Self-reconfigurable system of energy storage elements

Abstract

The invention relates to a self-reconfigurable system of energy storage elements, which is characterized by maximizing the utilization of the energy of sources through extending their operating range, improving the operation of the energy storage elements by ensuring charging and discharging with optimal parameters, increasing the reliability and durability of the energy storage elements, as well as the low cost and modular structure of the employed power electronic devices. The system comprises a control unit (1) connected to four modules (2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4), which are interconnected in parallel, in series, or in series-parallel configuration through bidirectional controllable switches (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9).

Description

[0001] Self-reconfigurable system of energy storage elements

[0002] Technical field of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to the following fields of technology: mechatronics, decentralized electricity generation, industrial and power electronics, transport in connection with charging stations for cars, electric and hybrid electric vehicles and other types of electric vehicles, power supply of critical and sensitive consumers. In particular, the invention is applicable to improving the performance of all types of energy storage elements operating in regenerative mode, where it is necessary to store the maximum amount of energy, such as: supercapacitors, lead-acid, lithium-ion and all other types of batteries.

[0004] Prior art

[0005] The efficient use of electrical energy is related to the possibility of storing a larger part of it. This is becoming an increasingly relevant task in view of the increasing needs for electrical energy conversion associated with the development of electrification. To ensure compatibility / matching between the energy source and the battery stack, in cases of a wide range of voltage and / or current changes of the energy generator, such as in regenerative braking of electric vehicles, DC-DC converters with a high gain coefficient are used. On the other hand, most sources in decentralized energy production based on photovoltaic generators also change their parameters within wide limits. DC-DC converters with a high gain coefficient have a complex structure, low efficiency and a complex controller for their control.

[0006] A self-reconfigurable energy storage system has been created, which represents an innovative approach in the field of energy, allowing for optimization of energy storage and management. This type of systems is particularly useful in the context of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy, which are stochastic in nature and require effective storage solutions to ensure a stable energy supply. On the other hand, regenerative braking of electric vehicles generates energy in a wide range, which is difficult to predict and with a large change (up to several times) of currents and voltages.

[0007] In this sense, reconfigurable energy storage structures are an alternative to the implementation of complex power electronic devices, and their main characteristics are as follows:

[0008] - Flexibility and adaptability / self-adaptability: reconfigurable systems can adapt to different energy needs and conditions, such as changing energy production from renewable sources or variable generation during regenerative braking. This allows for a more efficient use of the available energy;

[0009] - Modularity: these systems are usually designed as modular and hierarchical structures, which allows for easy addition, removal or replacement of elements without having to modify the entire system. Modularity facilitates scaling and customization of the system according to specific needs;

[0010] - Intelligent control: the inclusion of intelligent control systems determines which elements of the system are active at a given time, depending on energy needs and generation capabilities. Efficiency optimization is usually implemented with machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms;

[0011] - Sustainability and environmental friendliness: reconfigurable energy storage systems contribute to reducing carbon emissions by optimizing the use of renewable and regenerated energy. They also reduce dependence on fossil fuels and increase energy security.

[0012] In this regard, the development and integration of reconfigurable energy storage structures represent a key step towards achieving a more sustainable and efficient energy system that is capable of meeting the growing energy needs of modem society, as well as making the use of electric vehicles more costeffective.

[0013] The structure of a self-reconfigurable energy storage system can vary depending on the specific requirements and applications, but usually includes several basic components and functions that allow it to adapt and scale according to changing needs. Here is an overview of the typical structure of such a system:

[0014] 1. Energy storage elements (ESEs) - usually batteries: lithium-ion, lead- acid, or other types used to store electrical energy; supercapacitors: when needed to release and store energy, useful in applications requiring high power for a short time; mechanical systems: various kinetic energy accumulators such as inclined weights or flywheels that store energy by kinetic or potential means.

