Energy storage systems
The energy storage system optimizes module operation based on current and future conditions to minimize internal energy consumption and extend lifespan by selectively managing energy intake, release, and shutdown.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- PFEIFFER VACUUM TECH AG
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-17
Smart Images
Figure 0007875252000001 
Figure 0007875252000002 
Figure 0007875252000003
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to an energy storage system including a plurality of energy storage modules and a method of operating such an energy storage system.
Background Art
[0002] In an energy storage system, basically, only a part of the energy supplied to the system for storage can be taken out again and then, for example, supplied to another device or another system. For example, the self-discharge of energy storage modules that usually occurs in a flywheel generator or a battery is an example of inevitable energy loss that can be regarded as internal energy consumption of the energy storage system. Further, in order to maintain the function of the energy storage system, a certain amount of energy is required, and electronic devices for controlling and monitoring each energy storage system also require a certain amount of energy. When the required amount of energy is taken out from the energy storage system itself instead of being supplied from the outside, the maintenance of the function of the energy storage system and the electronic devices will also be related to internal energy consumption.
[0003] When an energy storage system includes, for example, a battery, a certain amount of energy may be required to heat or cool those batteries. On the other hand, when an energy storage system includes one or more flywheel generators, inevitable energy losses occur due to mechanical friction and friction with gas, but they can be reduced by the operation of the flywheel in a vacuum and the magnetic bearing of the flywheel. However, the generation of a vacuum and magnetic bearing also require a certain amount of energy consumption, which is taken out from, for example, the flywheel generator itself, and in that case, it will contribute to the internal energy consumption of the energy storage system.
[0004] An energy storage system can further comprise multiple energy storage modules, in which case different module types can be distinguished by predetermined characteristics. For example, batteries and flywheel capacitors differ in terms of self-discharge, temperature sensitivity, and charging cycles. The charging performance, i.e., the amount of energy that can be supplied to each energy storage module within a given time period, differs significantly between batteries and flywheel capacitors. The same applies to the maximum amount of energy that can be extracted from a battery or flywheel capacitor within a given time period. Furthermore, flywheel capacitors are perfectly suitable for complete discharge, i.e., energy extraction until the energy reserve is almost zero, while with batteries, such complete discharge should be avoided to extend their lifespan.
[0005] The energy storage system may further comprise multiple modules of the same type, for example, multiple flywheel capacitors or multiple batteries, or combinations of modules of different types, for example, one or more batteries and one or more flywheel capacitors simultaneously. In such an energy storage system, the aforementioned energy loss and the amount of energy required to maintain function occur for each module, and these modules are usually treated or controlled independently of each other in terms of energy balance. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]
[0006] The object of the present invention is to realize an energy storage system and a method of operating such an energy storage system that can minimize the internal energy consumption of the energy storage system. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] This problem is solved by an energy storage system and method having the features of the independent claim. Advantageous improved configurations of the present invention are presented in the dependent claims, specification and drawings.
[0008] This energy storage system comprises multiple energy storage modules and one control device. The control device is configured to identify the operating conditions of the energy storage system for a predetermined time period and to select one of these energy storage modules based on these identified operating conditions and at least one internal parameter of each of the multiple energy storage modules. Furthermore, the control device is configured to determine, based on the identified operating conditions of the energy storage system and at least one internal parameter of the selected energy storage module, whether the selected energy storage module will absorb energy, release energy, or cease operation.
[0009] The operating conditions of an energy storage system may include, for example, states in which energy is supplied to the energy storage system or energy is withdrawn from the energy storage system, as well as a shutdown state in which energy is neither supplied to nor withdrawn from the energy storage system. Furthermore, these operating conditions may include special states such as maintenance time. These operating conditions may also be specified in relation to future points in time within a predetermined time period, and may include the condition that energy should be supplied to the energy storage system or energy should be withdrawn from the energy storage system at one or more of these future points in time, or that the energy storage system should shut down during the time period between two future points in time, i.e., should neither take in nor release energy.
[0010] This predetermined time period may include the present moment, but can also extend from, for example, a past moment, such as the distant past, to a future moment, such as one in the near future. Alternatively, this predetermined time period may include only future time periods. Therefore, if this control device defines the operating conditions of the energy storage system for a predetermined time period, it can determine the current operating conditions and predict future operating conditions, or one or more of the same things. Such predictions of future operating conditions may include, for example, that energy should be supplied from the energy storage system to a certain device at a predetermined future time period, or that it is already known at the present time that another device will supply energy that can be taken in by the energy storage system at a future point in time or later.
[0011] In addition to identifying the current or future operating conditions of the energy storage system, or in lieu thereof, i.e., in addition to external conditions, this control device selects one of several energy storage modules by considering at least one internal parameter of each of these modules. This internal parameter may include, for example, energy capacity, which in the case of energy storage modules may be the charge state of each module. Furthermore, several other internal parameters may also be considered, such as the temperature of each energy storage module, or the self-discharge or feasible charge capacity of a given module type.
[0012] The advantages of this energy storage system are, firstly, that a control device is used to select one of the energy storage modules depending on external conditions and the current internal status of multiple energy storage modules; secondly, that the selected energy storage module is adapted to specified operating conditions and optimized in terms of its energy balance, taking into account the internal state of the selected energy storage module. The decision of whether the selected energy storage module should take in energy, release energy, or stop operating can be made to match the operating conditions, for example, by minimizing the amount of energy required to maintain the function of the selected energy storage module. Therefore, this control device can select and control one of the energy storage modules to minimize its internal energy consumption.
[0013] However, such optimization of internal energy consumption can be performed in conjunction with other energy storage modules in the energy storage system. For example, if an internal parameter identifies that the energy capacity of a selected energy storage module falls below a predetermined threshold, the control device can, for example, ensure that the selected energy storage module releases its remaining energy capacity to one or more other energy storage modules before ceasing operation. Conversely, if the identified operating conditions include the ability of another device to supply a predetermined amount of energy to the energy storage system, then, for example, one of the energy storage modules can be selected based on its current energy capacity and its current or future energy intake capacity. This energy storage module can then take in the provided energy because it is currently or in the near future best suited to taking in that amount of energy.
[0014] Furthermore, the selection of one of several energy storage modules to optimize the energy balance can be performed iteratively using control equipment. For example, first, an energy storage module can be selected and the requested amount of energy can be released until its energy capacity is depleted, then the next energy storage module can be selected and the requested energy can be released until its energy capacity is also depleted, and so on. In this way, after sequentially extracting energy, it is possible to stop the operation of each energy storage module in the energy storage system. This makes it possible to minimize the number of energy storage modules currently or in the future operating in the energy storage system, and therefore minimize the overall amount of energy required to maintain the functionality of the energy storage system.
