Segmented Energy Storage Module With Integrated Power Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical energy storage systems face high voltage risks during dismantling, require complex power conversion, cannot accommodate cells with varying capacities or health states, and display inaccurate remaining energy estimates due to the lowest cell charge determining the overall capacity.
Innovation Solution
An electrical energy storage module with integrated power-switching means and supervision, allowing individual cell unit control, enabling different voltage states and supporting mixed cell capacities and health states, with distributed power conversion for flexible network connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high voltage is used inside the electrical energy storage unit, then power density and energy capacity are improved, but safety risks during dismantling and maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the high-voltage storage system into multiple independent cell units, each operating at lower voltage (e.g., 48V). This segmentation maintains overall system power density while reducing individual unit voltage to safe levels, eliminating the need for special safety equipment during maintenance.
2Device complexity
If direct current operation is used, then system simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different electrical networks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power conversion capabilities that allow the system to adapt its output characteristics (AC/DC, voltage levels) based on the connected network type. This enables a single DC-based storage system to serve multiple network configurations without hardware changes.
3Device complexity
If all cells are subjected to the same load, then system simplicity is improved, but energy utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables independent control of each cell unit's power output, allowing cells with different capacities and health states to operate at optimized load levels. This local quality differentiation maximizes energy utilization by preventing premature system shutdown due to the weakest cell.
4Reliability
If the remaining energy is determined by the lowest charge cell, then system reliability is improved, but measurement precision of total capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements individual monitoring and feedback control for each cell unit, tracking their respective charge states, capacities, and health parameters. This enables accurate calculation of total system capacity by summing individual cell contributions rather than being constrained by the weakest cell.
5Adaptability or versatility
If integrated power-switching means are added to each cell unit, then adaptability and control flexibility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent distributes power-switching means across multiple independent cell units, with each unit containing its own switching circuitry and control electronics. This modular segmentation enables flexible system configuration and independent cell management while maintaining overall system coherence through centralized coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
The electrical energy storage module (M1-In) comprises a plurality of elementary storage cells (C1 to C12). According to the invention, the module comprises at least one cell unit (U1-1,U1-2) including a plurality of elementary storage cells connected in series (C1 to C6; C7 to C12) and integrated power-switching means (P1, S1; P2, S2) dedicated to this cell unit, delivering, between two power output terminals (B1, B2) of the cell unit, a positive DC voltage, a negative DC voltage, a zero voltage or a high impedance state, depending on a command received by the cell unit.