Parallel circuit and power supply system

Abstract

The invention provides a parallel circuit and a power supply system, and relates to the technical field of batteries, the parallel circuit comprises a high-voltage module, a low-voltage module and a high-low voltage conversion module; the high-voltage module comprises at least two groups of high-voltage units, the high-voltage units are connected in parallel, and the high-voltage units are used for high-voltage charging and discharging; the low-voltage module comprises at least two groups of low-voltage units, the low-voltage units are connected in parallel, and the low-voltage units are used for low-voltage charging and discharging; the high-low voltage conversion module comprises at least two groups of voltage conversion units, the voltage conversion units are connected in parallel, the first ends of the voltage conversion units are connected with the high-voltage module, and the second ends of the voltage conversion units are connected with the low-voltage module; and the voltage conversion unit is used for performing high-low voltage conversion on the electric energy between the high-voltage module and the low-voltage module, and is used for reducing the use and maintenance cost of the DC / DC circuit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery technology, and more specifically, to a parallel circuit and power supply system. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of industries such as new energy electric vehicles, drones, and robots, equipment commonly uses DC contactors or relays to power batteries connected in series. However, the inconsistent performance of individual battery cells during charging and discharging can easily lead to uneven heating, severely impacting battery cycle life. Furthermore, under complex operating conditions, the effective end-of-life discharge of the battery is also significantly limited.

[0003] In related technologies, multiple batteries are typically connected in series to form a high-voltage battery pack. This structure has significant hidden dangers: if the power unit fails, it will lead to a power interruption, posing a safety risk to the equipment; if the low-voltage auxiliary power supply fails, the equipment's low-voltage control system will lose power, also posing a serious safety hazard. In addition, if a single battery pack fails, not only is troubleshooting and maintenance difficult, but it also significantly increases the overall usage and maintenance costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The problem addressed by this invention is how to reduce the usage and maintenance costs of DC / DC circuits.

[0005] To address the above problems, the present invention provides a parallel circuit and power supply system.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a parallel circuit, comprising: High-voltage modules, low-voltage modules, and high-low voltage conversion modules; The high-voltage module includes at least two sets of high-voltage units, each set of high-voltage units is connected in parallel, and the high-voltage units are used for high-voltage charging and discharging; The low-voltage module includes at least two sets of low-voltage units, each set of low-voltage units is connected in parallel, and the low-voltage units are used for low-voltage charging and discharging; The high-low voltage conversion module includes at least two sets of voltage conversion units connected in parallel. The first end of the voltage conversion unit is connected to the high-voltage module, and the second end is connected to the low-voltage module. The voltage conversion unit is used to convert the electrical energy between the high-voltage module and the low-voltage module into high-low voltage.

[0007] Optionally, the high-voltage unit includes a high-voltage battery pack, a high-voltage voltage conversion unit, and an electronic control unit; The output terminal of the high-voltage battery pack is connected to the input terminal of the high-voltage conversion unit. The output terminal of the high-voltage conversion unit is connected to the input terminal of the electronic control unit. The output terminal of the electronic control unit is used to connect to the input terminal of the motor.

[0008] Optionally, the output terminals of all high-voltage conversion units in the high-voltage module are connected in parallel to form a high-voltage bus, and the output terminals of the high-voltage conversion units are connected to the input terminals of the electronic control unit through the high-voltage bus.

[0009] Optionally, the low-voltage unit includes a low-voltage battery pack and a low-voltage voltage conversion unit; The output of the low-voltage battery pack is connected to the input of the low-voltage voltage conversion unit, and the output of the low-voltage voltage conversion unit is used to supply power to the low-voltage load.

[0010] Optionally, the outputs of all low-voltage conversion units in the low-voltage module are connected in parallel to form a low-voltage bus, through which the low-voltage load is powered.

[0011] Optionally, the first end of the voltage conversion unit is connected to the high-voltage module via a high-voltage bus, and the second end of the voltage conversion unit is connected to the low-voltage module via a low-voltage bus.