[0015] 2. A controller with a logic unit that uses algorithms for monitoring and optimizing energy flows between different ESEs and energy sources, in most cases predicting energy needs and on this basis performing charging / discharging optimization. The controller communicates with the modules and bidirectional controllable switches connecting them through the logarithms in its logic unit, and controls the way the modules are connected, as well as which modules to operate, as well as which to charge and which to discharge.

[0016] 3. Interfaces for interaction with external networks, representing a) electrical infrastructure, which includes converters, circuit breakers and other equipment for connecting the system to the electrical grid or other energy sources; b) communication links and infrastructure used for integration with control networks, data from meteorological stations for forecasting renewable energy production and other important information in real time.

[0017] 4. Modular structure for reconfiguration. It includes physical / hardware modularity with the ability to easily add or remove ECEs to adapt to changing needs and software modularity, and with the ability to update the software or add new functionalities without significant disruption to operation.

[0018] 5. Sensors and monitoring. Sensors are used to monitor the state of charge, temperature, and other critical parameters of the ECE. They can be included in monitoring systems, for example, to track system performance and prevent failures by early identification of problems.

[0019] 6. Protection systems used for overload and short circuit protection, and for thermal management to control the temperature of the ECE and prevent overheating.

[0020] Such systems are characterized by a high degree of integration and intelligence, allowing optimal use of stored energy and adaptation to variable energy needs.

[0021] A self-reconfigurable battery system with advanced functions for automotive applications is known, with the input of the system connected to a renewable energy source with a stochastic nature. The system is composed of a control unit and modules including several switchable battery cells, with the possibility of series connection through bidirectional controllable switches. Switchable battery cells are ordinary cells, but they are called switchable because they are connected to bidirectional controllable switches, for example, transistor switches, in order to be able to implement various switching operations, for example, if one cell fails, it can be disconnected from the stack so that the other cells can operate. The shutdown can occur, for example, if a damaged cell is shorted, in which case it continues to exist only as a connection between its two neighboring cells, or if a damaged cell is disconnected from its bidirectional switch and its neighboring cells are connected by a connection surrounding the damaged cell. The modules include battery cells, sensors and protections, and provide voltage and temperature measurements, and feed this information to the control unit. It measures the total voltage and current, processes the cell voltage and temperature measurements received from the modules, and based on preset values, automatically sends back the necessary switching commands to the bidirectional controlled switches to implement the required configuration of a self-reconfigurable battery. In addition, the control unit performs voltage regulation of the battery stack, dynamic cell balancing and safety functions. Known systems are not efficient enough to use the generated energy because they have a rigid structure and do not allow for dynamic capacity changes depending on needs. For example, in regenerative braking of cars, there is a lot of mechanical energy at the beginning, which provides a lot of current. This current cannot be absorbed by a standard battery and a supercapacitor has to be included. There are losses in it too, and also in the converter that controls it.

[0022] Summary of the invention

[0023] The task of the invention is to create a self-reconfigurable system of energy storage elements that allow greater flexibility and, accordingly, efficiency of use of the generated energy compared to the existing ones at optimal loading of the energy storage elements that make up the individual modules.

[0024] This task is solved by creating a self-reconfigurable system of energy storage elements, based on a self-reconfigurable battery, but with extended functions for application in decentralized energy production systems and electric vehicles, such as self-adaptability and the ability to select an optimal structure of the battery stack. More specifically, the self-reconfigurable energy storage system according to the invention comprises a control unit connected to four modules, each having a positive and a negative terminal, respectively a first, second, third and fourth module, composed of switchable battery elements, and sequentially connected to each other from the first to the last module by connecting the negative terminal of one module to the positive terminal of another module by means of bidirectional controllable switches S1, S2, S3, connected with the possibility of being activated or deactivated by the control unit. All modules are connected to each other and in parallel by additional bidirectional controllable switches Sn, connected with the possibility of being activated or deactivated by the control unit. The positive terminals of all modules are connected directly or indirectly to each other by the additional bidirectional controllable switches Sn, and the negative terminals of all modules are connected directly or indirectly to each other by additional bidirectional controllable switches Sn.

