Energy Storage Regulation Unit for Series Battery Maintenance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy storage management systems are inadequate in managing series-configured energy storage devices, as extracting one energy storage element can result in a total loss of power from all devices in the series, leading to inefficiencies and maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an Energy Storage Regulation Unit (ESRU) with switches for selectively connecting or disconnecting energy storage devices from the system load bus, charging circuit, or bypass circuit, allowing for individual control and maintenance of energy storage devices, and a regulator controller to manage these operations based on sensor data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If energy storage devices are connected in series configuration to increase system voltage and power output, then the power output capability is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because extracting one device causes total power loss from all devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the series-connected energy storage system into individually controllable segments using ESRUs. Each ESRU can independently connect or disconnect its energy storage device from the series string through switching mechanisms, allowing selective extraction or maintenance of individual devices without affecting the entire system's power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reconfigures the series connection of energy storage devices through controllable switches in each ESRU. The regulator controller can adjust which devices are actively connected to the series string and which are bypassed, enabling real-time optimization of system reliability while maintaining power output capability.
2Device complexity
If common management systems are used to manage energy storage devices, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because individual device control and maintenance is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The management system is segmented into distributed ESRU modules, each responsible for controlling a specific energy storage device. This modular approach maintains relatively simple individual unit complexity while dramatically improving ease of operation, as each ESRU can independently manage its device's connection state for maintenance or optimization purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The ESRU acts as an intermediary between the regulator controller and individual energy storage devices. It provides the switching and control functionality needed for individual device management, simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling detailed operational control and maintenance capabilities.
3Ease of repair
If energy storage devices are individually controlled with ESRUs and switching mechanisms, then the ease of maintenance is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional switches and control circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The ESRU is designed as a universal module that handles multiple functions: series connection switching, parallel connection switching, bypass control, and device monitoring. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be multiple separate complex systems into a single integrated unit, improving ease of maintenance while managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control functions for series connection, parallel connection, and bypass operations into a single ESRU module. By combining these switching and control functions into one integrated unit per energy storage device, the system improves maintainability while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and techniques are disclosed for individually controlling energy storage devices in an array of devices. An energy storage regulation unit (ESRU) is described that enables the connection of an energy storage device to a system load bus and a charging/diagnostic bus such that the energy storage device may be individually charged and/or disconnected for maintenance. The ESRU comprises switches for selectively connecting the system load bus circuit, charging circuit, or a bypass circuit. An energy storage regulator is further described for enabling the control of one or more ESRUs. A regulator controller may receive sensor or measurement data from the ESRUs connected to the energy storage regulator, and may also issue control instructions that control the switches of the individual ESRUs. Measurement data can include, for example, voltage, current, or temperature information relating to a specific ESRU.