Battery Rack Power Distribution for SOC-Balanced Energy Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing energy storage systems face challenges in controlling individual battery racks in DC-coupled systems, particularly in distributing power based on the state of charge (SOC) and health (SOH), leading to inefficiencies and reduced system stability due to differences in battery characteristics.

Innovation Solution

A power distribution method that collects information on each battery rack and DC/DC converter, sets power commands based on type, state, and capacity, and performs charge/discharge control to stabilize SOC levels across racks, recalculating commands when limits are exceeded to ensure efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a central DC/DC converter is applied to a DC-coupled battery system, then power conversion between DC battery system and AC grid is enabled, but individual battery racks cannot be controlled properly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindividual battery rack controlVSAvoidpower conversion system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the centralized DC/DC converter into multiple distributed DC/DC converters, with each converter connected to a specific battery rack. This segmentation enables independent control of each battery rack while maintaining the DC-coupled system architecture, resolving the contradiction between centralized power conversion and individual rack controllability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a hierarchical control structure with two dimensions: the power conversion dimension (DC/DC converters for each rack) and the control dimension (controller receiving SOC signals and distributing power commands). This dimensional separation allows independent optimization of both power conversion efficiency and individual rack control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If power is distributed without considering SOC differences, then system operation is simplified, but SOC deviations between battery racks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem operation efficiencyVSAvoidsystem stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller receives SOC (State of Charge) signals from each battery rack, processes this information, and generates appropriate power distribution commands. This closed-loop feedback ensures that power distribution considers the actual charge states of individual racks, preventing excessive SOC deviations while maintaining efficient system operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic power distribution that adjusts power commands in real-time based on changing SOC conditions. The controller continuously monitors SOC levels and modifies power distribution strategies accordingly, enabling the system to adapt to varying operational conditions and maintain stability without sacrificing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If battery racks with different types and SOH ranges are operated uniformly, then control complexity is reduced, but battery lifespan and performance are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidbattery lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by tailoring power distribution commands to the specific characteristics of each battery rack. The controller considers individual rack properties such as type and SOH (State of Health) ranges when generating power commands, allowing each rack to operate within its optimal performance envelope rather than applying uniform control to all racks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts operational parameters (power commands) based on battery rack characteristics including type and SOH range. By changing these parameters according to individual rack conditions, the system optimizes both lifespan and performance without requiring overly complex control mechanisms, achieving a balance between simplicity and effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20240030710A1Power distribution method and energy storage system using same
Publication Date: 2024.01.25 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • US20240030710A1 patent drawing
  • US20240030710A1 patent drawing
  • US20240030710A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Please amend the Abstract of the Disclosure with the attached Abstract. A power distribution method in an energy storage system including a plurality of battery racks and a plurality of DC/DC converters connected to each corresponding battery rack may include collecting information about each battery rack and information about each DC/DC converter; setting a power command for each battery rack according to a type and a state of each battery rack; and performing charge/discharge control for each battery rack according to the set power command for each battery rack.