Battery Auto-Balancing via Voltage Grouping for Safe ESS Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy storage systems face challenges in auto-balancing batteries with large voltage and state of charge differences, leading to overcurrent risks and increased complexity and cost, making them unsuitable for home use.
Innovation Solution
A battery auto-balancing device and method that groups batteries into charging and discharging groups based on voltage, using a power converter and processor to detect maximum and minimum voltages, and control relays to balance voltages by charging or discharging accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If batteries with large voltage and SOC differences are connected in parallel, then the energy storage system can store and release power efficiently, but overcurrent occurs due to potential difference causing battery burnout or fire
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary voltage detection and classification of batteries into high-voltage and low-voltage groups before parallel connection. This preliminary action prevents overcurrent by ensuring that batteries are properly matched and balanced before being connected to operate together, thereby maintaining both productivity and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The battery system is segmented into multiple groups based on voltage levels (high-voltage group and low-voltage group). This segmentation allows independent management and control of each group, preventing harmful current flow between mismatched batteries while maintaining efficient overall system operation
2Reliability
If the installer manually checks and adjusts battery voltages, then battery voltage matching can be achieved, but a lot of work time is required when there are large differences in voltages and SOC
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic voltage detection, classification, and balancing operations without requiring manual installer intervention. The control unit automatically identifies high-voltage and low-voltage batteries, manages their charging/discharging cycles, and maintains voltage balance, thereby achieving reliable voltage matching while eliminating time-consuming manual work
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors battery voltage and SOC levels, providing real-time feedback to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts charging/discharging operations to maintain voltage balance, eliminating the need for manual checking and adjustment while ensuring continuous reliability
3Productivity
If a plurality of relays are used for separation and individual discharge of battery racks, then voltage balancing can be achieved, but the cost increases due to the complexity of the control program
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the control functions of multiple relays into a single integrated control unit that manages all battery connections centrally. This consolidation maintains the ability to separate and control individual battery racks for voltage balancing while dramatically reducing device complexity and eliminating the need for complex multi-relay control programs
4Reliability
If high voltage battery racks are separated and discharged individually, then voltage differences between battery racks can be equalized, but it takes a lot of time to discharge when the voltage difference is large
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous useful action by simultaneously charging low-voltage batteries and discharging high-voltage batteries in parallel. This parallel operation accelerates the voltage equalization process compared to sequential discharge, achieving reliable voltage equalization while minimizing time loss through concurrent beneficial operations
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach simplifies the system configuration, reduces balancing time, and lowers costs, making it suitable for home energy storage systems by safely balancing batteries without requiring complex relay control systems.
Implementation Method 1
a power converter for detecting the state of the battery of each of the plurality of battery units, grouping batteries into a charging group and a discharging group
Implementation Method 2
a relay for controlling the connection of the battery to a power line
Implementation Method 3
a battery manager for detecting and transmitting the state of the battery
Implementation Method 4
performing charging by using the batteries in the charging group or discharging by using the batteries in the discharging group
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a battery auto-balancing device and method for an energy storage system, the device comprising: a plurality of battery units each having a battery, a relay for controlling the connection of the batteries to a power line and a battery manager for detecting and transmitting the state of the batteries; and a power converter for detecting the state of the batteries of each of the plurality of battery units, grouping the batteries into a charging group and a discharging group, and performing charging by using the batteries in the charging group or discharging by using the batteries in the discharging group according to a battery operation mode.