Method and system for operating a solar energy system for buildings using safe solid-state energy storage

Abstract

The invention relates to a solar energy system and method for supplying electrical power to a building in a safe and sustainable manner. Solar panels installed on a roof and / or external walls generate DC electricity from solar radiation. Surplus energy is stored in a safe energy storage unit comprising solid-state lithium-ion batteries. An intelligent controller distributes power between the panels, the storage unit and building loads according to instantaneous demand, and converts DC to AC where required. A safety monitoring arrangement including temperature and electrical protection sensors triggers disconnection when abnormal conditions occur. In use, the system enables building operation without reliance on a public power grid, with zero carbon emission and without risk of fire or explosion during normal operation.

Description

Method and System for Operating a Solar Energy System for Buildings Using Safe Solid-State Energy Storage

[0001] The present invention relates to a solar-energy-based electrical supply architecture for buildings that enables safe, continuous, and autonomous operation.

[0002] The present invention relates to renewable energy systems for buildings, particularly to a method and system for operating a solar-energy-based electrical supply that enables a building to function with zero carbon emission, no dependence on the public power grid, and no risk of fire or explosion. The invention is applicable to residential buildings, office buildings, industrial facilities, and other structures requiring a stable, safe and sustainable source of electrical energy.

[0003] It further concerns solar photovoltaic (PV) integration, intelligent power management, and safe electrical energy storage using solid-state lithium-ion battery technology.

[0004] Across the world, many buildings continue to rely heavily on national power grids and fossil-fuel-based energy sources. This dependence contributes to environmental pollution, unstable electricity costs, and operational vulnerability during grid failures. Although solar photovoltaic systems have become more common, many existing solutions are still limited in several respects: solar generation is intermittent, energy storage technologies often rely on liquid-electrolyte lithium-ion batteries that may present thermal-runaway risks, systems remain tied to the public grid for stability, and most configurations do not meet the simultaneous objectives of no carbon emission, no grid dependence, and no fire or explosion risk.

[0005] Several well-known technical solutions illustrate these limitations: Building-integrated PV systems provide generation capacity but typically rely on the public grid and lack efficient storage; PV–battery integrated systems improve energy autonomy but still utilize conventional, flammable lithium-ion batteries, which can degrade over time and pose safety concerns; Off-grid residential solar systems offer partial independence but often have insufficient storage capacity or limited safety mechanisms, making them unsuitable for long-term, continuous operation.

[0006] Among these, the closest known system is a PV–battery integrated solution using liquid or gel lithium-ion cells. While useful, such systems still present risks of leakage, thermal events, and limited performance under harsh conditions or prolonged operation.

[0007] Technical Context and Relationship to Other Developments

[0008] The present invention forms part of a broader technical direction concerning energy-autonomous buildings and solar-powered infrastructure. Several related technologies are being developed, such as modular solar-powered units, industrial energy-supply systems, mobile solar energy platforms, and solar-integrated building structures, that share common principles of safety, off-grid operation, and carbon-free energy usage.

[0009] Rather than listing individual filings, the present invention should be understood as technically interoperable with this class of solar-energy-based systems. These related technologies share similar architectural principles including: integration of photovoltaic generation across building surfaces, use of high-safety energy storage technologies, intelligent controllers for DC / AC management, and sensor-based safety protection.

[0010] Such shared concepts help clarify the industrial applicability of the invention and its role within a coherent, renewable-energy building ecosystem.

[0011] The invention provides a method and system for supplying electrical power to a building through a solar-energy architecture designed to achieve three core technical objectives:

[0012] 1. Zero carbon emission,

[0013] 2. Complete independence from the public power grid, and ‘

[0014] 3. No risk of fire or explosion during normal operation.

[0015] To meet these objectives, the invention integrates four coordinated technical components:

[0016] 1. Solar panels installed on the roof and / or external surfaces of the building, harvesting solar radiation and generating DC electrical energy across multiple orientations.

[0017] 2. A safe energy-storage unit using solid-state lithium-ion batteries, capable of storing surplus energy with superior safety, wide-temperature operational stability, and immunity to thermal runaway. The selection of a solid-state lithium-ion battery, rather than conventional liquid-electrolyte lithium-ion storage, is essential to meeting the fire-safety requirements of a building-scale, long-duration energy system. Such selection is not obvious to a person skilled in the art, as solid-state technologies are rarely applied in building infrastructure due to integration challenges and cost.

[0018] 3. An intelligent controller configured to analyse electrical demand, route power in real time, perform DC-AC conversion when required, and dynamically manage storage and consumption.

