Module-based energy system having converter-source module and method related thereto

Abstract

To provide a module-based energy system having a converter-source module and a method related thereto.SOLUTION: There is provided a module-based energy system having multiple converter-source modules. The converter-source modules can each include an energy source and a converter. The system can further include control circuitry for the modules. The modules can be arranged in various ways to provide single phase AC, multi-phase AC, and / or DC outputs. Each module can be independently monitored and controlled.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 24

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 826,158, filed March 29, 2019, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 826,238, filed March 29, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 906,007, filed September 25, 2019, all of which are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

[0002] The subject matter described herein relates generally to module-based energy systems and modules for use therein, as well as systems, devices, and methods that facilitate interconnection and control of modules within module-based energy systems. [Background technology]

[0003] Energy systems with multiple energy sources or sinks are common in many industries. One example is the automotive industry. Current automotive technology as developed over the past century is characterized by the interaction of motors, mechanical elements, and electronics, among others. These are the main components that affect vehicle performance and the driver experience. The motors are of combustion and electric type, and usually one motor is found per car, with exceptions being cars with hybrid drivetrains that feature the combination of a combustion engine with one or two electric motors, or performance-oriented electric cars equipped with two motors. In almost all cases, the rotational energy from the motor is delivered through a set of highly sophisticated mechanical elements such as clutches, transmissions, differentials, drive shafts, torque tubes, couplers, etc. These components control to a large extent the torque conversion and distribution to the wheels and are the main elements for defining the performance of the car. They also affect the road handling. Over the years, individual car manufacturers have highly optimized these mechanical components to provide better performance, greater fuel efficiency, and ultimately, differentiation in the market. On the control side, besides driver comfort such as entertainment, navigation, human-machine interface elements, there is typically only some specialized electronics software and embedded software suite that controls / optimizes motor, clutch / transmission operation and road keeping / handling.

[0004] An EV includes various electrical systems associated with the driveline, including, among other things, a battery, a charger, and motor control. Current capabilities and shortcomings of these electrical systems are discussed below. (Traditional Battery Design)

[0005] High voltage battery packs are typically organized into a serial chain of low voltage battery modules. Each such module further consists of a series connected set of individual cells and a simple built-in battery management system to regulate basic battery related characteristics such as state of charge and voltage. Electronics with more sophisticated capabilities or some form of high performance interconnectivity are lacking. As a result, any monitoring or control functions, even if present elsewhere in the vehicle, are handled by separate systems that lack the ability to monitor individual battery health, state of charge, temperature, and other performance affecting metrics. Also, there is no ability to regulate any form of power draw per individual cell. Some of the major consequences are: (1) the weakest cell limits the overall performance of the entire battery pack; (2) failure of any cell or module leads to the need for replacement of the entire pack; (3) battery reliability and safety are significantly reduced; (4) battery life is limited; (5) thermal management is difficult; (6) the battery pack will always operate below its maximum capacity; and (7) the sudden inrush of power into the battery pack from regenerative braking cannot be easily stored in the battery and will require dissipation through a dump resistor. (Traditional charger design)

[0006] Charging circuits are typically implemented in separate on-board systems. They step up the power coming from outside the EV in the form of AC or DC signals, convert it to DC, and deliver it to the battery pack. The charging system monitors the voltage and current, and typically provides a steady, constant delivery. Given the design of the battery pack and typical charging circuits, there is little ability to tailor the charge flow to individual battery modules based on cell health, performance characteristics, temperature, etc. Charging cycles are also typically long because the charging system and battery pack lack circuitry to enable pulse charging or other techniques that would optimize the achievable charge transfer or total charge. (Traditional Motor Control Design)

[0007] Conventional control includes a DC-DC conversion stage to adjust the battery pack voltage level to the bus voltage of the EV's electrical system. The motor is then driven by a simple two-stage multi-phase converter, which in turn provides the required AC signal to the electric motor. Each motor is traditionally controlled by a separate controller, which drives the motor in a three-phase design. A dual-motor EV would require two controllers, while an EV using four in-wheel motors would require four individual controllers. Conventional controller designs also lack the ability to drive next-generation motors, such as switched reluctance motors (SRM), which are characterized by a higher number of pole pieces. Adaptation would require a high-order phase design, making the system more complex and ultimately unable to handle electrical noise and drive performance, such as high torque ripple and acoustic noise.

[0008] Many of these deficiencies apply not only to automobiles, but also to other motor-driven vehicles, and to some extent to stationary applications. For these and other reasons, a need exists for improved systems, devices, and methods for energy systems for the vehicle industry and other sectors. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] Exemplary embodiments of systems, devices, and methods are provided herein for module-based energy systems that are broadly relevant to many applications. In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system includes multiple modules, each module including at least an energy source and a converter. More complex configurations of each module are also disclosed. The modules of the system can be connected together in different arrangements of varying complexity to perform functions specific to the particular technical application to which the system is applied. The system can be configured to repeatedly monitor status information, at least one operating characteristic, or other parameter of each module during use of the system, assess the condition of each module based on the monitored status information, operating characteristics, or other parameters, and independently control each module in an effort to achieve and / or maintain one or more desired targets, such as electrical performance, thermal performance, life span, etc., among others. This control can occur to facilitate energy provision (e.g., discharge) and / or energy consumption (e.g., charge) from the system. Numerous exemplary applications of these systems, devices, and methods are described.

[0010] In many exemplary embodiments, at least one energy source of the module may include a capacitor (such as an ultracapacitor or supercapacitor), a battery, or a fuel cell.

[0011] In many exemplary embodiments, the system can include at least two converter source modules connected in a one-dimensional array or in a multi-dimensional array. At least two one-dimensional arrays can be connected together, for example, in different rows and columns, directly or by one or more additional converter source modules. In such a configuration, an output voltage of any shape and frequency can be generated at the output of the module-based energy system as a superposition of the output voltages of the individual converter source modules.

[0012] The various interconnected architectures of the exemplary embodiments enable inter-phase power management within a single module-based energy system (e.g., battery pack) and inter-system power management between multiple module-based energy systems (e.g., battery packs), as well as the connection of auxiliary loads to a system and maintaining a uniform distribution of energy provided to those loads from all converter source modules of such a system.

[0013] The various interconnected architectures of the exemplary embodiments also allow for control of power sharing between the converter source modules. Such control allows for balancing of parameters such as the state of charge of the energy sources of the converter source modules, for example, in real time and continuously during cycling and at rest, which encourages utilization of the full capacity of each energy source, regardless of possible differences in their capacities. In addition, such control can be used to balance the temperature of the energy sources of the converter source modules. Temperature balancing can, for example, increase the power capabilities of the system (e.g., battery packs) and provide more uniform aging of the energy sources, regardless of differences in their physical location within the system and their thermal resistance.

