Enphase Energy has been granted a patent for a storage system that works with an energy management system. The system includes a single-phase or three-phase AC coupled battery, microinverters that connect to battery cells forming a local grid, and a controller that determines when to charge or discharge the battery based on energy availability. The system also features a server-based system with tools for sizing the storage system and optimizing self-consumption or time-of-use, as well as troubleshooting capabilities. The microinverters are field swappable for use with either type of battery. GlobalData’s report on Enphase Energy gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
Smarter leaders trust GlobalData
According to GlobalData’s company profile on Enphase Energy, Smart energy mgmt systems was a key innovation area identified from patents. Enphase Energy's grant share as of September 2023 was 47%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Ac coupled battery storage system for energy management
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11735924B2) describes a storage system designed for use with an energy management system. The system includes a single-phase or three-phase AC coupled battery, a plurality of microinverters, a server-based system, and a controller. The microinverters are field swappable, meaning they can be used with both the single-phase and three-phase batteries.
The storage system is capable of detecting when to charge or discharge the battery based on the availability of energy. It can store energy when it is abundant and use it when it is scarce. The server-based system provides an estimator tool for sizing the storage system and photovoltaic system, as well as configurable battery profiles to optimize self-consumption or time-of-use. It also offers troubleshooting capabilities to identify and fix issues with the energy management system.
The patent also specifies that the single-phase and three-phase batteries are lithium-ion batteries, specifically lithium ferrous phosphate batteries. The single-phase battery has a capacity of 3.36 kWh and a rated continuous output power of 1.28 kVA. The three-phase battery consists of three single-phase batteries, with a capacity of 10.08 kWh and a rated continuous output power of 3.84 kVA.
The system includes a raceway that connects adjacent single-phase batteries, and the raceway features a body, an arm, a snap feature, and a pair of O-rings. Both the single-phase and three-phase batteries have an integrated DC disconnect switch. The batteries can be enclosed in coverings and mounted using specific mounts.
The microinverters in the system are capable of communicating with each other and the controller via power line communication. The controller, along with the batteries, supports wireless communications to communicate with a gateway of the energy management system. The controller receives frequency and voltage values from the gateway to control the microinverters and determine the charge and discharge power of the batteries.
The server-based system also provides a cloud interface that offers real-time power flow information and local grid connectivity status.
In addition to the storage system, the patent also describes an energy management system that includes a smart switch, a storage system, a server-based system, a controller, and a combiner connected to photovoltaics. The smart switch supports whole home backup, partial home backup, and subpanel backup.
Overall, this patent describes a storage system and an energy management system that optimize the use of energy and provide troubleshooting capabilities. The system includes field swappable microinverters and lithium-ion batteries with specific capacities and power outputs.
To know more about GlobalData’s detailed insights on Enphase Energy, buy the report here.
Data Insights
From
The gold standard of business intelligence.
Blending expert knowledge with cutting-edge technology, GlobalData’s unrivalled proprietary data will enable you to decode what’s happening in your market. You can make better informed decisions and gain a future-proof advantage over your competitors.
GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.
GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
