Patent Application
20230294506
The present teachings relate to systems and methods that integrate a generator with an energy storage system for the production single phase and/or three phase power in work environments isolated from main line electrical power.
The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.
Portable diesel and/or gasoline generators are often used to provide energy in areas that do not have access to electrical power. However, the power generated is often limited by the size of the generator. Typically, portable diesel and/or gasoline generators can be temporarily stationary generators place on site, tow behind generators, or be generator systems integrated as part of the vehicle wherein the vehicle engine is used as the prime mover to supply power to drive the generator. Traditional portable generators typically have a transformer, typically very small (e.g., 2 kVA), operable to covert a portion of the generated three phase power to single phase power. However, such generators are limited to producing either three phase power with very limited single phase power (e.g., 2 kVA single phase would be typical for a 70 kVA generator) or significant single phase power and no three phase power.
Such generators are typically driven by diesel and/or gasoline engines which are generally more efficient when running to drive the generator connected to a moderate load than they are when running at lower power levels to drive the generator connected to a smaller load. This is especially true of diesel engines. Additionally, modern diesel engines have an additional complication whereby at low power levels their exhaust systems, which are very expensive, wear out more quickly.
In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for providing electrical power at locations where shore power is unavailable, such as construction sites, remote utility sites, etc. Particularly, in various instances the method comprises simultaneously providing significant three phase power and significant single phase power. For example, in various instances the method comprises providing three phase power via generator of an integrated electrical power generation system, wherein the provided three phase power can be in various instances at least 50% of the rated power output of the generator, and simultaneously providing single phase power via a no-idle subsystem of the integrated power generation system, wherein the provided single phase power can be in various instances at least 3% of the rated power output of the generator.
In various instances the provided three phase power can be between 50% and 100% of the rated power output of the generator, and the single phase power can be between 3% of the rated power output of the generator and 100% of the rated storage capacity of an energy storage system (e.g., a battery bank) of the no-idle subsystem.
In various instances the method further comprises simultaneously utilizing a portion of the power output by the generator to charge an energy storage system of the no-idle subsystem.
In various instances the method further comprising maintaining a state of charge of an energy storage system of no-idle subsystem between a minimum charge level and a maximum charge level that are respectively greater than 0% and less than 100% of the rated energy storage capacity of the energy storage system via an energy management system (e.g., battery management system) of the integrated electrical power generation system.
In various instances the state of charge of the energy storage system is maintained between 20% and 80% of the rated energy storage capacity of the energy storage system via an energy management system of the integrated electrical power generation system.
In various other embodiments, the present disclosure provides an integrated electrical power generation system, wherein the system comprises a generator structured and operable to output three phase power, a prime mover structured and operable to drive the generator, a power output control panel structured and operable to electrically connect at least one load to the integrated electrical power generation system and to control various settings and operational parameters of the integrated electrical power generation system, a voltage selector switch structured and operable to receive the generated three phase power from the generator and selectively distribute the received three phase power to one or more of: a transformer structured and operable to selectively raise and lower the electrical power received from the voltage selector switch and output the raised and lowered electrical power to the control panel, and a no-idle subsystem structured and operable to selectively receive electrical power from the voltage selector switch and to output voltage electrical power to the control panel.
In various instances the system is disposed on a pull-behind trailer.
In various instances the system is disposed partially on a pull-behind trailer and partially on a vehicle to which the pull-behind trailer can be connected.
In various instances system is disposed on a vehicle.
In various instances the prime mover is an engine of a vehicle whose primary function is to provide motive power to the vehicle.
In various instances the system is structured and operable to provide three phase power via generator of an integrated electrical power generation system, wherein the provided three phase power is at least 50% of the rated power output of the generator, and simultaneously provide single phase power via a no-idle subsystem of the integrated power generation system, wherein the provided single phase power can be in various instances at least 3% of the rated power output of the generator.
In various instances the system is structured and operable to the provide the three phase power between 50% and 100% of the rated power output of the generator, and provide the single phase power can be between 3% of the rated power output of the generator and 100% of the rated storage capacity of an energy storage system of the no-idle subsystem.
In various instances the system is structured and operable to simultaneously utilizing a portion of the power output by the generator to charge an energy storage system of the no-idle subsystem.
