Plug-In Battery Network for Time-Based Energy Cost Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy storage solutions fail to efficiently manage energy storage and discharge based on varying energy costs, leading to increased utility bills due to the lack of coordinated and distributed energy storage systems that can seamlessly integrate with existing electrical infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A distributed and coordinated group of energy storage batteries that can be plugged into wall outlets, equipped with an inverter for charging and discharging control, a processor for signal management, and a transceiver for wireless communication, allowing for coordinated charge and discharge sequences based on real-time energy pricing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If energy storage batteries are distributed across multiple locations and plugged into wall outlets, then energy storage capacity and cost-effectiveness are improved, but device complexity and coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system is divided into multiple independent battery units that can be distributed across different locations and plugged into standard wall outlets. Each unit operates independently but can be coordinated through wireless communication, allowing the system to scale from single to multiple units without increasing individual unit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery units are designed with universal interfaces that allow them to connect to standard electrical outlets and communicate wirelessly. This multi-functionality enables the same hardware design to serve both as standalone energy storage and as part of a coordinated network, reducing overall system complexity despite distributed deployment.
2Productivity
If battery units are coordinated through wireless communication and processing, then energy management efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each battery unit contains its own processor and transceiver that enable it to autonomously monitor its charge state, communicate with other units, and participate in coordinated charge/discharge decisions. This self-service capability distributes the control intelligence across all units rather than requiring a centralized complex control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication system provides real-time feedback between battery units and the coordinating processor, enabling dynamic adjustment of charge and discharge rates based on grid conditions, battery state, and cost signals. This feedback loop improves energy management efficiency without requiring overly complex hardwired control circuits.
3Measurement precision
If battery units integrate inverter and processing functions, then energy control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inverter, processor, and battery management functions are merged into a single integrated circuit board within each battery unit. This consolidation improves energy control precision by enabling tight coordination between measurement, decision-making, and execution functions while reducing the number of separate components and connections required.
4Ease of operation
If battery units are designed for plug-in operation at standard outlets, then ease of installation and deployment is improved, but power capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The total energy storage capacity is segmented across multiple standardized battery units, each sized for safe operation at standard electrical outlets. While individual units have limited power capacity, the system achieves higher total capacity by deploying multiple units in parallel, maintaining both ease of installation and scalable power capability.
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
This solution enables efficient energy storage during low-cost periods and discharge during high-cost periods, reducing energy expenses by aggregating available capacity across multiple units and integrating with existing electrical systems for seamless energy distribution.
Implementation Method 1
an inverter to control the charging and discharging of the battery cell
Data Source
AI summary
In an example embodiment, a battery unit comprises a battery unit housing; and a battery unit circuit. In this example embodiment, the battery unit housing contains at least a portion of the battery unit circuit, and the battery unit circuit further comprises: a battery cell, an inverter to control the charging and discharging of the battery cell, a processor to provide control signals to the inverter for controlling the charging and discharging of the battery cell, and one of: a power plug for coupling to and uncoupling from a power outlet assembly, and a luminaire base for coupling to and uncoupling from a luminaire socket in a light fixture. In this example embodiment, the battery unit is rated at less than or equal to 2400 Volt-Amperes. The battery unit may further comprise a transceiver.