[0012] Optionally, it may also include a control module; The control module is electrically connected to the low-voltage module, which supplies power to the control module.

[0013] Optionally, the control module is communicatively connected to the electronic control module, the high-voltage module, the low-voltage module, and the high-low voltage conversion module, respectively, to control the operating voltage of the high-voltage module and the low-voltage module, and also to control the conversion voltage of the high-low voltage conversion module.

[0014] Optionally, the high-voltage module is used to connect to the charging equipment; In response to the charging device connection signal, the input voltage of the high voltage module is controlled by the control module.

[0015] Secondly, the present invention provides a power supply system including the parallel circuit described above.

[0016] The beneficial effects of the parallel circuit of the present invention are: The high-voltage units are connected in parallel, avoiding the circulating current and localized overheating problems caused by inconsistent individual cells in traditional series structures. Each high-voltage unit can participate in charging and discharging independently. Even if one group experiences performance degradation or failure, the remaining units can still maintain high-voltage output, reducing the impact on the input stability of the voltage conversion unit. This reduces the dependence on the dynamic adjustment capability of the DCDC circuit, extends its service life, and reduces replacement frequency. The low-voltage units are configured in parallel to form power supply redundancy. When one low-voltage unit fails, the remaining units can still continuously supply power to the control load, avoiding abnormal shutdown or repeated start-stop of the DCDC module due to low-voltage power failure. This reduces its workload, lowers the risk of DCDC circuit damage caused by abnormal operating conditions, and thus reduces maintenance requirements. Multiple voltage conversion units operate in parallel, sharing the total power load and reducing the current stress and thermal load of individual DCDC modules. When any voltage conversion unit fails, the remaining units can continue to perform the power conversion task, maintaining the energy path between high and low voltages and avoiding overall functional interruption due to single-point failure. This redundant structure eliminates the need for individual configuration of DCDC modules based on peak power, allowing the use of low-power, low-cost devices. It also facilitates the individual replacement of faulty units, significantly reducing the procurement, use, and maintenance costs of DCDC circuits. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is an example block diagram of a parallel circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a circuit topology diagram of a parallel circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although some embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of the present invention. It should be understood that the accompanying drawings and embodiments of the present invention are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0019] It should be understood that the various steps described in the method embodiments of the present invention may be performed in different orders and / or in parallel. Furthermore, the method embodiments may include additional steps and / or omit the steps shown. The scope of the present invention is not limited in this respect.

[0020] The term "comprising" and its variations as used herein are open-ended, meaning "including but not limited to"; the term "based on" means "at least partially based on"; the term "one embodiment" means "at least one embodiment"; the term "another embodiment" means "at least one additional embodiment"; the term "some embodiments" means "at least some embodiments"; and the term "optionally" means "optional embodiments". Definitions of other terms will be given in the following description. It should be noted that the concepts of "first," "second," etc., mentioned in this invention are used only to distinguish different devices, modules, or units, and are not intended to limit the order of functions performed by these devices, modules, or units or their interdependencies.

[0021] It should be noted that the terms "a" and "a plurality of" used in this invention are illustrative rather than restrictive. Those skilled in the art should understand that, unless otherwise expressly indicated in the context, they should be understood as "one or more".

[0022] The names of the messages or information exchanged between the multiple devices in the embodiments of the present invention are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of these messages or information.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a parallel circuit, including a high-voltage module, a low-voltage module, and a high-low voltage conversion module; The high-voltage module includes at least two sets of high-voltage units, each set of high-voltage units is connected in parallel, and the high-voltage units are used for high-voltage charging and discharging.

[0024] The high-voltage module consists of at least two sets of high-voltage units connected in parallel. Each set of high-voltage units independently performs high-voltage charging and discharging functions. This parallel structure avoids the circulating currents and localized overheating caused by inconsistencies in individual cells during charging and discharging, as is common in traditional series battery packs, effectively extending battery cycle life. Furthermore, each high-voltage unit can utilize batteries with different electrochemical systems. The parallel design accommodates differences in their voltage platforms, improving discharge capacity in low-temperature environments and preventing power outages due to sudden drops in individual cell voltage causing the system voltage to fall below the threshold required by the electronic control system.

