Team 11773 Page 1 of 24

Team Control Number

11773
Problem Chosen

A
2021 HiMCM/MidMCM Summary Sheet

People who living in some remote areas have severe electricity scarcity. In order to solve the
problem, most people use solar energy storage system which can convert solar energy to
electricity and store it during daytime, then use stored electricity during night. Our main
purpose is to design an optimal combination of batteries storage system that can satisfy the
demand of electricity of a household. From mathematics aspect, we will set an objective
function and give a number of restrictions which exactly is the requirement of the system. Our
final goal is to find the decision variables which combine together to become the optimal
batteries storage system.
Nevertheless, there are few factors influence both demand and supply. Different family number,
the number of appliances and the personal preference can cause the difference in demand of
electricity. Also, for the supply, the weather condition and the ability or the number of solar
panels can directly impact the supply of electricity. Since we have many factors to consider,
we decide to set two preconditions first to test whether the region fit the requirement of
applying the energy storage system. Then, we make a general linear programing which set
minimum price annually as the objective function and the volume, continuous power rating
and usable capacity. The result shows the minimum price is 52,472 when the system satisfies
the demand.
Furthermore, we used entropy weight method to calculate the ratio of volume, continuous
power rating and usable capacity. The result shows usable capacity has a highest score; thus,
we established a model for maximize usable capacity based on the minimum cost. Then we put
in a more specific data into the model get the final answer.
Also, a new type of battery called cement-based battery attract attentions. The advantage of the
cement-based battery is obvious. Houseowner does not have to concerned about the volume of
batteries because the cement of a house is the battery. Due to the advantage, cement-based
battery can absorb and store more energy than usual battery. However, even it has a huge
prosperity, it’s still in the theoretical stage. In order to reach the commercial stage which can
basically satisfy the demand of electricity, it needs to increase each index as continuous power
rating, usable capacity and energy density. Lastly, we write a news report which illustrated our
algorithms from non-technical way and the wish of corresponding our storage system with
cement-based technology.
Keywords: Linear programing (LP), Entropy Weight Method (EWP), Flow chart, Category
discussion, Personal preference, Result comparison, Cement-based battery.
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Table of Contents
1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................... 4
1.1 Background....................................................................................................................................................... 4
1.2 Question restatement ...................................................................................................................................... 4
2 Developing the Data ....................................................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Data of typical batteries in market............................................................................................................... 5
2.2 Information of common appliances............................................................................................................. 6
3 Assumptions and indexes ............................................................................................................................. 6
3.1 Assumption and justification ........................................................................................................................ 6
3.2 Indexes ............................................................................................................................................................... 7
4 Model analysis .................................................................................................................................................. 8
4.1 Flow chart ......................................................................................................................................................... 8
4.2 Preconditions .................................................................................................................................................... 9
4.2.1 First test (check whether the region is suitable for the battery storage system) .............. 9
4.2.2 Second test (the storage system should satisfy the following situation) ............................ 9
4.3 Evaluation Based on Linear Programming (LP) ....................................................................................10
4.3.1 Objective equation..............................................................................................................................10
4.3.2 Restrictions ............................................................................................................................................10
4.4 Linear programming for personal preference based on minimum cost.............................................11
4.4.1 Volume model ......................................................................................................................................11
4.4.2 Continuous power rating model ....................................................................................................12
4.4.3 Usable capacity model.......................................................................................................................12
4.5 Algorithms and Results ................................................................................................................................13
5 Evaluation Model based on Entropy Weight Method .......................................................................13
5.1 Choosing index ..............................................................................................................................................13
5.2 Processing data ..............................................................................................................................................14
5.3 Ups and downs index ...................................................................................................................................14
5.4 Results of evaluation model ........................................................................................................................15
6 Results analysis ...............................................................................................................................................15
6.1 Result of Entropy weight method ..............................................................................................................15
6.2 Result of linear programming equations ..................................................................................................16
6.3 Compare with other battery storage systems ..........................................................................................16
6.3.1 Compare with the total volume of each battery .......................................................................17
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6.3.2 compare with the total usable capacity of each battery ........................................................17
6.3.3 compare with the total continuous power rating of each battery ......................................18
7 Cement-based battery .................................................................................................................................20
8 Evaluation of the model...............................................................................................................................21
8.1 Strength............................................................................................................................................................21
8.2 Weakness ........................................................................................................................................................21
9 News report .....................................................................................................................................................22
10 Reference ......................................................................................................................................................23
11 Appendix.......................................................................................................................................................23
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1 Introduction