[0025] The control unit has a logic unit for monitoring, controlling and optimizing the modules, the bidirectionally controllable switches, and energy flows exchanged between the modules and the energy source, the logic unit of the control unit being connected to sensors for monitoring the state of charge and / or temperature, and / or to protections against overload and / or short circuit and / or overheating, and / or to interfaces for interaction with external networks, which sensors and / or protections and / or interfaces are also connected to the modules. By monitoring the charge, the number of charge-discharge cycles can be monitored in order to assess the residual resource of the modules.

[0026] The energy source is connected to the input of the system, where the positive and negative common buses of the energy storage elements are.

[0027] The system can be configured in different configurations depending on which bidirectional controllable switches are to be activated:

[0028] - in a series configuration, the modules are connected in series with each other from the first to the last, by connecting the negative terminal of one module to the positive terminal of another module through bidirectional controllable switches for series connection;

[0029] - in a parallel configuration, all modules are connected in parallel by one connection of their negative terminals and by a second connection of their positive terminals through bidirectional controllable switches for parallel connection. It is possible that each negative terminal is connected to all other negative terminals by separate bidirectional controllable switches Sn, or alternatively the connection between some negative terminals may not be direct with a single bidirectional controllable switch, but be made indirectly by connecting two negative terminals to a third negative terminal. It is possible that each positive terminal is connected to all other positive terminals by separate bidirectional controlled switches Sn, or alternatively the connection between some positive terminals may not be direct with a single bidirectional controlled switch, but may be made indirectly by connecting two positive terminals to a third positive terminal;

[0030] - in a series-parallel configuration, a part of the modules are connected in series, by connecting the negative terminal of one module to the positive terminal of another module by means of bidirectional controlled switches for series connection, and another part of the modules are connected in parallel by directly or indirectly connecting their negative terminals to each other and by directly or indirectly connecting their positive terminals to each other by means of bidirectional controlled switches for parallel connection.

[0031] In a parallel or series-parallel configuration of the system, it is possible for each negative terminal to be connected to all other negative terminals with separate bidirectional controllable switches Sn. Alternatively, it is possible for at least one pair of negative terminals to be connected indirectly to each other via a third negative terminal, and the remaining negative terminals to be connected directly to separate bidirectional controllable switches. Similarly, it is possible for each positive terminal to be connected to all other positive terminals with separate bidirectional controllable switches Sn, or alternatively, at least one pair of positive terminals to be connected indirectly to each other via a third positive terminal, and the remaining positive terminals to be connected directly to separate bidirectional controllable switches.

[0032] The modules may be individual battery cells, or alternatively, they may be individual battery stacks comprising groups of four battery cells connected via bidirectional controllable switches according to the invention. They may also be individual battery stacks comprising groups of four smaller battery stacks.

[0033] The logic unit of the control unit may be integrated with artificial intelligence to calculate the future state of the system based on analyzed data from the past period.

[0034] The system may be built as a hierarchical system with modules at different levels, where the modules of the first level represent battery cells, and the modules of each subsequent level represent battery stacks. It is possible for such a hierarchical system to have only two levels, or alternatively, three, four or more levels.

