BESS Self-Derived Auxiliary Power via Battery String Startup
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Solution Overview
Problem
BESS requires external auxiliary power for startup and operation, which is impractical or cost-prohibitive in certain applications, limiting its use in areas without access to external power sources.
Innovation Solution
A BESS system with an internal power supply and controller that enables self-startup and operation by selectively coupling battery strings to a DC bus using battery switchgear units, powered by an internal UPS or direct tap, allowing the system to power auxiliary components without external power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external power sources (grid, diesel generator, shore power) are used to power auxiliary components of BESS, then auxiliary power can be reliably supplied, but additional equipment (auxiliary transformer, diesel generator, shore power electrical circuit) is required and installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The BESS system uses its own battery strings to generate auxiliary power through the controller and DC bus, eliminating the need for external power sources. The system serves itself by internally distributing power from the battery strings to auxiliary components, thereby reducing equipment complexity while maintaining operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery strings perform dual functions: storing energy for grid interaction and generating auxiliary power for internal components. The controller and DC bus serve multiple purposes by managing both power distribution to auxiliary components and coordination of battery operations, reducing the need for separate dedicated auxiliary power equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external power sources are used to power auxiliary components, then auxiliary power can be obtained, but the BESS cannot be used in applications where external power is unavailable, impractical, or cost prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
By enabling the BESS to generate its own auxiliary power from its battery strings, the system becomes self-sufficient and can operate in locations without external power infrastructure. This self-service capability directly improves application adaptability while ensuring auxiliary power availability through internal power generation.
3Ease of operation
If battery strings are selectively coupled to DC bus using battery switchgear units, then self-startup is enabled, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is pre-configured with the capability to selectively couple battery strings to the DC bus through battery switchgear units. This preliminary control setup enables automatic self-startup sequences without requiring external power sources, achieving ease of operation while managing control complexity through pre-programmed automation.
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
Enables self-powered startup and operation of BESS, reducing the need for external power sources, improving battery lifetime through temperature regulation, and lowering installation costs by eliminating the need for external power components.
Implementation Method 1
an internal power supply configured to supply DC power from within the BESS
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of battery switchgear units configured to respectively selectively couple one of the plurality of battery strings to a DC bus
Data Source
AI summary
A battery energy storage system (BESS) is provided. The BESS includes a plurality of battery strings, a plurality of battery switchgear units, an internal power supply configured to supply DC power from within the BESS, and a controller coupled in communication with the plurality of battery switchgear units and electrically coupled to the internal power supply. The controller is configured to receive DC power from the internal power supply, instruct at least one battery switchgear unit of the plurality of battery switchgear units to electrically couple at least one battery string of the plurality of battery strings to a DC bus, receive DC power from the at least one battery string via the DC bus, and instruct each battery switchgear unit of the plurality of battery switchgear units to electrically couple each battery string of the plurality of battery strings to the DC bus.