Modular Home Energy Storage with Rack Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for home energy storage systems that can efficiently store electricity for later consumption, support electrified vehicle charging, and provide portable power solutions, while also addressing the challenge of unequal aging between stationary and modular units.
Innovation Solution
A home energy storage system comprising a stationary unit and a modular unit that can be removably connected, with a battery management system and a rack mounting and handcart transportation system, allowing the modular unit to be used as a portable power source and synchronized with the stationary unit for optimal energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a stationary home energy storage system is used to store electricity locally, then energy storage capacity is improved, but portability and mobility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system is divided into a stationary unit (containing battery array and control electronics) and a separate mobile unit (containing battery modules). This segmentation allows the stationary unit to provide stable energy storage while the mobile unit can be transported and repositioned as needed, resolving the contradiction between storage capacity and portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile unit with battery modules can serve multiple functions: it can be attached to the stationary unit for enhanced energy storage, detached for portable power needs, or used independently to power external loads. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different user needs, maintaining both storage capacity and portability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular units are made portable and removable, then adaptability and mobility are improved, but system stability and reliability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the stationary unit and mobile unit is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed. The mobile unit can be connected or disconnected based on operational needs, and the system automatically adjusts its configuration. This dynamic approach maintains reliability through proper connection protocols while preserving mobility and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors the connection status, charge levels, and operational parameters of both stationary and mobile units. This feedback mechanism ensures that the system maintains stability during transitions between connected and disconnected states, preventing reliability issues while allowing flexible reconfiguration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If stationary and modular units operate independently, then portability is improved, but divergent aging and synchronization issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to anticipate and prevent divergent aging by implementing preliminary actions when units operate independently. These include proactive communication protocols that establish synchronization parameters in advance, and reconditioning schedules that are prepared before significant age differences develop, maintaining reliability while allowing independent operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters such as charge/discharge rates, voltage levels, and current distribution based on the connection status and age of each unit. When units operate independently, parameter changes are implemented to equalize usage patterns and minimize divergent aging, ensuring long-term reliability while maintaining operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure details exemplary home energy storage systems capable of storing electricity locally for later consumption, such as for charging an electrified vehicle, supporting various home energy needs, and supporting alternative energy storage/power source functionality. An exemplary home energy storage system may include a stationary unit, one or more modular units removably connectable to the stationary unit, and a rack mounting and handcart transportation system configured to mount, detach, and transport the modular unit relative to the stationary unit. Once undocked from the stationary unit, the modular unit(s) may be utilized as a portable power source for powering one or more electrical loads. This disclosure further describes various interconnected functionalities (e.g., electrical and wireless communication of state of uses) between the stationary unit and the modular unit of home energy storage systems and between the modular unit and various satellite equipment associated with the modular unit.