Multi-layer locking smart energy module connection system

Abstract

The invention relates to a module connection system (10) comprising at least one mechanical locking mechanism (90) that provides a reliable mechanical connection between modules (30) and is used to add a new module (30) to or remove an existing module (30) from at least one energy storage system box (20). Accordingly, its novelty is that the module connection system (10) comprises at least one electromagnetic magnet (40) for generating an electromagnetic field between the modules (30) and providing alignment by means of the generated electromagnetic field, at least one circuit board (50) that detects the occurrence of alignment between the modules (30) by means of the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic magnet (40), at least one DC motor (100) that is commanded by the circuit board (50) after the electromagnetic alignment to drive at least one notched shaft (91) in the mechanical locking mechanism (90), and at least one counterpart (94) that is driven by the DC motor (100), located in a different module (30) from the notched shaft (91), and lockable with the notched shaft (91).

Description

[0001] MULTI-LAYER LOCKING SMART ENERGY MODULE CONNECTION SYSTEM

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a module connection system comprising at least one mechanical locking mechanism that provides a reliable mechanical connection between modules and is used to add a new module to or remove an existing module from at least one energy storage system box.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] Energy storage systems (ESS) are structures that store electrical energy from various sources and enable its use when needed. These systems are of vital importance for managing imbalances between energy supply and demand, ensuring the continuity of renewable energy sources, and increasing the stability of electrical grids. Modular energy storage systems offer the opportunity to be flexibly expanded according to different capacity and performance requirements. These modules usually physically and electrically connected to each other to form a single integrated system. Module connections are of great importance for the efficient operation, safety and ease of maintenance of the system. Proper alignment and fastening mechanisms ensure the secure integration of the modules and uninterrupted energy transfer.

[0006] There are various difficulties in module connections in current energy storage systems. Traditional connection methods require users to align and fix the modules manually. This is a time-consuming and error-prone process. In addition, these methods generally require complex assembly procedures. This negatively affects the user experience and increases the installation costs of the system. There are cases where traditional mechanical locking systems have difficulty in ensuring security, especially due to factors such as vibration, transportation and external factors. In addition, current systems offer limited flexibility in terms of modularity and scalability. For this reason, it becomes difficult for users to easily increase or decrease the energy storage capacity according to their needs. Application No. AU2020204855A1 known in the literature relates to an energy storage system having a structure capable of dissipating heat to adjacent modules. In the energy storage system disclosed in the relevant document, battery modules are arranged in a layered manner by using side-by-side placed rack frames and L-shaped support brackets. It is mentioned that heat transfer sheets are placed between each battery module and the bracket. In this way, it is explained that the spread of excessive heat is prevented by distributing the heat evenly. In the relevant document, it is observed that needs such as energy saving, automatic alignment, remote control capability, and enhanced user experience are not met.

[0007] These challenges prevent energy storage systems from operating in a user-friendly, safe, efficient, and flexible manner. The limitations caused by traditional connection methods lead to additional difficulties for users in expanding their systems or performing maintenance operations. This situation prevents the full utilization of the potential of energy storage technologies and restricts the effective use of sustainable energy solutions. Therefore, an innovative and integrated solution is needed to overcome these problems.

[0008] As a result, all the above-mentioned problems have made it imperative to make an innovation in the relevant technical field.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention relates to an innovative module connection system for eliminating the above-mentioned disadvantages and bringing the new advantages to the relevant technical field.

[0011] An object of the invention is to provide a module connection system in which the security of the module connection in the energy storage system is increased while at the same time energy saving is achieved.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide a module connection system that can be precisely controlled by the user. In order to achieve all the purposes mentioned above and that will emerge from the detailed description below, a module connection system comprising at least one mechanical locking mechanism that provides a reliable mechanical connection between modules and is used to add a new module to or remove an existing module from at least one energy storage system box. Accordingly, its novelty is that the module connection system comprises at least one electromagnetic magnet for generating an electromagnetic field between the modules and providing alignment by means of the generated electromagnetic field, at least one circuit board that detects the occurrence of alignment between the modules by means of the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic magnet, at least one DC motor that is commanded by the circuit board after the electromagnetic alignment to drive at least one notched shaft in the mechanical locking mechanism, and at least one counterpart that is driven by the DC motor, located in a different module from the notched shaft, and lockable with the notched shaft. Thus, a connection module system with high reliability, low energy consumption, and controllability is obtained.

