Energy Storage Switch Redundancy for Fault-Tolerant Cascaded Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cascaded energy storage systems face reliability and stability issues due to faults in energy storage apparatuses that cannot be effectively short-circuited or disconnected, leading to system shutdowns.

Innovation Solution

Implementing redundant control methods with dual controllers for switches in each energy storage apparatus, utilizing multi-channel communication routes, particularly dual-channel optical fibers, to enhance communication reliability and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single controller is used to control switches in an energy storage apparatus, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates because controller failure leads to system shutdown

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidcontroller configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring dual controllers (first and second controllers) for each energy storage apparatus before any fault occurs. Each controller is capable of independently controlling the switches, so that when one controller fails, the other can immediately take over without requiring system shutdown or complex reconfiguration. This preliminary setup ensures continuous operation and maintains system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing redundant controller resources as a buffer against potential failures. The dual-controller configuration acts as a cushion that absorbs the impact of controller failure, preventing system shutdown. The redundant controller serves as a safety net that maintains system operation during fault conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If redundant control paths are implemented, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple communication routes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidcommunication route complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the communication architecture by creating separate, independent communication routes between controllers and switches. Each controller has its own dedicated communication path to the switches it controls, and these paths do not interfere with each other. This segmentation allows the system to maintain communication reliability through multiple routes while managing complexity through clear, modular communication architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses controllers as intermediaries that manage the complexity of communication routes. Each controller acts as a mediator between the energy storage apparatus components, handling switch control and state monitoring independently. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system architecture by localizing control functions and reducing the need for complex direct communication between all system components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If dual controllers with multi-channel communication are used, then the communication reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to more complex control logic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol system operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service through automatic failover mechanisms where the system automatically detects controller failures and switches to the redundant controller without requiring manual intervention. The dual-controller configuration includes built-in monitoring and automatic takeover logic, allowing the system to maintain operation during faults without complicating the operational interface. This self-service approach preserves ease of operation while ensuring high reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20260024998A1Energy storage apparatus, energy storage system, and redundant control method
Publication Date: 2026.01.22 CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX FUTURE ENERGY RES INST (SHANGHAI) LTD
  • US20260024998A1 patent drawing
  • US20260024998A1 patent drawing
  • US20260024998A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An energy storage apparatus, an energy storage system, and a redundant control method, where the energy storage apparatus includes a power module and a battery module; the power module includes a first switch and a first controller configured to control the first switch; the battery module includes a second switch and a second controller configured to control the second switch; the first controller is connected to both the first switch and the second controller, and the second controller is connected to the second switch.