U.S. patent application number 15/965418 was filed with the patent office on 2018-11-01 for hybrid storage system and method of operating the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is A. O. Smith Corporation. Invention is credited to Ronald Bartos, Brian Thomas Branecky, Kedar Dimble, Jianmin Yin.
Application Number | 20180313579 15/965418 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63915557 |
Filed Date | 2018-11-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180313579 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yin; Jianmin ; et
al. |
November 1, 2018 |
HYBRID STORAGE SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME
Abstract
An energy storage system including a thermal energy storage
apparatus configured to store thermal energy, an electrical energy
storage apparatus configured to electrical energy, and a controller
including a memory and an electronic processor. The controller is
configured to monitor one or more characteristics of at least one
selected from the group consisting of the thermal energy storage
apparatus and the electrical energy storage apparatus. The
controller is further configured to control, based on the one or
more characteristics, the electrical energy storage apparatus to
provide electrical energy to the thermal energy storage
apparatus
Inventors: |
Yin; Jianmin; (Racine,
WI) ; Branecky; Brian Thomas; (Oconomowoc, WI)
; Bartos; Ronald; (Menomonee Falls, WI) ; Dimble;
Kedar; (Elm Grove, WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
A. O. Smith Corporation |
Milwaukee |
WI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
63915557 |
Appl. No.: |
15/965418 |
Filed: |
April 27, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62491906 |
Apr 28, 2017 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24D 12/00 20130101;
H02J 15/00 20130101; F24D 2200/08 20130101; F24D 2220/08 20130101;
G05D 23/1923 20130101; H02J 3/28 20130101; H02J 3/32 20130101; F24H
9/2021 20130101; F24D 19/1048 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24H 9/20 20060101
F24H009/20 |
Claims
1. An energy storage system comprising: a thermal energy storage
apparatus configured to store thermal energy; an electrical energy
storage apparatus configured to electrical energy; a controller
including a memory and an electronic processor, the controller
configured to monitor one or more characteristics of at least one
selected from a group consisting of the thermal energy storage
apparatus and the electrical energy storage apparatus, control,
based on the one or more characteristics, the electrical energy
storage apparatus to provide electrical energy to the thermal
energy storage apparatus.
2. The energy storage system of claim 1, wherein the thermal energy
storage apparatus includes a first water heater and a second water
heater.
3. The energy storage system of claim 2, wherein the controller
determines which water heater selected from a group consisting of
the first water heater and the second water heater receives
electrical energy from the electrical energy storage apparatus.
4. The energy storage system of claim 1, wherein the electrical
energy storage apparatus includes a first battery and a second
battery.
5. The energy storage system of claim 4, wherein the controller
determines which battery selected from a group consisting of the
first battery and the second battery provides electrical energy to
the thermal energy storage system.
6. The energy storage system of claim 1, wherein the thermal energy
storage apparatus includes a tank configured to hold a fluid, and a
heating element configured to manipulate a temperature of the
fluid.
7. The energy storage system of claim 1, wherein the electrical
energy storage apparatus includes at least one selected from a
group consisting of a battery, a rechargeable battery, and a
capacitor.
8. The energy storage system of claim 1, wherein the controller is
further configured to receive a signal, and control, in response to
receiving the signal, the electrical energy storage apparatus to
provide electrical energy to the thermal energy storage
apparatus.
9. The energy storage system of claim 1, wherein the signal is
received from an external computer.
10. The energy storage system of claim 1, wherein the one or more
characteristics are sensed by at least one selected from a group
consisting of a power sensor, an occupancy sensor, a temperature
sensor, and a usage sensor.
11. A method of supplying energy to a thermal energy storage
apparatus, configured to store thermal energy, and an electrical
energy storage apparatus, configured to electrical energy, the
method comprising: monitoring one or more characteristics of at
least one selected from a group consisting of the thermal energy
storage apparatus and the electrical energy storage apparatus; and
controlling, via a controller, the electrical energy storage
apparatus to provide electrical energy to the thermal energy
storage apparatus, wherein the electrical energy storage apparatus
is controlled based on the one or more characteristics.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the thermal energy storage
apparatus includes a first water heater and a second water
heater.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising determining, via the
controller, which water heater selected from a group consisting of
the first water heater and the second water heater receives
electrical energy from the electrical energy storage apparatus.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the electrical energy storage
apparatus includes a first battery and a second battery.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising determining, via the
controller, which battery selected from a group consisting of the
first battery and the second battery provides electrical energy to
the thermal energy storage system.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein the thermal energy storage
apparatus includes a tank configured to hold a fluid, and a heating
element configured to manipulate a temperature of the fluid.