[0014] Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be, or become, apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. All such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages are intended to be included within this description, be within the scope of the subject matter described herein, and be protected by the accompanying claims. Features of the example embodiments should not be construed as limiting the appended claims in any way absent an express recitation of those features in the claims. The present invention provides, for example, the following: (Item 1) 1. A module-based energy system comprising: A converter source module, comprising: A first energy source; an energy buffer coupled to the first energy source; a converter coupled to the first energy source and the energy buffer, the converter comprising a plurality of switches configured to select an output voltage of a module; A converter source module comprising: a local control device communicatively coupled to the converter source module, the local control device configured to generate a plurality of switching signals for the plurality of switches; A system comprising: (Item 2) 1. A module-based energy system comprising: A converter source module, comprising: A first energy source; an energy buffer coupled to the first energy source; a converter coupled to the first energy source and the energy buffer, the converter comprising a plurality of switches configured to select an output voltage of a module; A converter source module comprising: a local control device communicatively coupled to the converter source module, the first energy source providing operating power for the local control device; and A system comprising: (Item 3) 1. A module-based energy system comprising: A converter source module, comprising: A first energy source; an energy buffer coupled to the first energy source; a converter coupled to the first energy source and the energy buffer, the converter comprising a plurality of switches configured to select an output voltage of a module; A converter source module comprising: a local control device communicatively coupled to the converter source module, the local control device configured to detect a fault in the converter source module and generate a fault signal; A system comprising: (Item 4) 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the fault signal indicates an actual or potential fault. (Item 5) 1. A module-based energy system comprising: A converter source module, comprising: A first energy source; an energy buffer coupled to the first energy source; a converter coupled to the first energy source and the energy buffer, the converter comprising a plurality of switches configured to select an output voltage of a module; A converter source module comprising: a local control device communicatively coupled to the converter source module; Equipped with A system wherein the local control device, the energy buffer, and the converter are mounted together on a single printed circuit board. (Item 6) 1. A module-based energy system comprising: A converter source module, comprising: A first energy source; an energy buffer coupled to the first energy source; a converter coupled to the first energy source and the energy buffer, the converter comprising a plurality of switches configured to select an output voltage of a module; A converter source module comprising: a local control device communicatively coupled to the converter source module; Equipped with A system wherein the local control device, energy buffer, and converter are contained within a common housing that does not contain the first energy source. (Item 7) 1. A module-based energy system comprising: A converter source module, comprising: A first energy source; an energy buffer coupled to the first energy source; a converter coupled to the first energy source and the energy buffer, the converter comprising a plurality of switches configured to select an output voltage of a module; A converter source module comprising: a local control device communicatively coupled to the converter source module; Equipped with The system, wherein the local control device, the first energy source, the energy buffer, and the converter are housed within a common housing that does not house a separate converter source module. (Item 8) 1. A module-based energy system comprising: A converter source module, comprising: A first energy source; an energy buffer coupled to the first energy source; a converter coupled to the first energy source and the energy buffer, the converter comprising a plurality of switches configured to select an output voltage of a module; A converter source module comprising: a local control device communicatively coupled to the converter source module; Equipped with A system wherein the local control device, energy buffer, and converter are contained within a common housing that does not contain the first energy source. (Item 9) 1. A module-based energy system comprising: A converter source module, comprising: A first energy source; an energy buffer coupled to the first energy source; a converter coupled to the first energy source and the energy buffer, the converter comprising a plurality of switches configured to select an output voltage of a module; Converter source module Equipped with The system wherein the energy buffer and converter are mounted together on a single printed circuit board. (Item 10) 1. A module-based energy system comprising: A converter source module, comprising: a first energy source comprising a fuel cell; an energy buffer coupled to the first energy source; a converter coupled to the first energy source and the energy buffer, the converter comprising a plurality of switches configured to select an output voltage of a module; Equipped with converter source module A system comprising: (Item 11) 1. A module-based energy system comprising: A converter source module, comprising: A first energy source; an energy buffer coupled to the first energy source, the energy buffer comprising a Z-source network comprising two inductors and two capacitors, or a quasi-Z-source network comprising two inductors, two capacitors, and a diode; a converter coupled to the first energy source and the energy buffer, the converter comprising a plurality of switches configured to select an output voltage of a module; Equipped with converter source module A system comprising: (Item 12) 1. A module-based energy system comprising: A converter source module, comprising: A first energy source; an energy buffer coupled to the first energy source; A second energy source; A converter comprising a first input, a second input and a third input, the first and third inputs coupled to the first energy source and the energy buffer, the second and third inputs coupled to the second energy source, the converter further comprising a plurality of switches configured to select an output voltage of a module; Equipped with converter source module Equipped with The system, wherein both the first and second energy sources each comprise a battery, or wherein both the first and second energy sources each do not comprise a battery. (Item 13) Item 13. The system of item 12, wherein the first and second energy sources each comprise a capacitor or a fuel cell. (Item 14) 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the converter comprises a first switch, an inductor, and a second switch, the first switch coupled between the first input and a first node, the inductor coupled between the second input and the first node, and the second switch coupled between the third input and the first node. (Item 15) Item 15. The system of item 14, wherein the plurality of switches comprises a third switch, a fourth switch, a fifth switch, and a sixth switch. (Item 16) Item 13. The system of item 12, wherein both the first and second energy sources each comprise a battery, and the second energy source further comprises a first capacitor in parallel with the battery. (Item 17) Item 13. The system of item 12, wherein both the first and second energy sources each comprise a battery, and the second energy source further comprises a first capacitor in parallel with the battery and a second capacitor in parallel with the battery. (Item 18) 1. A module-based energy system comprising: A converter source module, comprising: A first energy source; an energy buffer coupled to the first energy source; a converter coupled to the first energy source and the energy buffer, the converter comprising a plurality of switches configured to select an output voltage of a module; a first output port for connection to a primary load or another converter source module; A second output port for connection to an auxiliary load; Equipped with converter source module A system comprising: (Item 19) 20. The system of claim 18, wherein the auxiliary load is a first auxiliary load, and the converter source module comprises a third output port for connection to a second auxiliary load. (Item 20) 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the first output port is coupled to a primary load or another converter source module, the second output port is coupled to the first auxiliary load, and the third output port is coupled to the second auxiliary load. (Item 21) the converter has a first input, a second input, and a third input; the first and third inputs are coupled to the first energy source, the energy buffer, and the second output port; the second and third inputs are coupled to the third output port; Item 19. The system according to item 18. (Item 22) 22. The system of claim 21, wherein the converter comprises a first switch, an inductor, and a second switch, the first switch coupled between the first input and a first node, the inductor coupled between the second input and the first node, and the second switch coupled between the third input and the first node. (Item 23) Item 23. The system of item 22, wherein the plurality of switches comprises a third switch, a fourth switch, a fifth switch, and a sixth switch. (Item 24) 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the third switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch are coupled together as an H-bridge. (Item 25) the first output port having a first output and a second output; 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the third switch is coupled between the first input and the first output, the fourth switch is coupled between the third input and the first output, the fifth switch is coupled between the first input and the second output, and the sixth switch is coupled between the third input and the second output. (Item 26) 4. The system of claim 3, further comprising a master control device communicatively coupled to the local control device, the local control device configured to output the fault signal to the master control device. (Item 27) 26. The system of any of items 1-25, further comprising a plurality of converter source modules coupled to the converter source module in an array. (Item 28) 28. The system of claim 27, wherein each of the converter source modules among the plurality of converter source modules comprises a converter having a first energy source, an energy buffer coupled to the first energy source, and a plurality of switches configured to select an output voltage of the converter source module. (Item 29) 28. The system of claim 27, wherein the plurality of switches select between a first voltage with a positive polarity, a zero or reference voltage, and the first voltage with a negative polarity. (Item 30) 30. The system of claim 29, wherein the first voltage is a direct current (DC) voltage. (Item 31) 31. The system of any of items 27-30, wherein the array is configured to output an alternating current (AC) signal. (Item 32) 26. The system of any of items 1-25, wherein the converter comprises one or more sensors configured to output one or more sensing signals indicative of a temperature of the first energy source, a state of charge of the first energy source, a voltage of the first energy source, or a current of the first energy source. (Item 33) The system of any of items 9-25, further comprising a local control device communicatively coupled to the converter source module. (Item 34) Item 34. The system of item 33, comprising a plurality of converter source modules and a plurality of local control devices, each local control device among the plurality of local control devices being dedicated for use with one converter source module among the plurality of converter source modules. (Item 35) Item 34. The system of item 33, wherein the converter source module is a first converter source module and the system includes a second converter source module, and the local control device controls both the first and second converter source modules. (Item 36) The system of any of items 1-8 or 33, wherein the local control device comprises a processing circuit and a memory communicatively coupled to the processing circuit, the memory comprising instructions executable by the processing circuit. (Item 37) 37. The system of any of items 1-8, 33, or 36, wherein the local control device is configured to generate a switching signal for the converter using pulse width modulation. (Item 38) Item 38. The system of item 37, wherein the local control device is configured to modulate or scale a received reference signal and use the modulated reference signal for generating the switching signal. (Item 39) Item 39. The system of item 38, wherein the local control device is configured to use a received modulation index to modulate the received reference signal. (Item 40) The system of any of items 1-8 or 33, wherein the local control device is configured to receive one or more signals indicative of one or more of the following operational characteristics of the converter source module or its components: temperature, state of charge, capacity, state of health, voltage, or current. (Item 41) 41. The system of claim 40, wherein the local control device is configured to communicate information to a master control device indicative of one or more of the following operational characteristics of the converter source module or its components: temperature, state of charge, capacity, state of health, voltage, or current. (Item 42) The system of any of items 1-8 or 33, wherein the local control device is powered only by the first energy source. (Item 43) The system of any of items 1, 3-8, or 33, wherein the local control device is powered by an energy source other than the first energy source. (Item 44) The system of any of items 1-8 or 33, wherein the converter source module comprises a second energy source, and the local control device is configured to cause the converter source module to actively filter second harmonics in the output current from the first energy source using current from the second energy source. (Item 45) Item 45. The system of item 44, wherein the first energy source comprises a battery and the second energy source comprises a capacitor. (Item 46) Item 46. The system of item 45, wherein the capacitor of the second energy source is an ultracapacitor or a supercapacitor. (Item 47) The system of any of items 1-8 or 33, wherein the converter source module comprises a second energy source, and the local control device is configured to control the converter and manage power transfer from the first energy source to a cumulative load of the converter source module, from the second energy source to a cumulative load of the converter source module, and between the first energy source and the second energy source. (Item 48) Item 48. The system of item 47, wherein the power transfer between the first energy source and the second energy source includes power transfer from the first energy source to the second energy source and power transfer from the second energy source to the first energy source. (Item 49) Item 48. The system of item 47, wherein the local control device is configured to control the converter and manage power transfer based at least in part on a power consumption of a first auxiliary load and a power consumption of a second auxiliary load. (Item 50) Item 48. The system of item 47, wherein the local control device comprises a processor and a memory, the memory comprising instructions that, when executed by the processing circuit, cause the processing circuit to manage power transfer from the first energy source to a cumulative load of the converter source module, from the second energy source to the cumulative load of the converter source module, and between the first energy source and the second energy source. (Item 51) 51. A system according to any of items 47-50, wherein the local control device is configured to manage power transfer by generating switching signals for the converter. (Item 52) A system as described in any of items 1-25, further comprising a master control device configured to manage one or more operating parameters of the converter source module relative to one or more operating parameters of other converter source modules in the system. (Item 53) 34. The system of any of items 1-8 or 33, further comprising a master control device communicatively coupled to the local control device. (Item 54) Item 54. The system of item 53, wherein the master control device is communicatively coupled to the local control device via a serial data cable. (Item 55) 54. The system of claim 53, wherein the master control device comprises a processing circuit and a memory communicatively coupled to the processing