Managing Power with Different Types of Batteries in an Energy Storage System

This patent describes an energy storage system that uses multiple types of batteries, each with different charging and discharging speeds, to efficiently manage power from various sources like solar panels or the main power grid for different electricity needs.

What it covers

This patent details an energy storage system (ESS) designed to handle varying power demands and supplies. It includes a power station (which can be renewable or non-renewable) and an external power grid. The core of the system is an energy storage facility with a Battery Management System (BMS) that controls several individual energy storage units, or 'apparatuses' (Claim 1). Crucially, these apparatuses contain different types of batteries, each with distinct charge and discharge times. For example, a 'first battery type' might be fast-acting for sudden power needs, while a 'second battery type' has longer charge/discharge times, suitable for steady, long-term power (Claim 1). The BMS can individually charge these batteries from either the power station or the grid, and discharge them to supply power to a load. The system can use the faster batteries to handle sudden 'peak loads' and the slower ones for 'base loads' (Claim 2).

What it doesn't cover

• —Does not cover an energy storage system that uses only one type of battery for all storage needs.
• —Does not cover systems where individual battery apparatuses are not controlled separately by a Battery Management System (BMS).
• —Does not cover systems where all energy storage apparatuses have identical charging and discharging periods.
• —Does not cover a system that only discharges batteries without the ability to charge them from an external power grid or power station.
• —Does not cover an energy storage system that lacks a power station or an external power grid as power sources.

The clever bit

The clever part is the coordinated use of multiple battery types, each optimized for different response times, within a single energy storage system. This allows the system to efficiently handle both quick, high-power demands (like a sudden surge) and slower, sustained energy needs, rather than relying on a single, compromise battery solution.

Why it matters

Managing electricity supply and demand is complex, especially with more renewable energy sources like solar and wind, which are not always consistent. This patent addresses this by proposing a way to combine different battery technologies. This allows for a more flexible and efficient response to power fluctuations, ensuring stable electricity delivery to homes and businesses. It's particularly relevant for grid-scale energy storage and microgrids.

Real-world examples

• 1.Grid-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS)
• 2.Hybrid energy storage solutions for industrial facilities
• 3.Microgrids integrating solar, wind, and battery storage
• 4.Smart grid infrastructure projects
• 5.Electric vehicle charging stations with integrated storage