Abstract: A plurality of photovoltaic (PV) power sources is accessed. The PV power sources are configured using one or more series connections. Each PV power source of the PV power sources includes voltage sensing and current sensing. Bypassing each PV power source is enabled. The bypassing occurs at each PV power source and is performed by a distributed controller-switch at each PV power source. A battery management system is coupled to the PV power sources. The battery management system provides a configurable variable load voltage to the PV power sources. The voltage and the current that are sensed are monitored at each PV power source of the PV power sources. The bypassing of each PV power source and the variable load voltage of the battery management system are configured. The configuring enables PV power source power point tracking.

Abstract: A plurality of battery units is accessed. The battery units contain one or more battery cells. The plurality of battery units is configured by a master controller, using programmable switches. The master controller monitors battery cell health based on sensors within each of the battery units. The master controller determines a battery cell, within the plurality of battery units, requiring rejuvenation. The programmable switches are reconfigured to supply a rejuvenation current through the battery cell. The master controller configures the programmable switches to shape the rejuvenation current into a pulse train. The rejuvenating of the battery cell is accomplished in situ, based on a voltage, an amperage, a frequency, a duty cycle, and a duration of the rejuvenation current. The rejuvenating can be customized for each battery cell and adjusted based on additional monitoring.

Abstract: A processor-implemented method for battery management is disclosed. A plurality of battery units can be accessed. Each battery unit can contain one or more battery cells and can be configured using programmable switches. The battery units can be monitored by battery sensors and scanned to collect battery unit information. The battery unit information can be stored in local caches located on each unit. The battery unit information can be reported from the local caches to a master controller, which stores the information in a system cache. The reporting can be triggered by a change in the battery unit information. The battery information can be analyzed and used to determine a battery unit metric stored in a register map. Additional battery unit information can be analyzed and compared to the battery unit metric. Based on changes in the battery unit information, the master controller can modify the battery unit configuration.

Abstract: Techniques for managing direct current (DC) power sources are disclosed. A plurality of DC power sources is accessed. The DC power sources are configured using a series connection. The series connection is bypassed using a distributed controller-switch. Each distributed controller-switch is monitored using a system controller. The distributed controller-switch includes a bypass switch, a series switch, one or more sensors, and a communications module coupled to the system controller. The bypass switch and the series switch comprise a mutually exclusive switching connection. The mutually exclusive switching connection enables dead-zone control. An optimal DC power source configuration is computed, based on the monitoring. The DC power sources are reconfigured, based on the computing. The reconfiguring enables a level voltage and/or a level current at output terminals of the series connection. The reconfiguring enables hot swapping of one or more of the DC power sources.

Abstract: Techniques for a battery management system with controlled replacement are disclosed. A plurality of battery units is configured. Each battery unit is connected in series to a power bus through a switch in each anode power connection and each cathode power connection of each battery unit. The switch in the anode power connection of each battery unit and the switch in the cathode power connection of each battery unit comprise a battery unit switch pair. Each battery unit switch pair is electronically controlled by a master controller. A power shunt switch is connected across each battery unit switch pair. Each power shunt switch is electronically controlled by the master controller and enables the power bus to bypass a selected battery unit. A signal communication path is provided between the master controller and each battery unit. An in situ battery unit reconfiguration is effected, using the master controller.

Abstract: Techniques for battery assessment based on battery performance tracking across battery cells are disclosed. A battery system comprising a plurality of battery cells is accessed. The plurality of battery cells comprises a plurality of battery columns made up of battery cells arranged in series. The plurality of battery columns is connected in parallel. Information is obtained on a battery cell within the plurality of battery cells. The information on the battery cell is tracked by a column controller for a battery column from the plurality of battery columns. The battery cell resides within the battery column. The information on the battery cell is stored for future reference. The stored information on the battery cell is analyzed. A capability metric for the battery cell is predicted based on the analyzing of the information on the battery cell. The battery cell information is obtained using near field communication.

Abstract: Techniques for a software-defined energy storage system interface are disclosed. A battery system, comprised of columns of battery cells connected in series by software-controlled switches wherein columns are connected in parallel by additional software-controlled switches, is accessed. Information about the battery system is obtained. The information is provided through a software Application Programming Interface (API) which provides an Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) capability. The API can also receive queries and power requests for the battery system. A battery system configuration is defined to provide an energy profile based on a power request. The battery system is reconfigured based on the configuration that was defined. The battery system is subsequently reconfigured dynamically based on the power request as the battery cells within the system discharge or change status. Configurations can be predefined and can include different voltage arrangements for charging than for discharging.