[0015] Overall, selecting one of several energy storage modules and treating it specially in terms of energy intake and release, as well as shutdown, minimizes the internal energy consumption of the energy storage system. This further extends the lifespan and improves the uptime of the energy storage system. Moreover, if this process of selecting and treating one of several energy storage modules specially is repeated, the efficiency of energy intake and release of the entire energy storage system can be optimized.
[0016] In one implementation configuration, the control device can be further configured to determine, based on the specified operating conditions of the energy storage system and at least one internal parameter of the selected energy storage module, whether another energy storage module of the energy storage system takes in the energy released from the selected energy storage module, or whether the energy storage system releases the energy released from the selected module to external equipment. Therefore, if it is predetermined that the selected energy storage module will release energy, based on external criteria that determine the operating conditions of the energy storage system and internal criteria or characteristics of the selected energy storage module, it is possible to determine where to direct the energy flow from the selected energy storage module. This makes it possible to optimize the efficiency of energy flow when releasing energy to equipment inside and outside the energy storage system.
[0017] If the selected energy storage module is configured, for example, as a flywheel capacitor, and an external device requests the release of a large amount of energy from the energy storage system, such a flywheel capacitor can release at least a portion of the requested energy to the external device within a relatively short time period, provided that the energy storage capacity of the flywheel capacitor exceeds a predetermined threshold. However, if such a flywheel capacitor has a relatively small energy storage capacity, for example, below a predetermined threshold, the control device may instead decide to transmit the remaining energy storage capacity of the flywheel capacitor to another energy storage module in the energy storage system, for example, another flywheel capacitor or battery.
[0018] At least one internal parameter of this energy storage module may include the energy capacity of each energy storage module. If the energy storage modules of an energy storage system are configured to take in and release electrical energy, this internal parameter may specifically include the charge state of each energy storage module. Furthermore, multiple internal parameters of each energy storage module may be considered in order to identify the selected energy storage module. If the energy storage modules are configured to take in and release electrical energy, these multiple internal parameters may include, for example, the charge state, self-discharge and / or the amount of energy that can be taken in per hour, i.e., characteristics relating to the charge performance of each energy storage module.
[0019] Furthermore, the amount of energy to be supplied to or extracted from the energy storage system within a predetermined time period can be allocated to specified operating conditions. Therefore, by specially treating selected energy storage modules, the operating conditions of the energy storage system can be specified to adapt the system to the supply and demand for the amount of energy to be taken in or extracted. This allows for further optimization of the energy balance of the energy storage system as a whole.
[0020] Furthermore, the amount of energy assigned to the specified operating conditions can be associated with the amount of energy expected to be drawn by a consumer, such as an electric vehicle to be charged using the energy storage system. Additionally, the amount of energy associated with the operating conditions of the energy storage system may include, for example, the expected energy supply to the energy storage system from off-peak electricity from a power grid to which the energy storage system can be connected. In this case, the control equipment of the energy storage system can identify or determine the future operating conditions of the energy storage system and select energy storage modules for the energy storage system that are likely to receive energy supplies, specifically off-peak electricity.
[0021] In another implementation, the control device may be further configured to define the operating conditions of the energy storage system based on the state of an external device that is connected to the energy storage system and configured to transmit energy to the external device. In this implementation, the selection of the energy storage module and its special handling or special control can be adapted to the requirements of the external device for determining the operating conditions of the energy storage system. This allows the energy flow from the energy storage system or from the selected energy storage module to the external device to be optimized, for example, with respect to the amount of energy transmitted to the external device within a predetermined time period. This external device may be any consumer or, for example, the battery of an electric vehicle that needs to be charged within a predetermined time period.
[0022] In another implementation, the control device may be further configured to determine the operating conditions of the energy storage system based on the parameters of an external device that can be connected to the energy storage system to transmit energy to the energy storage system. In this implementation, the external device can consist of any energy source, such as an energy-generating device like a power grid or a solar power plant, or other energy storage system. The parameters of this external device may include, for example, the amount of energy that can be provided during a given time period or the power during energy transmission, i.e., the maximum amount of energy that can be transmitted per unit of time. Thus, in this implementation, the selection and control of one of the energy storage modules when taking in energy from the external device can be adapted to the characteristics of this external device.
[0023] In another implementation, the control device further controls multiple energy storage modules so that only the selected energy storage module releases energy until its energy storage capacity falls below a predetermined threshold, while other energy storage modules do not release energy, and when the energy storage capacity falls below the predetermined threshold, the operation of the selected module stops.
[0024] When these energy storage modules are configured to take in and discharge electrical energy, the energy holding amount can include the state of charge of each energy storage module. In this implementation configuration, the selected energy storage module is, so to speak, for example, after another energy storage module has been selected as described above and then emptied as a single module for the first time and before its operation is stopped, it is first emptied with respect to the energy holding amount and then its operation is stopped. Therefore, the control according to this implementation configuration can be repeatedly executed, and as a result, one energy storage module is sequentially stopped after another energy storage module.
[0025] By emptying each single module and then stopping the operation, the number of energy storage modules operating at a given point in time can be minimized, and as a result, the internal energy consumption or self-consumption of the energy storage modules is minimized as a whole. This is especially applicable when sequentially emptying and stopping the operation of multiple energy storage modules.
[0026] In another implementation configuration, these energy storage modules are composed of at least two different module types. The energy storage module of the first module type is configured to extract energy until it reaches the first remaining energy holding amount, while the energy storage module of the second module type can be configured to extract energy until it reaches the second remaining energy holding amount. The first remaining energy amount can be made smaller than the second remaining energy amount.
[0027] The energy storage module of the first module type can be considered, for example, to be suitable for so-called full discharge where the first remaining energy holding amount becomes very small, especially zero. In other words, the energy storage module of the first module type can advantageously be completely discharged. An example of such an energy storage module is a flywheel energy storage machine.
[0028] In contrast, the energy storage module of the second module type can be considered an energy storage device that should avoid full discharge or complete discharge during the operation of the energy storage module. In one example, the second module type is composed of a battery where a full discharge may have an adverse effect on the lifespan.
[0029] Furthermore, the energy storage module of the first module type can have a first internal energy consumption, while the energy storage module of the second module type can have a second internal energy consumption. The first internal energy consumption can be greater than the second internal energy consumption.