[0013] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one notch structure to enable the notched shaft and the counterpart to be locked with each other. Thus, a reliable mechanical locking is obtained.

[0014] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one spring that is driven by the DC motor and enables the movement of the notch structure located on the counterpart and the notched shaft. Thus, the locking of the notched shaft with the counterpart is ensured.

[0015] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one remote controller having at least one remote control button that enables the user to wirelessly transmit alignment, locking, and energy transfer commands to the circuit board. Thus, the user is able to control the module connection system remotely.

[0016] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one manual control button located on the ESS box that enables the user to manually transmit alignment, locking, and energy transfer commands to the circuit board. Thus, the user is able to control the module connection system manually. Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one active / passive control display on the remote controller through which the user can monitor the connection status of the module, the energy flow, and possible fault conditions. Thus, the user is able to control the module connection remotely.

[0017] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one on-box active / passive control display on the ESS box through which the user can monitor the connection status of the module, the energy flow, and possible fault conditions. Thus, the user is able to control the module connection via the ESS box.

[0018] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the notched shaft in the mechanical locking mechanism and the counterpart are associated in such a way that they are driven by different DC motors. Thus, the locking process between the modules is carried out precisely.

[0019] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 shows a representative perspective view of the module connection system subject of the invention.

[0021] Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the module connection system subject of the invention.

[0022] Figure 3 shows a representative perspective view of the circuit board in the module connection system subject of the invention.

[0023] Figure 4 shows a representative perspective view of the remote controller in the module connection system subject of the invention.

[0024] Figure 5a shows a representative perspective view of the notched shaft located in the mechanical locking mechanism in the module connection system subject of the invention. Figure 5b shows a representative perspective view of the counterpart located in the mechanical locking mechanism in the module connection system subject of the invention.

[0025] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] In this detailed description, the subject of the invention is explained by way of example only for a better understanding of the subject, which shall not create any limiting effect.

[0027] Figure 1 shows a representative perspective view of the module connection system (10) subject of the invention. The module connection system (10) enables the alignment of the modules with each other in energy storage systems (ESS), which store electrical energy from various sources and allow its use when needed, and the locking of the modules to each other after the alignment. The module connection system (10) provides advantages of enhanced user experience by enabling fast installation, automatic alignment, and remote control of the modules in the energy storage system. In addition, thanks to the dual-layer safety structure implemented in the module connection, it increases system security against external effects, vibrations, and user errors.

[0028] The module connection system (10) subject of the invention is located inside at least one energy storage system box (ESS box) (20). The ESS box (20) stores electrical energy from various sources and enables its use when needed. Inside the ESS box (20), there is at least one module (30) that allows the transfer of energy. The module (30) provides a flexible structure, allowing the system capacity to be easily increased or decreased according to needs. The module connection system (10) which is the subject of the invention allows the modules (30) to be added or removed in the ESS box (20) to be safely assembled and disassembled.

[0029] The module connection system (10) which is the subject of the invention comprises at least one electromagnetic magnet (40). The electromagnetic magnet (40) generates an electromagnetic field when the user physically brings a new energy module (30) closer to the existing system or stacks it on top. During the placement of the modules (30), alignment between the modules (30) is achieved by means of the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic magnet (40). After the alignment between the modules (30) is achieved, magnetic sensors located in the module connection system (10) detect the accuracy of the alignment. The magnetic sensors detect the position of the module (30) and check the correct alignment condition.

[0030] Figure 2 shows a representative perspective view of the module connection system (10) which is the subject of the invention. The module connection system (10) which is the subject of the invention includes at least one circuit board (50). The circuit board (50) coordinates the system components. Figure 3 shows a representative perspective view of the circuit board (50). The circuit board (50) processes sensor data and transmits the necessary commands to the actuators. It also manages the energy transfer and transmits the monitoring data to the user interface. The magnetic sensors that detect the accuracy of the alignment of the modules (30) transmit signals to the circuit board (50). After the alignment is correctly provided, the user can activate the connection.