1.1 Background

The development of technology facilitates people’s life, but, at the same time, it creates
negative impact to the environment. Nowadays, thermal power is the main source of family
supply, which proportion is 73.7% of national power generation at China and was 67% of the
total electricity capacity of America.[1] The principal behind thermal power is to burn fossil
fuels as natural gas to generate electrical power. However, during the process, it needs to
produce an amount of carbon emission into the atmosphere, thus pollute people’s living
condition. In order to solve the problem, people start to consider how to use renewable energy
such as solar energy to generate power and reduce the atmospheric emission. Delightfully, in
the previous years, those new generation strategies all have made a great progress. For example,
solar energy proves a lot of areas where aren’t easy to obtain the accessible. Nevertheless, using
solar energy as a primary source to supply a family is low-efficiency and high cost.
To solve the problem, we are going to calculate a series of algorithms and design a suitable
energy store system by using different types of battery in order to satisfy the electricity demand
of a family and minimize the total cost. After that, we will compare our energy system with
available systems of the world, thus to gain our advantages and disadvantages.
First, we need to find and adjust the data of necessary indexes from the Internet for analyzing.
Second, we apply linear programming to find the minimum cost of the batteries and use entropy
method to find the most practical solar panels, for the storage can supply enough power to an
off-grid house. After that, we will design a solar power system for energy consumption use for
remote area, and to fit some personal preferences and seasonal conditions.

1.2 Question restatement

Behind those question, we basically consider about the most beneficial battery, the flexibility
of the system that can adapt different circumstances, and relationship between residents and
energy consumption. The first question that we state is essentially to find the most beneficial
battery which is costless but efficient because batteries are typical way to store energy, and a
better battery often can provide long-lasting output and consistent stability. Therefore, in our
off-grid house, we consider about several index in batteries’ quality: cost, dimension,
continuous power rating, instantaneous power rating, round-trip efficiency, and usable capacity.
Second to fifth question is taking about the relationship between residential factors in energy
consumption and storing, so in modeling process we need some coefficient for different
condition that would happen for various factors. Technically, for question 6 and 7, the
controller also needs to be considered in the model because there are several factors that will
interfere with our system, such as unfavorable weathers, different sunlight time in different
season, or intensive output that sometimes happened. This is significant because for one, it
improves the experience with using the system, and for another, it saves energy that would be
wasted by exceeding the storage capacity.
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2 Developing the Data

Before we establish data, we should clearly know the information of each battery from
different aspects, thus we can compare their advantages and disadvantages to get the optimal
battery storage combination. Moreover, we have to know the information of common
appliances in most families; therefore, we can ensure that our battery system can satisfy the
demand of electricity.

2.1 Data of typical batteries in market

We have to design a battery storage system; thus, basic information of current popular battery
is necessary. We mainly choose 5 battery types, and specifies 1-2 products of each type of
batteries which are the most popular and widely use commercial batteries of the world. Also,
the indexes that the model needed are cost, dimension, continuous power rating, round-trip
efficiency, usable capacity and duration which are the representative aspects to describe a
battery.
Table 2.1.a : Batteries and Data[6,7,8,9,10]

Continuous Round-
Battery Cost Dimension Usable
Type Power trip Duration
name (USD) (inch³) capacity
Rating efficiency

1.18
1 SGLA $368 793.2475 0.049 kW 80%-85% 3-5 years
kWh
>10
2 FLA $492 1,420.848 0.19kW(10h) 80-85% 2.5 kWh
years
3 LFP $6478 3,616.935 6.65 kW >95% 7.4 kWh 10 years
4 LFP $13,000 12375 7.6 kW 96.60% 10 kWh 10 years
13.5 >10
5 NMC $85,000 11,750.508 7 kW 90%
kWh years
6 LFP $18,000 13,832 3.84 kW 96% 10 kWh 10 years
>10
7 NMC $5000 7,710.06 5 kW 90% 13.5kWh
years
Flow 5-10
8 $162500 456,372.4 25kW 70% 125kWh
battery years
Flow
9 $286000 350,187.5 28kW(8h) > 78% 220 kWh 25 ears
Battery
Resource: https://www.amerescosolar.com/wp-content/uploads/8GGC2_DEKA.pdf
Because the battery storage system is for a family, we have to consider from customers’
perspective. Almost all the customers concerned about whether the system has a good ratio of
cost and efficiency, or whether my house has enough space for the system? or can the system
satisfy my personal preference of using electricity? Moreover, we have to consider to maximize
the usable capacity which highly related to the solar panels. The reason of why we didn’t
consider instantaneous power rating is that none of common appliances write about the power
rating they need for a moment, thus we think this index is not useful for our system which is
highly related to family appliances.
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2.2 Information of common appliances

Each family has a different quantity of appliances, thus, in order to create a general model,
we search for appliances that suitable for average family of America. Our model is high
related to the total continuous power rating of a family. Because the purpose of the model is
to satisfy the electricity demand.
Table 2.2.a : Appliances and Data
Appliance Number of Continuous power
appliances rating
Air Conditioner 2 2.9 kw
Dehumidifier 1 1 kw
Fan 1 0.1 kw
Heat Pump 1 5 kw
Heater 2 2 kw
Humidifier 1 0.2 kw
Water Heater 2 2.5 kw
Hair Dryer 1 1 kw
Blender 1 0.4 kw
Coffee Maker 1 0.9 kw
Dishwasher 1 1.2 kw
Microwave Oven 1 1.45 kw
Range 1 12 kw
Freezer 1 0.3 kw
Refrigerator 1 0.4 kw
Clothes Dryer 1 4.9 kw
Washer 1 0.5 kw
TV 1 0.3 kw
Computer 1 0.5 kw
Hot Tub 1 5 kw
Watt Bulb 10 0.06 kw
Equivalent compact 5 0.05w
fluorescent

From the table we can easily determine the total continuous power rating which is a restriction
condition for our model. Also, we can justify the needed usable capacity of our battery system
which should be greater than the total continuous power rating multiply the using time.