circuit, the memory comprising instructions executable by the processing circuit. (Item 56) 54. The system of claim 53, further comprising a plurality of local control devices coupled to a plurality of converter source modules, the master control device being communicatively coupled to each of the local control devices of the plurality of local control devices. (Item 57) 57. The system of claim 56, wherein the master control device is configured to read data indicative of one or more operating characteristics of the plurality of converter source modules and to determine a contribution for at least one converter source module of the plurality of converter source modules. (Item 58) Item 58. The system of item 57, wherein the master control device is configured to determine a contribution for each of the plurality of converter source modules. (Item 59) Item 59. The system of item 58, wherein the master control device is configured to output a modulation or scaling exponent for each of the plurality of converter source modules, the modulation or scaling exponent indicative of a power flow contribution. (Item 60) Item 59. The system of item 59, wherein the master control device is configured to output a reference signal to each of the local control devices, each of the local control devices being configured to modulate or scale the reference signal using a received modulation or scaling exponent and to generate a switching signal based on the modulated or scaled reference signal. (Item 61) A system as described in any of items 1-60, configured for operation in a mobile entity having a motor, the system providing power for the motor. (Item 62) Item 62. The system of item 61, wherein the mobile entity is one of a car, a bus, a truck, a motorcycle, a scooter, an industrial vehicle, a mining vehicle, an air vehicle, a ship, a submarine, a locomotive, a train or rail-based vehicle, a military vehicle, a spacecraft, or a satellite. (Item 63) 61. The system of any of items 1-60, configured for operation as a stationary energy system. (Item 64) Item 64. The system of item 63, wherein the stationary energy system is one of a residential storage system, an industrial storage system, a commercial storage system, a government storage system, a system that converts solar, wind, geothermal energy, fossil fuels, or nuclear reactions into electricity for storage, a data center storage system, a grid, a microgrid, or a charging station. (Item 65) 61. The system of any of items 1-60, configured as a battery pack for an electric vehicle. (Item 66) 1. A module-based energy system comprising: a plurality of converter source modules, each of the plurality of converter source modules comprising a first energy source, an energy buffer, and a converter electrically coupled together, the plurality of converter source modules being electrically coupled together in an array; a control circuit communicatively coupled to the plurality of converter source modules, the control circuit configured to monitor at least one operating characteristic of each of the plurality of converter source modules and, based on the monitored at least one operating characteristic, independently control each converter source module in the plurality of converter source modules for performance optimization of the array; A system comprising: (Item 67) Item 67. The system of item 66, wherein the at least one operational characteristic is selected from a state of charge, a temperature, a state of health, a capacity, a presence of a fault, a voltage, or a current. (Item 68) Item 68. The system of item 67, wherein the temperature is at least one of a temperature of the first energy source or a component thereof, a temperature of the energy buffer or a component thereof, and a temperature of the converter or a component thereof. (Item 69) Item 68. The system of item 67, wherein the capacity is at least one of a capacity of the first energy source or a capacity of one or more components of the first energy source. (Item 70) Item 68. The system of item 67, wherein the presence of a fault is at least one of an indication of the presence of a measured fault, an indication of the presence of a potential fault, an indication of the presence of an alarm condition, or an indication of the presence of a warning condition. (Item 71) Item 68. The system of item 67, wherein the voltage is at least one of a voltage of the first energy source or a component thereof, a voltage of the energy buffer or a component thereof, and a voltage of the converter or a component thereof. (Item 72) Item 68. The system of item 67, wherein the current is at least one of a current of the first energy source or a component thereof, a current of the energy buffer or a component thereof, and a current of the converter or a component thereof. (Item 73) Item 67. The system of item 66, wherein each converter source module comprises at least one sensor for sensing the at least one operating characteristic. (Item 74) Item 68. The system of item 67, wherein the control circuitry is configured to monitor all of the following operating characteristics: state of charge, temperature, state of health, capacity, presence of faults, voltage, and current. (Item 75) 67. The system of claim 66, wherein the control circuit is configured to independently control discharging or charging of each converter source module by generating a plurality of switching signals and outputting the plurality of switching signals to the converters of each converter source module. (Item 76) Item 76. The system of item 75, wherein the control circuit is configured to generate the multiple switching signals using pulse width modulation or hysteresis. (Item 77) Item 67. The system of item 66, wherein at least one converter source module of the plurality of converter source modules is a converter source module as described in any of items 1-25. (Item 78) Item 67. The system of item 66, wherein all of the plurality of converter source modules are converter source modules as described in any of items 1-25. (Item 79) Item 67. The system of item 66, wherein the control circuitry is configured to independently control discharging or charging of each converter source module in the plurality of converter source modules for performance optimization of the array. (Item 80) Item 67. The system of item 66, wherein the control circuitry is configured to independently control discharging or charging of each converter source module based on the power requirements of a load coupled to the array. (Item 81) Item 81. The system of item 80, wherein the load is a motor, a commercial structure, a residential structure, an industrial structure, or an energy grid. (Item 82) Item 67. The system of item 66, wherein the control circuitry comprises a plurality of local control devices and a master control device communicatively coupled to the plurality of local control devices. (Item 83) 1. A module-based energy system comprising: A converter source module, comprising: A first energy source; a converter coupled to the first energy source, the converter comprising a plurality of switches configured to select an output voltage of a module; Equipped with converter source module A system comprising: (Item 84) 1. A method for providing output power from a module-based energy system, comprising: receiving, by a control circuit of the system, status information from at least one of a plurality of converter source modules of the system, each converter source module including an energy source and a converter, each converter source module configured to contribute power to an output power of the system; controlling, by the control circuitry, a power contribution of at least one converter source module of the plurality of converter source modules based on the status information; A method comprising: (Item 85) Item 85. The method of item 84, wherein the control circuitry comprises a master control device and a plurality of local control devices. (Item 86) controlling, by the control circuitry, a power contribution of the at least one converter source module; generating a plurality of switching signals from the control circuit and outputting them to a converter of the at least one converter source module; Including, 85. The method of claim 84, further comprising switching an output voltage of the at least one converter source module by the converter. (Item 87) controlling, by the control circuitry, a power contribution of the at least one converter source module; Reducing the power contribution of the at least one converter source module or increasing the power contribution of the at least one converter source module. 85. The method according to item 84, comprising: (Item 88) Item 88. The method of item 87, wherein the power contribution is reduced or increased compared to a preceding power contribution of the at least one converter source module or compared to a power contribution of one or more other converter source modules. (Item 89) The master control device receives the status information from at least one local control device, and the method further comprises: outputting a reference waveform and a modulation index from said master control device to said at least one local control device; 86. The method according to item 85, comprising: (Item 90) modulating, by the local control device, the reference waveform with the modulation index; generating a plurality of switching signals for converters of a converter source module associated with the local control device based at least in part on the modulated reference waveform; and 90. The method of claim 89, further comprising: (Item 91) Item 91. The method of item 90, wherein the switching signal is generated using pulse width modulation. (Item 92) 85. The method of claim 84, wherein the control circuit controls the power contribution of all converter source modules in the plurality. (Item 93) 85. The method of claim 84, wherein the control circuit controls the power contribution according to a pulse width modulation or hysteresis technique. (Item 94) 85. The method of claim 84, wherein the control circuit repeatedly receives status information for all converter source modules in the plurality, the status information being specific to each individual converter source module in the plurality. (Item 95) 95. The method of claim 94, wherein the control circuit controls all converter source modules in the plurality based on the status information, the control occurring in real time. (Item 96) A method according to any one of items 84-95, wherein at least one of the plurality of converter source modules is according to any one of items 1-25. (Item 97) The method according to any of items 84-96, wherein the plurality of converter source modules are arranged according to any of items 101-169. (Item 98) 1. A method of charging a module-based energy system, comprising: receiving, by a control circuitry of the system, status information from at least one of a plurality of converter source modules of the system, each converter source module including an energy source and a converter, each converter source module configured to be charged by a power supply source; controlling, by the control circuit, a power consumption of at least one converter source module of the plurality of converter source modules based on the status information; A method comprising: (Item 99) controlling, by the control circuit, the power consumption of the at least one converter source module; generating a plurality of switching signals from the control circuit and outputting them to a converter of the at least one converter source module; Including, The method further includes switching a plurality of switches such that the power consumption of at least one converter source module is reduced or increased by the converter; Optionally, the power consumption is reduced or increased compared to a previous power consumption of the at least one converter source module or compared to a power consumption of one or more other converter source modules. (Item 100) A method according to any one of items 98-99, wherein at least one of the plurality of converter source modules is according to any one of items 1-25. (Item 101) 1. A module-based energy system comprising: An array of N converter-source modules, where N is 2 or greater; Equipped with Each of the N converter source modules is connected in series, Each of the N converter source modules is configured according to any of items 1-25; The array includes a first output terminal of a first converter source module and a second output terminal of an Nth converter source module. (Item 102) Item 102. The system of item 101, further comprising a plurality of local control devices, each of the plurality of local control devices communicatively coupled to one or more of the N converter source modules, the local control devices configured to generate a plurality of switching signals for the plurality of switches. (Item 103) Item 103. The system of item 102, further comprising a master control device communicatively coupled to the plurality of local control devices. (Item 104) 104. The system of any of items 101-103, further comprising a load connected between the first output terminal and the second output terminal. (Item 105) Item 105. The system of item 104, wherein the load is one of a DC load or a single-phase AC load. (Item 106) 1. A module-based energy system comprising: An array of M converter-source modules, where M is 2 or greater; Equipped with each of the M arrays comprises N converter source modules, N being 2 or greater; each of the N converter source modules is connected in series within each of the M arrays; Each of the N converter source modules is configured according to any of items 1-25; Each of the M arrays includes a respective output terminal of a first converter source module; The Nth converter source module of each of the M arrays is connected to a common output terminal of the system. (Item 107) Item 107. The system of item 106, further comprising a plurality of local control devices, each of the plurality of local control devices communicatively coupled to one or more of the N converter source modules of each of the M arrays, the local control devices configured to generate a plurality of switching signals for the plurality of switches. (Item 108) Item 108. The system of item 107, further comprising a master control device communicatively coupled to the plurality of local control devices. (Item 109) 109. The system of any of claims 106-108, wherein the M arrays include a first and a second array. (Item 110) Item 110. The system of item 109, further comprising a load connected between each output terminal of the first and second arrays. (Item 111) Item 111. The system of item 110, wherein the common output terminal is coupled to a neutral terminal of the load. (Item 112) Item 109. The system of item 109, further comprising a load connected between the common output terminal and a joint combination of the individual output terminals of the first and second arrays. (Item 113) The system of any of items 110-112, wherein the load is one of a DC load or a single-phase AC load. (Item 114) 109. The system of any of claims 106-108, wherein the M arrays include a first array, a second array, and a third array. (Item 115) Item 115. The system of item 114, further comprising a three-phase load connected between the respective output terminals of the first, second, and third arrays. (Item 116) Item 116. The system of item 115, wherein the common output terminal is coupled to a neutral terminal of the load. (Item 117) Item 115. The system of item 114, further comprising a DC or single-phase AC load connected between the common output terminal and a joint combination of the individual output terminals of the first, second, and third arrays. (Item 118) 1. A module-based energy system comprising: A plurality of interconnected converter source modules; a control circuit configured to adjust the contribution of one or more of the converter source modules based on status information associated with one or more of the converter source modules; A module-based energy system comprising: (Item 119) Item 118, a module-based energy system comprising a converter source module as described in items 1-25. (Item 120) 2. The converter source module an energy source comprising at least one energy storage element; Converter and Item 118. The module-based energy system of item 118, comprising: (Item 121) Item 119. The module-based energy system of item 118, wherein the status information comprises one or more of a state of charge, state of health, temperature, capacity, current, or voltage of the converter source module or a component thereof. (Item 122) Item 119. The module-based energy system of item 118, wherein the master control device is configured to balance the state of charge (SOC) of the plurality of interconnected converter source modules. (Item 123) Item 119. The module-based energy system of item 118, wherein the control circuit comprises a processing circuit and at least one memory having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processing circuit, cause the processing circuit to adjust the contribution of one or more converter source modules based on status information associated with one or more of the converter source modules. (Item 124) The module-based energy system of Item 213, wherein the processing circuitry and at least one memory are components of a master control device, a local control device, or are distributed between