[0025] The low-voltage module includes at least two sets of low-voltage units, each set of low-voltage units is connected in parallel, and the low-voltage units are used for low-voltage charging and discharging.

[0026] The low-voltage module includes at least two sets of low-voltage units, which are also connected in parallel to provide a stable power supply for the low-voltage circuits and low-voltage control modules of the equipment. The redundant configuration of the low-voltage units ensures that if any unit fails, the remaining units can still maintain low-voltage power supply, preventing control failure due to the failure of the low-voltage auxiliary power supply and improving overall safety.

[0027] The high-low voltage conversion module includes at least two sets of voltage conversion units connected in parallel. The first end of the voltage conversion unit is connected to the high-voltage module, and the second end is connected to the low-voltage module. The voltage conversion unit is used to convert the electrical energy between the high-voltage module and the low-voltage module into high-low voltage.

[0028] The high-low voltage conversion module comprises at least two sets of voltage conversion units connected in parallel. One end of each unit connects to the high-voltage module, and the other end connects to the low-voltage module. The voltage conversion units utilize DC / DC modules to convert high-voltage to low-voltage electrical energy, replacing traditional pre-charging circuits and providing a pre-charging function for the electronic control system. This ensures that the motor and electronic control system always operate within a stable voltage range, improving system efficiency. The parallel structure of multiple voltage conversion units creates power redundancy; even if one set fails, the remaining units can still maintain normal system operation, preventing significant power drops or system power outages due to single-point failures.

[0029] The parallel circuit adopts a modular design, and the high-voltage unit, low-voltage unit and voltage conversion unit can be replaced or maintained independently, which significantly reduces maintenance difficulty and usage costs. It is suitable for application scenarios that require high reliability, high efficiency and easy maintenance, such as new energy electric vehicles, drones and robots.

[0030] In this embodiment, the high-voltage units are connected in parallel, avoiding the circulating current and local overheating problems caused by inconsistent individual cells in traditional series structures. Each high-voltage unit can participate in charging and discharging independently. Even if one group experiences performance degradation or failure, the remaining units can still maintain high-voltage output, reducing the impact on the input stability of the voltage conversion unit. This reduces the dependence on the dynamic adjustment capability of the DCDC circuit, extends its service life, and reduces the replacement frequency. The low-voltage units are configured in parallel to form power supply redundancy. When one low-voltage unit fails, the remaining units can still continuously supply power to the control load, avoiding abnormal shutdown or repeated start-stop of the DCDC module due to low-voltage power failure. This reduces its workload, lowers the risk of DCDC circuit damage caused by abnormal operating conditions, and thus reduces maintenance requirements. Multiple sets of voltage conversion units operate in parallel, sharing the total power load and reducing the current stress and thermal load of individual DCDC modules. When any voltage conversion unit fails, the remaining units can continue to undertake the power conversion task, maintaining the energy path between high and low voltages and avoiding overall functional interruption due to single-point failure. This redundant structure eliminates the need for individual configuration of DCDC modules based on peak power, allowing the use of low-power, low-cost devices. It also facilitates the individual replacement of faulty units, significantly reducing the procurement, use, and maintenance costs of DCDC circuits.

[0031] Optionally, the high-voltage unit includes a high-voltage battery pack, a high-voltage voltage conversion unit, and an electronic control unit; The output terminal of the high-voltage battery pack is connected to the input terminal of the high-voltage conversion unit. The output terminal of the high-voltage conversion unit is connected to the input terminal of the electronic control unit. The output terminal of the electronic control unit is used to connect to the input terminal of the motor.

[0032] The high-voltage conversion unit is a DC / DC module located in the high-voltage unit. When discharge is required, the high-voltage battery pack is connected to the high-voltage conversion unit, which controls the output voltage of the high-voltage battery pack to form a stable high-voltage bus. The high-voltage bus is connected to the electronic control unit. When charging is required, the high-voltage conversion unit is connected to the charging equipment.