[0031] In the module connection system (10) which is the subject of the invention, the user can activate the connection automatically or manually. The module connection system (10) which is the subject of the invention comprises at least one remote controller (60). The remote controller (60) allows the user to automatically activate the connection between the modules (30). Figure 4 shows a representative perspective view of the remote controller (60). There is at least one remote control button (61 ) on the remote controller (60). Through the remote control button (61), the user can automatically activate the connection. There is at least one active / passive control display (62) on the remote controller (60). The active / passive control display (62) provides the user with the ability to quickly and clearly assess the overall status of the system by visualizing the data received from the magnetic sensor. The user monitors the connection status of the module (30), the energy flow, and possible fault conditions via the active / passive control display (62). In this way, the module connection system can detect any connection problem or abnormalities in the energy flow and warn the user.

[0032] The module connection system (10) which is the subject of the invention comprises at least one manual control button (70) that enables the user to manually activate the connection between the modules (30). The manual control button (70) is located on the ESS box (20). The module connection system (10) which is the subject of the invention comprises at least one on-box active / passive control display (80). The on-box active / passive control display (80) is located on the ESS box (20) and provides the user with information about the overall status of the system by visualizing the data received from the magnetic sensor. The user can monitor the connection status of the module (30), the energy flow, and possible fault conditions via the on-box active / passive control display (80). In this way, the module connection system (10) can detect any connection problem or abnormality in energy flow and warn the user via the on-box active / passive control display (80) located on the ESS box (20).

[0033] The module connection system which is the subject of the invention comprises at least one mechanical locking mechanism (90). The mechanical locking mechanism (90) provides physical locking after alignment is achieved by the electromagnetic magnets (40) in order to establish the connection between the modules (30). The mechanical locking mechanism (90) is driven by at least one DC motor (100). The DC motor (100) is commanded by the circuit board (50). In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the DC motor (100) is a geared DC motor.

[0034] The mechanical locking mechanism (90) physically locks two different modules (30), namely the lower module and the upper module. The mechanical locking mechanism (90) comprises at least one notched shaft (91 ). The notched shaft (91) is located in the lower module and is driven by the DC motor (100) located in the lower module, moving upward through the magnet slot located in the electromagnetic magnet (40). The notched shaft (91) comprises at least one spring (93). The spring (93) is driven by the DC motor (100) located in the lower module (30) and moves at least one notch structure (92). By means of the notch structure (92), the notched shaft (91), which moves upward from the lower module, is locked with at least one counterpart (94) located in the upper module. The counterpart (94) is located in the upper module and has a geometry that allows it to be locked with the notch structure (92) on the notched shaft (91 ) moving upward from the lower module. The counterpart (94) also comprises the notch structure (92) and the spring (93) and is driven by the DC motor (100) located in the upper module. After locking is achieved between the modules (30) by means of the mechanical locking mechanism (90), the electromagnetic magnets (40) are deactivated, thereby preventing unnecessary energy consumption. In addition, thanks to the mechanical locking mechanism (90), the modules (30) can remain fixed even if the electromagnetic system is deactivated. Figures 5a and 5b show a representative perspective view of the mechanical locking mechanism (90). After the locking is completed by the mechanical locking mechanism (90), the system automatically activates the module (30). Once the circuit board (50) activates the energy transfer terminals and allows the module (30) to contribute to the energy flow, the module (30) is integrated into the existing energy flow chain and energy transfer begins. The module connection system (10) which is the subject of the invention also reactivates the electromagnetic magnets (40) via the remote control button (61) or the manual control button (70) in case the user prefers to remove one of the modules (30) located in the ESS box (20). The mechanical locking mechanism (90) is deactivated by the DC motors (100) located in the lower and upper modules, and the module is separated. In cases where the module (30) needs to be removed, the DC motor (100) drives the mechanical locking mechanism (90) in the reverse direction, thereby ending the locking between the lower module and the upper module.