a master control device and one or more local control devices. (Item 125) The module-based energy system of any of items 118 and 120-124, wherein the control circuit is configured to reduce the contribution of a first converter source module relative to the one or more other converter source modules based on status information of the first converter source module and one or more other converter source modules. (Item 126) Item 126. The module-based energy system of item 125, wherein the status information of the first converter source module indicates at least one of a relatively lower state of charge, a relatively lower state of health, a relatively lower capacity, a relatively lower voltage, a relatively lower current, a relatively higher temperature, or a fault compared to the status information of the one or more other converter source modules. (Item 127) The module-based energy system of any of items 118, 120-124, and 126, wherein the control circuit is configured to increase the contribution of a first converter source module relative to the one or more other converter source modules based on status information of the first converter source module and one or more other converter source modules. (Item 128) Item 128. The module-based energy system of item 127, wherein the status information of the first converter source module indicates at least one of a relatively higher state of charge, a relatively higher state of health, a relatively higher capacity, a relatively higher voltage, a relatively higher current, a relatively lower temperature, or the absence of a fault, compared to the status information of the one or more other converter source modules. (Item 129) 129. The module-based energy system of any of claims 118, 120-124, 126, and 128, wherein the contribution is an output power over time of the first converter source module. (Item 130) The module-based energy system of any of items 118, 120-124, 126, and 128, wherein the control circuit comprises a master control device and a plurality of local control devices. (Item 131) Item 131. The module-based energy system of item 130, wherein the master control device is configured to generate a plurality of modulation indexes for the plurality of converter source modules, one modulation index being generated independently for each converter source module of the plurality of converter source modules. (Item 132) Item 131. The module-based energy system of item 130, wherein the master control device comprises an intra-phase balance controller. (Item 133) Item 133. The module-based energy system of item 132, wherein the phase balance controller is configured to generate a modulation index for each converter source module. (Item 134) Item 134. The module-based energy system of item 133, wherein a modulation index for a converter source module is determined based on one or more of a peak voltage Vpk of a reference voltage Vr of the module-based energy system, a state of charge of the converter source module, a temperature of the converter source module, a capacitance of the converter source module, a current of the converter source module, or a voltage of the converter source module. (Item 135) The module-based energy system of any of items 130-134, wherein the master control device further comprises a peak detector for detecting a peak voltage Vpk of a reference voltage Vr of the module-based energy system. (Item 136) The module-based energy system of any of items 130-134, wherein the master control device is configured to generate a normalized reference waveform Vrn from a reference voltage Vr. (Item 137) Item 137. The module-based energy system of item 136, wherein the master control device is configured to generate the normalized reference waveform Vrn from the reference voltage Vr by dividing the reference voltage Vr by its peak voltage Vpk. (Item 138) A module-based energy system as described in any of items 130-134 and 136, wherein the master control device is configured to output a normalized reference waveform Vrn to each of the plurality of local control devices. (Item 139) Item 139. The module-based energy system of item 138, wherein each local control device of the plurality of local control devices is configured to modulate the received normalized reference waveform Vrn according to the received modulation index. (Item 140) Item 140. The module-based energy system of item 139, wherein each local control device of the plurality of local control devices is configured to generate a switching signal for a converter source module based on the modulated reference waveform. (Item 141) Item 141. The module-based energy system of item 140, wherein each local control device of the plurality of local control devices is configured to generate a switching signal for a converter source module based on a pulse width modulation technique implemented with the modulated reference waveform. (Item 142) Item 131. The module-based energy system of item 130, wherein the multiple modulation indexes are generated to ensure that a sum of the generated voltages from the multiple converter source modules does not exceed a peak voltage Vpk. (Item 143) Item 131. The module-based energy system of item 130, wherein the multiple modulation indexes Mi are generated to converge the state of charge (SOC) of the energy sources of the multiple converter source modules towards an equilibrium condition. (Item 144) Item 131. The module-based energy system of item 130, wherein the plurality of modulation indexes Mi are generated to converge the state of health (SOH) of the plurality of converter-source modules towards an equilibrium condition. (Item 145) Item 131. The module-based energy system of item 130, wherein the plurality of modulation indexes Mi are generated to converge the voltages of the plurality of converter-source modules towards an equilibrium condition. (Item 146) Item 131. The module-based energy system of item 130, wherein the plurality of modulation indexes Mi are generated to converge currents of the plurality of converter-source modules towards an equilibrium condition. (Item 147) Item 131. The module-based energy system of item 130, wherein the plurality of modulation indexes Mi are generated to converge the temperatures of the plurality of converter-source modules towards an equilibrium condition. (Item 148) Item 131. The module-based energy system of item 130, wherein the multiple modulation indexes Mi are generated to reduce the contribution of one or more converter source modules having a fault condition compared to one or more other converter source modules that do not have a fault condition. (Item 149) Item 131. The module-based energy system of item 130, wherein the control circuitry comprises one or both of an interphase balance controller or an intraphase balance controller. (Item 150) Item 150. The module-based energy system of item 149, wherein the plurality of converter-source modules are arranged in a multi-dimensional array. (Item 151) Item 151. The module-based energy system of item 150, wherein the phase balance controller is configured to adjust the contributions of the plurality of converter-source modules within a one-dimensional array of the multidimensional array. (Item 152) Item 138. The module-based energy system of item 137, wherein the phase-to-phase balance controller is configured to control one or more of the neutral point shifts or contributions of converter-source modules common to each phase. (Item 153) The module-based energy system of any of items 118, 120-124, 126, 128, 131-134, 137, and 139-152, wherein the module-based energy system is one of single phase or multi-phase. (Item 154) Item 154. The module-based energy system of item 153, wherein the module-based energy system is a multi-phase module-based energy system that outputs signals in 3 phases, 4 phases, 5 phases, or 6 phases. (Item 155) 137 and 139-152. The module-based energy system of any of claims 118, 120-124, 126, 128, 131-134, 137 and 139-152, wherein the plurality of converter-source modules are arranged in a multi-dimensional array. (Item 156) 1. A module-based energy system comprising: A plurality of interconnected converter source modules; a control circuit configured to adjust a supply of power to one or more of the converter source modules based on status information associated with one or more of the converter source modules; A module-based energy system comprising: (Item 157) Item 157. The module-based energy system of item 156, wherein each converter source module comprises a converter source module as described in items 1-25. (Item 158) Each converter source module is an energy source comprising at least one energy storage element; An energy buffer; Converter and Item 157. The module-based energy system of item 156, comprising: (Item 159) Item 157. The module-based energy system of item 156, wherein the control circuitry is configured to independently determine an amount of charge that each converter source module using the system receives from a power source external to the system. (Item 160) Item 159. The module-based energy system of item 159, wherein the control circuitry is configured to independently determine an amount of charge that each converter source module of the system receives from a power source external to the system based on status information associated with one or more of the converter source modules or components thereof, the status information including one or more of state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH), capacity, temperature, voltage, current, presence of a fault, or absence of a fault. (Item 161) 161. The module-based energy system of any of items 156 and 158-160, wherein the plurality of converter-source modules are arranged in a multi-dimensional array. (Item 162) A converter source module, comprising: an energy source comprising at least one energy storage element; An energy buffer; a converter comprising a plurality of switches, the converter configured to generate an output voltage based on a combination of the plurality of switches; A converter source module. (Item 163) Item 163. The converter source module of item 162, wherein an output of the energy source is coupleable to an input terminal of the energy buffer. (Item 164) Item 163. The converter source module of item 162, wherein an output of the energy buffer is couplable to an input terminal of the converter. (Item 165) Item 163. The converter source module of item 162, wherein the energy storage element is one of an ultracapacitor, a battery comprising at least one cell or a plurality of battery cells connected in series and / or parallel, or a fuel cell. (Item 166) Item 163. The converter source module of item 162, wherein the energy buffer comprises one or more of an electrolytic capacitor, a film capacitor, a Z source network comprising two inductors and two capacitors, or a quasi-Z source network comprising two inductors, two capacitors, and a diode. (Item 167) Item 163. The converter source module of item 162, wherein each of the plurality of switches comprises at least one of a semiconductor MOSFET or a semiconductor IGBT. (Item 168) Item 163. The converter source module of item 162, wherein the converter is configured to generate three different voltage outputs through different combinations of the plurality of switches. (Item 169) Item 163. The converter source module of item 162, wherein the energy source is configured to output a direct current voltage VDC, and the three different voltage outputs are +VDC, 0, and -VDC. (Item 170) Item 163. The converter source module of item 162, configured to receive switching signals for the plurality of switches from a local control device. (Item 171) Item 163. An energy system comprising at least two converter source modules according to item 162. (Item 172) Item 172. The energy system of item 171, wherein the at least two converter source modules are interconnected in one of a one-dimensional array or a multi-dimensional array. (Item 173) Item 173. The energy system of item 172, wherein at least two one-dimensional arrays are connected together in different rows and columns, either directly or via additional converter source modules. (Item 174) Item 173. The energy system of item 172, comprising at least two local control devices, one local control device for each converter source module. (Item 175) 175. The energy system of claim 174, wherein each local control device manages energy from the energy source, protects the energy buffer, and controls the converter. (Item 176) 1. A module-based energy system comprising: A local control device; a converter source module interconnected to the local control device, the converter source module comprising an energy source having a storage element, first and second outputs of the energy source being connected to first and second inputs of an energy buffer, the first and second outputs of the energy buffer being connected to first and second inputs of a converter, the converter comprising at least four switches for generating three voltage levels comprising a first voltage level with positive polarity, a zero or reference voltage level, and the first voltage level with negative polarity, the three voltage levels being generated by connection of the first voltage level between the first input and the second input of the converter to first and second outputs of the converter by different combinations of the at least four switches; A system comprising: (Item 177) Item 177. The system of item 176, wherein the storage element comprises one of an ultracapacitor, a battery module comprising one or more interconnected battery cells, and a fuel cell module. (Item 178) Item 177. The system of item 176, wherein the energy buffer comprises one of an electrolytic and / or film capacitor, a Z source network formed by two inductors and two electrolytic and / or film capacitors, and a quasi-Z source network formed by two inductors, two electrolytic and / or film capacitors, and a diode. (Item 179) Item 177. The system of item 176, wherein the switch is configured as a semiconductor switch. (Item 180) Item 177. The system of item 176, wherein the energy source comprises a primary energy source and a secondary energy source, the primary energy source including a storage element, the storage element comprising one of an ultracapacitor, a battery module comprising one or more interconnected battery cells, and a fuel cell module. (Item 181) Item 181. The system of item 180, wherein the first and second outputs of the primary energy source are coupled to first and second input terminals of an energy buffer, the energy buffer comprising one of an electrolytic and / or film capacitor, a Z source network formed by two inductors and two electrolytic and / or film capacitors, and a quasi-Z source network formed by two inductors, two electrolytic and / or film capacitors, and a diode. (Item 182) Item 182. The system of item 181, wherein a second output of the energy buffer is connected to a second output of the secondary energy source and a first output of the secondary energy source is connected to a second input of the converter. (Item 183) Item 183. The system of item 182, wherein the secondary energy source includes a storage element, the storage element including one of an electrolytic and / or film capacitor, an ultracapacitor, a battery module comprising one or more interconnected battery cells, an electrolytic and / or film capacitor connected in parallel with an ultracapacitor, an electrolytic and / or film capacitor connected in parallel with a battery module comprising one or more interconnected battery cells, an electrolytic and / or film capacitor connected in parallel with an ultracapacitor and a battery module comprising one or more interconnected battery cells. (Item 184) Item 183. The system of item 182, wherein the converter comprises six switches. (Item 185) Item 177. The system of item 176, wherein the converter source module is configured to power first and second auxiliary loads. (Item 186) Item 177. The system of item 176, comprising a balance controller. (Item 187) Item 187. The system of item 186, wherein the balance controller is a single-phase balance controller. (Item 188) Item 187. The system of item 186, wherein the balance controller includes a peak detector, a divider, and an intra-phase balance controller. (Item 189) Item 187. The system of item 186, wherein the system includes a plurality of converter source modules, and the balancing controller is configured to balance the state of charge and temperature among the plurality of converter source modules of the system. (Item 190) Item 187. The system of item 186, wherein the balance controller is a three-phase balance controller. (Item 191) Item 191. The system of item 190, wherein the balance controller includes an inter-phase balance controller and a plurality of intra-phase controllers. (Item 192) Item 192. The system of item 191, wherein the system includes a plurality of converter source modules, and the balancing controller is configured to balance the charge state and temperature among the plurality of converter source modules of the system. (Item 193) Item 119. The module-based energy system of item 119, wherein the control circuit is configured to reduce the contribution of a first converter source module relative to the one or more other converter source modules based on status information of the first converter source module and one or more other converter source modules. (Item 194) Item 120. The