[0019] 4. A safety-monitoring arrangement comprising temperature and electrical sensors that continuously track operational conditions and automatically isolate or disconnect the system upon detecting abnormal or unsafe states.

[0020] At a system-architecture level, the invention reorganizes photovoltaic generation, solid-state energy storage, intelligent power routing, and safety monitoring into a unified building-scale infrastructure. Unlike conventional solar-storage systems that treat these components as independent modules, the present invention specifies an integrated architecture in which continuous DC distribution, solid-state chemistry, real-time load balancing, and sensor-driven isolation operate cooperatively. This architectural integration is essential to achieving the three objectives of carbon-free, grid-independent, and ignition-proof building operation. The prior art does not propose such a coordinated system configuration.

[0021] The invention also encompasses a method of operating the system, including installation of the photovoltaic surfaces, intelligent distribution of generated energy, safe storage of surplus energy, and continuous sensor-based protection of building occupants and assets.

[0022] By combining these elements into a unified system architecture, the invention enables stable, continuous, and environmentally friendly power delivery without reliance on traditional grid infrastructure and without the safety hazards associated with conventional lithium-ion storage.

[0023] Importantly, a synergistic and unexpected technical effect emerges from the specific integration of (i) solid-state storage, (ii) intelligent real-time power routing, and (iii) multi-surface solar harvesting: the system maintains uninterrupted and safe operation even under prolonged low-irradiation periods, high ambient temperatures, or overload conditions, while fully eliminating thermal-runaway risk. This combined technical effect is not predictable from the teachings of existing solar-storage systems.

[0024] The invention addresses a system-level engineering challenge not solved by existing solar-storage architectures:

[0025] How to design a building-scale energy system that simultaneously ensures (1) zero dependency on the electrical grid, (2) zero carbon emission, and (3) zero fire or explosion risk, while still maintaining continuous day–night power availability even during extended periods of low solar irradiation.

[0026] The technical problems addressed by the invention therefore include:

[0027] - The inability of known solar-building systems to supply uninterrupted electricity at night or during multi-day cloudy conditions without relying on the national grid.

[0028] - Fire and explosion hazards inherent to liquid-electrolyte lithium-ion batteries, preventing their safe use as building-scale, long-duration storage.

[0029] - The reliance of most solar-assisted buildings on grid backup to achieve reliability, which contradicts the goal of full autonomy.

[0030] - The absence of a coordinated control strategy capable of optimizing allocation between real-time solar output and stored energy.

[0031] - The lack of an integrated, safety-certified method enabling long-term, stable, off-grid building operation using renewable energy alone.

[0032] The invention must satisfy strict constraints: fire-proof architecture, 24 / 7 autonomy, and non-reliance on grid backup. No known system satisfies all constraints simultaneously

[0033] Implementation of a building-scale, off-grid solar-energy system is subject to several engineering constraints, including:

[0034] - limited roof and wall surface area for photovoltaic installation;

[0035] - fluctuating solar irradiation over daily and seasonal cycles;

[0036] - strict fire-safety requirements imposed on residential and commercial buildings;

[0037] - the need for uninterrupted power delivery to critical loads;

[0038] - thermal-management constraints arising from dense battery installation in confined spaces;

[0039] - voltage and current limitations of building-integrated wiring and protection systems;

[0040] - the requirement that storage and control components remain operational under extreme ambient temperatures and varying load intensities.

[0041] These constraints define the boundary conditions under which the invention must operate and distinguish building-scale energy systems from small or portable solar-storage configurations.

[0042] Conventional solar-battery systems do not consider the combined constraints of (i) mandatory fire-safety compliance for indoor battery rooms, (ii) the requirement for continuous autonomy without grid backup even during prolonged periods of low irradiation, and (iii) thermal-management limitations inherent in dense battery installations within multi-storey buildings.

[0043] The invention therefore addresses a new engineering problem that is not recognized in the prior art: how to realise a building-scale renewable-energy system that must simultaneously satisfy zero-grid dependency, zero carbon emission, and zero ignition risk under all normal operating conditions.

[0044]

[0045] The invention solves these problems by providing:

[0046] - A photovoltaic panel array mounted on roofs and building walls to maximize solar collection.

[0047] - A solid-state lithium-ion battery storage unit with non-flammable characteristics, wide operating temperature, and resistance to thermal runaway.

[0048] - An intelligent controller that dynamically allocates solar energy between real-time loads and the storage system.

[0049] - A sensor-based safety system including temperature and electrical protection sensors enabling automatic shutdown upon abnormal conditions.

[0050] - A method comprising four steps: solar harvesting → energy distribution → safe storage → safety monitoring.