[0033] The high-voltage battery pack serves as the energy source for the high-voltage unit, providing high-voltage direct current (HVDC) power. A high-voltage voltage conversion unit is connected to the output of the high-voltage battery pack to regulate or adapt the output voltage to meet the operating voltage requirements of the electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is connected to the output of the high-voltage voltage conversion unit, receiving the converted high-voltage power and converting it into a drive signal or form of electrical energy suitable for motor operation. The output of the electronic control unit is connected to the input of the motor to drive its operation.

[0034] The high-voltage battery pack, high-voltage conversion unit, and electronic control unit are connected in series to form a high-voltage path. This ensures that high-voltage power is stably supplied to the electronic control unit after voltage adaptation, preventing abnormal input from the electronic control unit due to battery voltage fluctuations or changes in operating conditions. The high-voltage conversion unit performs voltage regulation, replacing the traditional pre-charging circuit, ensuring that the electronic control unit always operates within a suitable voltage range. This reduces reliance on battery pack consistency and improves the overall reliability and adaptability of the high-voltage unit.

[0035] Optionally, the high-voltage battery pack can be composed of batteries with the same or different structures and chemical systems; the high-voltage conversion unit adopts a bidirectional module with isolation function to facilitate maintenance in case of failure. The high-voltage conversion unit can realize the redundant configuration of the high-voltage battery pack, ensuring that the high-voltage bus does not lose power when one or more high-voltage battery packs or the high-voltage conversion unit fails.

[0036] Optionally, such as Figure 2 As shown, the output terminals of all high-voltage conversion units in the high-voltage module are connected in parallel to form a high-voltage bus. The output terminals of the high-voltage conversion units are connected to the input terminals of the electronic control unit through the high-voltage bus.

[0037] The output terminals of all high-voltage conversion units in the high-voltage module together form a high-voltage bus. This high-voltage bus serves as a unified high-voltage power output channel, connecting to the input terminal of the electronic control unit to provide the high-voltage power required for its operation.

[0038] By connecting the outputs of each high-voltage conversion unit in parallel to form a high-voltage bus, multiple high-voltage conversion units can simultaneously supply power to the electronic control unit, achieving power sharing and load balancing. If any one of the high-voltage conversion units malfunctions or stops operating, the remaining units can still maintain continuous power supply to the electronic control unit via the high-voltage bus, preventing power interruption. This structure improves the redundancy and operational stability of the high-voltage power supply, while also facilitating independent maintenance or replacement of individual high-voltage conversion units, reducing overall maintenance complexity and cost.

[0039] Optionally, the low-voltage unit includes a low-voltage battery pack and a low-voltage voltage conversion unit; The output of the low-voltage battery pack is connected to the input of the low-voltage voltage conversion unit, and the output of the low-voltage voltage conversion unit is used to supply power to the low-voltage load.

[0040] The low-voltage conversion unit is the DC / DC module located within the low-voltage unit, which includes a low-voltage battery pack and the low-voltage conversion unit. The low-voltage battery pack stores and provides low-voltage DC energy, serving as the power source for the low-voltage unit. The input of the low-voltage conversion unit is connected to the output of the low-voltage battery pack, used to regulate or stabilize the output voltage. Its output is connected to a low-voltage load, providing a suitable operating voltage for the load.

[0041] When discharge is required, the low-voltage battery pack is connected to the low-voltage conversion unit. The low-voltage conversion unit controls the output voltage of the low-voltage battery pack, forming a stable low-voltage bus. The low-voltage bus is connected to the high-low voltage conversion module, which is connected to the high-voltage bus. The low-voltage bus is also connected to the low-voltage load and control module, providing power to the low-voltage load and control module. At the same time, with the help of the high-low voltage conversion module, the low-voltage bus is kept at a constant voltage level, providing a stable low-voltage bus for the low-voltage load, control module, and low-voltage conversion unit. The low-voltage conversion unit controls the voltage level of the low-voltage battery pack, keeping it in a float charge state to ensure low-voltage power supply to the low-voltage load and control module.