3 Assumptions and indexes

3.1 Assumption and justification

Assumption 1: The house will go off-the-grid and use the solar energy storage system,
which means our available electricity would only be gotten from the storage system. Thus,
the other available electric sources will not exist in the condition.
Justification: With considering no other electric sources, we can compare the advantages
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and disadvantage in our system more easily and accurately. Plus, since the house is in a
remote area, it will be much more expensive to connect the grid rather than invest the
energy storage.
Assumption 2: Solar power will only be transferred to electricity and store in the battery,
but not thermal or mechanical energy.
Justification: We are focusing on finding the best battery storage system, so other types of
energy will not be considered in our model. Additionally, we can not predict how much
solar power would be transferred to electricity if we consider the other energy, so it will
give a negative impact to our result.
Assumption 3: There is no difficulty when connecting batteries in the system.
Justification: The possibility that the connecting between batteries break is approximately
one in 10 million, which is very small. Meanwhile, considering this factor has no help for
our calculation and result. Therefore, we shouldn’t include this factor in the model.
Assumption 4: We will only consider 3 batteries: lead acid battery, lithium-ion battery and
lithium iron phosphate battery.
Justification: These three batteries are very popular in battery market, control over 95
percent of the battery storage market. So, we decide to just consider these three batteries.
Assumption 6: The connection between batteries is series connection
Justification: The parallel connection will take the minimum voltage of the appliances,
which will negatively affect the output of batteries, and it will decrease the lifespan of
batteries. Additionally, almost all the people use series connection for batteries in home, so
we choose to use the series connection for the batteries.

3.2 Indexes

Table 3.2.a : Indexes needed

Index Meaning of indexes

The period of time we consider for calculating the price of
T
storage system
t Any time in the range from 0 to T
L The usable capacity, or total capacity, of batteries
f(t) Output power of solar panel at t time
g(t) Output power of batteries at t time
h(t) Energy consumption of the house at t time
R(t) Remaining energy of batteries (0≤R(t)≤L)
m The types number of batteries

V Indicated volume for the batteries to place

p Cost of batteries per year
CPBi Continuous power rate of ith battery, i = 1, 2, 3… m
IPBi Instantaneous power rate of ith battery, i = 1, 2, 3… m
αi Degradation cost of ith battery in each year, i = 1, 2, 3… m
βi Price of ith battery, i = 1, 2, 3… m
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qi Number of ith batteries, i = 1, 2, 3… m

n The number types of appliances
CPAj jth appliances’ continuous power rate¸j = 1, 2, 3… n
IPAj jth appliances’ instantaneous power rate, j = 1, 2, 3… n
aj Number of jth appliance
Other necessary costs beside solar system such as placing and
C
maintaining.

4 Model analysis

4.1 Flow chart

Firstly, we demonstrate our thinking process that how will this model going to work, what is
precondition, and what is the steps to get the outcomes.

Figure 4.1.a : Flowchart of Model Process

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4.2 Preconditions

Table 4.2.a : Local Indexes Needed

Index Meaning of indexes
W watts of solar panel
E electricity needed per year
time (unit: day) of ith weather in a year at a particular place, i = 1(clear
𝒕𝐢
weather), 2(rain, cloud weather), 3(snow weather)
sun intensity influence percentage on ith weather at a particular place,
𝒊𝒏𝒕𝐢
the range is 0.71 ≤ 𝑖𝑛𝑡i ≤ 0.82 [2]
CR convert rate from solar energy to electricity of panels
RTE round-trip efficiency of the batteries
𝒉𝒊 sun hours per day at a particular place

4.2.1 First test (check whether the region is suitable for the battery storage system)

With Formula (1), householder can find their local condition about sun hours per day, sun
intensity, weather, and put the influence rate in the formula to calculate whether the region is
suitable for the system.
W
[(∑31 𝑡i × 𝑖𝑛𝑡i × ℎ𝑖 ) × 1000] × CR × RTEi ≥ E (1)

In the first part, we combined the factors which will influence the efficiency of solar panels.
Then we multiply (W/1000)[3] in order to get the electricity gained by solar panels per year.
Then we multiply the covert rate and round-trip efficiency of battery to get the final amount of
electricity that apply to appliances. If the final amount of electricity greater or equal to the total
usage of electricity by all appliances, the system would be useful at the place; otherwise, the
system is useless at the place.

