Distributed Energy Storage Unit for Scalable Backup Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy storage solutions for residential and small to medium business markets face challenges such as high cost, professional installation requirements, safety concerns, and inaccessibility for smaller residential environments, with existing UPS systems lacking scalability and large-scale solutions being expensive and limited by solar flux.
Innovation Solution
A distributed energy storage unit with a combined input/output terminal, power conversion circuitry, energy storage device, and controller that provides charging and backup power, including features like AC/DC conversion, inverter functionality, and intelligent circuit breaker control to manage power distribution efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If large scale battery storage solutions are used, then energy storage capacity is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the energy storage system into multiple distributed storage units, each capable of independent operation. These units can be installed separately in different locations throughout the building, eliminating the need for complex centralized installation while providing scalable energy storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed energy storage units are designed to perform multiple functions including energy storage, power conversion, and intelligent power management. They can operate independently or in coordination with each other, providing both standalone and networked functionality without requiring separate systems.
2Quantity of substance
If large capacity batteries are concentrated in one location, then energy storage capacity is improved, but safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the total energy storage capacity into multiple smaller distributed units located throughout the building, the patent eliminates the concentration of large amounts of energy in a single location. This distribution inherently reduces safety risks associated with battery failures, thermal runaway, or other hazards.
3Ease of operation
If individual UPS units are used, then ease of installation is improved, but scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The distributed energy storage units are designed as universal modules that can function both as standalone UPS units for individual loads and as coordinated components of a larger networked system. This multi-functionality enables seamless scaling from single-unit to multi-unit deployments without changing the fundamental architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic power management where distributed storage units can independently operate or coordinate with each other based on system needs. The controller network dynamically adjusts power distribution, charging, and discharging operations to optimize performance as the system scales.
4Quantity of substance
If large scale energy storage is implemented, then energy storage capacity is improved, but initial cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements energy storage through multiple smaller distributed units rather than one large centralized system. This segmentation allows customers to start with a smaller number of units and add more as needed, spreading the initial cost over time while achieving the same total energy storage capacity.
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
The solution offers scalable, cost-effective, and safe energy storage that can handle multiple loads, is easy to install, and does not require aesthetically displeasing wiring, providing uninterrupted power to specific branch circuits without backfeeding the mains.
Implementation Method 1
The power conversion circuitry may include a converter configured to convert AC input power from the external circuit to DC power and provide the DC power to the energy storage device as the charging power
Implementation Method 2
The power conversion circuitry further may include an inverter configured to convert DC power from the energy storage device to AC power and provide the AC power to the combined input/output terminal as the backup power
Data Source
AI summary
A distributed energy storage unit (DES) is disclosed. The DES unit includes a combined input/output terminal configured to be coupled to an external circuit, power conversion circuitry operably coupled to the combined input/output terminal, an energy storage device operably coupled to the power conversion circuitry, and a controller. The DES unit is configured to operate the power conversion circuitry to provide charging power, derived from the input power, to the energy storage device, identify whether the external circuit is not receiving input power, and operate, in response to the external circuit not receiving the input power, the power conversion circuitry to provide backup power, derived from energy stored on the energy storage device, to the combined input/output terminal. Non-transitory computer readable medium for operating the DES unit and methods of providing output power from a DES unit are also disclosed.