Battery Module Polarity Switching for State of Charge Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy storage systems with strings of battery modules suffer from poorly aligned State of Charge (SOC) across individual modules, leading to inefficient capacity utilization, as the system can only be discharged until the lowest SOC module reaches its limit and charged until the highest SOC module is full, resulting in suboptimal performance and reduced lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where the string controller manages the SOC of each energy module by controlling the current path through the string, allowing individual modules to be connected in reverse polarity, enabling independent charging and discharging while maintaining backup power availability, thus aligning SOC levels and optimizing capacity utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If individual energy modules are controlled independently with reverse polarity connection, then state of charge alignment is improved and capacity utilization is optimized, but device complexity and control system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery string is divided into individually controllable energy modules, each with its own switching arrangement. This segmentation allows independent control of each module's charge/discharge state, enabling SOC alignment and optimized capacity utilization while managing complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching arrangements dynamically reconfigure the connections between energy modules based on their individual SOC states. Modules can be connected in series or reversed in polarity as needed, allowing the system to adapt its configuration to optimize performance and balance charge distribution across modules.
2Stability of the object's composition
If reverse polarity connection is used to align SOC of energy modules, then state of charge alignment is improved, but switching arrangement complexity and control complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The switching arrangements serve multiple functions: they connect modules in series for normal operation, reverse polarity for SOC alignment, and provide isolation for module maintenance or replacement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each operation mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically monitors SOC levels of individual modules and autonomously determines when and which modules require reverse polarity connection for alignment. This self-service capability reduces manual intervention and simplifies overall system operation despite the complex switching requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If energy modules are operated with different SOC levels, then system flexibility is maintained, but capacity utilization deteriorates as the system is limited by the module with lowest SOC
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the SOC levels of all energy modules and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the configuration and operation of individual modules. This feedback mechanism enables the system to identify and address SOC imbalances while maintaining overall system flexibility and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of individual energy modules by reversing their polarity connections based on their SOC levels. This parameter change allows modules with lower SOC to be charged while others discharge, optimizing overall capacity utilization without sacrificing system flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an energy storage (1) and a method of controlling an energy storage where at least one of a plurality of series connected energy modules (5a-5n) is connected in a reverse polarity energy module so that the positive terminal thereof is connected to the positive terminal of a first energy module of the plurality of series connected energy modules of the string, and the negative terminal is connected to the negative terminal of a second energy module of the plurality of series connected energy modules of the string or at least one energy module of the plurality of energy modules is bypassed for a specific current flow direction through the battery string.