Battery Storage Communication Control for Remote Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high total cost of ownership of battery energy storage systems, particularly at residential and commercial levels, is a barrier to their widespread deployment due to installation and remote monitoring and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A battery energy storage system with a residential unit comprising a battery module, battery management system, bi-directional power converter, and communication controller that enables remote monitoring and control through internet communication, allowing for error correction and utility control of charging and discharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If remote monitoring and maintenance capabilities are added to battery energy storage systems, then system reliability and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A communication controller is introduced as an intermediary component that enables remote monitoring and control capabilities. This controller interfaces with utility systems and provides internet connectivity, allowing operators to monitor system status, receive alerts, and control charging/discharging operations remotely without adding complex monitoring infrastructure to each individual battery unit
Solution Approach 2:
The communication controller serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides internet connectivity for remote access, communicates with utility systems for control and pricing signals, monitors system status, and coordinates with the battery management system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function
2Ease of operation
If remote monitoring and maintenance capabilities are added to battery energy storage systems, then ease of operation is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication controller acts as a centralized intermediary that handles all remote communication functions, making the system easy to operate through standard internet connectivity while consolidating the complexity into a single manageable component rather than distributing it across multiple systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation through automated remote monitoring and control. The communication controller automatically receives utility pricing signals and control instructions, and can autonomously adjust charging/discharging operations based on these signals, reducing the need for manual intervention and specialized installation complexity
3Productivity
If utility control capability is added for optimal energy management, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A feedback loop is established between the utility system and the battery energy storage system through the communication controller. The controller receives real-time pricing signals, demand information, and control instructions from the utility, and automatically adjusts charging and discharging operations in response, enabling optimal energy management without requiring complex local decision-making algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time utility signals and pricing structures. The communication controller enables flexible, adaptive control where charging and discharging rates can be modified in response to changing utility conditions, maximizing productivity and energy management efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a battery energy storage system with remote monitoring, maintenance, and control. The battery energy storage system includes a residential battery energy storage unit having a battery module, a battery management system coupled to the battery module, a bi-directional power converter, and a communication controller configured to communicate with the battery management system and the bi-directional power converter. The communication controller sends error codes via the internet to a server to enable an operating issue with the residential battery energy storage unit to be corrected remotely. The communication controller translates error codes received from the battery management system to new error codes that are sent to the server. The communication controller receives data messages from the battery management system and sends information from the received data message to the bi-directional power converter using a new message format. The communication controller can receive control information that controls the charging and discharging of the battery module.