Centralized Battery Rack Switching for Parallel Output Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery racks in energy storage systems connected in parallel experience output imbalances due to differences in voltage, charge amounts, and life spans, leading to current concentration and reduced system stability, capacity, and lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A battery rack management apparatus that can be connected to multiple battery racks as a single device, regulating output currents and voltages through a control unit that adjusts the operation of power switches and diodes to balance the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If converters are used individually for each battery rack to adjust outputs, then output balance is improved, but device volume and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual rack management functions into a single centralized battery rack management apparatus that can control multiple battery racks simultaneously. This merging approach eliminates the need for separate converters at each rack, reducing overall device volume while maintaining output balance through centralized control of power switches and diodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The management apparatus is designed with multi-functional capability to handle multiple battery racks through a single device. It incorporates universal control mechanisms including power switches, diodes, and sensing units that can independently regulate each rack's output while being managed by one centralized system, thereby achieving both output balance and space efficiency.
2Reliability
If converters are used individually for each battery rack to adjust outputs, then output balance is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual rack management functions into a single centralized battery rack management apparatus that can control multiple battery racks simultaneously. This merging approach eliminates the need for separate converters at each rack, reducing overall device volume while maintaining output balance through centralized control of power switches and diodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The management apparatus is designed with multi-functional capability to handle multiple battery racks through a single device. It incorporates universal control mechanisms including power switches, diodes, and sensing units that can independently regulate each rack's output while being managed by one centralized system, thereby achieving both output balance and space efficiency.
3Volume of stationary object
If a single management apparatus controls multiple battery racks, then device volume and cost are reduced, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The management apparatus employs segmentation by dividing the control system into modular functional units: individual power switches for each rack, separate sensing units for monitoring each rack's current and voltage, and a centralized control unit that processes information from all racks. This segmented architecture allows independent control of each rack while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms through sensing units that continuously monitor current and voltage at each battery rack. This feedback information is transmitted to the control unit, which automatically adjusts the power switches and diodes to maintain balanced output across all racks, thereby simplifying control through automated closed-loop regulation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery rack management apparatus according to an embodiment disclosed herein includes: a plurality of power switches respectively connected to a plurality of battery racks; and a control unit configured to turn on at least one of the plurality of power switches and use output values based on the plurality of battery racks to control an operation of each of the plurality of power switches.