[0035] In the two-level variant, the system includes a second-level control unit, which is connected to four second-level modules, each having a positive and negative terminal, respectively first, second, third, fourth modules, composed of switchable battery elements, and sequentially connected to each other from the first to the last module by connecting the negative terminal of one module to the positive terminal of another module by means of two-way controlled second- level switches ST, S2’, S3', connected with the possibility of activation or deactivation by the second-level control unit. The second-level control unit has a logic unit for monitoring, controlling and optimizing the second-level modules, the bidirectionally controllable second-level switches ST, S2’, S3', and energy flows exchanged between the second-level modules and the energy source, the logic unit of the second-level control unit being connected to sensors for monitoring the state of charge and / or temperature, and / or to protections against overload and / or short circuit and / or overheating, and / or to interfaces for interaction with external networks, which sensors and / or protections and / or interfaces are also connected to the second-level modules. The second level modules are interconnected and in parallel by additional two-way second level controllable switches Sn', connected with the possibility of activation or deactivation by the second level control unit, whereby the positive terminals of all the second level modules are directly or indirectly connected to each other by the additional two-way second level controllable switches Sn', and the negative terminals of all the second level modules are directly or indirectly connected to each other by additional two-way second level controllable switches Sn'. The second level modules represent separate battery stacks, and each second level module includes a self-reconfigurable system of energy storage elements, including a first level control unit connected to four first level modules, which represent battery cells. Each first-level module has a positive and negative terminal, respectively first, second, third, fourth first-level modules, composed of switchable battery elements, and sequentially connected to each other from the first to the last module by connecting the negative terminal of one module to the positive terminal of another module by means of bidirectional controllable switches S1, S2, S3 of the first level, connected with the possibility of activation or deactivation by the first-level control unit. The first-level control unit has a logic unit for monitoring, controlling and optimizing the first-level modules, the bidirectional controllable switches S1, S2, S3 of the first level, and energy flows exchanged between the first-level modules and the energy source, the logic unit of the first-level control unit being connected to sensors for monitoring the state of charge and / or temperature, and / or to protections against overload and / or short circuit and / or overheating, and / or to interfaces for interaction with external networks, which sensors and / or protections and / or interfaces are also connected to the first-level modules. The first-level modules are interconnected and in parallel via additional bidirectional first-level controllable switches Sn, connected with the possibility of being activated or deactivated by the first-level control unit, whereby the positive terminals of all first-level modules are directly or indirectly connected to each other via the additional bidirectional first-level controllable switches Sn, and the negative terminals of all first-level modules are directly or indirectly connected to each other via additional bidirectional first-level controllable switches Sn.

[0036] According to the invention, the system creates greater flexibility and, accordingly, efficiency of use of the generated energy by creating the possibility of parallel connection of energy storage elements by introducing additional bidirectional controllable switches. In this way, it is possible to connect energy storage elements in series, series-parallel and parallel on a modular basis. The invention drastically increases the usability of energy during regenerative braking of electric vehicles, as well as the possible operating production range of sources for decentralized energy production, due to the possibility of connecting and disconnecting the modules in which energy is stored in different configurations, according to the invention. The operation of energy storage elements is improved by providing charging and discharging with optimal parameters, increasing the reliability and durability of energy storage elements.

[0037] Additionally, the system implementation is widely available and inexpensive, and can be prototyped, industrially manufactured, and put into operation in a very short time, since the bidirectional controllable switches are transistors, which have less loss, are cheaper, and are more reliable than the capacitors and magnetic components used in high-gain DC-DC converters. For example, standard synchronous DC-DC converters are available in a wide range of operating powers and voltages, and due to the use of transistors with improved parameters, they have high efficiency - over 98% and a linear transfer characteristic, which facilitates control synthesis and control unit tuning. Thus, the proposed structure is built using standard, widely available switches in mass production at low cost. In addition, the proposed self-reconfigurable system of energy storage elements allows for optimal use of the energy storage elements without overloading them electrically and / or thermally, which significantly increases their operational life, and in electric vehicles, the flexible approach allows for the isolation of individual cells that have failed, thus preserving the battery's operability, albeit with reduced performance, and avoiding its replacement, which also saves costs for highly skilled labor using specialized equipment.