[0051] Together, these elements enable a building to operate entirely off-grid with high safety and renewable-only power.

[0052] The solution is not a simple substitution of known components but an architectural reconfiguration designed around solid-state battery chemistry. Unlike liquid-electrolyte storage, solid-state cells impose different charging profiles, thermal thresholds, and safety-isolation requirements.

[0053] The invention restructures the controller logic to route power based on real-time safety parameters rather than energy-efficiency metrics, and distributes photovoltaic generation across multiple building surfaces to maintain operational continuity.Such coordinated integration is absent from prior systems, which neither teach nor suggest using solid-state chemistries in building-scale installations nor adapting control logic to their unique thermal characteristics.

[0054] The invention provides several practical benefits:

[0055] - Continuous off-grid operation using renewable solar power

[0056] - Elimination of carbon emissions

[0057] - Complete removal of fire and explosion risks due to solid-state energy storage

[0058] - Reduced energy cost (up to 100% savings relative to grid consumption)

[0059] - Long-term sustainability and environmental compatibility

[0060] - Applicability to residential, commercial, and industrial buildings

[0061] Extending solid-state battery technology originally developed for small-scale or portable applications into a multi-floor building environment introduces new engineering requirements relating to thermal management, load distribution, safety isolation, and system integration. The invention provides an architecture that addresses these requirements in a coordinated manner, enabling the safe and practical use of solid-state storage in building-scale, long-duration energy systems. Such applicability has not been addressed in the prior art.

[0062] Furthermore, the combination of solid-state energy storage with multi-surface photovoltaic harvesting and real-time load-prioritisation control is not suggested by the closest prior art, including PV–battery integrated systems using liquid or gel lithium-ion cells. The prior art does not disclose, teach, or motivate an integrated architecture that achieves year-round off-grid, carbon-free and ignition-proof operation under building-scale loading conditions.

[0063] System Overview

[0064] The system comprises:

[0065] - A photovoltaic (PV) panel array installed on the roof and / or building walls.

[0066] - An intelligent controller that manages DC / AC conversion, energy allocation, and storage control.

[0067] - A solid-state lithium-ion energy storage unit with broad temperature tolerance (−70°C to +180°C), no risk of thermal runaway, and long cycle life.

[0068] - Building loads including lighting, appliances, and ventilation systems.

[0069] - A safety sensor subsystem monitoring temperature, voltage, and over-current conditions, enabling automatic disconnection.

[0070] Method of Operation

[0071] Step 1 - Solar Energy Collection

[0072] PV panels are positioned at optimal angles relative to the sun to collect DC power.

[0073] Step 2 - Intelligent Distribution

[0074] The controller distributes energy directly to loads or sends surplus energy to the storage unit.

[0075] Step 3 - Safe Solid-State Storage

[0076] Excess energy is stored in the solid-state lithium-ion unit, providing stable operation during nighttime or cloudy days.

[0077] Step 4 - Safety Monitoring

[0078] Sensors continuously monitor temperature, load, and electrical conditions. If abnormal parameters occur, the system disconnects automatically.Examples

[0079] The following example illustrates one practical embodiment of the invention applied to a multi-storey residential building. The example is provided to enhance understanding and does not limit the scope of the invention.

[0080] Building Description

[0081] - Ground-floor area: ≈ 48.91 m²

[0082] - Total floor area: ≈ 385.96 m²

[0083] - Height: ≈ 19.60 m

[0084] - Structure: 5 floors above ground + 1 basement level

[0085] - Additional structures: perimeter wall height ≈ 2.60 m, length ≈ 25.53 m

[0086] Solar Panel Configuration

[0087] Solar panels are installed across:

[0088] - the entire roof surface, and

[0089] - suitable external wall sections.

[0090] Panels used in this example have an output of approximately 460–485 Wp per module.

[0091] The total installed capacity is designed to reach at least 32 kWp, depending on final installation arrangements.

[0092] This distributed multi-surface installation maximizes solar exposure across different times of the day and seasons.

[0093] Energy Storage Unit

[0094] The building is equipped with a solid-state lithium-ion storage system having a total design capacity of approximately 150 kWh.

[0095] The storage unit uses commercialised 280 Ah solid-state lithium-ion cells, with characteristics including:

[0096] - cell capacity: 3000–5000 Ah,

[0097] - specific energy: 140–377 Wh / kg,

[0098] - operating temperature: –70 °C to +180 °C,

[0099] - ability to discharge at maximum current at 180 °C,

[0100] - estimated operational lifetime: ≈ 11,000 hours.