[0030] Each energy consumption of the energy storage module of the first or second module type can be particularly caused by the self-discharge of the energy storage module. Therefore, this self-discharge can be greater for the first module type than for the second module type. For example, the self-discharge of a flywheel energy storage is considerably greater than that of a battery. Furthermore, the operation of a flywheel energy storage may require additional energy consumption for, for example, generating a vacuum to reduce friction with gas and for magnetic bearings to reduce mechanical friction. The additional energy consumption for magnetic bearings and vacuum generation does not occur in a battery.
[0031] Furthermore, the first and second module types can be distinguished by their different charge-specific / discharge characteristics. For example, a storage module of the first module type may be better suited to releasing a larger amount of energy within a predetermined time than a storage module of the second module type, i.e., it may be better suited to greater discharge capacity. Similarly, conversely, a storage module of the first module type may be better suited to taking in a larger amount of energy per unit time than a storage module of the second module type, i.e., it may be better suited to greater charge performance. Moreover, a storage module of the second module type may have less energy loss due to self-discharge during storage than a storage module of the first module type.
[0032] As previously mentioned, the first type of energy storage module can be configured as a flywheel accumulator, while the second type of energy storage module can be configured as a battery. Such combinations of different module types in multiple energy storage modules have the advantage that the energy storage system can be optimally adapted to the current or future operating conditions of each energy system during operation. Furthermore, when two different types of energy storage modules are present, the internal energy consumption of the energy storage system can be reduced.
[0033] If the future operating conditions of an energy storage system are such that it can take in a large amount of energy provided by energy generators or the power grid, the control equipment of the energy storage system may select one or more energy storage modules of the first module type, such as one or more flywheel capacitors, to take in the provided amount of energy. This also applies to the operating conditions of an energy storage system where a large amount of energy should be extracted in a short time. In such operating conditions, the first module type of energy storage module can be selected because it may be more suitable for total discharge than, for example, a second module type of energy storage module. Specifically, one or more flywheel capacitors suitable for total discharge until the energy storage capacity is zero can be selected to extract a large amount of energy, and this does not adversely affect the lifespan of each flywheel capacitor.
[0034] During the operation of the energy storage system, the control device can control the energy storage modules of the first and second module types to minimize the number of operating modules by transmitting the energy holdings of one or more energy storage modules of the first or second module type to one or more energy storage modules of the other module type, depending on the operating conditions of the energy storage system and the internal parameters of each energy storage module. For example, if a flywheel capacitor operates at a low rotational speed and thereby has a small amount of energy, the energy holdings or charge of the flywheel capacitor, which represents the first module type, can be transmitted to a battery belonging to the second module type. In this case, if it is possible to detect, based on the specified operating conditions of the energy storage system, that a large amount of energy should not be supplied to or withdrawn from the energy storage system for a predetermined future period of time, the flywheel capacitor can stop operating after transmitting its remaining energy to the battery.
[0035] Therefore, the use of two different modular types of energy storage modules allows the energy storage system to be adapted in advance to its current and future operating conditions, i.e., for a predetermined period of time, using control equipment. This further reduces the internal energy consumption of the energy storage system.
[0036] In another implementation, at least one energy storage module is configured as a flywheel capacitor. Thus, in this implementation, the energy storage system includes at least one energy storage module suitable for complete discharge until the charge level or energy storage capacity reaches zero. This allows the energy storage system to take in and release large amounts of energy in a short period of time. In this implementation, another energy storage module in the energy storage system may also be a flywheel capacitor, resulting in all energy storage modules in the energy storage system being configured as flywheel capacitors. Alternatively, these storage modules may consist of one or more flywheel capacitors and one or more batteries, which are not suitable for complete discharge but have the advantage of low self-discharge and therefore low internal energy consumption.
[0037] The flywheel capacitor may be equipped with magnetic bearings and vacuum equipment. The control equipment may also be configured to stop the operation of the magnetic bearings and at least partially stop the vacuum equipment when the flywheel capacitor is stopped. Therefore, if the flywheel capacitor is selected as a storage module that will be stopped after its energy storage capacity is completely discharged, based on the current or future operating conditions of the energy storage system, the internal energy consumption of the energy storage system can be reduced by stopping the operation of the magnetic bearings and vacuum equipment of the flywheel capacitor, or at least partially stopping them.
[0038] When stopping vacuum equipment, to reduce friction with the gas, one or more vacuum pumps deployed to vacuum one or more flywheel capacitors can be sequentially stopped. This may depend on the number of vacuum pumps assigned to the one or more flywheel capacitors. For example, if one vacuum pump vacuums multiple flywheel capacitors, the rotational speed of each vacuum pump can be reduced by a predetermined amount each time the operation of each flywheel capacitor is stopped.
[0039] At least one additional energy storage module, i.e., at least one flywheel capacitor, can be configured as a battery, and this control device can further control the energy storage module so that when the energy storage capacity of the flywheel capacitor falls below a predetermined threshold, the energy storage capacity of the flywheel capacitor is transferred from the capacitor to the battery. This control device can then stop the operation of the flywheel capacitor.
[0040] For example, if the rotational speed of the flywheel capacitor is low relative to the overall internal energy consumption of the energy storage system, it may be advantageous to completely empty or discharge the flywheel capacitor by transferring its energy reserves to the battery. This control device can, for example, detect that a large amount of energy should not be drawn from the energy storage system within a predictable timeframe and determine the operating conditions accordingly. In this case, the operation of the flywheel capacitor can be stopped after its discharge in order to minimize the overall internal energy consumption of the energy storage system.
[0041] In another implementation, the control device is further configured to specify a first time point after which the energy storage system should take in a first amount of energy, and to specify a second time point after which the energy storage system should release a second amount of energy. Furthermore, the control device can determine, based on the time difference between the first and second time points, based on the first amount of energy, and based on the second amount of energy, whether the flywheel accumulator or battery should release the second amount of energy after taking in the first amount of energy. Thus, in this implementation, the operating conditions of the energy storage system specified or defined by the control device depend not only on the amount of energy to be taken in or released after the first or second time point, but also on the time period or time difference between these two time points. Thus, in this implementation, the operating conditions of the energy storage system may include the current operating conditions at the first time point, the future operating conditions at the second time point, and optionally, future operating conditions at another future time point.