module-based energy system of item 119, wherein the control circuit is configured to increase the contribution of a first converter source module relative to the one or more other converter source modules based on status information of the first converter source module and one or more other converter source modules. (Item 195) Item 126. The module-based energy system of item 125, wherein the control circuit is configured to increase the contribution of a first converter source module relative to the one or more other converter source modules based on status information of the first converter source module and one or more other converter source modules. (Item 196) Item 120. The module-based energy system of item 119, wherein the contribution is an output power over time of the first converter source module. (Item 197) Item 120. The module-based energy system of item 119, wherein the control circuit comprises a master control device and a plurality of local control devices. (Item 198) Item 136. The module-based energy system of item 135, wherein the master control device is configured to generate a normalized reference waveform Vrn from a reference voltage Vr. (Item 199) Item 136. The module-based energy system of item 135, wherein the master control device is configured to output a normalized reference waveform Vrn to each of the plurality of local control devices. (Item 200) Item 137. The module-based energy system of item 136, wherein the master control device is configured to output a normalized reference waveform Vrn to each of the plurality of local control devices. (Item 201) Item 158. The module-based energy system of item 157, wherein the plurality of converter-source modules are arranged in a multi-dimensional array. (Item 202) 1. A modular battery pack system controllable to supply power to a three-phase motor of an electric vehicle (EV), the modular battery pack system comprising: a first interconnection module comprising a first port, a second port, a first battery, and a first switch circuit; a three converter module array, each array comprising at least three array-type converter modules electrically coupled together to output an AC voltage signal comprising a superposition of output voltages from each of the at least three array-type converter modules, each of the three arrays being configured to output an AC voltage waveform having a different phase angle for the three-phase motor, each of the array-type converter modules comprising an energy source and controllable to selectively output a positive DC output voltage, a zero output voltage, or a negative DC output voltage from the energy source; Equipped with the first port is electrically coupled to a first one of the three converter module arrays, the second port is electrically coupled to a second one of the three converter module arrays, and the first switch circuit is controllable to selectively couple the first array or the second array to the first battery. Modular battery pack system. (Item 203) Item 203. The system of item 202, further comprising a control circuit communicatively coupled to the at least three array-type converter modules of each array and to the first interconnect module. (Item 204) Item 204. The system of item 203, wherein the control circuit is configured to control the at least three array-type converter modules for each array to balance intra-phase charge states. (Item 205) Item 205. The system of item 204, wherein the control circuitry is configured to control the first interconnection module to balance inter-phase charge states between the first array and the second array. (Item 206) Item 206. The system of item 205, wherein the control circuit is configured to control the first switch circuit to exchange energy between the first array and the second array. (Item 207) a plurality of local control devices configured to output switching signals to each of the at least three array-type converter modules of each array and to the first interconnection module; a master control device communicatively coupled to the plurality of local control devices; The system of item 202, further comprising: (Item 208) Item 208. The system of item 207, wherein the master control device is configured to output information to the plurality of local control devices, the information comprising a normalized voltage reference waveform and a modulation index, and the plurality of local control devices are configured to generate pulse width modulated switching signals using the information received from the master control device. (Item 209) Item 208. The system of item 207, wherein the plurality of local control devices are configured to output charging state information for the at least three array-type converter modules and the first interconnection module of each array to the master control device. (Item 210) Item 203. The system of item 202, wherein a positive terminal of the first battery is electrically coupled to a first node and a negative terminal of the first battery is electrically coupled to a second node, and the first switch circuit is configured to selectively couple the first port to either the first or second node and to selectively couple the second port to either the first or second node. (Item 211) 203. The system of claim 202, further comprising a second interconnect module having a third port electrically coupled to a third array of the three converter module arrays, a second battery, and a second switch circuit, wherein the first and second batteries are electrically coupled in parallel. (Item 212) Item 212. The system of item 211, wherein the first switch circuit is electrically coupled between the first and second batteries and the first and second ports, and the second switch circuit is electrically coupled between the first and second batteries and the third port. (Item 213) 1. A method for providing power from a modular battery pack system in an electric vehicle (EV), the method comprising: controlling first, second, and third converter module arrays to output a three-phase voltage signal to a three-phase motor of the EV, each array comprising at least three array-type converter modules electrically coupled together to output an AC voltage signal comprising a superposition of output voltages from each of the at least three array-type converter modules, each of the array-type converter modules comprising an energy source and controllable to selectively output a positive DC output voltage, a zero output voltage, or a negative DC output voltage from the energy source, the first array being electrically coupled to the first interconnection module and the second array being electrically coupled to the first interconnection module; controlling the first interconnection module to selectively couple the first array or the second array to a first battery of the first interconnection module; A method comprising: (Item 214) Controlling the first interconnect module includes: Item 214. The method of item 213, comprising controlling a first switch circuit of the first interconnect module to selectively couple the first array or the second array to the first battery. (Item 215) Controlling the first interconnect module includes: Item 214. The method of item 213, comprising controlling the first interconnection module to balance inter-phase charge states between the first array and the second array. (Item 216) Controlling the first interconnection module to balance inter-phase charge states between the first array and the second array comprises: Item 216. The method of item 215, comprising controlling a first switch circuit of the first interconnection module using a pulse-width modulated switching signal to selectively couple the first array or the second array to the first battery. (Item 217) Controlling the first interconnect module includes: Item 214. The method of item 213, comprising controlling the first interconnect module to exchange energy between the first array and the second array. (Item 218) Controlling the first, second, and third converter module arrays to output three-phase voltage signals includes: Item 214. The method of item 213, comprising controlling the at least three array-type converter modules for each array to balance the intra-phase charge states. (Item 219) Controlling the first, second, and third converter module arrays to output three-phase voltage signals includes: outputting information from a master control device to a plurality of local control devices, the information comprising a normalized voltage reference waveform and a modulation index; generating, by the plurality of local control devices, pulse width modulated switching signals using the information received from the master control device; switching a switch circuit of each of the array-type converter modules of the first, second, and third arrays to selectively output the positive DC output voltage, the zero output voltage, or the negative DC output voltage; 214. The method according to claim 213, comprising: (Item 220) Item 220. The method of item 219, further comprising determining the modulation index based at least on charge state information for at least three array-type converter modules of the first, second, and third arrays. (Item 221) the third array is electrically coupled to a second interconnection module comprising a second battery, the second interconnection module being coupled to the first interconnection module such that the first battery and the second battery are in parallel, the method further comprising: controlling the second interconnect module to selectively couple the third array to the first and second batteries; 214. The method according to claim 213, comprising: (Item 222) 1. A modular battery pack system controllable to supply power to an electric vehicle (EV), the modular battery pack system comprising: three converter module arrays, each array comprising at least three array-type converter modules electrically coupled together to output an AC voltage signal comprising a superposition of output voltages from each of the array-type converter modules, each of the three arrays being configured to output an AC voltage signal having a different phase for a three-phase motor of the EV, each of the array-type converter modules comprising an energy source and controllable to selectively output a positive DC output voltage, a zero output voltage, or a negative DC output voltage from the energy source; a first interconnection module electrically coupled to a first one of the three converter module arrays and a second one of the three converter module arrays, the first interconnection module comprising a first battery and a port for supplying power from the first battery to a first auxiliary load of the EV; A modular battery pack system comprising: (Item 223) Item 223. The system of item 222, wherein the first battery is configured to output a first voltage and the first interconnect module is configured to supply the first voltage directly to the first auxiliary load. (Item 224) The first interconnection module comprises: a first switch circuit electrically coupled to the first battery; a first inductor, the first inductor electrically coupled to the first switch circuit such that the first inductor is switchably coupled to the first battery; Equipped with Item 223. The system of item 222, wherein the first inductor is electrically coupled to the port. (Item 225) Item 225. The system of item 224, further comprising a control circuit configured to control the first switch circuit and control the first voltage supplied from the first battery to the first auxiliary load. (Item 226) Item 226. The system of item 225, wherein the control circuit is configured to receive a measurement signal from the first interconnect module and use the measurement signal to control the first switch circuit to control the first voltage supplied to the first auxiliary load. (Item 227) Item 227. The system of item 226, wherein the control circuit is configured to use the measurement signal and to generate a pulse-width modulated switching signal to control the first switch circuit and to control the first voltage supplied to the first auxiliary load. (Item 228) Item 223. The system of item 222, wherein the port is a first port and the first interconnection module includes a second port for supplying power from the first battery to a second auxiliary load of the EV. (Item 229) Item 229. The system of item 228, wherein the first ancillary load comprises an air conditioning unit of the EV and the second ancillary load is an on-board electrical network of the EV. (Item 230) 223. The system of claim 222, wherein the port is a first port, and the system further comprises: a second interconnection module electrically coupled to a first array of the three converter module arrays, the second interconnection module having a second port for coupling to a first auxiliary load of the EV; and a second battery electrically coupled in parallel with the first battery. (Item 231) Item 231. The system of item 230, wherein the first interconnect module comprises a first switch circuit electrically coupled to the first and second batteries, and a first inductor electrically coupled to the first switch circuit such that the first inductor is switchably coupled to the first and second batteries, and the first inductor is electrically coupled to the first port. (Item 232) Item 232. The system of item 231, wherein the second interconnect module comprises a second switch circuit electrically coupled to the first and second batteries, and a second inductor electrically coupled to the second switch circuit such that the second inductor is switchably coupled to the first and second batteries, and the second inductor is electrically coupled to the second port. (Item 233) Item 231. The system of item 230, wherein the first interconnect module includes a third port for supplying power from the first and second batteries to a second auxiliary load of the EV. (Item 234) Item 234. The system of item 233, wherein the second interconnect module includes a fourth port for coupling to a second auxiliary load of the EV. (Item 235) Item 235. The system of item 234, wherein the first and second ports are electrically coupled together and the third and fourth ports are electrically coupled together. (Item 236) 1. A method for powering an electric vehicle (EV) from a modular battery pack system, the method comprising: controlling three converter module arrays to output a three-phase voltage signal to a three-phase motor of the EV, each array comprising at least three array-type converter modules electrically coupled together to output an AC voltage signal comprising a superposition of output voltages from each of the three array-type converter modules, each of the array-type converter modules comprising an energy source and controllable to selectively output a positive DC output voltage, a zero output voltage, or a negative DC output voltage from the energy source; controlling a first interconnection module to supply power from a first battery of the first interconnection module to a first auxiliary load of the EV, the first interconnection module being electrically coupled to a first array of the three converter module arrays and a second array of the three converter module arrays, the first interconnection module comprising the first battery and a port for supplying power from the first battery to the first auxiliary load; A method comprising: (Item 237) Controlling the first interconnect module includes: Controlling a first switch circuit of the first interconnection module to control the power supplied from the first battery to the first auxiliary load. 237. The method of claim 236, comprising: (Item 238) Item 238. The method of item 237, further comprising using a measurement signal from the first interconnect module to control the first switch circuit to control the power supplied from the first battery to the first auxiliary load. (Item 239) Using the measurement signal from the first interconnect module includes: using the measurement signal as a basis for generating a pulse width modulated switching signal to control the first switch circuit to control the power delivered to the first auxiliary load. 239. The method of claim 238, comprising: (Item 240) The first interconnection module comprises: a first inductor, the first inductor electrically coupled to the first switch circuit such that the first inductor is switchably coupled to the first battery, the first inductor electrically coupled to the port, and power is supplied from the first battery to the first auxiliary load through the first inductor; 239. The method of claim 239, comprising: (Item 241) 241. The method of claim 240, further comprising controlling the first interconnection module to supply power from the first battery to a second auxiliary load of the EV, the second interconnection module comprising a second port for supplying power from the first battery to the second auxiliary load. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] Details of the subject matter described herein, both with respect to its structure and operation, may be apparent from consideration of the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts. The components within the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the subject matter. Moreover, all illustrations are intended to convey concepts, in which relative sizes, shapes, and other detailed attributes may be depicted diagrammatically, rather than literally or precisely.