In various instances the system is structured and operable to maintain a state of charge of an energy storage system of the no-idle subsystem between a minimum charge level and a maximum charge level that are respectively greater than 0% and less than 100% of the rated energy storage capacity of the energy storage system via an energy management system of the integrated electrical power generation system via at least the energy management system of the integrated electrical power generation system.
In various instances the state of charge of the energy storage system is maintained between 20% and 80% of the rated energy storage capacity of the energy storage system via an energy management system of the integrated electrical power generation system.
In various other embodiments, the present disclosure provides a vehicle for providing electrical power at locations where shore power is unavailable, wherein the vehicle comprises an engine structured and operable to provide motive force to the vehicle, and an integrated electrical power generation system. In various instances the integrated electrical power generation system comprises a generator structured and operable to output three phase power, a prime mover comprising the vehicle engine further structured and operable to drive the generator, a control panel structured and operable to electrically connect at least one load to the integrated electrical power generation system and to control various settings and operational parameters of the integrated electrical power generation system, a voltage selector switch structured and operable to receive the generated three phase power from the generator and selectively distribute the received three phase power to one or more of: a transformer structured and operable to selectively raise and lower the electrical power received from the voltage selector switch and output the raised and lowered electrical power to the control panel, and a no-idle subsystem structured and operable to selectively receive electrical power from the voltage selector switch and to output voltage electrical power to the control panel.
In various instances the system is structured and operable to provide three phase power via the generator, wherein the provided three phase power is at least 50% of the rated power output of the generator; and simultaneously provide single phase power via the no-idle subsystem wherein the provided single phase power can be in various instances at least 3% of the rated power output of the generator.
In various instances the system is structured and operable to the provide the three phase power between 50% and 100% of the rated power output of the generator, and provide the single phase power can be between 3% of the rated power output of the generator and 100% of the rated storage capacity of an energy storage system of the no-idle subsystem.
In various instances the system is structured and operable to simultaneously utilizing a portion of the power output by the generator to charge an energy storage system of the no-idle subsystem.
In various instances the system is structured and operable to maintain a state of charge of an energy storage system of no-idle subsystem between a minimum charge level and a maximum charge level that are respectively greater than 0% and less than 100% of the rated energy storage capacity of the energy storage system via an energy management system of the integrated electrical power generation system via at least the energy management system of the integrated electrical power generation system.
The present disclosure generally provides an electrical power generation system (e.g., electrical current/voltage generation system) that integrates a portable diesel and/or gasoline generator with an energy storage system.
The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present teachings in any way.
Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of drawings.
The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present teachings, application, or uses. Throughout this specification, like reference numerals will be used to refer to like elements. Additionally, the embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art can utilize their teachings. As well, it should be understood that the drawings are intended to illustrate and plainly disclose presently envisioned embodiments to one of skill in the art, but are not intended to be manufacturing level drawings or renditions of final products and may include simplified conceptual views to facilitate understanding or explanation. As well, the relative size and arrangement of the components may differ from that shown and still operate within the spirit of the invention.
As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps can be employed.
When an element, object, device, apparatus, component, region or section, etc., is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to or with,” “connected to or with,” or “coupled to or with” another element, object, device, apparatus, component, region or section, etc., it can be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to or with the other element, object, device, apparatus, component, region or section, etc., or intervening elements, objects, devices, apparatuses, components, regions or sections, etc., can be present. In contrast, when an element, object, device, apparatus, component, region or section, etc., is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element, object, device, apparatus, component, region or section, etc., there may be no intervening elements, objects, devices, apparatuses, components, regions or sections, etc., present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements, objects, devices, apparatuses, components, regions or sections, etc., should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.).
As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. For example, A and/or B includes A alone, or B alone, or both A and B.
Although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, objects, devices, apparatuses, components, regions or sections, etc., these elements, objects, devices, apparatuses, components, regions or sections, etc., should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, object, device, apparatus, component, region or section, etc., from another element, object, device, apparatus, component, region or section, etc., and do not necessarily imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context.