[0042] For example, if the first energy quantity is relatively large and exceeds a predetermined threshold, and the second energy quantity is within a similar range, and the time difference between the first and second time points is relatively short, i.e., shorter than a predetermined time interval, then the first energy quantity can be taken from the flywheel capacitor so that the second energy quantity can be released again within a relatively short time period. The prerequisite for this is, of course, that the total energy capacity of the flywheel capacitor, including the first energy quantity, is greater than the second energy quantity. In this scenario, it can be said that it is not very relevant that the flywheel capacitor has a greater internal energy consumption than the battery. Instead, it can be said that it is more relevant that the flywheel capacitor can provide the second energy quantity within a relatively short time period, based on the specified operating conditions of the energy storage system, i.e., based on the relatively large second energy quantity that is to be released in the near future.
[0043] Conversely, if, within a relatively long time period in the future, for example, overnight, the amount of energy required to be drawn from the energy storage system as a second energy quantity is not large or at all, but at the same time, a predetermined first energy quantity is required for storage in the energy storage system, then this control device can select a battery as the energy storage module to supply the first energy quantity based on such operating conditions. In this scenario, since the first energy quantity must be retained for a longer period after being stored, the internal energy consumption of the energy storage module in the energy storage system plays a larger role.
[0044] Therefore, in the two scenarios described above, selecting the optimal energy storage module can optimize the energy balance of the energy storage system and make it suitable for the specified operating conditions.
[0045] Another object of the present invention is a method for operating an energy storage system comprising multiple energy storage modules and one control device. In this method, first, operating conditions for the energy storage system are specified, which are allocated to a predetermined time period. Next, one of the multiple energy storage modules is selected, depending on the specified operating conditions for the energy storage system and on at least one internal parameter of each of the multiple energy storage modules. Based on the specified operating conditions for the energy storage system and on at least one internal parameter of the selected energy storage module, the control device is used to determine whether the selected module will take in energy, release energy, or cease operation.
[0046] The aforementioned details concerning energy storage systems apply to this method to a considerable extent, particularly with respect to its advantages and favorable implementation configurations. Furthermore, it is self-evident that all the features mentioned herein can be combined with each other unless otherwise explicitly stated.
[0047] In the following, examples of the present invention will be described based on advantageous embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0048] [Figure 1] Conventional energy storage system with flywheel capacitor and its operating method [Figure 2] Energy storage system with flywheel capacitor and its operation method according to the present invention [Figure 3] Figure 2 shows a vacuum system for an energy storage system and the operation method of that vacuum system. [Figure 4] Figure 2 shows a vacuum system for an energy storage system and the operation method of that vacuum system. [Figure 5] Another embodiment of an energy storage system comprising a flywheel capacitor and battery according to the present invention, and a method of operation thereof. [Figure 6] Another embodiment of an energy storage system comprising a flywheel capacitor and battery according to the present invention, and another operating method relating thereto. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0049] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a conventional energy storage system 100 and its operating method, that is, a method for operating the energy storage system 100. In this embodiment, the energy storage system 100 comprises a plurality of energy storage modules 110, each configured as a flywheel energy storage device 115, and control equipment 120 connected to the energy storage modules 110 of the energy storage system 100 by signal technology and communication. These energy storage modules 110 are further deployed to take in, store, and retrieve electrical energy.
[0050] The control device 120 controls the supply of energy to the energy storage module 110 and the extraction of energy from the energy storage module 110, as well as the internal parameters of the energy storage module 110, such as the parameters of the magnetic bearing and vacuum system of the flywheel capacitor 115 (see Figures 3 and 4), and, if at least a portion of the energy storage module 110 is configured as a battery, parameters related to the heating or cooling of the battery 515 (see Figure 5). The energy capacity 130 of each energy storage module 110, i.e., the flywheel capacitor 115 (see Figure 1) and / or the battery 515 (see also Figure 5), is indicated by a horizontal bar within each module 110.
[0051] Figure 1 further illustrates the time sequence during operation of the energy storage system 100, relating to the phase in which energy is extracted from the energy storage system 100 and released to external equipment not shown. Specifically, the energy holdings 130 of each energy storage module 110 of the energy storage system 100 at four different time points t1, t2, t3, and t4 are illustrated. For clarity, the control device 120 is illustrated only at the first time point t1. However, the energy storage module 110 is always connected to the control device 120, i.e., at the subsequent time points t2, t3, and t4 as well.
[0052] At time t1, all energy storage modules 110 or flywheel capacitors 115 of the energy storage system 100 are fully charged, which is illustrated by three horizontal bars for each energy storage module 110's energy capacity 130. When energy is to be drawn from the energy storage system 100 for external equipment, the control device 120 controls the multiple energy storage modules 110 to simultaneously draw energy from each of them, based on prior art. This equal extraction of energy from all energy storage modules 110 or flywheel capacitors 115 is illustrated by the energy capacity 130 represented by two horizontal bars at time t2 and by the energy capacity 130 represented by one horizontal bar at time t3. Furthermore, block arrows 140 indicate the transition from one of the times t1, t2, and t3 to the next times t2, t3, and t4, respectively. As can be seen from the time sequence of the energy storage capacity 130 of each energy storage module 110, energy is extracted equally and in parallel from these energy storage modules 110 until the energy storage capacity 130 of each energy storage module 110 becomes nearly zero at time t4.
[0053] A drawback of the conventional energy storage system 100 is that all energy storage modules 110 are operating while energy is being extracted from the energy storage system 100, and therefore each has internal energy consumption. The internal energy consumption of the energy storage modules 110 configured as flywheel capacitors 115 is caused, on the one hand, by the magnetic bearings and vacuum generation of each flywheel capacitor 115 that reduce mechanical friction between the components of each flywheel capacitor 115 and friction with the gas (see also Figure 3), and on the other hand, by the operation of the electronic equipment owned by the control device 120 that controls and monitors the energy storage modules 110.
[0054] Figure 2 schematically illustrates an energy storage system 101 according to the present invention and a corresponding method for operating the system. This energy storage system 101 comprises a plurality of energy storage modules 110, each configured as a flywheel energy storage device 115, and a control device 121. However, this control device controls the energy storage modules 110 in a different manner than conventional control devices 120. For clarity, this control device 121 is again shown only at the first time point t1. However, the energy storage modules 110 are always connected to the control device 121, i.e., at subsequent time points t2, t3, and t4.
[0055] In Figure 2, the energy quantities 130 of each energy storage module 110 are represented by horizontal bars in the same manner as in Figure 1 at four different time points t1, t2, t3, and t4. During the phase between time points t1 and t4, energy for external equipment (not shown) is also taken from the energy storage system 101 in the same manner as described above with respect to the prior art energy storage system 100. However, at time point t1, the control device 121 identifies the operating conditions of the energy storage system 101, which in this case include the requirement that energy for external equipment be taken from the energy storage system 101. Furthermore, the control device 121 identifies the internal parameters of each energy storage module 110, such as its energy capacity or charge state 130.