4.2.2 Second test (the storage system should satisfy the following situation)

𝑓(𝑡) + 𝑔(𝑡) ≥ ℎ(𝑡) (2)

Formula (2) is a precondition for our model, which means at any time 𝒕 our total solar panels’
continuous power rating plus the total batteries’ continuous power rating must equal to the
demand of all appliances’ continuous power rating. Otherwise, this system is useless.
4.2.2.1 Morning
𝑓(𝑡) > 0 , 𝑅(𝑡) < 𝐿 (3)
Firstly, the solar panels expose to the sun, which means solar panels have an energy supply for
charging, thus the continuous power rating of solar panels should be positive. Moreover, after
a night of using electricity, the battery system should be lower its total useable capacity.
4.2.2.2 Noon
𝑓(𝑡) = 𝑚𝑎𝑥 , 𝑅(𝑡) = 𝐿 (4)
According to research, the intensity of solar energy is greatest; therefore, solar panels have a
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highest continuous power rating. Meanwhile, the available electricity of the batter system needs
equal to its total usable capacity because solar panels supply it.
4.2.2.3 Evening
𝑓(𝑡) = 0
ℎ(𝑡) = 𝑚𝑎𝑥
(5)
𝑔(𝑡) ≥ ℎ(𝑡)
{0 ≤ 𝑅(𝑡) ≤ 𝐿
Firstly, the sun will not appear at nigh which means solar panels cannot transfer energy to
electricity, thus continuous power rating is 0. Also, according to research, people use maximum
electricity during night; as a result, the total continuous power rating of all appliances is
maximum. Third, in order to ensure all household appliances can be used normally, the
continuous power rating of battery system should be greater than the total demand. Moreover,
the available electricity of battery system will decrease while using appliances; however, the
remaining electricity cannot be 0 at the end of the night, because battery system will stop
working when the remining electricity at the lowest limit.
4.2.2.4 Weekend

𝑓(𝑡) + 𝑔(𝑡) ≥ ℎ(𝑡) (6)

During the weekend, there are only slight difference between morning, noon, and night
of h(t)[4]. Therefore, the solar panels and battery system should provide enough electricity for
the total continuous power rating whole day. The relationship should follow the above
expression which continuous power rating of solar panels and battery system should be equal
or greater than continuous power rating of all appliances.

4.3 Evaluation Based on Linear Programming (LP)

4.3.1 Objective equation

If the house satisfied the precondition, we can now find the optimal quantity in all components
in the system. Although we have not gotten the quantity of solar panels, however, we could
find the quantity of batteries. That is because the according to the optimal capacity of
combination of batteries, we can find the suitable solar panels to produce enough energy for
the system. We have defined indexes of batteries and usual applicants in house: quantity of
batteries, dimension of batteries, continuous power rate of batteries and appliances,
instantaneous power rate of batteries and appliances, degradation cost of batteries, and cost of
batteries.

min p(qi) = (∑𝑚 𝑚

𝑖=1(𝛽𝑖 𝑞𝑖 ))/t+ ∑𝑖=1 𝛼𝑖 𝑞𝑖 (7)

4.3.2 Restrictions

Our goal is to find the minimum annual cost for acquiring batteries and maintenance, but at
this minimum cost, we still can have enough power to let the house functioning, also fitting
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the indicated volume limits. Moreover, to make the model to be more adhering to reality, we
introduce a coefficient S into our calculation. S is the coefficient of power rate at specific
circumstances, and it varies from 0 to 1, altering by internal resistance and temperature. That
is because different condition will lead batteries uneven power rate to applicants, and
introducing of value S can make the combination in different places.
This is how we calculate the value of S:
𝑆 = 𝐼𝐼𝑅 ∗ 𝐼𝑡𝑝𝑡 (8)
IIR is rate that sum of batteries internal resistance affect power rate output. IIR=1-1/(sum of
batteries internal resistance)
Itpt is rate that batteries’ temperature affect power rate output. At range -4F°through 131°F
will be optimal range for output, which mostly fit in normal cases.
Therefore, we can have following restriction functions:
𝑚
∑𝑖=1 q 𝑖 (𝑋𝑖 ∗ Y𝑖 ∗ Z𝑖 ) ≤ V (9)

Explanation: In this function, 𝑋𝑖 ∗ Y𝑖 ∗ Z𝑖 is the dimension of ith type of battery, the product
of them can come out the volume of the type of battery. Then we use the volume times the
number of ith type of battery, which gives us the volume that ith type of battery will need.
Add this value of each type of battery together, which comes out the total volume needed,
should be smaller than the volume we indicated.
𝑆 ∑𝑚 n
𝑖=1 CPBi q i ≥ ∑j=1 CPAj a j (10)

Explanation: The sum of product of CPAj , aj 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑛 of kind of appliance comes out as the
continuous power rate needed by the appliances. And the sum of the product of
CPBi and q i 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑚 of each type of battery is the continuous power rate that can be provided
by the batteries system, which should be bigger than the continuous power rate needed by the
appliances after times S.
𝑆 ∑𝑚 𝑛
𝑖=1 𝐶𝑃𝐵𝑖 𝑞𝑖 𝑅𝑇𝐸𝑖 𝑡 ≥ ∑𝑗=1 𝐶𝑃𝐴𝑗 𝑎𝑗 𝑡 (11)
Explanation: The sum of product of IPAj , aj 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑛 of kind of appliance comes out as the
continuous power rate needed by the appliances. And the sum of the product of
IPBi and q i 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑚 of each type of battery is the continuous power rate that can be provided by
the batteries system, which should be bigger than the continuous power rate needed by the
appliances after times S.