Moreover, it will be understood that various directions such as “upper”, “lower”, “bottom”, “top”, “left”, “right”, “first”, “second” and so forth are made only with respect to explanation in conjunction with the drawings, and that components may be oriented differently, for instance, during transportation and manufacturing as well as operation. Because many varying and different embodiments may be made within the scope of the concept(s) herein taught, and because many modifications may be made in the embodiments described herein, it is to be understood that the details herein are to be interpreted as illustrative and non-limiting.
Referring now to
Generally, the system 10 comprises the prime mover 14, a generator 22 (or alternator), a voltage selector switch (VSS) 30, a transformer 34, a no-idle subsystem 38 (that includes the energy storage system 18) and a power output control panel 42. Generally, in operation, the prime mover 14 is mechanically connected to the generator 22 such that operation of the prime mover 14 will drive the generator 22 to generate electrical power (e.g., to output voltage and current). Although the generator 22 is operable to output power, which is the product of voltage and current and power factor (e.g., V x Ix power factor), commonly in the art generator ratings and output are often referred to merely in terms of voltage and kVA. Therefore, throughout the present disclosure the generator 22 will be described as outputting voltage, but is should be understood that the generator 22 is operable to output electrical power (e.g., voltage and current). The generator 22 is electrically connected to the voltage selector switch 30, which enables an operator to select, set and control the voltage output, phase and distribution of the generator 22. In various embodiments, the voltage selector switch 30 can have three voltage output settings: 1) three phase high (e.g., 480 V); 2) three phase low (e.g. 208V and 240V); and 3) dedicated single phase (e.g., 240V & 120V). The transformer 34 is structured and operable to receive electrical power from the voltage selector switch and selectively raise and lower the electrical power (e.g., selectively raise and lower the voltage and/or current) received from the voltage selector switch 30.
As described further below, in various embodiments, the integrated electrical power generation system 10 can be entirely disposed on vehicle, or be entirely disposed on trailer, or be partially disposed on the vehicle and partially disposed on the trailer. Additionally, in various embodiments, the generator 22 can be driven by a prime mover 14 of the vehicle (e.g., a gasoline or diesel internal combustion engine of the vehicle), or a stand-alone prime mover 14 (e.g., a stand-alone gasoline or diesel internal combustion engine). Or, in various embodiments, the prime mover 14 can be integrated with the generator 22 in a single unit.
Throughout the present disclosure the generator 22 will be exemplarily described as a generator rated at a maximum output of 70 kVA (e.g., a 70 kVA generator), however it should be understood that the generator 22 could be any size and have any desired output rating, and remain with the scope of the present disclosure.
Referring now to
The power output control panel 42 further comprise a human machine interface (HMI) 78 and a controller 82. The HMI 78 enables an operator to provide an operator interface that allows an operator to communicate with the system 10. Particularly, the HMI 78 provides communication interface between an operator and the controller 82, whereby the operator can input desired operational parameters for operation of the system 10. The HMI can comprise any suitable user interface such as a keyboard, and/or a mouse, and/or a touch screen, etc. In various embodiments, wherein the prime mover 14 is a dedicated prime mover whose primary function is to drive the generator 22, as described further below with regard to
As described below with regard to
As illustrated in
In various instances, the voltage selector switch 30 can be configured in such a way that there is always 120V power supplied to a dedicated one of the single phase receptacle(s) 70 (identified in
Referring now to
In various exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of the no-idle power electronics 86, an output from the voltage selector switch 30 is input to the no-idle subsystem 38 at the input PWM drive 94. The input PWM drive 94 is configured in such a way that it can accept single phase and three phase power at multiple voltage levels. Although the input PWM drive 94 is exemplarily illustrated in
The energy management system 106 assesses the state of charge (SOC) of the energy storage system 18 and determines the voltage and current needed to optimally charge the energy storage system 18 in order to maintain an optimal SOC of the energy storage system 18 (e.g., between 20% and 80% of full charge). When the energy storage system 18 has sufficient charge (e.g., greater than 20% full charge) the energy storage system 18 can selectively provide input power to the output PWM drive 110. Particularly, in various instances power delivered to the control panel 42, and hence the load(s) accessing the control panel 42 can be provided solely by the energy storage system 18 such that the prime mover 14 and generator 22 do not need to be operated. This is referred to herein as the no-idle mode.