17. The method of claim 11, wherein the electrical energy storage
apparatus at least one selected from a group consisting of a
battery, a rechargeable battery, and a capacitor.
18. The method of claim 11, further comprising receiving, at the
controller, a signal, and controlling, via the controller, the
electrical energy storage apparatus to provide electrical energy to
the thermal energy storage apparatus, wherein the electrical energy
storage apparatus is controlled in response to receiving the
signal.
19. The method of claim 11, wherein the signal is received from an
external computer.
20. The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more characteristics
are sensed by at least one selected from a group consisting of a
power sensor, an occupancy sensor, a temperature sensor, and a
usage sensor.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 62/491,906, filed on Apr. 28, 2017, the
entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
[0002] Embodiments relate to a system and method of storing
electrical and thermal energy.
SUMMARY
[0003] As energy costs rise, electrical energy storage solutions
are being sought. Electrical energy storage solutions may include
one or more rechargeable batteries that are configured to store
energy during off-peak hours (for example, when energy prices are
at the lowest during the day). Such electrical energy storage
solutions may be expensive, as well as inefficient (for example,
some may have an efficiency of approximately 80%).
[0004] Thus, one embodiment provides an energy storage system
including a thermal energy storage apparatus configured to store
thermal energy, an electrical energy storage apparatus configured
to electrical energy, and a controller including a memory and an
electronic processor. The controller is configured to monitor one
or more characteristics of at least one selected from the group
consisting of the thermal energy storage apparatus and the
electrical energy storage apparatus. The controller is further
configured to control, based on the one or more characteristics,
the electrical energy storage apparatus to provide electrical
energy to the thermal energy storage apparatus.
[0005] Another embodiment provides a method of supplying energy to
a thermal energy storage apparatus, configured to store thermal
energy, and an electrical energy storage apparatus, configured to
electrical energy. The method includes monitoring one or more
characteristics of at least one selected from the group consisting
of the thermal energy storage apparatus and the electrical energy
storage apparatus. The method further includes controlling, via a
controller, the electrical energy storage apparatus to provide
electrical energy to the thermal energy storage apparatus, wherein
the electrical energy storage apparatus is controlled based on the
one or more characteristics.
[0006] Embodiments described herein may have benefits including
lower cost (most homes already own at least one thermal energy
storage apparatus (for example, a water heater)), as well as
improved efficiency (for example, efficiency of approximately
95%).
[0007] Other aspects of the application will become apparent by
consideration of the detailed description and accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an energy system according to
some embodiments
[0009] FIG. 2 is a partial cutaway view of a thermal energy storage
device of the energy system of FIG. 1 according to some
embodiments.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the thermal energy storage
device of FIG. 2 according to some embodiments.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an electrical energy storage
device of the energy system of FIG. 1 according to some
embodiments.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a main computer of the energy
system of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the
energy system of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments.
[0014] FIGS. 7A & 7B are graphs illustrating power usage in the
energy system of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the
energy system of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments.
[0016] FIGS. 9A & 9B are block diagrams illustrating an
electrical energy system according to some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Before any embodiments of the application are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the application is not limited
in its application to the details of construction and the
arrangement of components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the following drawings. The application is capable
of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out
in various ways.
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates an energy system 100 according to some
embodiments. The energy system 100 includes a thermal energy
storage apparatus 105, an electrical energy storage apparatus 110,
and a main computer 115. In illustrated embodiment, the main
computer 115 is electrically and/or communicatively coupled to the
thermal energy storage apparatus 105 and the electrical energy
storage apparatus 110 via communication links 120, 125. In some
embodiments, communication links 120, 125 are wireless
communication links. In other embodiments, communication links 120,
125 are wired communication links.
[0019] In the illustrated embodiment, the thermal energy storage
apparatus is configured to receive electrical energy (i.e., power)
from the electrical energy storage apparatus 110 and/or the utility
130. The electrical energy storage apparatus 110 may receive power
from the utility 130. The electrical energy storage apparatus 110
may output power to the thermal energy storage apparatus 105 and/or
a user 135. Additionally, the user 135 may receive power from the
utility 130. In some embodiments, the electrical energy storage
apparatus 110 includes one or more batteries (for example,
rechargeable batteries having a lithium-ion or similar chemistry).
