Modular Battery Data Management With Broker-Based Failover

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-capacity battery system controllers face challenges in efficiently managing battery data due to high installation costs and resource-intensive maintenance, particularly in energy storage systems where heat generated from chemical reactions impairs performance and lifetime.

Innovation Solution

A battery data management apparatus with multiple functional modules, a first and second broker, and controllers that distribute operations, relay linked operations, cache data, and manage failures to ensure efficient data processing and communication, allowing for vertical and horizontal scaling to reduce downtime and maintenance costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single high-capacity BSC is used to manage battery data, then data management capability is improved, but installation cost and maintenance resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata management capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single BSC into multiple functional modules (data collection module, data processing module, data storage module, etc.), where each module performs a specific function. This segmentation allows the system to achieve the same data management capability with simpler, more manageable components that can be independently maintained and replaced.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The functional modules are designed to be universal and can be deployed in various configurations depending on the specific battery system requirements. The same module types can serve different functions in different contexts, reducing the need for specialized high-capacity hardware while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If a single high-capacity BSC is used to manage battery data, then data management capability is improved, but installation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata management capabilityVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the BSC into standard functional modules, the system can be manufactured and deployed using off-the-shelf components rather than custom high-capacity hardware. This significantly reduces installation costs while maintaining adequate data management capability for the battery system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs multiple relatively simple functional modules that can be easily replaced or upgraded individually. Rather than investing in a single expensive high-capacity BSC, the system uses multiple lower-cost modules that can be independently maintained, reducing overall installation and lifecycle costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a single high-capacity BSC is used to manage battery data, then various functions are consolidated, but maintenance resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidmaintenance resources

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The functional modules are designed to be independent and interchangeable. When maintenance is needed, individual modules can be replaced without affecting other parts of the system, significantly reducing maintenance resources and downtime compared to maintaining a single integrated high-capacity BSC.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system includes self-diagnosis and automatic failover capabilities where functional modules can monitor their own status and automatically switch to backup modules when failures are detected. This self-service approach reduces the need for manual maintenance intervention and expertise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If functional modules are distributed to process battery data, then processing efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata processing efficiencyVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a broker as an intermediary component that coordinates communication between the distributed functional modules. The broker manages data flow and module interactions, simplifying the system architecture by providing a standardized interface that abstracts the complexity of distributed processing from the individual modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The functional modules use standardized interfaces and protocols that allow them to be universally deployed in various configurations. This universality reduces architectural complexity by allowing the same module types to be used across different parts of the system with consistent behavior, despite the distributed nature of the architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20240418781A1Battery data management apparatus and operating method thereof

Publication Date: 2024.12.19 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

AI summary

A battery data management apparatus according to an example embodiment disclosed herein includes a plurality of functional modules configured to perform a defined function based on a preset algorithm, a first broker configured to relay linked operations among the plurality of functional modules based on battery data of at least any one functional module among the plurality of functional modules, and a first controller configured to control operations of the plurality of functional modules and the first broker.