[0042] The low-voltage battery pack output voltage is adapted by a low-voltage conversion unit to stabilize the output voltage within the range required by the low-voltage load, preventing power supply abnormalities caused by voltage drops during battery discharge or changes in ambient temperature. The low-voltage battery pack and the low-voltage conversion unit form an independent low-voltage power supply path, supporting parallel operation with other low-voltage units to achieve power redundancy. Even if some units fail, the low-voltage load can still operate normally, improving overall power supply reliability and facilitating modular maintenance and replacement.

[0043] Optionally, the low-voltage battery pack can be composed of batteries with the same or different structures and chemical systems; the low-voltage conversion unit adopts a bidirectional module with isolation function to facilitate maintenance in case of failure. The low-voltage conversion unit enables redundant configuration of the low-voltage battery pack, ensuring that the low-voltage bus does not lose power when one or more low-voltage battery packs or the low-voltage conversion unit fails.

[0044] Optionally, such as Figure 2 As shown, the outputs of all low-voltage conversion units in the low-voltage module are connected in parallel to form a low-voltage bus, and the low-voltage load is powered through the low-voltage bus.

[0045] The outputs of all low-voltage conversion units in the low-voltage module together form a low-voltage bus. Low-voltage loads are connected to this low-voltage bus, which provides the low-voltage power required for their operation.

[0046] The low-voltage conversion units are connected in parallel to form a common output path, allowing multiple units to simultaneously supply power to the low-voltage load, achieving current sharing and power redundancy. When one low-voltage conversion unit fails or its performance degrades, the remaining units can still maintain normal power supply to the low-voltage load through the low-voltage bus, avoiding power outages due to single-point failures. This structure enhances the reliability of low-voltage power supply, facilitates individual replacement or maintenance of faulty units, and reduces usage and maintenance costs.

[0047] Optionally, the first end of the voltage conversion unit is connected to the high-voltage module via a high-voltage bus, and the second end of the voltage conversion unit is connected to the low-voltage module via a low-voltage bus.

[0048] The high-low voltage conversion module includes voltage conversion units. One end of the voltage conversion unit is connected to the high-voltage bus, and the other end is connected to the low-voltage bus. The voltage conversion unit is the DC / DC module used for high-low voltage conversion within the high-low voltage conversion module. The voltage conversion units in the high-low voltage conversion module can be identical bidirectional modules with isolation or non-isolation functions, facilitating maintenance in case of faults. The voltage conversion units can achieve redundant configuration of the high-low voltage conversion module, ensuring that the high-low voltage conversion module does not lose power when one or more voltage conversion units fail.

[0049] Optionally, it may also include a control module; The control module is electrically connected to the low-voltage module, which supplies power to the control module.

[0050] The control module includes a control communication unit, a charging equipment communication unit, a battery pack management unit, a high-voltage conversion unit communication unit, a low-voltage conversion unit communication unit, a voltage conversion unit communication unit, an electronic control communication unit, a low-voltage battery pack management unit, and a low-voltage load communication unit.

[0051] Optionally, the control module is communicatively connected to the electronic control module, the high-voltage module, the low-voltage module, and the high-low voltage conversion module, respectively, to control the operating voltage of the high-voltage module and the low-voltage module, and also to control the conversion voltage of the high-low voltage conversion module.

[0052] During the power-on process, the control module first sends a command through the low-voltage conversion unit communication unit to start each low-voltage conversion unit and establish a low-voltage bus power supply. Then, it controls the high-low voltage conversion module to work through the voltage conversion unit communication unit to pre-charge the electronic control unit. After the pre-charging is completed, the control module then commands the high-voltage conversion unit to start operation through the high-voltage conversion unit communication unit to energize the high-voltage bus. After the high-voltage bus stabilizes, the electronic control unit and motor are started according to the actual working conditions.

