SRM Supercapacitor Control for Peak Power Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Storage and retrieval machines (SRMs) experience significant power consumption and output peaks, leading to high energy costs and complex grid requirements due to inefficient energy storage systems, which either require high capacity or fail to adequately manage peak loads.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling the SRM by monitoring electrical operating parameters to adjust energy storage input and output, using a supercapacitor system, and coordinating movements to optimize energy use, thereby limiting power consumption and output to manageable levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the energy store is designed with high capacity to compensate for power peaks, then the power peaks can be adequately managed, but the costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower peak compensation capabilityVSAvoidenergy store capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The control device predicts future travel movements and pre-charges the energy store before power peaks occur. By monitoring electrical operating parameters and forecasting energy needs, the system prepares energy in advance during periods of lower demand, ensuring sufficient energy is available when power peaks occur without requiring oversized energy storage capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control device continuously monitors electrical operating parameters such as instantaneous power consumption, drive power output, and energy store state of charge. This feedback loop enables real-time adjustment of energy management strategy, allowing the system to respond dynamically to actual operating conditions and optimize energy store utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Quantity of substance

If the energy store capacity is reduced to lower costs, then the system becomes more economical, but it cannot adequately absorb power peaks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy store capacityVSAvoidpower peak absorption capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of relying solely on large energy store capacity, the system performs preliminary charging actions by predicting future power peaks and accumulating energy in advance during lower-demand periods. This temporal redistribution of energy storage allows smaller energy stores to provide adequate peak compensation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Continuous monitoring of the energy store's state of charge and comparison with predicted future energy requirements enables the control device to maintain optimal energy levels. The feedback mechanism ensures that the energy store is charged sufficiently before peaks occur, compensating for the reduced total capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If conventional energy storage solutions are used, then the system structure remains simple, but the energy management efficiency is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy storage system structureVSAvoidenergy management efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control device implements continuous feedback monitoring of electrical operating parameters including instantaneous power consumption, drive power output, and energy store state of charge. This feedback enables intelligent, real-time decision-making about when to charge or discharge the energy store, dramatically improving energy management efficiency without adding complex hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control device autonomously manages energy flow by predicting future travel movements and automatically controlling the feeding of electrical energy into or removal from the energy store based on monitored parameters. The system serves itself by making intelligent energy management decisions without external intervention, optimizing efficiency while maintaining simple system architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 approach enhances energy storage efficiency, reduces peak power demands, lowers operational costs, and minimizes infrastructure strain by effectively managing power consumption and output, even in the absence of sufficient energy storage capacity.

Implementation Method 1

an energy store (9), in particular a supercapacitor, is connected to the intermediate circuit (8)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3543200B1Method of controlling shelf access equipment
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 LENZE SE SOCS EUROPAEA
  • EP3543200B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3543200B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for controlling a storage and retrieval machine, wherein electrical energy is temporarily stored in an energy storage device (9), in particular a supercapacitor. At least one electrical operating parameter of the storage and retrieval machine is monitored, and depending on this electrical operating parameter, the input of electrical energy into the energy storage device (9) and/or the withdrawal of electrical energy from the energy storage device (9) is controlled. The invention further relates to a storage and retrieval machine and a group of storage and retrieval machines.