Reconfigurable Energy Storage Modules for Lossless Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for interconnecting energy storage modules, such as battery packs, are inefficient and potentially unsafe due to uncontrollable circulating energy, imbalance, and high losses, especially when using DC/DC converters, which require large capacity and add to system losses.
Innovation Solution
A modular energy management system with reconfigurable energy storage modules (RESMs) that include processors executing algorithms for load power, current, and voltage regulation, enabling on-the-fly reconfiguration, balancing, and efficient power transfer, minimizing losses and allowing for simultaneous service of multiple loads with different requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If DC/DC converters are used between battery packs and load to control and regulate energy, then power regulation capability is improved, but system losses increase and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of battery pack interconnections using switches that can change the system topology in real-time. The controller dynamically adjusts which battery packs are connected in series or parallel based on load requirements, enabling flexible power regulation without relying on DC/DC converters. This dynamic approach reduces energy losses while maintaining power control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the battery storage system into multiple independently controllable battery packs, each capable of being reconfigured. This segmentation allows the controller to selectively connect or disconnect individual battery packs from the load, providing granular power regulation. By controlling individual segments rather than using converters, the system reduces complexity and energy losses while maintaining regulation capability.
2Device complexity
If battery packs are interconnected directly in parallel, then device complexity is reduced, but uncontrollable circulating energy occurs and safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces switches as intermediary components between battery packs in parallel interconnections. These switches act as controllable mediators that can open or close circuit paths as needed. When switches are closed, battery packs can share load current; when open, they prevent circulating energy flow. This intermediary approach maintains the simplicity of direct parallel connection while ensuring safety through controlled isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller monitors the state of charge and current flow in each battery pack and uses this feedback information to dynamically control the switches. The feedback mechanism detects potential circulating energy conditions and responds by opening appropriate switches to prevent unsafe conditions, thereby maintaining reliability without adding complex protection circuits.
3Power
If battery packs are connected in series, then voltage regulation capability is improved, but imbalance occurs and energy distribution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reconfigures the series connection of battery packs based on their individual states of charge. The controller can change which packs are connected in series and which are in parallel at different times during operation. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to maintain voltage regulation capability while periodically balancing energy distribution among packs, preventing chronic imbalance.
Solution Approach 2:
Each battery pack is designed with universal switching capability that allows it to function in multiple roles - sometimes in series connections for voltage regulation, sometimes in parallel for energy balancing. The switches enable each pack to adapt its function based on system needs, allowing the same hardware to serve both voltage regulation and energy balance requirements without dedicated components for each function.
4Power
If DC/DC converters are designed for maximum power transfer, then power transfer capability is improved, but device complexity and system losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power conversion function from dedicated DC/DC converters and implements it through the reconfigurable interconnection topology itself. By using switches to directly connect battery packs in series or parallel configurations, the system achieves voltage and power matching without requiring separate converter devices. This extraction eliminates the complexity and losses associated with DC/DC converters while maintaining full power transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch network serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the interconnection topology for series/parallel configuration and as the power conversion mechanism. The same switches that connect battery packs also enable the system to adapt its output characteristics to match load requirements, eliminating the need for dedicated power conversion devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed that are related to a set of reconfigurable energy storage modules that can be assisted by an algorithm used to create larger energy storage systems in a flexible and efficient manner. The modules can interconnect in series, parallel or series/parallel and achieve balancing of the energy in every module while providing terminal voltage and/or current control and regulation. The modules can reconfigure on-the-fly and behave as a regular battery, a by-passing unit with a very low resistance, or a module capable of bucking or boosting voltage.