Hybrid Battery Backup Control for Short and Long Outage Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery backup systems face inefficiencies and high costs due to the need for scaling for both short and long power outages, with lithium-ion batteries being more efficient but expensive, and lead acid batteries being less efficient but cheaper, leading to suboptimal performance and longevity.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid battery system comprising two rechargeable battery units with different chemistries, where a high-efficiency first unit handles short outages and a lower-efficiency second unit is employed for longer outages or high power demands, with a controller managing the switching based on voltage, power requirements, and cycle life to maximize overall system efficiency and longevity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If lithium-ion batteries are used for backup power, then energy efficiency is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery backup system is segmented into multiple battery units with different chemistries (e.g., lithium-ion and lead-acid) that operate in different modes. The controller divides the backup function between units based on outage duration and power demand, allowing the system to achieve high efficiency during short outages while maintaining cost-effectiveness for long-term backup capability.
2Duration of action of moving object
If battery backup system is scaled for long outage duration, then backup duration is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different battery units are assigned different functional qualities based on their chemical characteristics. High-efficiency lithium-ion batteries are optimized for short-duration, high-power discharge scenarios, while lower-cost lead-acid batteries handle long-duration, lower-power scenarios. The controller dynamically assigns operational roles to each unit based on the specific backup requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different battery units and operating modes based on real-time conditions including outage duration, power demand, and state of charge. The controller adjusts which battery unit serves as the primary power source versus the secondary backup, optimizing the balance between efficiency and duration on an ongoing basis.
3Device complexity
If single battery type is used, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different power demand scenarios deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-chemistry battery system provides universal backup power capability across a wide range of scenarios. The controller implements multiple charging modes (simultaneous charging, sequential charging, equalization charging) and discharge modes to universally handle different power demand patterns, whether for short outages with high demand or long outages with variable demand.
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
The hybrid system efficiently manages power outages by leveraging the strengths of each battery type, optimizing energy and power efficiency, extending system life, and reducing costs by selectively using higher-efficiency batteries for short durations and lower-efficiency batteries for longer outages or high demands.
Implementation Method 1
a first rechargeable battery unit having a first battery chemistry; and a second rechargeable battery unit having a second battery chemistry
Data Source
AI summary
A stationary hybrid battery back-up system incorporates two different battery units that differ in terms of recharging efficiency, cycle life, power capability, depth of discharge threshold, temperature threshold, internal impedance threshold, charger rate efficiency and/or stand-by efficiency. The battery back-up system of the present invention comprises an auxiliary power supply that can be used to charge the first and second batteries and/or provide power to a load. When the operating voltage of the system drops, due to a power failure of a power source, the control system may couple the first and/or second battery unit to a load. The control system may have voltage threshold limits wherein it engages the first and second battery units to support the load demand. The first and second battery units may be charge by the auxiliary power supply when the operating voltage is above a threshold level.