[0056] At time t1, the control device 121 selects one of the energy storage modules 110 or one of the flywheel energy storage units 115, for example, the first energy storage module 111, and initially extracts energy only from this selected energy storage module 111. At time t2, the first energy storage module 111 is almost completely discharged or empty, and as a result, its energy storage capacity 130 becomes almost zero. Therefore, at time t2, the control device 121 selects the second energy storage module 112 to extract energy for the external equipment. At the same time, the operation of the first energy storage module 111 is stopped, resulting in the elimination of the vacuum generation and internal energy consumption for the magnetic bearings. The stopping of the operation of the first energy storage module 111 and the subsequent stopping of the second energy storage module 112 is indicated by showing the outer contour of these energy storage modules with dotted lines.
[0057] At time t3, the second energy storage module 112 is also completely discharged or emptied, and as a result, the second energy storage module 112 also stops operating at time t3. Simultaneously, the third energy storage module 113 is activated at time t3, and as a result, from time t3 onward, energy is extracted only from the third energy storage module 113.
[0058] At time t4, the third energy storage module 113 certainly has a smaller energy capacity than at time t3. However, since the first and second energy storage modules 111 and 112 had stopped operating earlier, and their internal energy consumption for magnetic bearings and vacuum generation had already ceased for a certain period of time, at time t4, the third energy storage module 113 still has a certain amount of residual energy capacity 135, unlike the energy storage module 110 of the conventional energy storage system 100.
[0059] Accordingly, the energy storage system 101 according to the present invention differs from the conventional energy storage system 100 in that it sequentially stops the operation of the energy storage modules 110 during the phase between time points t1 and t4 in which energy is extracted from the energy storage systems 100 and 101. Sequentially stopping the operation of the energy storage modules 110 is achieved by sequentially selecting one of the energy storage modules 110 each, first extracting energy only from the selected energy storage modules 111, 112, 113, etc., and then stopping their operation after they have been completely discharged.
[0060] Therefore, by sequentially stopping the operation of the energy storage modules 110 of the energy storage system 101, the internal energy consumption of the energy storage system 101 is reduced. Furthermore, since the energy storage modules 110 of the energy storage system 101 according to the present invention are stopped completely more frequently during operation than conventional energy storage systems 100, maintenance work for each energy storage module 110 that requires complete shutdown can be planned more easily. In other words, because the operation is stopped sequentially, opportunities to maintain each energy storage module 110 of the energy storage system 101 according to the present invention are frequently provided, while at the same time, the energy storage system 101 remains operational.
[0061] The sequential shutdown of the aforementioned energy storage modules 110 can also be applied to energy storage systems that use batteries instead of flywheel capacitors 115, similar to the energy storage system 501 shown in Figures 5 and 6, which includes batteries 515 in addition to the flywheel capacitor 115. These batteries 515 can also be sequentially disconnected from the energy storage system 501 one after the other, and in the process, they can be sequentially discharged to a certain charge state to reduce or completely shut down their heating or cooling. This again reduces the internal energy consumption of each energy storage module 110, and therefore the internal energy consumption of the entire energy storage system 501.
[0062] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the energy storage system 101 according to the present invention, each comprising a vacuum system 300 or 400, respectively, deployed to generate a vacuum in the flywheel capacitor 115 of the energy storage system 101. The vacuum system 300 in Figure 3 comprises a plurality of vacuum pumps 310, one of which is assigned to each flywheel capacitor 115. These vacuum pumps 310, like the energy storage module 110 or the flywheel capacitor 115, are connected to a control device 121 by signaling technology or communication for their control. This is true at all time points t1, t2 and t3 shown in Figures 3 and 4, even though the control device 121 is only explicitly shown at a first time point t1.
[0063] At time t1, first all energy storage modules 110 or flywheel capacitors 115 of the energy storage system 101 are operating, and as a result, all vacuum pumps 310 of the vacuum system 300 are operating. As previously explained, at time t2, the first energy storage module 111 is completely discharged or empty, and at that point, the operation of the first energy storage module 111 is stopped. The stopping of the operation of the first energy storage module 111 also includes stopping the operation of the vacuum pump 311 assigned to the first energy storage module 111.
[0064] At time t3, the operation of the second energy storage module 112 is further stopped, and at that point, the operation of the vacuum pump 312 assigned to the second energy storage module 112 is also stopped. Therefore, each vacuum pump 310 assigned to one of the energy storage modules 110 is stopped along with each energy storage module 110 and restarted as needed, so as a whole, the vacuum system 300 is adapted to the various states of the energy storage modules 110 by the operation or stopping of the vacuum pumps 311 and 312.
[0065] The vacuum system 400 for the flywheel capacitor 115 of the energy storage system 101 according to the present invention, as shown in Figure 4, differs from the vacuum system 300 in Figure 3 in that only one vacuum pump 410 is assigned to all of the energy storage modules 110 of the energy storage system 101. At time t1, all of the energy storage modules 310 of the energy storage system 101 are operating, so the vacuum pump 410 is operating at full power or a high rotational speed. The high rotational speed of the vacuum pump 410 is indicated by the display of a corresponding rotational speed meter 415.
[0066] However, if the first energy storage module 111 stops operating at time t2, only the remaining energy storage module 110 still needs to generate a vacuum, but since the first energy storage module 111 has stopped operating, it no longer needs to generate a vacuum, so the rotational speed of the vacuum pump 410 decreases accordingly. If the second energy storage module 112 also stops operating at time t3, the rotational speed of the vacuum pump 410 decreases even further, as indicated by the display of the rotational speed meter 415. In other words, at time t3, it is no longer necessary to generate a vacuum in the first and second energy storage modules 111 and 112.
[0067] By adapting the vacuum systems 300 and 400 to match the number of operating energy storage modules 110 in the energy storage system 101, the number of operating vacuum pumps 310 will match the number of operating energy storage modules 110 (see Figure 3), or the rotational speed of the vacuum pump 410 will be adapted to the number of operating energy storage modules 110, thereby reducing the overall internal energy consumption of the energy storage system 101.
[0068] Figures 5 and 6 schematically illustrate an alternative configuration of an energy storage system 501 equipped with multiple energy storage modules 110. Each of these energy storage modules 110 is configured as either a flywheel capacitor 115 or a battery 515. Therefore, in this configuration, the energy storage modules 110 consist of at least two module types. Each of these energy storage modules 110 is again connected to a control device 121 of the energy storage system 501.
