Distributed Power Storage Using Recycled EV Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric power generation and distribution systems are centralized, lacking flexibility and resilience, and are vulnerable to large-scale blackouts due to inefficiencies and high costs, with existing energy storage technologies like lead acid batteries being unsuitable for residential and commercial applications due to limited energy density, high maintenance, and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A distributed power generation and storage system utilizing recycled electric vehicle batteries connected in novel configurations, integrated with renewable energy sources and a bi-directional inverter, allowing for efficient energy management and storage, and networking of localized units into a larger energy network to provide resilient and cost-effective energy solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If centralized power generation and distribution is used, then large scale power supply is achieved, but flexibility and resilience are reduced and vulnerability to blackouts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized power system into distributed modular units (containers with batteries, inverters, and control systems) that can operate independently or in coordination. Each unit is a self-contained segment that can provide localized power supply and storage, eliminating the single-point failure vulnerability of centralized systems while maintaining large-scale capacity through aggregation of multiple segments.
2Ease of manufacture
If lead acid battery technology is used for energy storage, then cost is reduced, but energy density is low and maintenance requirements are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from lead acid battery chemistry to lithium-ion battery chemistry, fundamentally changing the chemical parameters of the energy storage system. This parameter change achieves simultaneously lower cost per kWh, higher energy density (5-10 times greater), and reduced maintenance requirements, resolving the contradiction between cost and energy density.
3Quantity of substance
If sodium-sulfur battery technology is used, then power and energy density are improved, but operational safety requirements and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating temperature parameter from high temperature (300°C for sodium-sulfur) to ambient temperature (for lithium-ion), eliminating safety hazards associated with high temperature operation. This parameter change maintains high energy density while dramatically improving safety and reducing operational costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs modular battery containers that can be deployed quickly and replaced if needed, using standardized lithium-ion battery packs that offer better safety profiles than sodium-sulfur systems. The modular design allows for easier maintenance and replacement, reducing long-term operational costs despite higher initial investment.
4Reliability
If distributed power generation and storage is implemented, then flexibility and resilience are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs universal modular units that can perform multiple functions: power generation (via inverters converting grid or renewable power), power storage (batteries), power distribution (local delivery to loads), and even power sales (back-feeding to grid). This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating what would otherwise require separate systems into single integrated modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses identical standardized container modules throughout the distributed system, each with the same battery capacity, inverter rating, and control architecture. This homogeneity simplifies deployment, maintenance, and scaling - any module can replace any other, and system capacity is simply a function of the number of identical modules deployed, dramatically reducing operational complexity.
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 system provides comprehensive, cost-effective energy solutions for residential and commercial use, offering high energy density, compact storage, and redundancy, reducing the risk of power failures by using recycled batteries and renewable energy sources, while minimizing energy costs and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
an inverter unit operably connected to the battery assembly for inverting current direction into which electrical current is charged into the battery assembly and out of the battery assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An electric power retention distribution cell apparatus and method of operation of the cell includes a rechargeable battery assembly, a bi-directional inverter and a switch control operatively connectable to an electric utility grid, an outside power charging supply and at least one end user wherein the cell is selectively switched between the electric utility grid and the battery assembly to supply electric power to the one or more end users. The cell is connected to the power charging supply for charging the battery assembly, and for dividing the battery assembly into groups of batteries for storage at a lower terminal output voltages of each group than the battery assembly output voltage when in use as the primary power supply. Electric power supply networks are also described for a utility hub network formed using two or more cells, and for a regional utility hub network formed using multiple utility hubs.