For example, the one or more batteries may be a first battery and a
second battery. In other embodiments, the electrical energy storage
apparatus 110 include one or more capacitors (for example, super
capacitors). For example, the one or more capacitors may be a first
capacitor and a second capacitor.
[0020] In some embodiments, the utility 130 is a grid, or a power
grid, for example but not limited to, an energy company power grid
or a home power grid including solar panels, windmills, or other
energy sources. In some embodiments, the user 135 may include the
actual user (receiving thermal energy) and/or a residential single
family power network used by the user 135, a residential
multi-family power network used by the user 135, a commercial power
network used by the user 135, and/or one or more device (for
example, electrical devices) used by the user 135. In some
embodiments, the user 135 may include one or more users and/or one
or more electrical user devices.
[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates the thermal energy storage apparatus 105
according to some embodiments. The thermal energy storage apparatus
105 is configured to store thermal energy. In some embodiments, the
thermal energy storage apparatus 105 is configured to convert
electrical energy into thermal energy. As illustrated, in some
embodiments, the thermal energy storage apparatus 105 may be a
water heater, such as but not limited to an electric water heater,
a heat pump water heater, and/or a hybrid water heater having an
electric heating element and a heat pump. In some embodiments, the
thermal energy storage apparatus 105 may include one or more water
heaters.
[0022] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the thermal energy
storage apparatus 105 may include an enclosed tank 200, a shell 205
surrounding the water tank 200, and foam insulation 210 filling an
annular space between the water tank 200 and the shell 205. The
tank is configured to hold a fluid, such as but not limited to
water. The tank 200 may be formed of ferrous metal and lined
internally with a glass-like porcelain enamel to protect the metal
from corrosion. In other embodiments, the water tank 200 may be
formed of other materials, such as plastic.
[0023] A water inlet line 215 and a water outlet line 220 may be in
fluid communication with the water tank 200 at a top portion of the
thermal energy storage apparatus 105. The inlet line 215 may have
an inlet opening 225 for adding cold water to the water tank 200,
and the outlet line 220 may have an outlet opening 230 for
withdrawing hot water from the water tank 200. The inlet line 215
and the outlet line 220 may be in fluid communication with a mixing
valve 235. The mixing valve 235 may combine water from both the
inlet line 215 and the outlet line 220 in order to output water at
a delivery temperature set point. In some embodiments, the mixing
valve 235 may include electrical and electronic components
configured to set the delivery temperature set point. For example,
but not limited to, a controller and a sensor (e.g., a water
temperature sensor).
[0024] The thermal energy storage apparatus 105 may also include
one or more heating elements, for example, an upper heating element
240 and a lower heating element 245 that may be attached to the
water tank 200 and may extend into the water tank 200 to manipulate
a temperature of the fluid. Each heating element 240,245 may be an
electric resistance heating element or another type of heating
element. In some embodiments, the upper heating element 240 may
heat an upper portion (e.g., the upper one-third) of the water in
the water tank 200 and the lower heating element 245 may heat a
lower portion (e.g., the lower two-thirds) of the water in the
water tank 200. Although in the illustrated embodiment, two heating
elements 240, 245 are shown, any number of heating elements may be
included in the thermal energy storage apparatus 105.
[0025] The thermal energy storage apparatus 105 may also include
one or more temperature sensors 250, 255. In some embodiments, the
thermal energy storage apparatus 105 may include more or less
temperature sensors. In the illustrated embodiment, temperature
sensor 250 is an upper temperature sensor and temperature sensor
255 is a lower temperature sensor. Additionally, in some
embodiments, temperature sensor 250 is positioned proximate the
upper heating element 240 and temperature sensor 255 is positioned
proximate lower heating element 245. The temperature sensors 250,
255 may be in contact with the water tank 200 walls, and may be,
for example, thermistor-type sensors. In the embodiment shown,
temperature sensors 250, 255 may be used to control the upper and
lower heating elements 240, 245.
[0026] The thermal energy storage apparatus 105 may also include
the thermal control system 300. The thermal control system 300 may
be attached to the thermal energy storage apparatus 105 (e.g.,
within, outside of, or on top of the shell 205), located remotely
from the thermal energy storage apparatus 105, or a combination
thereof. The thermal control system 300 may be one system or
numerous systems working together.
