 1, 2, and 3 of the electrical coupling system 100 disclosed herein. Generally, multiple power storage units may operate in any of three modes M1, M2, and M3 and may be synchronized with each other to provide different power coupling functions / settings depending on the required application. For example, as shown in FIG. 4a, the first power storage unit 1 may be in the first mode M1 and thereby draw power from the power source 200, while the second power storage unit 2 may be in the second mode M2 ​​and thus deliver power to the power consumer 300. One or more third power storage units 3 may be in a third intermediate mode M3, neither drawing nor delivering power at the same time. Thus, the third mode M3 may also be referred to as a dormant mode, a passive mode, an energy saving mode, or a measurement mode.

[0056] Depending on the desired power combining function, one or more third storage units 3 may be configured to switch to the first mode M1 or the second mode M2. For example, FIG. 4b illustrates a case where some third storage units 3 are switched to the first mode M1, while some other third storage units are switched to the second mode M2. This may occur, for example, when some third storage units 3 need to harvest power, while other third storage units 3 have the capacity to deliver the power required by the power consumer 300. On the other hand, FIG. 4c illustrates a case where all third storage units 3 are switched to the second mode M2, while FIG. 4d illustrates a case where all third storage units 3 are instead switched to the first mode M1. The example of FIG. 4c illustrates a case where all third storage units 3 have the capacity to deliver power to the power consumer 300. 4d shows a case where all the third power storage units 3 require power intake, and one or more third power storage units 3 may be configured to switch to the first mode M1 or the second mode M2 ​​based on any of the power levels of the third power storage units 3, the power capacity of the power source, and the power required by the power consumers.

[0057] Thus, in an embodiment of the present invention, simultaneously at a first time point T1, the first mechanical switch 114 is configured to operate in a first mode M1, the second mechanical switch 124 is configured to operate in a second mode M2, and the third mechanical switch 134 is configured to operate in a third mode M3. Then, at a second time point T2 after the first time point T1, the third mechanical switch 134 is configured to switch to either the first mode M1 or the second mode M2. It may also be noted that the electrical coupling system 100 may include a second electrical switch 126 connected between the second power storage unit 2 and the second mechanical switch 124, and a third electrical switch 136 connected between the third power storage unit 3 and the third mechanical switch 134.

[0058] Further, FIG. 5 shows the sequence of how the first storage unit 1, the second storage unit 2, and the third storage unit 3 may operate when the power combining function is to provide power to the power consumer 300 without any power outage.

[0059] 5 , at the same time, at a first time point T1, the first mechanical switch 114 in an initial state operates in the first mode M1, the second mechanical switch 124 is in the second mode M2, and the third mechanical switch 134 operates in the second mode M2. This means that at the first time point T1, the first power storage unit 1 is in galvanic contact with the power source 200, while the second power storage unit 2 and the third power storage unit 3 are in galvanic contact with the power consumer 300. Thereby, when at least one of the second power storage unit 2 and the third power storage unit 3 supplies / delivers power to the power consumer 300, the first power storage unit 1 may harvest power.

[0060] At a second time T2 following the first time T1, the third mechanical switch 134 is configured to switch to the first mode M1, so that the third power storage unit 3 can draw power from the power source 200 while the second power storage unit 2 supplies power to the power consumer 300.

[0061] At a third time T3 after the second time T2, the first mechanical switch 114 is configured to switch to the second mode M2, so that the first power storage unit 1 and / or the second power storage unit 2 can simultaneously deliver power to the power consumer 300.

[0062] At a fourth time point T4 after the third time point T3, the second mechanical switch 124 is configured to switch to the first mode M1. Thus, the second and third storage units 2 and 3 can draw power while the first storage unit 1 is still delivering power to the power consumer 300. By continuing to operate according to the disclosed example at times T1, T2, T3, and T4, power is constantly supplied to the power consumer 300 without any power interruption. Thus, galvanic isolation with uninterrupted power supply is possible.

[0063] At subsequent times, the energy storage units 1, 2, 3 may switch / alternate to different operating modes as shown for a time fifth instance T5 and a sixth instance T6, also shown in Figure 5. Other examples are possible for achieving different power combining functions.

[0064] 6 illustrates electrical coupling system 100 including a control device 400 that communicates with and is connected to the set of mechanical switches 114, 124, 134 and the set of electrical switches 116, 126, 136 of electrical coupling system 100. The mechanical switches and electrical switches may be connected to control device 400 via suitable input 410 and output 420 control lines, control interfaces, or communication interfaces. Control device 400 may control the set of mechanical switches 114, 124, 134 and the set of electrical switches 116, 126, 136 via wired, wireless, or combined wired and wireless control means.

[0065] In an embodiment of the present invention, control device 400 is configured to control the set of mechanical switches 114, 124, 134 and the set of electrical switches 116, 126, 136 via input control lines 410 and output control lines 420. Additionally, control device 400 may obtain power source data / information from power source 200 and power consumer data / information from power consumer 300, and control the operating modes of the mechanical switches and the electrical switches based on the power source information and / or the power consumer information and / or information about the individual power storage units of electrical coupling system 100. Control device 400 may include any logic, processor, memory, communication interface, and / or software for controlling the portions, components, and units of electrical coupling system 100 disclosed herein.