[0069] Figure 5 illustrates a scenario or operating condition for the energy storage system 501 in which one of the flywheel capacitors 115 has a relatively small energy capacity 130. When the energy capacity 130 of this flywheel capacitor 115 falls below a predetermined threshold, the control device 121 completely discharges or empties the flywheel capacitor 115, as illustrated on the right side of Figure 5, and transmits the remaining energy capacity 130 to one of the two batteries 515. To this end, the control device 121 observes or measures the energy capacity 130 of each energy storage module 110 as one of the internal parameters of the energy storage module 110, and controls and optimizes the energy balance of the energy storage system 501 depending on such internal parameters. Furthermore, the control device 121 is also connected to the energy storage module 110 in the scenario shown on the right side of Figure 5, although this is not explicitly shown.
[0070] As can be seen on the right side of Figure 5, the energy storage module 110, equipped with the flywheel capacitor 115, is completely shut down when its energy reserves are nearly zero, as indicated by the dotted line. Compared to the state on the left side of Figure 5, in the state on the right, one of the batteries 515 has a larger energy reserve of 137. In the state on the right side of Figure 5, one of the flywheel capacitors 115 is shut down, so its internal energy consumption is eliminated. Therefore, the remaining energy reserves 130 are transferred from one of the flywheel capacitors 115 to one of the batteries 515, thereby reducing the overall internal energy consumption of the energy storage system 501.
[0071] In this scenario, the optimization or reduction of the internal energy consumption of such an energy storage system 501 can be achieved by having two different module types of storage modules 110 in the energy storage system 501. The flywheel energy storage module 115, as the first module type, is suitable for so-called total discharge without any problems; that is, it can be completely discharged or emptied without any problems without adversely affecting the lifespan of the flywheel energy storage module 115.
[0072] Therefore, since the flywheel capacitor 115 has a greater internal energy consumption than the battery 515, the control device 121 controls the energy storage module 110 of the energy storage system 501 to prevent the flywheel capacitor 115 from operating under unfavorable conditions where the energy storage capacity 130 is small. Consequently, since a complete discharge could have an adverse effect on the lifespan of the battery 515, the small energy storage capacity 130 of the flywheel capacitor 115 is transmitted to one or more batteries 515 that have the smallest possible internal energy consumption but are less suitable than the flywheel capacitor 115 in terms of discharge to near-zero energy storage or complete discharge.
[0073] Figure 6 illustrates two different scenarios or operating conditions for an energy storage system 501 comprising multiple flywheel capacitors 115 and multiple batteries 515. Although not explicitly shown, in the scenarios illustrated in Figure 6, the control devices 121 of the energy storage system 501 are each connected to the energy storage modules 110.
[0074] In the scenario on the left in Figure 6, the control device 121 first identifies that, after a predetermined first time point, a relatively large first amount of energy provided by an external device can be taken into the energy storage system 501. In other words, at the present time, i.e., after the first time point, there is a supply from which the energy storage system 501 can take in favorable energy, and this first amount of energy or favorable energy is provided, for example, by a solar power generation facility or by a corresponding supply in the power grid.
[0075] Furthermore, the control device 121 identifies that in the near future, that is, for example, at a second time point immediately following the first time point, there is a high probability that a large demand will arise and a relatively large amount of energy will be withdrawn from the energy storage system 501. Such a demand in the near future can be given, for example, by the fact that the electric vehicle 610 should be charged after a known time point, as illustrated in Figure 6. Due to the relatively short time difference between the first time point when the energy supply is available and the second time point when a large demand for energy withdrawal from the energy storage system 501 is expected to arise, the control device 121 decides to use the energy storage module 110 with a flywheel accumulator 115 to withdraw the energy after it has been taken in.
[0076] The minimum time difference between the first point in time and the second point in time when the energy storage module 110 equipped with the flywheel capacitor 115 is used and the energy storage module 110 equipped with the battery 515 is no longer used can be determined in advance based on empirical values. Furthermore, this time difference as a limit value for the use of the flywheel capacitor 115 can be determined with respect to the internal parameters of the two module types of the energy storage system 501, for example, with respect to the self-discharge and internal energy consumption of the individual energy storage modules 110 equipped with either the flywheel capacitor 115 or the battery 515.
[0077] In the scenario shown on the left side of Figure 6, where favorable energy supply precedes a large energy demand for charging the electric vehicle 610, the simultaneous occurrence of charging and discharging cycles of the energy storage module 110 with battery 515 is avoided due to the relatively short time interval between energy intake and energy release, so the increase in the internal energy consumption of the flywheel capacitor 115 is not very relevant. Therefore, by using the flywheel capacitor 115 when the time difference between the intake and release of a relatively large amount of energy is short, the battery 515 of the energy storage system 501 can be saved, thereby extending its lifespan. Accordingly, in the scenario on the left side of Figure 6, the energy storage module 110 with battery 515 is shut down, as indicated by the dotted outline of the module.
[0078] However, in another scenario illustrated on the right side of Figure 6, unlike the scenario illustrated on the left side of Figure 6, the control device 121 specifies that a certain energy supply is indeed available, for example, from a solar power generation facility or (for example, with respect to nighttime electricity, as indicated by symbol 620) from nighttime electricity in the power grid, but on the other hand, that a small amount of energy should be taken from the energy storage system 501, or not taken at all, over a longer period of time.
[0079] Therefore, in such a scenario or operating condition of the energy storage system 501 as illustrated on the right side of Figure 6, the control device 121 decides to use the energy storage modules 110, each equipped with a battery 515, to take in energy. Using the energy storage modules 110 equipped with batteries 515, similar to the case of long-term energy storage in the flywheel accumulator 115, a certain amount of energy can be taken in and then stored over a longer period without the internal energy consumption of the energy storage modules 110 equipped with batteries 515 having an adverse effect on the overall energy balance of the energy storage system 501.
[0080] Therefore, as again indicated by the dotted line, while the energy storage module 110 with battery 515 is taking in energy, the energy storage module 110 with flywheel capacitor 115 remains inactive. This minimizes the overall internal energy consumption of the energy storage system 501.
[0081] The control device 121 of the energy storage system 101,501 can use different algorithms, artificial intelligence, databases, and combinations thereof to suitably control the energy flow between the energy storage modules 110 of the energy storage system 101,501, as well as the energy flow taken into the energy storage system 101,501 and taken out therefor for the present and future time periods. This makes it possible to minimize the internal energy consumption of the energy storage system 101,501 as a whole and improve the operating rate of the energy storage system 101,501.