4.4 Linear programming for personal preference based on minimum cost

The goal for last linear programming equations is to find the minimum price when satisfied the
demand of using electricity. However, different people may have different personal preference
when using appliances. Therefore, our group want to base on our first model which is about
minimal price to build three models and they can

4.4.1 Volume model

min 𝑉(𝑞𝑖 ) = ∑𝑚
𝑖=1 𝑋𝑖 𝑌𝑖 𝑍𝑖 𝑞𝑖
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𝑚 𝑛

∑ 𝐶𝑃𝐵𝑖 𝑞𝑖 ≥ ∑ 𝐶𝑃𝐴𝑗 𝑎𝑗
𝑖=1 𝑗=1
𝑚 𝑛
(12)
∑ 𝐶𝑃𝐵𝑖 𝑞𝑖 𝑅𝑇𝐸𝑖 𝑡 ≥ ∑ 𝐶𝑃𝐴𝑗 𝑎𝑗 𝑡
𝑖=1 𝑗=1
𝑚

∑ 𝛽𝑖 𝑞𝑖 ≤ 𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑝(𝑞𝑖 )
{ 𝑖=1

In this model, our goal is to find a minimum value of battery storage system for volume. In this
case, we set three restrictions: the continuous power rating of the battery storage system should
greater than the total need of all appliances; the usable capacity of the system should bigger
than the needed either; also, the total cost of the system should be lower or equal to the
minimum price of the above linear programing equation.

4.4.2 Continuous power rating model

max CPB(𝑞𝑖 ) = ∑ 𝐶𝑃𝐵𝑖 𝑞𝑖

𝑖=1
𝑚

∑ 𝑋𝑖 𝑌𝑖 𝑍𝑖 𝑞𝑖 ≤ V
𝑖=1
𝑚 𝑛

∑ 𝐶𝑃𝐵𝑖 𝑞𝑖 𝑅𝑇𝐸𝑖 𝑡 ≥ ∑ 𝐶𝑃𝐴𝑗 𝑎𝑗 𝑡 (13)

𝑖=1 𝑗=1
𝑚

∑ 𝛽𝑖 𝑞𝑖 ≤ 𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑝(𝑞𝑖 )
{ 𝑖=1

In this model, our goal is to find a maximum value of continuous power rating based on the
minimum price which is a restriction. Meanwhile, the usable capacity should greater than the
need of appliances and the volume should be smaller than the indicated.

4.4.3 Usable capacity model

𝑚 (14)
max L(𝑞𝑖 ) = ∑ 𝐿𝑖 𝑞𝑖
𝑖=1
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∑ 𝑋𝑖 𝑌𝑖 𝑍𝑖 𝑞𝑖 ≤ V
𝑖=1
𝑚 𝑛

∑ 𝐶𝑃𝐵𝑖 𝑞𝑖 ≥ ∑ 𝐶𝑃𝐴𝑗 𝑎𝑗 (15)

𝑖=1 𝑗=1
𝑚

∑ 𝛽𝑖 𝑞𝑖 ≤ 𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑝(𝑞𝑖 )
{ 𝑖=1

In this model, our goal is to find a maximum value of usable capacity of battery storage system
based on the minimum price which is a restriction. Also, the continuous power rating should
greater than the need of appliances and the volume should be smaller than the indicated.
The three models consider different emphases, seeking the optimal solution from the physical
space, demand, and supply. Meet different requirements for different customer groups. The
common point of the three models is that they all based on the minimum price and evaluate
their own focusing point which ensure the budget will not surplus, on another hand, they satisfy
different preference of users.

4.5 Algorithms and Results

After we run the linear programing code in MATLAB, we got the result that the minimum cost
for satisfying demand of electricity is $52,472. Based on the price, we able calculate the
combination of battery for each model. For minimum volume, we need two second type
batteries plus eight third type batteries. For usable capacity and continuous power rating, we
need two second batteries, six third batteries and three seventh batteries.

5 Evaluation Model based on Entropy Weight Method

According to above results, we have already known what kind of and how many batteries
people should buy if people want to use minimum money to build an off-grid energy system.
However, we still need to know which index will influence the system most, and which battery
is best if we just consider some indexes out of money.