[0027] In other embodiments, the thermal energy storage apparatus
105 may be to or more water heaters. In yet other embodiments, the
thermal energy storage apparatus 105 may be any device configured
to store thermal energy, such as but not limited to, a furnace, an
air-conditioning unit, a refrigerator, an oven, and/or a
combination of thermal energy storage devices.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the thermal control system 300
according to some embodiments. The thermal control system 300
includes a controller 305, a relay 310, and a communications module
315. The controller 305 includes an electronic processor 320 and
memory 325. The memory 325 stores instructions executable by the
processor 320. In some instances, the controller 305 includes one
or more of a microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), field
programmable gate array (FPGA), application specific integrated
circuit (ASIC), or the like. The controller 305 is electrically
and/or communicatively coupled to relay 310, the communications
module 315, and the sensors 250, 255.
[0029] The relay 310 selectively provides power (i.e., electrical
energy) to heating elements 240, 245. The relay 310 may include,
among other things, electrical contacts. Upon receiving a signal
from controller 305, the relay 310 places the contacts together so
that power may flow to the heating elements 240, 245. As discussed
above, the power provided to the heating elements 240, 245, via the
relay 310, may come from the electrical energy storage apparatus
110 and/or the utility 130.
[0030] The communications module 315 provides communication between
the thermal energy storage apparatus 105 and other devices (for
example, the electrical energy storage apparatus 110 and the main
computer 115). In some embodiments, the communication is provided
through a network. In such an embodiment, the network is, for
example, a wide area network (WAN) (e.g., the Internet, a TCP/IP
based network, a cellular network, such as, for example, a Global
System for Mobile Communications [GSM] network, a General Packet
Radio Service [GPRS] network, a Code Division Multiple Access
[CDMA] network, an Evolution-Data Optimized [EV-DO] network, an
Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution [EDGE] network, a 3GSM
network, a 4GSM network, a Digital Enhanced Cordless
Telecommunications [DECT] network, a Digital AMPS [IS-136/TDMA]
network, or an Integrated Digital Enhanced Network [iDEN] network,
etc.). In other embodiments, the network is, for example, a local
area network (LAN), a neighborhood area network (NAN), a home area
network (HAN), or personal area network (PAN) employing any of a
variety of communications protocols, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth,
ZigBee, etc. In yet another embodiment, the network includes one or
more of a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), a
neighborhood area network (NAN), a home area network (HAN), or
personal area network (PAN).
[0031] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the electrical energy storage
apparatus 110 according to some embodiments. The electrical energy
apparatus 110 is configured to receive, store, and/or output
electrical energy. In some embodiments, the electrical energy
apparatus 110 may be configured to receive, store, and/or output
electrical energy when electrical usage behind a user's electric
meter is less than an amount of energy to be shed. As illustrated
the electrical energy storage apparatus 110 includes a controller
400, an electrical input 405, an inverter, or converter, 410, an
energy storage device 415, a communications module 420, and one or
more electrical outputs 425. The controller 400 may include an
electronic processor 430 and memory 435. The memory 435 stores
instructions executable by the electronic processor 430. In some
instances, the controller 400 includes one or more of a
microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), field programmable
gate array (FPGA), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC),
or the like. The controller 400 is electrically and/or
communicatively coupled to the inverter 410, the energy storage
device 415, and the communications module 420.
[0032] The electrical input 405 receives, and provides, power from
the utility 130 to the inverter 410. The inverter 410 is configured
to convert, or invert, power from the utility 130 to a converted
power. In some embodiments, the inverter 410 converts
alternating-current voltage to direct-current voltage. The
converted power is then supplied to the energy storage device 415.
The energy storage device 415 is configured to store electrical
energy. In some embodiments, the energy storage device 415 includes
one or more batteries, such as but not limited to one or more
rechargeable batteries. In some embodiments, the one or more
batteries may have a lithium-ion chemistry, while in other
embodiments, the batteries may have a chemistry other than
lithium-ion such as, for example, nickel-cadmium, nickel
metal-hydride, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the batteries
may be non-rechargeable batteries. In yet another embodiment, the
energy storage device 415 may include one or more capacitors.