[0016] [Figure 1A] 1A, 1B, and 1C are block diagrams depicting example embodiments of a module-based energy system. [Figure 1B] 1A, 1B, and 1C are block diagrams depicting exemplary embodiments of a module-based energy system. [Figure 1C] 1A, 1B, and 1C are block diagrams depicting example embodiments of a module-based energy system.

[0017] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting an exemplary embodiment of a converter source module (ConSource V1) with a local control device (LCD) interconnected to a master control device (MCD) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram depicting another exemplary embodiment of a converter source module (ConSource V2) with an LCD interconnected to an MCD in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram depicting another example embodiment of a converter source module (ConSource V3) with an LCD interconnected to an MCD and optional auxiliary load in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram depicting an example embodiment of the converter (converter V1) shown in FIG. 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram depicting an exemplary embodiment of the converter (converter V2) shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] [Figure 6] 6A, 6B, and 6C are diagrams depicting exemplary embodiments of energy storage elements for use as the energy sources shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] [Figure 7] 7A, 7B, and 7C are schematic diagrams depicting an exemplary embodiment for use as an energy buffer as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] [Figure 8] 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, and 8F are diagrams depicting exemplary embodiments for use as the energy source 2 shown in FIG. 3, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a graph depicting an output voltage from an exemplary converter in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a graph depicting an output voltage from an example module-based energy storage system having six example converter source modules, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of power flow management for the example converter source module (ConSource V2) shown in FIG. 3 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] [Figure 12] 12A and 12B are graphs depicting example waveforms of the converter source (ConSource V2) module shown in FIG. 3, in which converter V2 provides a secondary function of reducing secondary current harmonics.