[0038] The implementation of the modular principle of the self-reconfigurable system of energy storage elements makes it possible to cover a wide range of voltages and currents, according to the applications - from those with a high charge current and low voltage to high-voltage sources, and depending on the specific needs, the available modules will be included in a certain configuration. In this way, a very high flexibility and universality of the proposed structure is achieved, especially since by applying artificial intelligence techniques, the occurrence of a certain operating mode can be predicted and by changing the control algorithm, the system can self-adapt. This prediction occurs based on old data, which the artificial intelligence analyzes and calculates an expected future result. For example, in the case of a car, based on its movement parameters that are monitored, the future energy consumption can be predicted based on the accumulated data from a past period, from which it can be predicted that acceleration or braking will follow, and in the case of photovoltaics, that there will be a large or small energy yield. Also, information can be output from the navigation system about traffic, restrictions, and more.

[0039] The system also allows for uninterrupted battery cell testing procedures at significantly reduced energy costs.

[0040] Brief description of the drawings Further in the description, the self-reconfigurable system of energy storage elements is explained by a preferred embodiment, given as a nonlimiting example of the invention, with reference to the attached figures, where:

[0041] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a general configuration of a self- reconfigurable system of energy storage elements in a non-operating mode, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, where the energy storage modules are battery cells.

[0042] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a series configuration type 4 V, 1C of a self- reconfigurable system of energy storage elements, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0043] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a series-parallel configuration type 2 V, 2C of a self-reconfigurable system of energy storage elements, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0044] Figure 4 is a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a parallel configuration type IV, 4C of a self-reconfigurable system of energy storage elements, according to the invention.

[0045] Figure 5 is a block diagram of a parallel configuration of a type IV, 4C self-reconfigurable energy storage system, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, where all parallel connections between the modules are connected.

[0046] Figure 6 is a block diagram of a general configuration of a self- reconfigurable energy storage system in a non-operating mode, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, where the energy storage modules are battery stacks.

[0047] Exemplary embodiments and operation of the invention

[0048] In non-limiting preferred embodiments of the invention, a basic structure of the system is presented, shown in the figures, consisting of four modules 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 for energy storage, which in turn can be either individual battery cells, as shown in figures 1-5, or battery stacks, shown in figure 6, including groups of four battery cells, connected by bidirectionally controllable switches according to the invention. It is possible for the modules to also represent separate large battery stacks, including groups of four battery stacks, each of which includes groups of four battery cells, connected by bidirectionally controllable switches according to the invention. This hierarchical relationship is also possible for even larger battery stacks, including groups of four smaller battery stacks.

[0049] Each individual module 2.1 , 2.2, 2.3 , 2.4 has a capacity of C and a nominal voltage of V. In the variants presented in the figures, the self-reconfigurable system of energy storage elements, through a different combination of switching of the controllable bidirectional controllable switches S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, represents three different batteries:

[0050] - with a capacity of C and a nominal voltage of 4 V when all four elements are connected in series, as shown in figure 2;

[0051] - with a capacity of 2C and a nominal voltage of 2V when all four elements are connected in series-parallel (two in series and two in parallel), as shown in figure 3 ;

[0052] - and with a capacity of 4C and a nominal voltage of V when all four elements are connected in parallel, as shown in figures 4 and 5

[0053] In particular, the variants are described as follows:

[0054] - a serial configuration in which the modules 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 are connected in series with each other from the first to the last, by connecting the negative terminal of one module to the positive terminal of another module. In the variant shown in Figure 2, the negative terminal of the first module 2.1 and the positive terminal of the second module 2.2 are connected by a bidirectional controllable switch S1, and the negative terminal of the second module 2.2 and the positive terminal of the third module 2.3 are connected by a bidirectional controllable switch S2, and the negative terminal of the third module 2.3 and the positive terminal of the fourth module 2.4 are connected by a bidirectional controllable switch S3, and the additional bidirectional controllable switches S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9 are disconnected from the control unit 1 ;

