Managing Energy Storage Assemblies via Individual Converter Setpoints

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Solution Overview

Problem

In energy storage systems with multiple assemblies, the lifespan of each assembly is not optimized when used collectively, leading to uneven degradation and reduced overall system lifespan due to differences in assembly behavior over operating cycles.

Innovation Solution

A method for managing energy storage assemblies by adjusting the setpoints of converters based on specific parameters of each assembly, allowing for personalized management and optimizing the lifespan of each assembly, while also enabling flexible operation and reduced costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If uniform energy conversion control is applied to all storage assemblies, then system operation is simplified, but assembly lifespan is reduced due to uneven degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidassembly lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements personalized management for each storage assembly by determining setpoints based on individual assembly parameters (voltage, current, temperature, state of charge) rather than applying uniform control. This allows each assembly to operate within its optimal parameters, extending lifespan while maintaining system coordination through the control device that manages all assemblies collectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Duration of action of stationary object

If personalized management is applied to each storage assembly, then assembly lifespan is extended, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly lifespanVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device performs multiple functions: it determines setpoints for each assembly based on individual parameters, monitors system-wide energy balance, coordinates charging/discharging operations, and manages the transition between different operational modes. This universal control approach handles the complexity of personalized management through a single multi-functional device rather than requiring separate control systems for each assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If all assemblies are managed uniformly, then conversion costs are reduced, but system reliability is compromised due to accelerated degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversion costVSAvoidsystem reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts operational parameters (voltage setpoints, current limits, power distribution) for each assembly based on real-time conditions and individual characteristics. This allows the system to optimize reliability by preventing any single assembly from being over-stressed, while still using standard conversion equipment and maintaining cost-effectiveness through intelligent parameter management rather than hardware changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3094984B1Method and system for managing a plurality of energy storage assemblies
Publication Date: 2017.11.29 BLUE SOLUTIONS
  • EP3094984B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3094984B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention is aimed at a method of managing a plurality of energy storage assemblies (18A-18C, 20) intended to provide the electrical energy to an object to be powered (16) during a discharge phase, the storage assemblies being linked electrically in parallel, at least one DC current converter (22, 24) being interposed between the energy storage assemblies and the object to be powered, so that the energy originating from each storage assembly is converted in a manner independent of that originating from the other assemblies, the method being characterized in that during the discharge phase: at least one parameter relating to each storage assembly is measured, as a function of the parameters measured for all the assemblies and of at least one output power relating to the object to be powered, there is determined for the or each converter at least one setpoint relating to a respective electrical quantity at output, so that a distinct setpoint is associated with each of the assemblies, the converter or converters is or are controlled so that the corresponding setpoint is applied. The invention is also aimed at a system allowing the application of the method according to the invention.