[0101] The storage unit is installed in a temperature-controlled technical room.

[0102] Sensors for temperature and voltage monitoring are installed at the battery racks and central electrical cabinet.

[0103] Intelligent Controller

[0104] The intelligent controller integrates:

[0105] - DC / AC inversion,

[0106] - load balancing,

[0107] - energy management (EMS),

[0108] - safety isolation control.

[0109] It has a load-handling capacity of approximately 35 kW, matching the building’s estimated peak consumption.

[0110] In addition, the intelligent controller implements a priority-routing algorithm that directs real-time DC power to building loads whenever available and charges the solid-state storage module only under predefined thermal and voltage conditions. This ensures that instantaneous solar generation is used with maximum efficiency, while charging of the storage unit occurs only when safe operating limits are met. Such routing logic is not present in conventional hybrid inverters, which do not coordinate DC distribution based on battery-safety constraints or real-time environmental parameters.

[0111] Operation

[0112] During daytime:

[0113] - solar panels directly power building loads such as lighting, appliances and basement ventilation, particularly DC loads;

[0114] - surplus solar energy is stored in the solid-state battery system.

[0115] During nighttime or cloudy periods:

[0116] - the building draws electrical energy from the safe storage unit.

[0117] Throughout operation, the controller monitors system conditions and activates protective isolation if overheating, overload or short-circuit events are detected.

[0118] Results

[0119] The example system enables:

[0120] 365-day off-grid building operation,

[0121] complete elimination of carbon emissions,

[0122] near-zero risk of fire or explosion,

[0123] 100% reduction of commercial electricity cost,

[0124] stable and continuous electrical supply even in prolonged adverse weather.

[0125] The invention is industrially applicable to the design, construction and operation of energy-autonomous buildings.

[0126] It can be implemented using widely available photovoltaic modules, commercially manufactured solid-state lithium-ion battery systems, standard electrical safety components and intelligent controllers.

[0127] Industries and sectors benefiting from the invention include:

[0128] - renewable-energy building construction,

[0129] - smart-home and smart-building management,

[0130] - off-grid industrial facilities,

[0131] - sustainable urban development,

[0132] - disaster-resilient building infrastructure.

[0133] The system may be manufactured using standard electrical engineering processes and installed with typical building-integration techniques.

[0134] Its modular nature allows scalability for small residential units or large-scale industrial installations.

Claims

A solar energy system for supplying electrical power to a building, comprising: an array of solar panels configured to receive solar radiation and generate direct-current (DC) electrical energy; a safe energy storage unit comprising solid-state lithium-ion batteries for storing surplus electrical energy; an intelligent controller electrically connected to the solar panels, to the safe energy storage unit and to electrical loads of the building, the intelligent controller being configured to distribute electrical energy between the solar panels, the safe energy storage unit and the electrical loads based on an instantaneous power demand; and a safety monitoring arrangement comprising at least one temperature sensor and at least one electrical protection sensor, the safety monitoring arrangement being configured to trigger a disconnection mechanism when an operating parameter exceeds a predefined safe limit; wherein the system is configured to enable operation of the building independently of a public power grid, without carbon emissions and without risk of fire or explosion during normal operation.The system of claim 1, wherein the safe energy storage unit is configured to operate over a wide temperature range and to deliver high-temperature discharge current without causing ignition or thermal runaway.The system of claim 2, wherein the safe energy storage unit has an operating temperature range from –70 °C to +180 °C.The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the intelligent controller comprises an inverter and energy management functions integrated into a single device.The system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the intelligent controller is configured for remote monitoring and / or control via a web-based interface.The system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the solar panels are installed on the roof and / or external walls of the building so as to maximise solar energy harvesting.A method of operating a solar energy system for supplying electrical power to a building, the method comprising: (a) installing solar panels on at least one surface of the building to convert solar radiation into DC electrical energy; (b) supplying the DC electrical energy to an intelligent controller, and distributing the electrical energy from the intelligent controller to building loads and / or to a safe energy storage unit; (c) storing surplus electrical energy in the safe energy storage unit comprising solid-state lithium-ion batteries; and (d) monitoring system parameters using at least one temperature sensor and at least one electrical protection sensor, and triggering a disconnection mechanism when an operating parameter exceeds a predefined safe limit; wherein the method achieves utilisation of renewable energy without reliance on a public power grid, without carbon emission and without fire or explosion during normal operation.The method of claim 7, wherein the building operates independently of a national power grid throughout normal use.The method of claim 7 or 8, wherein the safe energy storage unit stores surplus energy continuously and safely without gas accumulation or internal structural degradation