[0055] - a series-parallel configuration in which a part of the modules 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 are connected in series, by connecting the negative terminal of one module to the positive terminal of another module, and another part of the modules 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 are connected in parallel by connecting the negative terminal of one module to the negative terminal of another module and / or by connecting the positive terminal of one module to the positive terminal of another module. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the negative terminal of the first module 2.1 and the positive terminal of the second module 2.2 are connected via a bidirectional controllable switch S 1 , and the negative terminal of the third module 2.3 and the positive terminal of the fourth module 2.4 are connected via a bidirectional controllable switch S3, and the positive terminal of the first module 2.1 and the positive terminal of the third module 2.3 are connected via a bidirectional controllable switch S5, and the negative terminal of the second module 2.2 and the negative terminal of the fourth module 2.4 are connected via a bidirectional controllable switch S4, and the bidirectional controllable switch S2 and the additional bidirectional controllable switches S6, S7, S8, S9 are disconnected from the control unit 1;

[0056] - a parallel configuration in which the modules 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 are connected in parallel by connecting the negative terminal of one module to the negative terminal of another module and / or by connecting the positive terminal of one module to the positive terminal of another module. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the negative terminal of the first module 2.1 and the negative terminal of the fourth module 2.4 are connected via a two-way control switch S9, and the positive terminal of the first module 2.1 and the positive terminal of the fourth module 2.4 are connected via a two-way control switch S8, and the positive terminal of the first module 2.1 and the positive terminal of the third module 2.3 are connected via a two-way control switch S5, and the positive terminal of the second module 2.2 and the positive terminal of the third module 2.3 are connected via a two-way control switch S6, and the negative terminal of the second module 2.2 and the negative terminal of the fourth module 2.4 are connected via a two-way control switch S4, and the negative terminal of the second module 2.2 and the negative terminal of the third module 2.3 are connected via a two-way control switch S7, and the two-way control switches S1, S2, S3 are disconnected from the control unit 1. Other possible parallel system configurations where non-parallel connections between modules are connected and the others are disconnected, or alternatively all connections are connected, as shown in Figure 5.

[0057] It is possible that each negative terminal is connected to all other negative terminals by separate two-way controllable switches S4, S7, S9, or alternatively the connection between some negative terminals may not be direct with a single two-way controllable switch, but may be made indirectly by connecting two negative terminals to a third negative terminal. It is possible that each positive terminal is connected to all other positive terminals by separate two-way controllable switches S5, S6, S8, or alternatively the connection between some positive terminals may not be direct with a single two-way controllable switch, but may be made indirectly by connecting two positive terminals to a third positive terminal, as shown in Figure 4.

[0058] The system may include additional switches for parallel connection of modules S10, S11, etc., which are not shown in the figures.

[0059] In this way, by using controllable switches, a fourfold change in the nominal voltage and battery capacity is achieved and the use of DC-DC converters with a large gain is avoided. In addition, when using the proposed structure, if an even greater change in battery capacity and / or voltage is required, it is possible to expand it hierarchically at several levels by adding more modules and switches, thereby dramatically increasing the energy utilization in regenerative braking of electric vehicles, as well as the possible operating production range of sources for decentralized energy production.

[0060] Various types of sensors provide voltage and temperature measurements of the modules 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 and feed this information to the control unit 1, whose logic unit processes it and then sends back switching commands to the bidirectional controllable switches S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, in order to implement the required configuration of the self-reconfigurable system of energy storage elements. In addition, the control unit 1 performs:

[0061] - voltage regulation of the energy storage element after the interfaces submit relevant data to the control unit 1 , which on this basis issues a command to the two-way controllable switches, respectively, some to turn on, others to turn off, and others to remain in their current state,

[0062] - dynamic balancing of the battery cells by commanding the two-way controllable switches S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, and

[0063] - safety functions by activating protections against overload and / or short circuit and / or overheating, if necessary after processing the information received from the relevant sensors. The logic unit of the control unit 1 may be integrated with artificial intelligence to calculate the future state of the system based on analysis of historical data, for example by predicting future energy consumption based on accumulated data from a past period, to predict acceleration or braking of a car.

