Stackable Battery Storage Modules With Adaptive Cooling Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery energy storage systems face challenges in energy density, cost per unit of energy stored, environmental conditions, and system durability, particularly in outdoor implementations, necessitating improved cooling and modular design.
Innovation Solution
A stackable and modular battery energy storage system using standard containers with integrated electrical and flow interfaces, allowing for vertical stacking and flexible configurations, combined with active and passive cooling mechanisms based on ambient temperature, to optimize energy density and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If battery energy storage systems are grouped together in limited outdoor space, then system capacity is increased, but environmental conditions and cooling requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal grouping of battery containers to vertical stacking configuration. Multiple battery containers are stacked vertically to form a tower structure, utilizing the vertical dimension to increase system capacity within a limited footprint. This dimensional change allows higher energy density while maintaining adequate spacing for cooling and access.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery energy storage system is divided into modular battery containers that can be independently stacked and configured. Each container is a self-contained unit with standardized interfaces, allowing flexible assembly and scaling. This segmentation enables the system to be built in discrete modules that can be added or removed based on capacity requirements.
2Volume of moving object
If battery containers are stacked vertically to increase energy density, then space utilization is improved, but system complexity and interface requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs standardized universal interfaces for electrical connections, cooling fluid flow, and mechanical coupling between stacked battery containers. These standardized interfaces enable any container to be stacked with any other container of the same type, simplifying system assembly and maintenance while supporting vertical stacking for increased energy density.
3Temperature
If active cooling mechanisms are implemented, then temperature control is improved, but energy consumption and system complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system dynamically adjusts its operation based on thermal conditions. The patent incorporates temperature sensors and control logic that activate active cooling mechanisms only when thermal thresholds are exceeded, otherwise relying on passive cooling through natural convection and radiation. This dynamic approach maintains temperature control while minimizing energy consumption during normal operating conditions.
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 system achieves high energy density and efficient cooling, enabling flexible deployment and improved durability while reducing operational costs and enhancing integration with renewable energy sources.
Implementation Method 1
The battery module is connected via a first flow path to the cooling module... The cooling module is configured to cool the battery module via the first flow path
Implementation Method 2
an opening and closing element configured to open and close the second flow path
Implementation Method 3
a temperature sensor configured to sense ambient temperature outside the energy storage system
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure provide a stackable and modular battery energy storage system. An example energy storage system may include a plurality of stacked containers, each of the plurality of containers includes a housing having an upper face and a lower face; the lower face of a second container is disposed on the upper face of a first container; at least the second container includes a battery pack within the housing; at least one electrical interface situated on the lower face of the second container is connected to at least one electrical interface situated on the upper face of the first container; and at least one flow interface situated on the lower face of the second container is connected to at least one flow interfaces situated on the upper face of the first container.