DC Bus Battery Architecture for Reliable Renewable Load Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of renewable energy sources into energy management systems faces challenges such as unreliable power grid reliability, energy cost fluctuations, and the need for efficient storage and load balancing, particularly in minimizing reliance on conventional power grids and maximizing the use of renewable energy.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a battery management system connected to a DC bus, power distribution control system, and load interface, which allows selective connection of batteries to loads, the power grid, and renewable energy sources, enabling efficient storage and distribution of renewable energy while minimizing grid reliance through wireless communication and switch control for scalability and fault detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If renewable energy sources are integrated into the power grid, then green energy usage increases, but power supply reliability deteriorates due to grid instability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegreen energy usageVSAvoidpower supply reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the power supply architecture into multiple independent pathways: renewable energy sources, battery storage systems, and grid connections are separated into distinct modular units. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently, ensuring that instability in one pathway (e.g., renewable intermittency) does not compromise the entire system's reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes operational parameters by adjusting the state of charge of batteries, switching between charging and discharging modes based on real-time conditions. This parameter adjustment enables the system to maintain stable power output despite variations in renewable energy availability, thereby resolving the contradiction between maximizing green energy usage and ensuring supply reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If battery storage systems are added to store renewable energy, then energy storage capacity increases, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy storage capacityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The battery storage system is designed to perform multiple functions: storing renewable energy, providing backup power during grid outages, stabilizing voltage fluctuations, and enabling load shifting. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering diverse benefits from a single integrated storage solution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces intelligent control units and management systems as intermediaries between the batteries and other components. These intermediaries simplify operations by automatically managing charge/discharge cycles, monitoring battery health, and coordinating with renewable sources and grid connections, thereby making the complex battery integration manageable and efficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple switches are used to control battery connections to different loads, then load flexibility increases, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switch control system is designed to be dynamic rather than static, automatically reconfiguring connections based on real-time conditions such as battery state of charge, load requirements, and grid status. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize performance for different scenarios without requiring complex manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the state of batteries, loads, and grid connections. This feedback information is used by the control unit to automatically adjust switch positions and optimize power distribution, thereby managing control complexity through intelligent automation rather than rigid predetermined configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 solution enables efficient storage and distribution of renewable energy, minimizing grid reliance and outages by maximizing the use of renewable energy sources, ensuring reliable power supply to loads like electric vehicles and industrial facilities, and optimizing energy usage through intelligent switch control and monitoring.

Implementation Method 1

electrical power generated by renewable energy sources may be stored in batteries

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

The power distribution control system includes a DC/DC converter connected between the battery system and the DC bus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical energy conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS11929615B2Architecture of renewable energy ecosystem
Publication Date: 2024.03.12 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
  • US11929615B2 patent drawing
  • US11929615B2 patent drawing
  • US11929615B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system includes a battery system including a plurality of batteries and configured to be selectively coupled to and charged by a renewable energy source and selectively coupled to and charged by a power grid. The system further includes a DC bus shared by a plurality of loads and an energy management system connected between the battery system and the plurality of loads. The energy management system is configured to selectively connect individual ones of the plurality of batteries to at least one of the plurality of loads via the DC bus, selectively connect the battery system to the power grid and disconnect the battery system from the power grid, and selectively connect at least one of the plurality of loads directly to the power grid.