[0066] 7 illustrates an electrical system 500 including at least one power source 200, at least one power consumer 300, and at least one electrical coupling system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electrical coupling system 100 is electrically connected between an output port 210 and an output port 310. Exemplary power sources are wind farms, solar power plants, power grids, batteries, etc. Exemplary power consumers are automobiles, trucks, and base stations, batteries, building electrical systems, etc.

[0067] Finally, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but also relates to and incorporates all embodiments within the scope of the appended independent claims.

Claims

1. An electrical coupling system (100) for electrically connecting a delivery port (210) of a power source (200) and a receiving port (310) of a power consumer (300), the electrical coupling circuit (100) including a first storage unit (1) connected to the delivery port (210) and the receiving port (310) via a first mechanical switch (114), the first mechanical switch (114) comprising: a first mode (M1) in which the first storage unit (1) is in galvanic contact with the delivery port (210); a second mode (M2) in which the first storage unit (1) is in galvanic contact with the receiving port (310); or The electrical coupling system (100) is configured to operate in a third mode (M3) in which the first storage unit (1) is in non-galvanic contact with the sending port (210) and in non-galvanic contact with the receiving port (310).

2. 2. The electrical coupling system (100) of claim 1, wherein the first mechanical switch (114) is configured to switch from the first mode (M1) to the second mode (M2) via the third mode (M3), and vice versa.

3. The first mechanical switch (114) Switching into the first mode (M1) when the storage level of the first storage unit (1) is below a first threshold, and / or 3. The electrical coupling system (100) of claim 1 or 2, configured to switch to the second mode (M2) when a storage level of the first storage unit (1) exceeds a second threshold.

4. The electrical coupling system (100) of claim 3, wherein the first threshold is lower than the second threshold.

5. The first mechanical switch (114) When an error in the first storage unit (1) is detected, when measurements of the first storage unit (1) are made, and / or The electrical coupling system (100) of any one of claims 1 to 4, configured to switch to the third mode (M3) when the first storage unit (1) enters a passive mode.

6. The electrical coupling system (100) of any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a first electrical switch (116) connected between the first storage unit (1) and the first mechanical switch (114).

7. 7. The electrical coupling system (100) of claim 6, wherein the first electrical switch (116) is configured to be in a non-conducting state when the first mechanical switch (114) is switched to the first mode (M1) or the second mode (M2).

8. 8. The electrical coupling system (100) of claim 7, wherein the first electrical switch (116) is configured to be in a conductive state when the first mechanical switch (114) is switched to the first mode (M1) or the second mode (M2).

9. 9. The electrical coupling system (100) of claim 6, wherein the first electrical switch (116) is configured to be in a non-conducting state when the first mechanical switch (114) is in the third mode (M3).

10. a second storage unit (2) connected to the sending port (210) and the receiving port (310) respectively via a second mechanical switch (124); and a third storage unit (3) connected to the sending port (210) and the receiving port (310), respectively, via a third mechanical switch (134).

11. 11. The electrical coupling system (100) of claim 10, wherein simultaneously at a first time point (T1), the first mechanical switch (114) is configured to operate in the first mode (M1), the second mechanical switch (124) is configured to operate in the second mode (M2), and the third mechanical switch (134) is configured to operate in the second mode (M2).

12. 12. The electrical coupling system (100) of claim 11, wherein the third mechanical switch (134) is configured to switch to the first mode (M1) at a second time point (T2) after the first time point (T1).

13. 13. The electrical coupling system (100) of claim 12, wherein the first mechanical switch (114) is configured to switch to the second mode (M2) at a third time point (T3) after the second time point (T2).

14. 14. The electrical coupling system (100) of claim 13, wherein the second mechanical switch (114) is configured to switch to the first mode (M1) at a fourth time point (T4) after the third time point (T3).

15. 11. The electrical coupling system (100) of claim 10, wherein simultaneously at a first time point (T1), the first mechanical switch (114) is configured to operate in the first mode (M1), the second mechanical switch (124) is configured to operate in the second mode (M2), and the third mechanical switch (134) is configured to operate in the third mode (M3).

16. 16. The electrical coupling system (100) of claim 15, wherein the third mechanical switch (134) is configured to switch to the first mode (M1) or the second mode (M2) at a second time point (T2) after the first time point (T1).

17. a second electrical switch (126) connected between the second storage unit (2) and the second mechanical switch (124); and a third electrical switch (136) connected between the third power storage unit (3) and the third mechanical switch (134).

18. 18. The electrical coupling system (100) of any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising a control device (400) in communication with the mechanical switches (114, 124, 134) and the electrical switches (116, 126, 136) and configured to control the mechanical switches (114, 124, 134) and the electrical switches (116, 126, 136).

19. An electrical system (500) comprising a power source (200), a power consumer (300), and the electrical coupling system (100) of any one of claims 1 to 18.

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