Energy Storage Control Switching Without Runtime Interruption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing energy storage systems, such as battery storage, often require interruptions and software updates to change control strategies, limiting their adaptability and operational efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A control facility with a microcontroller that can dynamically switch between multiple control strategies stored separately, allowing for changes during runtime without interrupting the control program, using triggers like time, renewable energy availability, or internet-based signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If control strategies are changed by software update, then new control capabilities are achieved, but operational interruption occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol strategy adaptabilityVSAvoidoperational continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into a control program and separate control strategies. The control program provides the operational framework, while individual control strategies (first control strategy, second control strategy) are stored separately and can be switched without affecting the control program. This segmentation enables strategy changes without operational interruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control strategy is made dynamic through runtime switchability. The control facility can switch between different control strategies during operation based on triggers, transforming the static control approach into a dynamic one that adapts without stopping. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between adaptability and operational continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If control strategies are stored separately, then switching becomes possible during runtime, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol strategy switchabilityVSAvoidcontrol facility structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control facility is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple control strategies within a single operational framework. The control program serves as a universal base that can accommodate different control strategies through standardized interfaces and trigger mechanisms, reducing the complexity impact of storing strategies separately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20240006904A1Apparatus for Storing Energy and/or Generating Energy, Having a Control Device

Publication Date: 2024.01.04 SIEMENS AG

AI summary

Various embodiments of the teachings herein include an apparatus for storing energy and/or generating energy. Some examples include: a memory storing at least two control strategies for the apparatus; and a control facility with a microcontroller for controlling the apparatus, wherein the microcontroller executes a control program. The control program carries out operation of the apparatus using a first of the at least two control strategies. The control facility changes the control strategy in response to a trigger, so that following the trigger, the control program carries out operation of the apparatus using a second of the at least two control strategies different from the first. The first control strategy and the second control strategy are stored separately from one another in the memory and separately from the control program in the control facility. The change in the control strategy takes place during the runtime of the control program.