[0064] In the embodiment of the system, where the system is a hierarchical system with modules at different levels, there is a second level control unit 3, which is connected to four second level modules 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, each having a positive and negative terminal, respectively a first 4.1, second 4.2, third 4.3, fourth 4.4 module, composed of switchable battery elements, and sequentially interconnected from the first to the last module by connecting the negative terminal of one module to the positive terminal of another module by means of bidirectional controllable switches of the second level ST, S2', S3', connected with the possibility of activation or deactivation by the second level control unit 3. The second level control unit 3 has a logic unit for monitoring, control and optimization of the second level modules 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, the bidirectional controllable switches of the second level ST, S2’, S3', and energy flows exchanged between the second level modules 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 and a power source, the logic unit of the second level control unit 3 being connected to sensors for monitoring the state of charge and / or temperature, and / or to protections against overload and / or short circuit and / or overheating, and / or to interfaces for interaction with external networks, which sensors and / or protections and / or interfaces are also connected to the second level modules 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4. The second level modules 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 are connected to each other and in parallel through additional bidirectional controllable switches of the second level Sn', connected with the possibility of activation or deactivation by the second level control unit 3, whereby the positive terminals of all the second level modules 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 are connected directly or indirectly to each other through the additional bidirectional controllable switches of the second level Sn', and the negative terminals of all the second level modules 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 are connected directly or indirectly to each other through additional bidirectional controllable switches of the second level Sn'. The second level modules 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 represent separate battery stacks, and each second level module 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 includes a self-reconfigurable system of energy storage elements, including a first level control unit 1 connected to four modules 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, which are first level modules and represent battery cells. Each first level module 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 has a positive and negative terminal, respectively a first 2.1, second 2.2, third 2.3, fourth 2.4 module, composed of switchable battery elements, and sequentially connected to each other from the first to the last module by connecting the negative terminal of one module to the positive terminal of another module by means of bidirectional controllable switches S 1 , S2, S3 of the first level, connected with the possibility of activation or deactivation by the control unit 1. The control unit 1 has a logic unit for monitoring, controlling and optimizing the modules 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, the bidirectional controllable switches S1, S2, S3, and energy flows exchanged between the modules 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 and the energy source, the logic unit of the control unit 1 being connected to sensors for monitoring the state of charge and / or temperature, and / or to overload and / or short circuit and / or overheating protections, and / or to interfaces for interaction with external networks, which sensors and / or protections and / or interfaces are also connected to the modules 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4. The modules 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 are connected to each other and in parallel by additional two-way controllable switches Sn of the first level, connected with the possibility of activation or deactivation by the control unit 1 , whereby the positive terminals of all modules 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 are connected directly or indirectly to each other by the additional two-way controllable switches Sn, and the negative terminals of all modules 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 are connected directly or indirectly to each other by additional two-way controllable switches Sn.