In various instances, the no-idle power electronic 86 can be configured such that the energy storage system 18 can be charged by power generated by the generator 22 while the energy storage system 18 is simultaneously delivering power to the output PWM drive 110. In such instances, the DC link 102 will provide power to both the EMS/energy storage system charger 106/108 and the output PWM drive 110, and the total sum of charging and output power is limited by the size of the input PWM drive 94. Additionally, in various instances the energy storage system charger 108 can be configured to accept 120V and 240V single phase shore power such that the energy storage system 18 can be charged via the shore power, during ‘down periods’ of use of the system 10 (e.g., during the evening when the system 10 has access to shore power) without relying on the prime mover 14 and generator 22. In various other instances, the DC link 102 can also provide power directly to the output PWM drive 110, bypassing delivery of power to the energy management system 106, the energy storage system charger 108, and the energy storage system 18, such that only power generated by the generator 22 is delivered to the control panel 42. As illustrated in
Referring now to
In yet other embodiments, as exemplarily illustrated in
The advantages of the integrated electrical power generation system 10 can be illustrated by comparison of the system 10 to a generator only electrical power generation system consisting of a 70 kVA generator, and/or to a battery only electrical power generation system consisting of 18 kW-Hr energy storage and 18 kW of power charging. For example, the integrated power generation system 10 can substantially simultaneously provide significant single phase power, in various instances greater than 3%-4% of the rated power of the respective generator 22 (e.g., 5 kVA or greater), and significant three phase power, in various instances greater than 50% of the rated power of the respective generator 22 (e.g., 40 kVA or greater). For example, in various embodiments wherein the generator 22 of the system 10 is rated at 70 kVA, the system 10 can simultaneously provide 5 kVA or greater of single phase electrical power and 40 kVA or greater of three phase electrical power. More particularly, in instances where the energy storage system 18 of the no-idle subsystem is not depleted, the system 10 can simultaneously provide single phase power up to the rated energy storage capacity of the energy storage system 18 (e.g., 18 kVA) and three phase power up to the rated output capacity of the generator 22 (e.g., 70 kVA).
Known generator only systems can only produce either significant three phase power (e.g., 68 kVA) with very limited single phase power (e.g., 2 kVA or less single phase), or significant single phase power (e.g., 40 kVA) and no three phase power. In various embodiments, the system 10 can produce full (e.g., 100%) generator rated output (e.g., 70 kVA for a 70 kVA rated generator) while simultaneously providing substantial single phase power, e.g., 100% of the rated storage capacity of energy storage system 18 (e.g., 18 kVA for a 18 kVA rated energy storage capacity) until the energy storage of the energy storage system 18 is depleted. For example, in various embodiments, the system 10 can be operated in the no-idle mode wherein the three phase and/or single phase power can be furnished via the electrical energy stored in the energy storage system 18, up to the rated energy storage capacity of the energy storage system 18 (e.g., 18 kVA). After the energy storage system 18 is depleted the system 10 can simultaneously produce any combination of single phase and three phase power up to the sum limit of the rated output capacity of the generator 22. For example, in various embodiments wherein the energy storage system 18 is depleted, the system 10 can simultaneously produce up to 52 kVA three phase power and 18 kVA single phase power when the generator 22 has a 70 kVA power output rating.
As described above, in various instances, the initial power charging (e.g., 18 kW-Hr) of the energy storage system 18 can be furnished via shore power (e.g., via a separate power generation system, such as grid power). This has several advantages. For example, shore power is much more cost effective than energy provided by running a gasoline or diesel prime mover. The cost effectiveness is a function of the shore power output, cost of electricity, cost of gasoline/diesel, etc. Additionally, by utilizing shore power to initially charge the energy storage system 18 the prime mover 14 does not have to operate at all while the energy storage system 18 is being charged by shore power. This is especially significant when no-idle (e.g., no-noise) operation of the system 10 is desired. Additionally, since the generator and prime mover 22 and 14 are only operated to charge the energy storage system 18 after the energy storage system 18 is depleted, or when simultaneous delivery of significant single phase and three phase power is desired, the prime mover 14 will not be operated at low power levels at which gasoline and diesel engines are very inefficient. Particularly, the minimum load for which the generator 22 will operate is the load the energy storage system 18 will impart on the generator and prime mover 22 and 14 (e.g. 18 kW) when the generator 22 is being operated to charge the energy storage system 18. Additionally, in various exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, the energy storage system charger 108 can be configured to charge the energy storage system 18 at a significant rate (e.g., 18 kW) such that charging time can be reduced. For example, if the energy storage system has a capacity of 18 kW-Hr, and the energy storage system charger 108 is configured to output 18 kW of power, the generator and prime mover 22 and 14 would only have to operate for 1 hour, after which operation of the generator and prime mover 22 and 14 can be discontinued and the single and/or three phase power needed to be delivered by the system 10 can be provided solely by the energy storage system 18. This result in far less fuel being consumed, and less frequent and expensive maintenance of the generator 22 and prime mover 14.
