Energy Storage Apparatus Initial Control Power Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Energy storage apparatuses face challenges in supplying initial control power to their components, such as the energy managing unit, battery managing unit, and power converting device, without receiving alternating current (AC) power from an external system.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a battery system, a power converting unit, a conversion control unit, an initial driving unit, and a power selecting unit. The initial driving unit converts DC power to AC power to activate the conversion control unit, and the power selecting unit chooses between AC power from the initial driving unit and the power converting unit based on output voltage levels to supply operation power to the conversion control unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the energy storage apparatus operates without connection to an external system, then it can provide mobile power supply capability, but additional batteries and power storage apparatuses are required to drive control units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the initial driving unit (DC-AC converter) with the existing battery system, allowing the battery system to serve dual purposes: storing energy and providing initial activation power. This merging eliminates the need for separate additional batteries or power storage apparatuses, reducing device complexity while maintaining mobile power supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery system is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the main energy storage device and the source of initial activation power for control units. The initial driving unit converts DC power from the battery system to AC power, enabling the battery system to universally provide both operating power and initial control power without requiring external connections or additional components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the energy storage apparatus is not connected to an external system, then it achieves operational independence, but cannot supply initial control power without additional power sources
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage apparatus is designed to be self-sufficient by using its own battery system to generate the initial control power needed for operation. The initial driving unit converts DC power from the battery system into AC power, which automatically activates the conversion control unit and other control components. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable initial control power supply without requiring external power sources or additional batteries, maintaining both operational independence and reliability.
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
Enables the energy storage apparatus to supply initial control power to its components even without external AC power, ensuring continuous operation and reducing the need for additional batteries or power sources.
Implementation Method 1
an initial driving unit for converting DC power of the battery system into AC power and supplying the AC power as power for activating the conversion control unit
Implementation Method 2
a power converting unit for converting input/output power characteristics of the battery system from AC to DC or from DC to AC
Data Source
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AI summary
An energy storage apparatus includes: a battery system including at least one battery; a power converting unit converting input/output power characteristics of the battery system into alternating current (AC)-direct current (DC) or DC-AC; a conversion control unit controlling an operation of the power converting unit; an initial driving unit converting DC power of the battery system into AC power and supplying the AC power as power for activating the conversion control unit; and a power selecting unit detecting an output voltage of the power converting unit, selecting, based on a level of the output voltage of the power converting unit, any one of AC power output by the initial driving unit and AC power output by the power converting unit, and supplying the selected AC power as operation power of the conversion control unit.