[0082] Furthermore, by optimizing the internal energy balance, for example, frequent occurrences of processes such as charge-discharge cycles of the battery 515, which may adversely affect the lifespan of a given energy storage module 110 of the energy storage system 101,501, can be avoided. Thus, by appropriate control using the control device 121, the overall lifespan of the energy storage system 101,501 can be extended. In some cases, in addition to monitoring and predicting the internal parameters of each energy storage module 110, which may comprise multiple module types, the control device 121 can also identify the supply and demand for the amount of energy to be taken in or taken out by the energy storage system 101,501 for future time periods, as previously described based on different examples in Figures 5 and 6, and control the energy storage modules 110 accordingly.
[0083] Furthermore, the control device 121 of the energy storage systems 101,501 can also identify external energy storage devices and their utilization rates over a predetermined future period, and incorporate such external devices, such as electric vehicle batteries, as temporary energy storage devices into the energy balance of the energy storage systems 101,501. The control device 121 can communicate with different external devices to identify the current and possible future operating conditions of the energy storage systems 101,501, and as a result, such external devices transmit to the control device 121 information regarding the parameters of external devices that can request energy extraction from the energy storage systems 101,501 or provide energy to the system, as well as information regarding future energy supply or future energy demand. Although this application relates to the invention described in the claims, it may also encompass the following configurations as other embodiments. 1. An energy storage system (101,501) comprising multiple energy storage modules (110) and one control device (121), This control device is Identify the operating conditions of the energy storage system (101,501) for a predetermined time period, Depending on the specified operating conditions of this energy storage system (101,501) and on the internal parameters of each of the multiple energy storage modules (110), one of the multiple energy storage modules (110) is selected. Based on the specified operating conditions of this energy storage system (101,501) and based on at least one internal parameter of the selected energy storage module (110), it is determined whether the selected energy storage module (110) will take in energy, release energy, or cease operation. An energy storage system configured in such a way. 2. In the energy storage system (101,501) described in item 1 above, The control device (121) is further configured to determine, based on specified operating conditions of the energy storage system (101, 501) and at least one internal parameter of the selected energy storage module (110), whether another energy storage module (110) of the energy storage system (101, 501) takes in the amount of energy released from the selected energy storage module (110), or whether the energy storage system (101, 501) releases the amount of energy released from the selected energy storage module (110) to an external device. 3. In the energy storage system (101,501) described in 1 or 2 above, The energy storage system wherein at least one internal parameter of the energy storage module (110) includes the energy storage capacity of each energy storage module (110). 4. In any of the energy storage systems (101,501) described in 1 to 3 above, An energy storage system in which the amount of energy to be supplied to or withdrawn from the energy storage system (101,501) within a predetermined time period is allocated to the aforementioned specified operating conditions. 5. In any of the energy storage systems (101,501) described in 1 to 4 above, The control device (121) is further configured to determine the operating conditions of the energy storage system (101, 501) based on the state of an external device, and this external device is connected to the energy storage system (101, 501) and configured to transmit energy to this external device. 6. In any of the energy storage systems (101,501) described in 1 to 5 above, The control device (121) is further configured to determine the operating conditions of the energy storage system (101, 501) based on the parameters of the external device, and the energy storage system (101, 501) is connectable to this external device in order to transmit energy to the energy storage system (101, 501). 7. In any of the energy storage systems (101,501) described in 1 to 6 above, The aforementioned control device (121) further controls multiple energy storage modules (110) to ensure that only the selected energy storage module (110) releases energy until its energy storage capacity (130) falls below a predetermined threshold, while other energy storage modules (110) do not release energy, and when their energy storage capacity (130) falls below a predetermined threshold, the operation of the selected energy storage module (110) is stopped. 8. In any of the energy storage systems (101,501) described in 1 to 7 above, The aforementioned energy storage module (110) includes at least two different module types (115, 515), The first module type (115) energy storage module (110) is configured to extract energy up to the first remaining energy capacity, The second module type (515) energy storage module (110) is configured to extract energy up to the second remaining energy capacity, The first residual energy amount is smaller than the second residual energy amount. Energy storage system. 9. In the energy storage system (101,501) described in item 8 above, The energy storage module (110) of the first module type (115) has a first internal energy consumption, The energy storage module (110) of the second module type (515) described above has a second internal energy consumption, The first internal energy consumption is greater than the second internal energy consumption. Energy storage system. 10. In the energy storage system (101,501) described in 7 or 8 above, The aforementioned first module-type energy storage module (110) is configured as a flywheel energy storage device (115), The aforementioned second module-type energy storage module (110) is configured as a battery (515). Energy storage system. 11. In any of the energy storage systems described in 1 to 10 above (101, 501), An energy storage system in which at least one energy storage module (110) is configured as a flywheel energy storage device (115). 12. In the energy storage system (101,501) described in item 11 above, The aforementioned flywheel capacitor (115) is equipped with a magnetic bearing and vacuum equipment (300, 400), An energy storage system in which the control device (121) is further configured to stop the operation of the magnetic bearing while the flywheel capacitor (115) is stopped, thereby stopping the vacuum devices (300, 400) at least partially. 13. In the energy storage system (101,501) described in 11 or 12 above, At least one other energy storage module (110) is configured as a battery (515), The aforementioned control device (121) further, The energy storage module (110) is controlled so that when the energy storage capacity (130) of the flywheel capacitor (115) falls below a predetermined threshold, the energy storage capacity (130) of the flywheel capacitor (115) is transmitted from the capacitor to the battery (515). Next, the operation of the flywheel capacitor (115) is stopped. An energy storage system configured in such a way. 14. In any of the energy storage systems (101,501) described in 1 to 13 above, The aforementioned control device (121) further Identify a first point in time, and from this point onward, the energy storage system (101,501) should take in the first amount of energy. Identify a second time point, and from this point onward, the energy storage system (101,501) should release a second amount of energy. An energy storage system configured to determine, based on the time difference between these first and second time points, based on the first amount of energy and based on the second amount of energy, whether a flywheel accumulator (115) or battery (515) will be able to release the second amount of energy after taking in the first amount of energy. 15. A method for operating an energy storage system (101,501) comprising multiple energy storage modules (110) and one control device (121), Identifying the operating conditions of the energy storage system (101,501) for a predetermined time period, One of the multiple energy storage modules (110) is selected depending on the specified operating conditions of the energy storage system (101,501) and on at least one internal parameter of each of the multiple energy storage modules (110). Based on the specified operating conditions of this energy storage system (101,501) and based on at least one internal parameter of the selected energy storage module (110), it is determined whether the selected energy storage module (110) will take in energy, release energy, or cease operation. A method of having. [Explanation of symbols]
