Energy Storage System With Dissimilar Battery Regulators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing energy storage systems face challenges in efficiently managing energy transfer between dissimilar batteries, leading to premature failure due to uneven charging and discharging cycles when different chemical compositions are used, as they are typically required to operate uniformly.

Innovation Solution

An energy storage system with multiple energy storage devices of different chemical compositions, each suited for rapid or slow charging/discharging, is managed by independent regulators that adjust voltage setpoints to optimize energy transfer based on demand, ensuring that the first regulator handles short-term fluctuations and transitions to the second regulator for long-term demands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple energy storage devices with different chemical compositions are connected to a single power converter, then energy storage capacity is increased, but load sharing becomes uneven causing premature battery failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy storage capacityVSAvoidbattery lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the energy storage function into multiple independent battery banks, each with its own dedicated power converter. This segmentation allows each battery-converter pair to operate independently with optimized control parameters, preventing the load sharing problems that occur when dissimilar batteries are connected to a single converter. The invention applies segmentation by creating modular units where each unit consists of a specific battery type paired with its own converter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies local quality by allowing different power converters to have different control characteristics optimized for their specific battery type. Each converter can be tuned with appropriate current limits, charge/discharge rates, and control algorithms matched to the chemical properties of its associated battery. This localized optimization ensures that each battery operates within its optimal performance envelope, extending lifespan while maintaining high energy storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If batteries of different chemical compositions are used to provide higher energy storage, then energy storage diversity is improved, but uniform charging and discharging operation cannot be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy storage diversityVSAvoidcharging/discharging uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamics by enabling flexible, independent control of each power converter based on real-time battery state and system demands. Each converter can dynamically adjust its operating parameters including current limits, voltage thresholds, and response characteristics to match the specific chemical properties of its associated battery. This dynamic control allows the system to maintain optimal charging and discharging operations for dissimilar batteries, achieving both energy storage diversity and operational stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a single power converter is used with multiple energy storage devices, then device complexity is reduced, but load sharing control becomes problematic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconverter configurationVSAvoidload sharing control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than using a single complex converter managing multiple dissimilar batteries, the invention segments the system into multiple independent converter-battery pairs. This approach increases hardware quantity but reduces control complexity by eliminating the need for sophisticated load sharing algorithms. Each converter independently manages its associated battery with simple, optimized control logic, making the system easier to operate and maintain despite having more individual components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 improves load sharing and extends the lifespan of batteries by allowing each type to operate within its optimal range, effectively addressing the issue of premature failure caused by uneven cycling.

Implementation Method 1

Most electrical energy storage devices are batteries which convert electrical energy to potential energy via a first chemical reaction when charging the battery and perform a second chemical reaction to convert the potential energy back to electrical energy when drawing power from the battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical reactions: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentEP3345275B1Method and apparatus for controlling energy flow between dissimilar energy storage devices
Publication Date: 2022.04.13 FAITH TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • EP3345275B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3345275B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3345275B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

The present invention provides an energy storage system that utilizes batteries of multiple compositions and provides improved load sharing between the different types of batteries is disclosed. The energy storage system includes at least two batteries, where each battery has a different chemical composition, for storing energy. One battery is configured for rapid charging/discharging and the other batter is configured for slower charging/discharging. Each battery is connected to a common connection via an energy regulator. The regulators are initially configured such that, the energy regulator connected; between the common connection and the battery configured for rapid charging/discharging responds initially to changes in power demand at the common connection. If power demand continues, the first regulator decreases the amount, of energy transferred between the first battery and the common connection while the second regulator begins transferring energy between the second battery and the common connection.