Background
Battery-to-Grid (B2G) integration is a pivotal step towards a cleaner, more resilient, and efficient energy system. B2G offers numerous benefits, including grid stability, cost reduction, and support for renewable energy sources. In current grid-integrated energy storage systems, multiple cells are connected in series to create a battery module. This module is then linked to a single high-power DC-DC converter, forming a fixed DC link for the subsequent inverter stage. However, this architecture is vulnerable to single-cell failure, which can disrupt the entire DC link and impede end-to-end power flow, resulting in poor structural modularity.
Invention Description
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed an energy storage-integrated bidirectional DC-DC converter system. This power converter can convert battery cell voltage to high-voltage DC (HVDCC) link, which facilitates the integration of each converter with a battery cell. Many of these integrated combinations can be in series to form a complete combination battery pack and DC-DC converter. This invention showcases a power conversion of 360V DC from 2.5V – 4V cell outputs at a 2kW load.
Potential Applications:
- Photovoltaic (PV) systems
- Storage-integrated grid-forming or grid-following inverters
- Microgrid architectures
- EV auxiliary power modules
- Robotics engineering
Benefits and Advantages:
- Enhanced system reliability – can withstand faults more easily
- High voltage gain – without compromising system efficiency
- Maximization of efficiency – reduces switching losses in power devices