[0084] 100 Conventional Energy Storage Systems 101 Energy storage system according to the present invention 110 Energy Storage Modules 111 The first energy storage module selected 112. The second energy storage module selected. 113. The third energy storage module selected. 115 Flywheel Energy Storage Unit 120 Conventional control equipment 121 Control device according to the present invention 130 Energy capacity of each energy storage module 135. Residual energy reserves 137 Increased energy reserves 140 Block Arrows 300 Vacuum System 310 Vacuum pump 311,312 Vacuum pumps that have stopped working 400 Vacuum System 410 Vacuum pump 415 Rotational Speed Measuring Instrument 501 Energy storage system according to the present invention 515 Battery 610 Electric Vehicles 620 Symbols related to nighttime electricity
Claims
1. An energy storage system (501) comprising multiple energy storage modules (110) and one control device (121), This control device is Identify the operating conditions of the energy storage system (501) for a predetermined period of time, Depending on the specified operating conditions of this energy storage system (501) and on the internal parameters of each of the multiple energy storage modules (110), one of the multiple energy storage modules (110) is selected. Based on the specified operating conditions of the energy storage system (501) and at least one internal parameter of the selected energy storage module (110), it is determined whether the selected energy storage module (110) will take in energy, release energy, or cease operation. It is structured in such a way, At least one internal parameter of the aforementioned energy storage module (110) includes the energy storage capacity of each energy storage module (110), The specified operating conditions are assigned an amount of energy to be supplied to or withdrawn from the energy storage system (501) within a predetermined time period. In an energy storage system in which at least one energy storage module (110) is configured as a flywheel energy storage device (115) and at least one other energy storage module (110) is configured as a battery (515), The aforementioned control device (121) further, The energy storage module (110) is controlled so that when the energy storage amount (130) of the flywheel capacitor (115) falls below a predetermined threshold, the energy storage amount (130) of the flywheel capacitor (115) is transmitted from the flywheel capacitor (115) to the battery (515). Next, the operation of the flywheel capacitor (115) is stopped. An energy storage system characterized by being configured in such a way.
2. In the energy storage system (501) according to claim 1, The control device (121) is further configured to determine, based on specified operating conditions of the energy storage system (501) and at least one internal parameter of the selected energy storage module (110), whether another energy storage module (110) of the energy storage system (501) takes in the amount of energy released from the selected energy storage module (110), or whether the energy storage system (501) releases the amount of energy released from the selected energy storage module (110) to an external device.
3. In the energy storage system (501) according to claim 1 or 2, The control device (121) is further configured to determine the operating conditions of the energy storage system (501) based on the state of an external device, and this external device is connected to the energy storage system (501) and configured to transmit energy to this external device.
4. In the energy storage system (501) according to claim 1 or 2, The control device (121) is further configured to identify the operating conditions of the energy storage system (501) based on the parameters of an external device, and the energy storage system (501) is connectable to this external device in order to transmit energy to the energy storage system (501).
5. In the energy storage system (501) according to claim 1 or 2, The aforementioned control device (121) further controls multiple energy storage modules (110) so that only the selected energy storage module (110) releases energy until the energy storage amount (130) of the selected energy storage module (110) falls below a predetermined threshold, while other energy storage modules (110) do not release energy, and when the energy storage amount (130) falls below a predetermined threshold, the operation of the selected energy storage module (110) is stopped.
6. In the energy storage system (501) according to claim 1 or 2, The aforementioned energy storage module (110) includes at least two different module types (115, 515), The first module type (115) energy storage module (110) is configured to extract energy up to a first residual energy capacity, The second module type (515) energy storage module (110) is configured to extract energy up to the second remaining energy capacity, The first residual energy amount is smaller than the second residual energy amount. Energy storage system.
7. In the energy storage system (501) according to claim 6, The energy storage module (110) of the first module type (115) described above has a first internal energy consumption, The energy storage module (110) of the second module type (515) described above has a second internal energy consumption, The first internal energy consumption is greater than the second internal energy consumption. Energy storage system.
8. In the energy storage system (501) according to claim 6, The aforementioned first module-type energy storage module (110) is configured as a flywheel energy storage device (115), The aforementioned second module-type energy storage module (110) is configured as a battery (515). Energy storage system.
9. In the energy storage system (501) according to claim 1 or 2, The aforementioned flywheel capacitor (115) is equipped with a magnetic bearing and vacuum equipment (300, 400), An energy storage system in which the control device (121) is further configured to stop the operation of the magnetic bearing while the flywheel capacitor (115) is stopped, thereby stopping the vacuum devices (300, 400) at least partially.
10. In the energy storage system (501) according to claim 1 or 2, The aforementioned control device (121) further A first time point is identified, and from this time point onward, the energy storage system (501) should take in the first amount of energy. A second time point is identified, and after this time point, the energy storage system (501) should release a second amount of energy. An energy storage system configured to determine, based on the time difference between these first and second time points, based on the first amount of energy and based on the second amount of energy, whether the flywheel accumulator (115) or battery (515) will be able to release the second amount of energy after taking in the first amount of energy.
11. A method for operating an energy storage system (501) comprising multiple energy storage modules (110) and one control device (121), Identifying the operating conditions of the energy storage system (501) for a predetermined time period, One of the multiple energy storage modules (110) is selected depending on the specified operating conditions of the energy storage system (501) and on at least one internal parameter of each of the multiple energy storage modules (110). Based on the specified operating conditions of this energy storage system (501) and based on at least one internal parameter of the selected energy storage module (110), it is determined whether the selected energy storage module (110) will take in energy, release energy, or cease operation. It has, At least one internal parameter of the aforementioned energy storage module (110) includes the energy storage capacity of each energy storage module (110), The specified operating conditions are assigned an amount of energy to be supplied to or withdrawn from the energy storage system (501) within a predetermined time period. In this method, at least one energy storage module (110) is configured as a flywheel energy storage device (115), and at least one other energy storage module (110) is configured as a battery (515), A method characterized by controlling the energy storage module (110) so that when the energy storage amount (130) of the flywheel capacitor (115) falls below a predetermined threshold, the energy storage amount (130) of the flywheel capacitor (115) is transmitted from the flywheel capacitor (115) to the battery (515), and then the operation of the flywheel capacitor (115) is stopped.