[0065] The additional bidirectional controllable switches Sn and Sn' for parallel connection of the modules can connect the modules in different sequences and be of different numbers in different embodiments of the system, for example, it is possible that the additional bidirectional controllable switches Sn are additional bidirectional controllable switches S10, Sil, S12, S13, and if there are additional bidirectional controllable switches Sn' of the second level, they can be S 1 O', Si l', S 12', S13'. The reference numbers of the technical features are included in the claims solely for the purpose of increasing the comprehensibility of the claims and, therefore, these reference numbers have no limiting effect on the interpretation of the elements designated by these reference numbers.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 09 January 2026 (09.01 .2026)1. A self-reconfigurable system of energy storage elements, comprising a control unit (1) connected to four modules (2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4), each having a positive and a negative terminal, accordingly a first module (2.1), a second module (2.2), a third module (2.3), and a fourth module (2.4), composed of switchable battery elements and connected in series with each other from the first to the last module by connecting the negative terminal of one module to the positive terminal of another module through bidirectional controllable switches (S1, S2, S3), which are connected with ability to be turned on or off by the control unit (1), wherein the control unit (1) comprises a logic unit for monitoring, control and optimization of the modules (2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4), the bidirectional controllable switches (S1, S2, S3), and energy flows exchanged between the modules (2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4) and an energy source, wherein the logic unit of the control unit (1) is connected to sensors for monitoring the state of charge and / or temperature, and / or to protections against overload and / or short circuit and / or overheating, and / or to interfaces for interaction with external networks, said sensors and / or protections and / or interfaces also being connected to the modules (2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4), characterized in that all modules (2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4) are further interconnected in parallel directly or indirectly by additional bidirectional controllable switches (Sn), connected with ability to be turned on or off by the control unit (1), wherein the positive terminals of all modules (2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4) are directly or indirectly connected to each other through said additional bidirectional controllable switches (Sn), and the negative terminals of all modules (2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4) are directly or indirectly connected to each other through said additional bidirectional controllable switches (Sn).

2. The self-reconfigurable system of energy storage elements according to claim 1 , characterized in that each negative terminal is connected to all othernegative terminals by separate bidirectional controllable switches (Sn).

3. The self-reconfigurable system of energy storage elements according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one pair of negative terminals are indirectly connected to each other through a third negative terminal, while the remaining negative terminals are directly connected to each other by separate bidirectional controllable switches.

4. The self-reconfigurable system of energy storage elements according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each positive terminal is connected to all other positive terminals by separate bidirectional controllable switches (Sn).

5. The self-reconfigurable system of energy storage elements according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one pair of positive terminals are indirectly connected to each other through a third positive terminal, while the remaining positive terminals are directly connected to each other by separate bidirectional controllable switches.

6. The self-reconfigurable system of energy storage elements according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the modules (2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4) constitute individual battery cells.

7. The self-reconfigurable system of energy storage elements according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the logic unit of the control unit (1) is integrated with artificial intelligence for calculating a future state of the system based on analysis of historical data.

8. The self-reconfigurable system of energy storage elements according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it constitutes a hierarchical system with modules at different levels, wherein a second-level control unit (3) is connected to four second-level modules (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4), each having a positive and a negative terminal, accordingly a first module (4.1), a second module (4.2), a third module (4.3), and a fourth module (4.4), composed ofswitchable battery elements and connected in series with each other from the first to the last module by connecting the negative terminal of one module to the positive terminal of another module through second-level bidirectional controllable switches (S1', S2', S3'), which are connected with ability to be turned on or off by the second-level control unit (3), wherein the second-level control unit (3) comprises a logic unit for monitoring, control and optimization of the second-level modules (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4), the second-level bidirectional controllable switches (S1', S2', S3'), and energy flows exchanged between the second-level modules (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4) and an energy source, wherein the logic unit of the second-level control unit (3) is connected to sensors for monitoring the state of charge and / or temperature, and / or to protections against overload and / or short circuit and / or overheating, and / or to interfaces for interaction with external networks, said sensors and / or protections and / or interfaces also being connected to the second-level modules (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4), wherein the second- level modules (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4) are further interconnected in parallel by additional second-level bidirectional controllable switches (Sn'), connected with ability to be turned on or off by the second-level control unit (3), wherein the positive terminals of all second-level modules (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4) are directly or indirectly connected to each other through said additional second-level bidirectional controllable switches (Sn'), and the negative terminals of all second-level modules (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4) are directly or indirectly connected to each other through said additional second-level bidirectional controllable switches (Sn'), wherein the second-level modules (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4) constitute individual battery stacks, and each second-level module (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4) comprises a self-reconfigurable energy storage system of elements as defined in claims 1-5, wherein the modules (2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4) are first-level modules and constitute battery cells.

Images