Energy Storage Device Server Control AC DC Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices and systems for storing and controlling energy generated from renewable sources lack reliability and efficiency, failing to effectively supply or store energy from alternative energy sources.
Innovation Solution
An energy storage device and server system that includes a battery pack, network interface, and power converter, which converts AC power to DC power for storage and vice versa based on server instructions, enabling efficient energy management and control within an internal power network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If renewable energy sources are used to generate power, then environmental sustainability is improved, but reliability of power supply deteriorates due to intermittent generation
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage device stores excess renewable energy generated during high-generation periods (when solar/wind availability is high) so that it can be supplied during low-generation periods. This preliminary storage action ensures continuous power supply regardless of renewable energy generation fluctuations, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability to renewable sources.
2Reliability
If energy storage devices are added to the power network, then power supply reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as an intermediary that centralizes the control logic for multiple energy storage devices. Instead of each device requiring complex autonomous control, the server receives power network status information and sends simple control instructions to energy storage devices, thereby improving reliability while minimizing the complexity burden on individual devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage device is designed with universal functionality to perform both power storage and power supply operations based on server instructions. This multi-functionality allows a single device type to handle various power network conditions (charging during excess generation, discharging during deficit), improving reliability without requiring specialized complex devices for each scenario.
3Loss of energy
If AC to DC conversion and storage is implemented, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to power converter requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The server serves as an intermediary that manages the AC-DC conversion process by intelligently controlling when energy storage devices should charge (converting AC to DC) or discharge (converting DC to AC). This centralized control optimizes the conversion timing to maximize energy efficiency while simplifying the converter design by providing clear operational instructions rather than requiring complex autonomous conversion management.
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
The system efficiently stores and outputs energy by converting AC to DC and back, optimizing energy usage and reducing commercial power consumption, while allowing for smart grid operations and user control through wireless communication.
Implementation Method 1
a power converter configured to convert the AC power from the internal power network into direct current (DC) power
Implementation Method 2
convert DC power stored in the battery pack into AC power
Data Source
AI summary
Energy storage devices, servers, and methods for controlling the same are disclosed. The energy storage device can include at least one battery pack, a network interface configured to exchange data with a server, and a connector that receives alternating current (AC) power from an internal power network or outputs AC power to the internal power network. Energy storage device can also include a power converter configured to convert the AC power from the internal power network into direct current (DC) power based on the information about the power to store when information about power to store is received from the server, or, convert DC power stored in the battery pack into AC power based on the information about the power to output when information about power to output to the internal power network is received from the server. Accordingly, energy may be more efficiently stored.