[0053] During the power-down process, the control module first stops the output of the high-voltage conversion unit and instructs the electronic control to stop working, thus powering down the high-voltage bus. Subsequently, it controls the high-low voltage conversion module and the low-voltage conversion unit to shut down sequentially, cutting off the power supply to the low-voltage bus and completing the overall power-down process. By controlling the start and stop of each voltage conversion unit in a phased and orderly manner, voltage surges or current spikes are avoided, ensuring that each module operates within a safe voltage range. This also reduces stress on DC / DC voltage conversion units, extending their service life and lowering maintenance frequency and costs.

[0054] Optionally, there can be one or more control modules. When one or more control modules fail, redundant control units ensure that the circuit does not lose power.

[0055] Optionally, the high-voltage module is used to connect to the charging equipment; In response to the charging device connection signal, the input voltage of the high voltage module is controlled by the control module.

[0056] The high-voltage module is used to connect to external charging equipment. When the charging equipment is connected, it generates a charging equipment connection signal. The control module receives this signal and adjusts the input voltage of the high-voltage module according to a preset charging strategy, so that the high-voltage battery pack is charged within a suitable voltage range.

[0057] The present invention also provides a power supply system, including the parallel circuit described above.

[0058] While the present invention has been disclosed above, its scope of protection is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and all such changes and modifications will fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A parallel circuit, characterized in that, Includes high-voltage modules, low-voltage modules, and high-low voltage conversion modules; The high-voltage module includes at least two sets of high-voltage units, each set of high-voltage units is connected in parallel, and the high-voltage units are used for high-voltage charging and discharging. The low-voltage module includes at least two sets of low-voltage units, each set of low-voltage units is connected in parallel, and the low-voltage units are used for low-voltage charging and discharging. The high-low voltage conversion module includes at least two sets of voltage conversion units connected in parallel. The first end of each voltage conversion unit is connected to the high-voltage module, and the second end is connected to the low-voltage module. The voltage conversion unit is used to convert the electrical energy between the high-voltage module and the low-voltage module into high-low voltage.

2. The parallel circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The high-voltage unit includes a high-voltage battery pack, a high-voltage voltage conversion unit, and an electronic control unit; The output terminal of the high-voltage battery pack is connected to the input terminal of the high-voltage conversion unit, the output terminal of the high-voltage conversion unit is connected to the input terminal of the electronic control unit, and the output terminal of the electronic control unit is used to connect to the input terminal of the motor.

3. The parallel circuit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The output terminals of all the high-voltage voltage conversion units in the high-voltage module are connected in parallel to form a high-voltage bus, and the output terminals of the high-voltage voltage conversion units are connected to the input terminals of the electronic control unit through the high-voltage bus.

4. The parallel circuit according to claim 3, characterized in that, The low-voltage unit includes a low-voltage battery pack and a low-voltage conversion unit; The output terminal of the low-voltage battery pack is connected to the input terminal of the low-voltage voltage conversion unit, and the output terminal of the low-voltage voltage conversion unit is used to supply power to the low-voltage load.

5. The parallel circuit according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outputs of all the low-voltage conversion units in the low-voltage module are connected in parallel to form a low-voltage bus, and the low-voltage load is powered through the low-voltage bus.

6. The parallel circuit according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first end of the voltage conversion unit is connected to the high-voltage module via the high-voltage bus, and the second end of the voltage conversion unit is connected to the low-voltage module via the low-voltage bus.

7. The parallel circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a control module; The control module is electrically connected to the low-voltage module, and the low-voltage module is used to supply power to the control module.

8. The parallel circuit according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control module is communicatively connected to the electronic control unit, the high-voltage module, the low-voltage module, and the high-low voltage conversion module, respectively, and is used to control the operating voltage of the high-voltage module and the low-voltage module, and also to control the conversion voltage of the high-low voltage conversion module.

9. The parallel circuit according to claim 7, characterized in that, The high-voltage module is used to connect to the charging equipment; In response to a charging device connection signal, the control module controls the input voltage of the high-voltage module.

10. A power supply system, characterized in that, Includes the parallel circuit as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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