Modular Energy System Power Pack Stacking and Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular energy systems face challenges in efficiently adding or removing power packs during operation without interrupting the power supply, risking power surges and safety hazards, and require complex technical knowledge for proper connection.
Innovation Solution
A modular energy system with a stack of power packs, where each pack has a sensor module to detect its state and a power controller to manage power exchange, allowing for safe addition and removal of packs without interrupting the power supply, using a minimal number of components to reduce power loss and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If power packs are added or removed during operation, then system adaptability and modularity are improved, but power surges and safety hazards occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting the addition or removal of power packs via sensor modules before power exchange begins. The controller module preemptively adjusts power distribution and prepares protective measures to prevent power surges before they can occur, enabling safe modular operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensor modules continuously monitor the stacked state and provide feedback to the controller module. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect when power packs are added or removed, and the controller responds by adjusting power exchange parameters to maintain safety and prevent harmful power surges during dynamic configuration changes.
2Power
If cable connections are used to couple power packs, then electrical power can be transmitted, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mechanical coupling function with the electrical connection function into a single integrated interface. The coupling module combines both structural support and electrical power transmission in one component, eliminating the need for separate cable connections and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling module serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for stacking power packs, transmits electrical power between packs, and enables easy connection and disconnection. This multi-functional design simplifies the system by replacing complex cable management with a single universal interface.
3Power
If cable connections are used to couple power packs, then electrical power can be transmitted, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling module merges mechanical attachment and electrical connection into one simple stacking action. Users only need to place power packs vertically on top of each other, and the integrated coupling module automatically establishes both mechanical support and electrical power transmission without requiring cable handling or complex connection procedures.
4Reliability
If sensor module and power controller are added to each power pack, then safe addition and removal during operation is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each power pack is equipped with sensor modules and controller modules that enable it to autonomously detect its stacked state and manage its own power exchange. This self-service capability allows individual packs to independently participate in safe modular operations without requiring complex external control systems, distributing intelligence across the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides control functionality into independent modules within each power pack. Instead of a centralized complex control system, each pack has its own sensor and controller modules that work autonomously, simplifying the overall system architecture by distributing functions to modular segments.
Data Source
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AI summary
A modular system for storing and outputting electrical energy, the system comprising a stack, the stack (10) comprising a plurality of power packs (200, 300) removably stacked one on top of the other.