Vertical Modular Battery Layout for Urban Footprint Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery energy storage systems (BESS) face challenges in urban areas due to geographic constraints and high visibility, requiring a modular and expandable solution with reduced land footprint, ease of maintenance, and the ability to adjust capacity as needed.
Innovation Solution
A modular battery system with vertically stacked modules on multiple floors, each containing rechargeable battery arrays, a controller for selecting modules for charging or discharging, and a power converter to manage AC to DC conversion, along with HVAC units for cooling and maintenance access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If battery energy storage systems are installed horizontally in wide-open spaces, then the systems can achieve high capacity storage, but the geographic footprint becomes too large for urban areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal expansion to vertical stacking by positioning battery modules on multiple floors of a building. Each floor contains one or more battery modules stacked vertically, allowing the system to achieve high storage capacity while minimizing the ground footprint. This dimensional change enables urban deployment where land space is limited but vertical space is available.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery energy storage system is divided into multiple independent battery modules that can be distributed across different floors. Each module is a self-contained unit that can be individually installed, maintained, and scaled. This segmentation allows flexible configuration to fit various building structures and capacity requirements while maintaining a compact overall footprint.
2Area of stationary object
If battery modules are stacked vertically on multiple floors, then the geographic footprint is reduced, but maintenance access and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates elevators and service access points that serve multiple functions: they provide maintenance personnel access to battery modules on upper floors, enable transportation of heavy equipment and materials, and facilitate emergency egress. This multi-functionality addresses the maintenance access challenge without requiring additional dedicated infrastructure that would increase system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate service platforms and access corridors between floors that act as mediators for maintenance operations. These intermediate structures provide safe access points to battery modules without requiring direct entry from ground level, simplifying the maintenance pathway while maintaining safety and accessibility.
3Area of stationary object
If battery modules are positioned on different floors, then land use efficiency improves, but the system requires complex electrical coupling and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical system is segmented into modular units with each battery module containing its own power conversion and control electronics. This segmentation allows each floor's battery modules to operate semi-independently, reducing the complexity of inter-floor electrical coupling. Modules can be electrically connected through standardized interfaces that simplify the overall system architecture despite the vertical distribution.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the battery system is designed for vertical expansion, then capacity can be increased in urban areas, but the initial system configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system is configured from the outset as a collection of identical, standardized battery module units that can be replicated across multiple floors. This segmentation creates a plug-and-play architecture where additional capacity is achieved by adding identical module units rather than customizing each floor's configuration, thereby reducing initial design complexity while maintaining expansion flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes preliminary structural and electrical infrastructure during initial construction, including elevator access, service corridors, and electrical distribution pathways. This preliminary action prepares the building for future vertical expansion, allowing capacity to be increased by simply adding battery modules without requiring complex retrofits later, thus reducing the complexity burden on the initial configuration.
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 design allows for efficient use of land, easy maintenance, and flexible capacity expansion or reduction, enabling the system to meet varying power requirements and sell excess capacity back into the market or microgrid.
Implementation Method 1
converting the AC input to a DC input by the first one of the plurality of inverters
Implementation Method 2
HVAC units for cooling and maintenance access
Data Source
AI summary
A modular battery system includes a plurality of battery modules positioned on a different floor of an enclosure. Each of the plurality of battery modules includes a plurality of battery arrays of rechargeable batteries. A controller is configured to select one of the plurality of battery modules for charging or discharging. A power converter is positioned on a different floor of the enclosure from each of the plurality of battery modules. The power converter is configured to convert an alternating current (AC) input to a direct current (DC) input and to switch the DC input to the selected one of the plurality of battery modules for charging.