Embedded Battery Architectural Panels for Distributed Building Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional energy storage systems are bulky, aesthetically unappealing, and require significant space, making them difficult to integrate into building structures while providing safety and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Architectural panels with integrated energy storage systems, where battery assemblies are embedded within manufactured materials and over-formed or bonded with them, allowing for a distributed and aesthetically pleasing energy storage solution that requires minimal dedicated space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional energy storage systems are used, then energy storage function is provided, but they occupy large amounts of space and are aesthetically unappealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the energy storage system with architectural panels by embedding battery assemblies within the panel structure during manufacturing. This integration allows the panels to serve dual purposes: providing aesthetic architectural coverage while simultaneously functioning as energy storage units, thereby eliminating the need for separate dedicated storage spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The architectural panels are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as building envelope components (providing aesthetic and structural functions) and as energy storage devices. The battery assemblies are incorporated into the panel design, allowing the same structure to fulfill multiple roles without requiring additional space.
2Reliability
If traditional energy storage systems are used, then energy storage function is provided, but they are aesthetically unappealing and require concealment efforts
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system is merged with the architectural panel design, where the battery assemblies are embedded within the panel structure. This integration makes the energy storage function invisible from the aesthetic perspective, as the panels present a uniform architectural surface while housing functional components internally.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery assemblies are nested within the architectural panel structure, similar to a nested doll concept. The functional energy storage components are contained within the aesthetic shell of the panels, allowing the outer appearance to remain purely architectural while housing the energy storage system internally.
3Reliability
If traditional energy storage systems are installed, then energy storage capability is achieved, but installation and maintenance are time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The battery assemblies are pre-integrated into the architectural panels during the manufacturing process. This preliminary action of combining components before installation eliminates the need for separate installation steps, reducing on-site labor time and costs. The panels arrive ready-to-install with functional components already in place.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the manufacturing of architectural panels with the installation of energy storage systems, the patent reduces the number of separate construction phases. The integrated panels require only standard panel installation procedures, eliminating the need for separate energy storage system installation and reducing maintenance complexity.
4Reliability
If battery cells are distributed throughout building structure, then safety advantages are achieved, but integration into building structure is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system is segmented into multiple distributed battery assemblies, each embedded within individual architectural panels. This segmentation provides inherent safety benefits by limiting thermal propagation between cells, as each panel acts as an isolated containment unit. The modular nature of panels simplifies the integration process compared to creating a custom distributed system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the structural architectural panels with the energy storage battery assemblies, creating an integrated component that simplifies installation. By merging these functions into a single manufacturable unit, the complexity of integrating separate systems is reduced, while still achieving distributed safety benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is generally directed to energy storage systems comprising manufactured architectural materials having electrical battery systems embedded therein. The manufactured materials are generally provided as architectural panels, such as panels useful for interior or exterior cladding for buildings, flooring, countertops, or stairs. The panels comprise at least one battery device or battery assembly that is over-formed by and/or bonded with the architectural material. In preferred embodiments, the panels are formed by flowing a viscous architectural material precursor around the battery device or assembly and curing the precursor so as to solidify the architectural material. The panels may be electrically connected in any number of various arrangements, which can be chosen based on the specific application for the energy storage system.