Distributed Energy Storage Control for Redundant Fault Alarms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy storage systems in the aviation field lack redundant alarm and protection functions, relying on a central controller that can cause delays and increase weight with the need for backup systems, potentially leading to safety hazards during sudden power outages.
Innovation Solution
The energy storage system includes multiple energy storage units with independent module controllers that can send abnormal signals directly to an external control unit, even if the primary energy storage controller fails, allowing for early warning and activation of protection functions without cutting off power to the entire system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a central energy storage controller is used to monitor and control all energy storage units, then the system structure is simplified, but the communication wiring length increases and processing time delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized control system into distributed control units, where each energy storage unit has its own control unit. This segmentation reduces communication wiring length and processing time delays by enabling local real-time control decisions without requiring all signals to travel through a central controller.
2Reliability
If a backup energy storage system is provided for redundant alarm and protection functions, then safety reliability improves, but the system weight increases and energy density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the alarm and protection functions with the existing energy storage units themselves, rather than adding separate backup systems. Each control unit is equipped with both monitoring and protection capabilities, merging multiple functions into a single integrated system that provides redundancy without increasing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The control units are designed to perform multiple functions: normal operation control, abnormality detection, alarm generation, and protection activation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated backup systems while maintaining comprehensive safety coverage.
3Reliability
If the central energy storage controller cuts off the high-voltage circuit of the entire system upon detecting an abnormal signal, then severe dangerous situations are avoided, but sudden power outage causes secondary safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements localized protection by enabling each control unit to independently disconnect only its corresponding energy storage unit when an abnormality is detected. This segmentation prevents the need for system-wide power cutoff, avoiding secondary safety hazards while still providing effective protection against severe dangerous situations.
4Extent of automation
If all signals are processed by the central energy storage controller, then centralized control is achieved, but communication wiring length increases and processing delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent distributes the signal processing function to individual control units at each energy storage unit. This segmentation eliminates the need for long communication wiring to a central controller, as each unit processes its own signals locally and only communicates essential information with external systems.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to an energy storage system, a safety management method for the energy storage system and a control system. The energy storage system includes multiple energy storage units and an energy storage controller configured to communicate with the multiple energy storage units, receive abnormal signals of the multiple energy storage units, and send the abnormal signals to an external control unit. The multiple energy storage units are further configured to be capable of sending the abnormal signals to the external control unit. The energy storage system, the safety management method for the energy storage system and the control system according to the present disclosure can provide redundant alarm and protection functions.