[0033] Power from the energy storage device 415 may selectively be
output (via electrical output 425a, 425b) to the thermal energy
storage apparatus 105 and/or the user 135. In some embodiments,
power output from the energy storage device 415 may be supplied to
the thermal energy storage apparatus 105 before a user's electric
meter. In other embodiments, power output from the energy storage
device 415 may be supplied to the thermal energy storage apparatus
105 after a user's electric meter.
[0034] The communications module 420 provides communication between
the electrical energy storage apparatus 110 and other devices (for
example, the thermal energy storage apparatus 105 and the main
computer 115). In some embodiments, the communication is provided
through the network.
[0035] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the main computer 115
according to some embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the
main computer 115 includes a controller 500 electrically and/or
communicatively coupled to a communications module 505 and one or
more sensors 510. Similar to controllers 305, 400, the controller
500 may include an electronic processor 515 and memory 520. The
memory 520 stores instructions executable by the electronic
processor 515. In some instances, the controller 500 includes one
or more of a microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), field
programmable gate array (FPGA), application specific integrated
circuit (ASIC), or the like. In some embodiments, the main computer
115 is implemented, at least partially, into controller 305 and/or
controller 400.
[0036] The communications module 505 is configured to provide
communication between the main computer 115 and the thermal energy
storage apparatus 105 and/or the electrical energy apparatus 110.
In some embodiments, the communications module 505 is further
configured to provide communication between the main computer 115
and an external computer (for example, an external grid computer, a
power aggregator, a user device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet, a
personal computer), etc.). In some embodiments, the communications
module 505 provides communication through the network.
[0037] The one or more sensors 510 are configured to one or more
characteristics of the thermal energy storage apparatus 105, the
electrical energy apparatus 110, the utility 130, and/or the user
135. The one or more sensors 510 may be located within, or
proximate, the thermal energy storage apparatus 105, the electrical
energy apparatus 110, the main computer 115, and/or a location of
the user 135. The one or more sensors 510 may include, but is not
limited to, a power sensor (for example a current sensor, a voltage
sensor, an electrical usage sensor, etc.), an occupancy sensor (for
example, a video camera, a laser sensor, a door sensor, etc.), a
temperature sensor (for example, sensors 250, 255, etc.), and a
usage sensor (for example, a flow sensor, one or more temperature
sensors, etc.).
[0038] The one or more characteristics may include a temperature of
the fluid within the thermal energy storage apparatus 105, a
voltage of the electrical energy storage apparatus 110, a charge
capacity of the electrical energy storage apparatus 110, an
occupancy of one or more users 135, a current received by the
electrical energy storage apparatus 110, a current received by one
or more electrical devices used by a user 135, a current received
from the utility 130, and a current received by the thermal energy
storage apparatus 105.
[0039] In operation, the main computer 115 analyzes the one or more
characteristics and manages electricity usage of the thermal energy
storage apparatus 105 and the electrical energy apparatus 110. For
example, the main computer 115 may determine usage patterns of one
or more users 135 and control the thermal energy storage apparatus
105 and/or the electrical energy storage apparatus 110
accordingly.
[0040] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation 600 of
energy system 100 according to some embodiments. Operation 600 may
be performed by controller 305, controller 400, and/or controller
500. It should be understood that the order of the steps disclosed
in method 600 could vary. Additional steps may also be added to the
control sequence and not all of the steps may be required. As
illustrated in FIG. 6, the method 600 includes analyzing one or
more characteristics (block 605). The method 600 further includes
controlling the thermal energy storage apparatus 105 and/or the
electrical energy storage apparatus 110 based on the analysis of
the one or more characteristics (block 610).
[0041] FIGS. 7A & 7B are graphs illustrating power usage
according to some embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 7A, during
normal power usage there is a large amount of heater usage (for
example, usage of a thermal energy storage apparatus 105) during
the hours of approximately six to approximately ten and then again
during the hours of approximately eighteen and approximately
twenty-one. This may result in a large amount of power required
from the utility 130 during those time periods.
[0042] FIG. 7B illustrates shifted power usage, which may result
from the control of the thermal energy storage apparatus 105 and/or
the electrical energy storage apparatus 110 based on the analysis
of the one or more characteristics (block 610 of FIG. 6). As
illustrated in FIG. 7B, during shifted power usage the amount of
power required from the utility 130 is spread over the course of a
day.
