Autonomous Battery Charging Using One-Way Load Shaping Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery charging systems lack autonomy and require two-way communication for control and management, limiting user control and increasing vulnerability to hacking.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous battery charging and discharging system that uses one-way communication to receive load shaping signals, autonomously determining charge and discharge cycles based on forecast load shapes to optimize energy usage and reduce costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If two-way communication is used for battery control, then control and management capability is improved, but security vulnerability and hacking risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication function from the control loop, using only one-way communication for battery control. This removes the vulnerability associated with two-way communication while preserving the ability to receive and execute control signals, thereby reducing security risks without completely sacrificing control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The battery control system operates autonomously by receiving one-way control signals and independently executing charging/discharging decisions. This self-service approach eliminates the need for continuous two-way communication, reducing security vulnerabilities while maintaining operational control through autonomous decision-making based on received signals
2Object-affected harmful factors
If autonomous operation is implemented, then security risk is reduced, but user control capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system receives load shaping signals in advance that contain control instructions for battery operation. These preliminary signals enable the autonomous system to execute pre-determined control actions, maintaining user control intent while operating autonomously without requiring real-time two-way communication
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous battery control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor battery status, load conditions, and signal reception. This feedback enables the system to autonomously adjust its operation while still responding to user preferences encoded in the received load shaping signals, maintaining control capability without two-way communication
3Measurement precision
If proprietary closed systems are used, then control precision is improved, but adaptability and user accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control interface that accepts standardized load shaping signals from utility providers. This universal approach allows different battery systems to work with various utility companies using the same protocol, improving adaptability and user accessibility while maintaining precise control through standardized signal processing
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring users to adapt to proprietary closed systems, the patent inverts the approach by having the system adapt to standardized utility signals. This reversal makes the system more accessible to users while maintaining control precision through standardized, open protocol implementation
Data Source
AI summary
Autonomous battery charging and discharging is accomplished using a load shaping signal, e.g., an optimized load shaping (OLS) signal, as specified in American National Standard ANSI/SCTE 267 2021. A battery charge controller connected to the power grid, microgrid, or nano grid autonomously interprets the load shaping signal and takes local action to charge/discharge without requiring two-way communications, signing-up, or opting-in to a network or cloud-provided service. The system makes it possible for the same load shaping signal to be used not only by all types of electric loads but also by all types of batteries