5.1 Choosing index

To get a best battery, we want to focus on 3 indexes: efficiency, usable capacity, and dimension.
Here is the reason why:
---Higher efficiency can make people have more electricity to use, and it can be expressed by
continuous power rating;
---Higher usable capacity makes people have enough electricity to use in any time they want;
---Little dimension helps people to save space of the house.
Table 5.1.a : Indexes Needed
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Index Meaning of indexes

CPR Efficiency
L Usable capacity
𝑽 Dimension
𝑷𝒂𝒃 original data(a=1,...,9; b=1,...,3)
𝑺𝒂𝒃 standardized data(a=1,...,9; b=1,...,3)
𝑬𝒃 entropy of bth index
𝑾𝒃 weight of bthindex
𝑴𝒂 score of ath battery plan

5.2 Processing data

Before we use the entropy method, we need to standardize these data because all the data have
different units. By standardizing them, we can build connection between these data and
compare them easily. Meanwhile, since CPR and L is better if they are higher, and V is better
if it lower, we need two equations to get the standardized data:
(Index CPR and L will be substituted into equation 29, and index V will be substitute into
equation 30)

𝑃𝑎𝑏 − 𝑚𝑖𝑛(𝑆1𝑏 , . . . , 𝑆9𝑏 )

𝑆𝑎𝑏 = (16)
𝑚𝑎𝑥(𝑆1𝑏 , . . . , 𝑆9𝑏 ) − 𝑚𝑖𝑛(𝑆1𝑏 , . . . , 𝑆9𝑏 )
and index V will be substitute into this equation:
𝑚𝑎𝑥(𝑆1𝑏 , . . . , 𝑆9𝑏 ) − 𝑃𝑎𝑏
𝑆𝑎𝑏 = (17)
𝑚𝑎𝑥(𝑆1𝑏 , . . . , 𝑆9𝑏 ) − 𝑚𝑖𝑛(𝑆1𝑏 , . . . , 𝑆9𝑏 )

5.3 Ups and downs index

To making a rank, we need to get a relative score for all battery plans, so we plan to use entropy
method to that. The entropy means the measurement of disorder of the system, which means if
the entropy is higher, the thing will be more random, and if the entropy is lower, the thing will
be more exact. Thus, by using this method, we can know which index will influence most on
the whole model because if its entropy is low, the more information it contains will contribute
a lot to the model.
Here is the equation that can define entropy:
9
1
𝑒𝑏 = − ∑ 𝑃𝑎𝑏 𝑙𝑛(𝑃𝑎𝑏 ) (18)
𝑙𝑛𝑎
𝑎=1

And P represent the weight of a data in its index.

Here is the equation that can define P:

(19)
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𝑆𝑎𝑏
𝑃𝑎𝑏 = 9
∑𝑎=1 𝑆𝑎𝑏
Then, we can calculate the weight of index in the whole model:
(1 − 𝑒𝑏 )
𝑤𝑏 = (20)
∑9𝑏=1(1 − 𝑒𝑏 )
Finally, by using the following equation, we can get the score of each battery plans.
3

𝑚𝑎 = ∑ 𝑤𝑏 𝑆𝑎𝑏 (21)
𝑏=1

5.4 Results of evaluation model

Through equations above, we can get weight of these three indexes, which can be used in
following analysis. (table 6.1.a)

Meanwhile, we can also get scores of batteries:

Table 5.4.a: Score of Batteries

Batteries 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Score 0.07 0.08 0.14 0.15 0.16 0,12 0.15 0.59 0.95

In this table, although we can know that battery 8 and 9 get high score, but they are actually
too expensive to be afforded by average family. Therefore, battery 5 might be the best one if
people just consider indexes of volume, continuous power rating and usable capacity.

6 Results analysis

6.1 Result of Entropy weight method

We picked three indexes which are volume, continuous power rating and usable capacity. And
we used the information of each battery and entropy weight method to ensure the ratio of the
three indexes. The following table is the result.
Table 6.1.a : Result of Entropy Weight Method
index weight
Volume 0.0707
Continuous power rating 0.1910
Usable capacity 0.7383
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From the method, it seems that usable capacity has the highest weight among the three indexes.
Therefore, it’s better to consider usable capacity as our result.

6.2 Result of linear programming equations

This table shows the solutions of the three equations which put different index as an emphasize
point, and the solutions show the different combination of battery storage system under each
index.
Table 6.2.a : Result of linear programming equation

Volume 2th: 2; 3th: 8

Minimum cost:
Continuous power rating 2th: 2; 3th: 6; 7th: 3
$52772
Usable capacity 2th: 2; 3th: 6; 7th: 3

Also, according to the result of the entropy weight method, we knew the usable capacity has a
highest score among the three indexes. Therefore, we are going to choose the combination of
battery storage system which has maximum usable capacity with lowest cost.

6.3 Compare with other battery storage systems

This table illustrate the number of batteries that we can buy for each battery nuder the restricted
cost. The data shows that we can buy first two batteries for more than 100, others can buy
around 3 to 11, and our battery system can be bought by 11 batteries.
Table 6.3.a : Number of each Batteries
Batteries Restricted cost Number of batteries
Deka Solar 8GCC2 6V 198 52,472 143
Trojan L-16 -SPRE 6V 415 52,472 107
Discover AES 7.4 kWh 52,472 9
Electriq PowerPod 2 52,472 4
Tesla Powerwall+ 52,472 7
IQ Battery 10 52,472 3
Tesla Powerwall 2 52,472 11
Energy Pod 2 52,472 0
INVINITY VS3-022 52,472 0
Our battery storage system 52,472 11
Team 11773 Page 17 of 24