[0043] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation 800 of
energy system 100 according to some embodiments. Operation 800 may
be performed by controller 305, controller 400, and/or controller
500. It should be understood that the order of the steps disclosed
in method 600 could vary. Additional steps may also be added to the
control sequence and not all of the steps may be required. As
illustrated in FIG. 6, the method 800 includes analyzing one or
more characteristics (block 805).
[0044] The method 800 further includes determining if energy needs
to be transferred (block 810). In some embodiments, such a
determination is made by receiving a command (for example, a shed
command, an increase power demand command, a decrease power
command, an enable command, a disable command, etc.). The command
may be received from the external computer (for example, an
external grid computer, a power aggregator, a user device (e.g., a
smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer), etc.). In other
embodiments, such a determination is made by analyzing the one or
more characteristics (for example, by analyzing usage patterns of
the one or more users 135).
[0045] When energy does not need to be transferred, the method 800
cycles back to block 805. When energy does need to be transferred,
method 800 proceeds to determine if the thermal energy storage
apparatus 105 is currently receiving power from the utility 130
(block 815). When the thermal energy storage apparatus 105 is not
receiving power from the utility, method 800 cycles back to block
805. When the thermal energy storage apparatus 105 is receiving
power from the utility, method 800 proceeds to determine if thermal
energy demand is high (block 820).
[0046] When thermal energy demand is high, the electrical energy
storage apparatus 110 provides power to the thermal energy storage
apparatus 105 (block 825). By receiving power from the electrical
energy storage apparatus 110, the load on the utility 130 is
reduced, while the thermal energy storage apparatus 105 may
continue to operate. Method 800 may then cycle back to block 805.
When thermal energy demand is not high, power may be provided to
one or more other devices (block 830). Method 800 may then cycle
back to block 805.
[0047] As discussed above, the energy system 100 may be implemented
in a multi-family residential building (for example, a condominium
or apartment building). In such an embodiment, each unit of the
building may include an individual thermal energy storage apparatus
105. In such an embodiment, the multi-family residential building
may include one or more electrical energy storage apparatuses 110
configured to provide power to the thermal energy storage
apparatuses 105. In other embodiments, each unit of the building
may include an individual electrical energy storage apparatus
110.
[0048] FIGS. 9A and 9B are block diagrams illustrating a system 900
for use in a building having two or more units. As illustrated in
FIG. 9A, during normal power is supplied from the utility 130 to
the thermal energy storage apparatuses 105a, 105b, as well as to
the electrical energy storage apparatus 110 (as needed to charge
the energy storage device 415, as well as provide power as needed
to user 135). As illustrated in FIG. 9B, once it is determined that
a load should to be shed (for example, main computer 115 receives a
shed command), power is supplied from the electrical energy storage
apparatus 110 to the thermal energy storage apparatuses 105a, 105b.
In some embodiments, the power supplied from the electrical energy
storage apparatus 110 supplement power supplied from the utility
130 to the thermal energy storage apparatuses 105a, 105b.
Furthermore, in some embodiments, when a load should be shed, the
electrical energy storage apparatus 110 may only supply power to
one of the thermal energy storage apparatuses (for example, 105a),
while the other thermal energy storage apparatus (for example,
105b) is not supplied power.
[0049] In some embodiments, the system 900 will use the one or more
sensors 510 to determine a real-time occupancy and/or a usage of a
first user 135a using the first the thermal energy storage
apparatus 105a and a second user 135b using the second the thermal
energy storage apparatus 105b. The main computer 115 will then
control the thermal energy storage apparatuses 105a, 105b and the
electrical energy storage apparatus 110 based on the occupancy
and/or usage. For example, the first user 135a may not currently be
using the first thermal energy storage apparatus 105a. Therefore,
the first thermal energy storage apparatus 105a may be unable to
receive and store thermal energy (for example, the first thermal
energy storage apparatus 105a may contain a fluid that is already
at a maximum temperature). The main computer 115 may determine that
the first thermal energy storage apparatus 105a is unable to
receive and store thermal energy, and thus control the second
thermal energy storage apparatus 105b to receive and store thermal
energy, after determining that the second thermal energy storage
apparatus 105b is capable (based on the determined real-time
occupancy and/or usage of the second user).
[0050] Thus, the application provides, among other things, a method
and system for controlling a thermal energy storage apparatus in
conjunction with an electrical energy storage apparatus. Various
features and advantages of the application are set forth in the
following claims.
* * * * *