In various embodiments, the generator and prime mover 22/14 will not be operated where the power output by the generator 22 less than a specific low power level threshold (e.g., 18 kW). At power output levels less than the low power level threshold, the power output by the system 10 will be furnished by the energy storage system 18. Subsequently, once the electrical energy stored in the energy storage system 18 is depleted, the energy storage system 18 would be quickly charged (e.g., charged in one hour) at a desired power level (e.g., a power level of 18 kW) by the generator 22. In such embodiments, the minimum power level that the generator and prime mover 22 and 14 (would operate at would be the low power level threshold (e.g., 18 kW), which is defined by the overall system parameters (e.g., the rated power output of the energy storage system charger 108). For example, in various exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, wherein the rated power output of the energy storage system charger 108 is 18 kW, the generator 22 would only be operated to output power equal to or greater than 18 kW (e.g., the generator 22 would never be operated to output less than 18 kW). Power levels less than 18 kW will be provided by the energy storage system 18 only. And, when the energy storage system 18 is depleted, the generator 22 will be operated to output at least the 18 kW required by the energy storage system charger 108 to charge the energy storage system 18.
As another example wherein the rated power output of the energy storage system charger 108 is 18 kW and the energy storage system 106 is structured and operable to have an 18 kW-Hr energy storage, if the power output of the system 10 required by one or more load (e.g., one or more power consumption device) connected to the system 10 is 6 kW, the energy storage system 18 will supply the 6 kW for three hours, after which the generator 22 would be operated for 1 hour to charge the energy storage system 18 and simultaneously provide the 6 kW to the load(s). Hence, in the 18 kW-Hr example, for an exemplary need of 6 kW of power delivery to one or more load (e.g., one or more power consumption device) for an entire 8 hour work day, the initial charge from shore power would allow energy storage system 18 to provide the 6 kW of power (single and/or three phase) for three hours. Thereafter, for the 4th hour the generator 22 and prime mover 14 would be operated to provide the needed 6 kW of power delivery to the load(s) and to simultaneously provide 18 kW of power to charge the energy storage system 18. At 18 kW output by the generator 22, the energy storage system 18 would be fully charged in 1 hour, after which operation of the generator and prime mover 22 and 14 can be discontinued. Thereafter, the energy storage system 18 can again solely be utilized to provide the 6 kW to the load(s) for the next 3 hours. Then, the generator and prime mover 22 and 14 can again be operated for an hour to simultaneously charge the energy storage system 18, and provide the needed 6 KW of power to the load(s). Hence, in such a scenario, to provide the needed 6 kW of power to the load(s) for an entire 8 hours, the generator and prime mover 22 and 14 would only need to be run for a total of 2 hours. Therefore, the generator 22 and prime mover 14 would be operated for a minimal amount of time (e.g., two hours) for the entire day (for the purposes of generating electrical power) even though a substantial amount of work was being done all day (e.g., 6 kW of work, for 8 hours (which represents 48 kW-Hr of work). Moreover, the system 10 provided substantially quiet power provision, saved on fuel, and minimized wear on the generator 22, prime mover 14 and related exhaust system(s).
The above examples are merely mathematical examples, however, in various embodiments to extend the life of the energy storage system 18 the energy management system 106 and energy storage system charger 108 can be structured and operable to only charge the energy storage system 18 to a maximum charge level (e.g., 70%, 80%, 90%, etc. of full charge) and allow the energy storage system 18 to discharge only to a minimum charge level (e.g., 10%, 20%, 30%, etc. of full charge). Hence the times between running the engine/gen can be shorter than exemplarily described above. However, the above example is still representative of the fuel and maintenance savings advantages of the system 10 over known systems where the prime mover would be idling all day to keep the generator running all day.