6.3.1 Compare with the total volume of each battery

This table shows the volume of batteries needed under the number show in the above table. As
we can see, all the batteries’ total volume is below the maximum volume.
Table 6.3.1.a : Total volume of each Batteries

Batteries Total Volume(inch³) maximum volume

Deka Solar 8GCC2 6V 198 113,434.3 610,237
Trojan L-16 -SPRE 6V 415 152,030.95 610,237
Discover AES 7.4 kWh 32,552.46 610,237
Electriq PowerPod 2 49,500 610,237
Tesla Powerwall+ 82,253.57 610,237
IQ Battery 10 41,496 610,237
Tesla Powerwall 2 84,810.66 610,237
Energy Pod 2 0 610,237
INVINITY VS3-022 0 610,237
Our battery storage system 47,673.52 610,237

6.3.2 compare with the total usable capacity of each battery

This table shows the usable capacity of batteries under the number show in the first table. Some
batteries has more than 100 or 200 kWh capacity, but our battery storage system is 89.9, which
is ranked around the middle.
Table 6.3.2.a : Total usable capacity of each Batteries

Batteries Total usable capacity(kWh)

Deka Solar 8GCC2 6V 198 168.74

Trojan L-16 -SPRE 6V 415 267.5
Discover AES 7.4 kWh 66.6
Electriq PowerPod 2 40
Tesla Powerwall+ 94.5
IQ Battery 10 30.24
Tesla Powerwall 2 148.5
Energy Pod 2 0
INVINITY VS3-022 0
Our battery storage system 89.9
Team 11773 Page 18 of 24

6.3.3 compare with the total continuous power rating of each battery

This data shows the continuous power rating of batteries under the number show in the first
table. The first two batteries can’t provide the minimum needed power rating for the appliances.
Our battery system can satisfy the need.
Table 6.3.3.a : Total continuous power rating of each batteries

Batteries Total continuous Minimum needed

power rating (kWh)
Deka Solar 8GCC2 6V 198 7.007 50.8
Trojan L-16 -SPRE 6V 415 20.33 50.8
Discover AES 7.4 kWh 59.98 50.8
Electriq PowerPod 2 30.4 50.8
Tesla Powerwall+ 49 50.8
IQ Battery 10 11.52 50.8
Tesla Powerwall 2 55 50.8
Energy Pod 2 0 50.8
INVINITY VS3-022 0 50.8
Our battery storage system 55.28 50.8
After analyzing the four model, we make bar charts for each of them to make it more clear.

Figure 6.3.a : Bar chart of number of batteries based on min price

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Figure 6.3.b : Bar chart of total volume of each battery

Figure 6.3.c : Bar chart of total usable capacity of each battery

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Figure 6.3.d : Bar chart of total continuous power rating of each battery

Overall, even the first two batteries do better at the capacity part, but their condition of volume
and continuous power rating is worse than ours. And our system also has a better data than
other batteries. Therefore, the system created by us would be better for buyers to use.

7 Cement-based battery

What do we know about cement-based battery？

In recent years, a new technology of rechargeable cement-based battery was developed by
Emma Qingnan Zhang and Luping Tang. Although this technology is not mature as current
commercial batteries, but it provides hope of future popularity of solar energy generation.
Researchers selected different rechargeable cells in order to test the performance under
different combinations. The cells of anode are iron (FE) and zinc (Zn) and cathode is nickel-
based oxides. Also, in this essay, researchers use layered structure to design electrode layers
instead of immersed method. Moreover, they developed a method to make the electrodes which
electroplating metals onto carbon fiber (CF) meshes.
After the amount of testing, the researchers got a conclusion that Ni-Fe cells combination based
on mental-coating has a best performance. However, when we compared data to the data of
available batteries, we found that for each common battery indexes, the results of cement-based
battery are far below the commercial standard, which is the biggest disadvantage for cement-
based battery—cannot satisfy family electricity demand. For example, the average energy
density of commercial batteries is between 92-320 Kw/L, but the cement-based battery only is
0.8 Kw/L. However, this disadvantage is temporary and comprehensible, because this
technology just proposed at February, 2021, thus it is still at a developing stage. [5]
Compare to the disadvantage which every new technology needs to experience, we should
Team 11773 Page 21 of 24

more focus on the advantage of cement-based battery which may be the future of solar energy
generation.
To begin with, we should ask a question: why solar energy generation cannot popularize even
it is environmentally friendly? This phenomenon attributed to many reasons. First, the cost of
applying solar energy generation system is very high which greatly surplus the return of the
system. Second, people need to prepare a huge empty space just for the system which is not
realistic in cities. Our model can sufficiently solve the first problem, which can balance the
cost and return. Moreover, the cement-based battery can solve the latter problem.
The cement-based battery aims to turn all cement of a house to rechargeable batteries, which
are the primary advantage of the technology. The size and performance of a battery always has
a positive relationship. If a battery needs a higher usable capacity or faster continuous power
rating, the size will be, indeed, very large. Therefore, people always need to plan an extra empty
space for battery, which will influence living comfort. However, cement-based battery can
reverse the situation. The total area of house’s cement equal to the size of battery which can
maximize battery efficiency, because a huge area can absorb more energy from the sun which
cannot be realized by traditional battery. Meanwhile, house owner does not need to scarified
the living comfort in order to place the battery.
In the future, if the technology become mature, the solar energy generation will be popularized
in both city and rural area because two main obstacles can be eliminated by our model and
cement-based battery. Moreover, after solar energy generation popularized, the world
environment can gradually become better, because environmentally friendly is also a main
advantage of the battery. Therefore, the growth of the cement-based battery should be the main
goal and effort of solving environmental problems for next years!