[0029] [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of power flow management for the Converter Source (ConSource V3) module shown in FIG. 4 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] [Figure 14] 14A, 14B, 14C, and 14D are graphs depicting an example embodiment of pulse width modulation applicable to an example embodiment of a module-based energy system.

[0031] [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram depicting an example one-dimensional array of example connected converter source modules, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram depicting an example two-dimensional array of example connected converter source modules, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram depicting another example two-dimensional array of connected example converter source modules, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram depicting an example system having multiple example converter source modules connected in a three-dimensional array in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram depicting another example system having multiple example converter source modules connected in a three-dimensional array in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram depicting another example system having multiple example converter source modules connected in a three-dimensional array in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram depicting an example system having multiple example converter source modules connected in a multi-dimensional array in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] [Figure 22]FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram depicting an example system having multiple example converter source modules connected in a three-dimensional array and connected to an electric motor in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] [Diagram 23] FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram depicting another example system having multiple example converter source modules connected in a three-dimensional array and connected to an electric motor in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram depicting another example system having multiple example converter source modules connected in a three-dimensional array and connected to an electric motor and an auxiliary load in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram depicting another example system having multiple example converter source modules connected in a three-dimensional array and connected to an electric motor and an auxiliary load in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram depicting another example system having multiple example converter source modules connected in a six-dimensional array and connected to a six-phase electric motor and an auxiliary load in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram depicting another example system having multiple example converter source modules connected in a three-dimensional array and connected to two three-phase electric motors and an auxiliary load in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] [Figure 28]FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram depicting another example system having multiple example converter source modules connected in a three-dimensional array and connected to a three-phase open-winding electric motor and an auxiliary load in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] [Figure 29] FIG. 29 illustrates a schematic diagram depicting another example system having multiple example converter source modules connected in a three-dimensional array and connected to two three-phase open winding electric motors and an auxiliary load in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] [Diagram 30] FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram depicting an exemplary embodiment of a single-phase balanced controller for use with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] [Diagram 31] FIG. 31 illustrates a phasor diagram of voltage sharing control for an example single-phase system for use with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] [Diagram 32] FIG. 32 depicts a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a single-phase balanced controller for use with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] [Diagram 33] 33A and 33B depict phasor diagrams of voltage sharing control for a three-phase configuration for (A) intra-phase balance only and (B) intra-phase and inter-phase balance.