[0035] In line with the described above, the invention works as follows; when the user physically brings a new energy module (30) closer to the existing system and stacks it on top, the module (30) is automatically aligned by means of the electromagnetic magnets (40), and the magnetic sensors detect the correct position and send a signal to the circuit board (50). Then, the user activates the connection via the remote control button (61) or the manual control button (70). While the electromagnetic magnets (40) align the module (30), the mechanical locking mechanism (90) is engaged. In this way, secure locking is achieved, and the electromagnetic magnets (40) are deactivated, thereby stopping energy consumption. After the locking is completed, the system activates the energy transfer terminals and enables the new module (30) to contribute to the energy flow. When the module (30) needs to be removed from the system, the electromagnetic magnets (40) are reactivated, and the mechanical locking mechanism (90) operates in the reverse direction, thereby safely terminating the connection of the module. The integrated operation of the electromagnetic magnets (40) and the mechanical locking mechanism (90) improves the thermal load balance between the modules (30). The fact that the electromagnetic system operates only during temporary fixation limits the heating of the system and keeps thermal stresses to a minimum. Optimizing the energy consumption mentioned can reduce the total energy expenditure by up to 15%. Therefore, proper alignment is automatically achieved through the use of a magnetic field, while flexible operation is provided by manual control options. By using the electromagnetic magnet and locking system together, connection reliability between the modules is increased and energy savings are achieved. In addition, a module connection system (10) is obtained that offers long-lasting and trouble-free use with its durable structure that eliminates mechanical wear and complex maintenance processes.

[0036] The scope of protection of the invention is specified in the appended claims and cannot be limited to what is described for illustrative purposes in this detailed description. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can produce similar embodiments in the light of what is explained above, without deviating from the main theme of the invention.

[0037] REFERENCE NUMERALS GIVEN IN THE DRAWING

[0038] 10 Module Connection System

[0039] 20 ESS Box

[0040] 30 Module

[0041] 40 Electromagnetic Magnet

[0042] 50 Circuit Board

[0043] 60 Remote Controller

[0044] 61 Remote Control Button

[0045] 62 Active / Passive Control Display

[0046] 70 Manual Control Button

[0047] 80 On-Box Active / Passive Control Display

[0048] 90 Mechanical Locking Mechanism

[0049] 91 Notched Shaft

[0050] 92 Notch Structure

[0051] 93 Spring

[0052] 94 Counterpart

[0053] 100 DC Motor

Claims

CLAIMS1. A module connection system (10) comprising at least one mechanical locking mechanism (90) that provides a reliable mechanical connection between modules (30) and is used to add a new module (30) to or remove an existing module (30) from at least one energy storage system box (20), characterized in that the module connection system (10) comprises at least one electromagnetic magnet (40) for generating an electromagnetic field between the modules (30) and providing alignment by means of the generated electromagnetic field, at least one circuit board (50) that detects the occurrence of alignment between the modules (30) by means of the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic magnet (40), at least one DC motor (100) that is commanded by the circuit board (50) after the electromagnetic alignment to drive at least one notched shaft (91) in the mechanical locking mechanism (90), and at least one counterpart (94) that is driven by the DC motor (100), located in a different module (30) from the notched shaft (91), and lockable with the notched shaft (91).

2. A module connection system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises at least one notch structure (92) to enable the notched shaft (91) and the counterpart (94) to be locked with each other.

3. A module connection system (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises at least one spring (93) that is driven by the DC motor (100) and enables the movement of the notch structure (92) located on the counterpart (94) and the notched shaft (91).

4. A module connection system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the DC motor (100) is a geared DC motor.

5. A module connection system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises at least one remote controller (60) having at least one remote control button (61 ) that enables the user to wirelessly transmit alignment, locking, and energy transfer commands to the circuit board (50).

6. A module connection system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises at least one manual control button (70) located on the ESS box (20) that enables the user to manually transmit alignment, locking, and energy transfer commands to the circuit board (50).

7. A module connection system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises at least one active / passive control display (62) on the remote controller (60) through which the user can monitor the connection status of the module (30), the energy flow, and possible fault conditions.

8. A module connection system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises at least one on-box active / passive control display (80) on the ESS box (20) through which the user can monitor the connection status of the module (30), the energy flow, and possible fault conditions.

9. A module connection system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the notched shaft (91 ) in the mechaincal locking meschanism (90) and the counterpart (94) are associated in such a way that they are driven by different DC motors (100).

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