Energy Storage Module Control for Self-Discharge Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Energy storage systems suffer from internal energy consumption due to self-discharge, maintenance requirements, and operational losses in components like flywheel systems, which are not efficiently managed in existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
An energy storage system with a control unit that optimizes module selection and operation based on external conditions and internal parameters, allowing for sequential activation, deactivation, and energy transfer between modules to minimize internal energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the state of charge is increased to improve energy supply during high demand, then the power supply capability is improved, but the acid migration and sulfation are accelerated causing shorter service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic charging strategies that adjust charging parameters based on real-time battery state assessment. The control unit dynamically determines optimal charging points and rates by evaluating internal resistance, open-circuit voltage, and temperature, thereby adapting the charging process to current battery conditions rather than using fixed charging schedules. This dynamic approach allows the system to supply high power when needed while avoiding conditions that accelerate degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes multiple operating parameters including charging voltage, current, temperature, and state of charge thresholds based on battery age and condition. The control unit modifies these parameters in real-time to optimize the balance between power delivery and battery preservation. For example, the system adjusts charging voltage and current profiles based on measured internal resistance and temperature, preventing excessive stress on the battery while maintaining adequate power supply capability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If deep discharge is allowed to maximize energy utilization, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the battery aging is accelerated reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs continuous feedback mechanisms where the control unit monitors battery parameters including state of charge, internal resistance, temperature, and discharge depth. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts discharge limits and charging parameters to prevent excessive deep discharge that would accelerate aging. The feedback loop ensures that energy utilization is maximized within safe operating boundaries that preserve battery longevity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts discharge depth limits based on real-time battery condition assessment. Rather than using fixed discharge cutoffs, the control unit adapts discharge parameters according to battery age, temperature, and current state, allowing greater energy utilization when the battery is in good condition while protecting against excessive discharge stress as the battery ages.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple batteries are connected in parallel to increase capacity, then the energy storage capacity is improved, but the inhomogeneous current distribution causes individual battery stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality control by individually monitoring and managing each battery's state within the parallel configuration. The control unit measures parameters for each battery separately and can adjust charging and discharging currents on an individual basis, ensuring that each battery operates within its optimal parameters rather than forcing uniform current distribution that may stress individual cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the control of each battery in the parallel arrangement, treating each battery as an independent controllable unit. The control unit can independently adjust charging voltage, charging current, and discharge parameters for each battery based on its specific state, preventing the propagation of stress between batteries and allowing customized management strategies for each cell.
4Speed
If fast charging is implemented to reduce charging time, then the charging speed is improved, but the internal resistance increases and temperature rises causing degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic charging cycles with varying current rates rather than continuous high-current charging. The control unit alternates between higher current phases for faster charging and lower current phases for thermal management and internal resistance reduction. This periodic modulation allows the system to achieve faster overall charging while preventing the continuous thermal and electrical stress that would accelerate degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts charging current in real-time based on measured temperature and internal resistance. When temperature or internal resistance thresholds are approached, the control unit automatically reduces charging current to prevent excessive stress, then resumes higher current charging when conditions permit. This dynamic adjustment enables fast charging when safe and reduces rate when degradation risks arise.
Data Source
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AI summary
An energy storage system comprises several storage modules and a control unit. The control unit is configured to determine the operating conditions of the energy storage system for a predetermined period and, based on these conditions and at least one internal parameter of each of the several storage modules, to select one of them. Furthermore, the control unit is configured to determine, based on the determined operating conditions and the at least one internal parameter of the selected module, whether the selected module absorbs energy, releases energy, or is deactivated.