Energy Storage Valve Submodule With Redundant DC Bus Power Paths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing energy storage valve submodules suffer from poor reliability due to complex wiring, singular power extraction sources, and a high likelihood of over-discharge, which can lead to safety issues such as thermal runaway and reduced charge-discharge performance.

Innovation Solution

The energy storage valve submodule is designed with multiple power extraction sources by connecting an energy storage module to a load via a main direct current bus and further connecting the load to another energy storage valve submodule, incorporating power conversion modules and buses to simplify wiring and enhance reliability, and includes power modules for charge-discharge switching and overcurrent protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If high-voltage busbars are used for power extraction in existing energy storage valve submodules, then power extraction capability is improved, but wiring complexity increases and reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower extraction capabilityVSAvoidwiring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a DC bus as an intermediary component between the energy storage module and the load. The DC bus serves as a mediator that simplifies the wiring structure by providing a standardized connection interface, replacing the complex high-voltage busbar configuration. This intermediary element maintains power extraction capability while significantly reducing wiring complexity and improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple internal power extraction points are provided in existing energy storage valve submodules, then power extraction flexibility is improved, but the likelihood of short-circuit faults increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower extraction flexibilityVSAvoidshort-circuit fault risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the power extraction function from multiple internal points and consolidates it to a single standardized DC bus interface. By taking out the distributed power extraction points and replacing them with a centralized DC bus connection, the system maintains power extraction flexibility through the bus's connection capabilities while eliminating the short-circuit risks associated with multiple internal extraction points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If singular power extraction source is used in existing energy storage valve submodules, then system structure is simplified, but reliability deteriorates and over-discharge risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structure simplicityVSAvoidpower supply reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The DC bus is designed with multi-functionality to serve dual purposes: it acts as both a power extraction interface and a power supply source. This universal component can extract power during normal operation and also provide power supply capabilities when needed, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing system structural complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4701041A1Energy storage valve sub-module, energy storage valve, and energy storage station
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX FUTURE ENERGY RES INST (SHANGHAI) LTD
  • EP4701041A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4701041A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4701041A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An energy storage valve submodule, an energy storage valve, and an energy storage station are provided, pertaining to the field of power electronics technologies. The energy storage valve submodule includes an energy storage module and a load; where the load is electrically connected to the energy storage module; and the load is further electrically connected to another energy storage valve submodule. This provides a plurality of power extraction methods, enhances reliability, and reduces the risk of over-discharge of the energy storage module.