8 Evaluation of the model

8.1 Strength

1. Our model satisfies the electricity requirement of a house within a minimum price, which
can help the households to find an energy storage system that cost less. The system we find
out will totally provide enough energy for the home for most of time, and will gives the
households a better experience by using our system.
2. Since we provided the function about determining the available of system, household can
put in the data of their place and calculate the numbers to determine whether the system
would be available at that place. If not, they can stop their action before wasting some
money on it.

8.2 Weakness

Our model doesn’t consider the instantaneous power rating of both batteries and appliances,
which may cause an issue if the owner wants to open the appliances at the same time. Because
when the needed instantaneous power rating of the appliances is bigger than the instantaneous
power rating of batteries, it will take a few seconds for the appliances to work instead of
working immediately.
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9 News report
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10 Reference

[1]. www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/united-states-thermal-power-market
[2]. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijp/2021/6648739/
[3]. https://justenergy.com/blog/kilowatts-and-calculations/
[4]. www.eesi.org/papers/view/energy-storage-2019
[5]. sinovoltaics.com/learning-center/storage/energy-density-and-specific-energy-of-battery/
[6].https://www.tesla.com/sites/default/files/pdfs/powerwall/Powerwall%202_AC_Datasheet
_en_northamerica.pdf
[7]. invinity.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Invinity-VS3-022-Vanadium-Flow-Battery-
Data-Sheet-MAR00016-2021-09.pdf
[8]. na.panasonic.com/us/evervolt
[9]. www.solar-electric.com/trl16vo225ah.html
[10]. electriqpower.com/powerpod-2/

11 Appendix

1. Matlab code for Min price Mode

A = [10.25*7.1*10.9 11.7*6.9*17.6 18.5*13.3*14.7 27.5*50*9 62.8*29.7*6.3

42.13*26.14*12.56 45.3*29.6*5.75 66.92*78.74*86.61 238.44*96.504*94.44
-0.049 -0.19 -6.65 -7.6 -7 -3.84 -5 -25 -54
-0.049*0.85*10 -0.19*0.85*10 -6.65*0.95*10 -7.6*0.966*10 -7*0.9*10 -3.84*0.96*10
-5*0.9*10 -25*0.7*10 -54*0.78*10
]
b = [610237 -50.8 -508]
f = [368/5+368/5 492/5+492/10 6478/5+6478/10 13000/5+13000/10 8500/5+8500/10
18000/5+18000/10 5000/5+5000/10 162500/5+162500/10 286000/5+286000/25]
N=9
intcon = 1:N
Aeq = []
beq = []
lb = [0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0]
ub = []
[x, fval] = intlinprog(f, intcon, A, b, Aeq, beq, lb, ub)

2. Matlab code for Continuous power rating Model

A = [10.25*7.1*10.9 11.7*6.9*17.6 18.5*13.3*14.7 27.5*50*9 62.8*29.7*6.3

42.13*26.14*12.56 45.3*29.6*5.75 66.92*78.74*86.61 238.44*96.504*94.44
Team 11773 Page 24 of 24

-0.049*0.85*10 -0.19*0.85*10 -6.65*0.95*10 -7.6*0.966*10 -7*0.9*10 -3.84*0.96*10

-5*0.9*10 -25*0.7*10 -54*0.78*10
368 492 6478 13000 8500 18000 5000 162500 286000]
b = [610237 -508 54968]
f = [-0.049 -0.19 -6.65 -7.6 -7 -3.84 -5 -25 -28]
N=9
intcon = 1:N
Aeq = []
beq = []
lb = [0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0]
ub = []
[x, fval] = intlinprog(f, intcon, A, b, Aeq, beq, lb, ub)
c= -fval

3. Matlab code for Entropy weight method

a=[0.07932475, 0.049,1.18;
0.1420848, 0.19, 2.5;
0.3616935, 6.65, 7.4;
1.2375, 7.6, 10;
1.1750508, 7, 13.5;
1.3832, 3.84, 10;
0.771006, 5, 13.5;
45.63724, 25, 125;
35.01875, 56, 220];
a=a';
[r,len]=size(a);
aa=a(:,1)/sum(a(:,1)); %Entropy weight
for i=2:len
aa=[aa,a(:,i)/sum(a(:,i))];
end
for i=1:len
e(i)=-sum(aa(:,i).*log(aa(:,i)))/log(length(aa(:,i)));
end
w=1-e;
for i=1:len
b(i)=w(i)/sum(w);
end
score=zeros(r,1);
for i=1:len
score=score+b(i)*aa(:,i);
end
score