UPS Battery Array Controller for Grid-Connected Energy Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing energy storage systems require additional power equipment and are difficult to integrate with existing power systems, leading to voltage distortion and instability during peak power usage and power supply transitions.

Innovation Solution

An energy storage system utilizing an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) with a controller that manages power between the grid, battery array, and load, allowing for peak power usage from the battery array and charging during off-peak times, thereby reducing the need for additional equipment and stabilizing power supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional power equipment (VCB, transformer, ACB) is installed to connect to high voltage power lines, then the energy storage system can be connected to the grid, but the device complexity and installation cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrid connection capabilityVSAvoidequipment installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the UPS system perform multiple functions: it serves both as an uninterruptible power supply for critical loads and as an energy storage system for grid connection. By utilizing the existing UPS battery and power conversion capabilities, the system avoids the need for separate ESS equipment while achieving grid connectivity and energy storage functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The existing UPS infrastructure is leveraged to provide energy storage capabilities without requiring external ESS equipment. The UPS's internal battery and power conversion components are repurposed to handle grid connection and energy storage, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for additional specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If the PCS starts to supply power, then power can be provided to the load, but voltage distortion and irregular voltage variation occur during the voltage stabilization period

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply capabilityVSAvoidvoltage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The controller acts as an intermediary between the grid, UPS, and load, managing power flow transitions smoothly. It coordinates the PCS and UPS to minimize voltage distortion during transitions by controlling the timing and magnitude of power transfer, ensuring stable voltage delivery to the load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary voltage stabilization before full power supply to the load. The controller manages a gradual transition period where the PCS and UPS work together to stabilize voltage levels before committing to full load power delivery, preventing irregular voltage variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9954392B2Energy storage system (ESS) using uninterruptible power supply (UPS)
Publication Date: 2018.04.24 LG CNS CO LTD
  • US9954392B2 patent drawing
  • US9954392B2 patent drawing
  • US9954392B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An energy storage system that includes an uninterruptible power supply configured to supply first power to a load and a battery array comprising a backup battery unit. The system further includes a controller to cut off the first power supplied by the uninterruptible power supply at a first time and control the uninterruptible power supply and the battery array to supply second power to the load using power stored in the battery array. Typically, the second power is supplied when the first power is cut off.