Modular Auxiliary Power Backplane for Scalable Energy Storage Loads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Custom auxiliary power distribution systems are time-consuming and costly to design and maintain due to varying power requirements of different energy storage systems, necessitating a modular solution that can accommodate diverse electrical needs.

Innovation Solution

A modular auxiliary power system featuring a back plane with power inputs and mating provisions, coupled with power modules that convert electrical power and support various auxiliary devices, allowing for scalable configuration to meet specific power demands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a custom auxiliary power distribution system is designed for each energy storage system to meet specific power requirements, then the power requirements are satisfied, but the design and maintenance time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower requirements satisfactionVSAvoiddesign and maintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary power distribution system is divided into modular components including power modules, auxiliary device modules, and communication modules that can be independently selected and configured. Each module can be independently designed, manufactured, and maintained, allowing rapid assembly of custom configurations without redesigning the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs universal mounting structures, standardized electrical connections, and common control interfaces that allow the same modular components to be used across different energy storage system configurations. This enables a library of standardized modules to serve multiple applications, reducing design time while maintaining adaptability to specific power requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower requirements satisfactionVSAvoidmaintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the system into standardized modules with uniform interfaces and mounting mechanisms, maintenance personnel can service individual modules independently using standardized procedures and tools, reducing training costs and improving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular design allows maintenance personnel to swap modules with different power ratings or specifications by simply changing which modules are installed, rather than redesigning or custom-fitting components. This standardization significantly reduces maintenance complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of time

If a modular auxiliary power distribution system is used to accommodate various auxiliary power system designs, then the design time is reduced, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign timeVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functional components are integrated into standardized modules that combine power conversion, distribution, and control functions. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components that need to be individually configured and connected, simplifying the overall system assembly despite the modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces standardized interface modules and universal mounting structures that act as intermediaries between different module types. These standardized interfaces abstract the complexity of internal module variations, allowing modules to be interconnected using uniform procedures regardless of their specific functions or power ratings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables quick configuration and maintenance of auxiliary power distribution systems to accommodate different battery energy storage systems, reducing design and maintenance time and costs by using standardized components.

Implementation Method 1

Each power module of the plurality of power modules is configured to convert the first electrical power to a second electrical power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPower conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS12003098B2Systems and methods for a modular scalable architecture for energy storage auxiliary power and functions

Publication Date: 2024.06.04 GE GRID GMBH

AI summary

An auxiliary power system is provided. The auxiliary power system includes a back plane including one or more power inputs and a plurality of mating provisions. The back plane is configured to receive a first electrical power at the one or more power input and output the first electrical power through the plurality of mating provisions. The auxiliary power system further includes a plurality of power modules, each electrically coupled and mechanically coupled to the back plane at one of the plurality of mating provisions and configured to convert the first electrical power to a second electrical power. The auxiliary power system further includes a plurality of auxiliary devices each respectively electrically coupled to at least one power module of the plurality of power modules and configured to receive the second electrical power from the at least one power module.