It should be noted that the 18 kW rating of the energy storage system charger 108 and the 18 kW capacity of the energy storage system 18 in the above example scenario (and throughout this disclosure) are only exemplary and not limiting. Accordingly, the generator 22 will be operated for a period of time until the energy storage system 18 is fully charged based on the output rating of the energy storage system charger 108.
One of many advantages of the system 10 is that the system 10 can provide three phase power (via the generator 22 and prime mover 14) at or near the rated output of the generator 22 (e.g., 70 kVA) while simultaneously providing significant single phase power (e.g., 18 kVA) up to the rated capacity of the energy storage system 18 (e.g., 18 kW-Hr).
Another advantage of the system 10 is that when the energy storage system 18 is depleted, some of the three phase power output by the generator 22 can be converted it to single phase, via the no-idle subsystem 38, to simultaneously provide three phase and single phase power, all the while simultaneously charging the energy storage system 18. For example, wherein the generator 22 is rated at 70 kVA, the system 10 can be operated to simultaneously provide 52 kVA three phase power to one or more load (e.g., one or more power consumption device), and convert the remaining 18 kVA three phase output by the generator 22 to single phase via the no-idle subsystem to provide single phase power, for example 3 kVA or greater, to one or more load (e.g., one or more power consumption device), and simultaneously charge the energy storage system 18.
Yet another advantage of the system 10 is that the energy storage cells (e.g., battery(ies)) of the energy storage system 18 is/are optimally maintained. Energy storage cells, such as batteries, are most often operated as necessary to suit conditions. For instance, if the energy cells (e.g., batteries) are totally charged overnight, and then they are used in an area where it not possible to recharge, the energy storage cells (e.g., batteries) are fully depleted (i.e. discharged to a 0% or near 0% charge). Thus, the energy storage cells (e.g., batteries) of known power generation systems are typically operated from being fully charged (e.g., charged to a SOC of 100%) to being fully discharged (e.g., discharged to a SOC of 0%). Deep cycling energy storage cells (e.g., batteries) in this fashion is damaging to the energy storage cells (e.g., batteries) and severely shortens their life. Additionally, if the energy storage cells (e.g., batteries) have to support a high load whereby the energy storage cells (e.g., batteries) are discharged at a high rate, this also will shortened the life of the energy storage cells (e.g., batteries).
Generally, for optimal life, the energy storage cell(s) (e.g., battery(ies)) of the energy storage system 18 must be operated within limits of specific parameters. One such parameter is the state-of-charge (SOC) of the energy storage cell(s) (e.g., battery(ies)). In particular, in order for the energy storage cell(s) (e.g., battery(ies)) of the energy storage system 18 to have a maximum life, the energy storage cell(s) (e.g., battery(ies)) of the energy storage system 18 should only be discharged to a minimum charge level that is not lower than a prescribed low limit and only be charged to a maximum charge level that does not exceed a prescribed upper limit. For example, lithium based batteries (commonly used for large energy storage because they have a high energy storage density) are particularly sensitive to SOC. Lithium based batteries typically should not be discharged below a 20% SOC and not charged to more than an 80% SOC.
As described above, in various embodiments the system 10 provides an onboard charging system, i.e., the energy management system 106 and energy storage system charger 108, that is structured and operable to maintain the SOC of energy storage cell(s) (e.g., battery(ies)) between an optimal maximum charge level that is less than 100% of the rated energy storage capacity of the energy storage system 18 (e.g., 70%, 80%, 90%, etc., of full charge) and an optimal minimum charge level that is greater than 0% of the rated energy storage capacity of the energy storage system 18 (e.g., 10%, 20%, 30%, etc., of full charge).
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/873,979 filed on Jul. 26, 2022, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/965,111 filed on Apr. 27, 2018, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/490,641, filed on Apr. 27, 2017. The disclosure of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62490641 | Apr 2017 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17873979 | Jul 2022 | US |
| Child | 18323782 | US | |
| Parent | 15965111 | Apr 2018 | US |
| Child | 17873979 | US |