[0050] [Diagram 34] 34A and 34B depict phasor diagrams of voltage sharing control for (A) a common module and (B) a three-phase structure with a common module and intra-phase and inter-phase balancing through a common module and neutral point shifting.

[0051] [Diagram 35]35A and 35B depict phasor diagrams of (A) neutral point shifting and (B) voltage sharing control with intra-phase and inter-phase balance for a four-phase system with common module and neutral point shifting.

[0052] [Diagram 36] 36A and 36B depict phasor diagrams of voltage sharing control with (A) neutral point shifting and (B) intra-phase and inter-phase balancing for a five-phase system with common module and neutral point shifting.

[0053] [Figure 37] 37A and 37B depict phasor diagrams of voltage sharing control with (A) neutral point shifting and (B) intra-phase and inter-phase balancing for a six-phase system with common module and neutral point shifting.

[0054] [Figure 38] 38A and 38B depict phasor diagrams of voltage sharing control with intra-phase and inter-phase balance for the example system shown in FIG. 27 through (A) a common module and (B) a common module and neutral shifting.

[0055] [Figure 39] 39A and 39B depict phasor diagrams of voltage sharing control with intra-phase and inter-phase balance for the system shown in FIG. 28 through (A) a common module and (B) a common module and neutral shifting.

[0056] [Diagram 40] 40A and 40B depict phasor diagrams of voltage sharing control with intra-phase and inter-phase balance for the system shown in FIG. 29 through (A) a common module and (B) a common module and neutral shifting.

[0057] [Diagram 41] 41 and 42 are block diagrams depicting an exemplary embodiment of a converter source module. [Diagram 42]41 and 42 are block diagrams depicting an exemplary embodiment of a converter source module.

[0058] [Diagram 43] 43A and 43B are schematic diagrams depicting an exemplary embodiment of the components of a converter source module mounted on one or more substrates. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0059] Before the present subject matter is described in detail, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to particular embodiments described, which may, of course, vary. It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present disclosure will be limited only by the appended claims.

[0060] Described herein are exemplary embodiments of modular-based energy systems, as are exemplary embodiments of devices, circuits, software, and components within such systems, exemplary embodiments of methods of operating and using such systems, and exemplary embodiments of applications (e.g., equipment, machines, grids, locations, structures, environments, etc.) in which such systems may be implemented or incorporated or with which such systems may be utilized. Often, these applications can be categorized as mobile or stationary. (Example of use)

[0061] Mobility applications are generally those in which a module-based energy system is located on or within an entity to store and provide electrical energy for conversion to motive force by a motor to move or assist in moving the entity. Examples of mobile entities with which the embodiments disclosed herein may be used include, but are not limited to, electric and / or hybrid entities that move over land or underground, over or under the sea, above land or sea without contact therewith (e.g., flying or hovering in the air), or through space. Examples of mobile entities with which the embodiments disclosed herein may be used include, but are not limited to, vehicles, trains, ships, watercraft, aircraft, and spacecraft. Examples of mobile vehicles with which the embodiments disclosed herein may be used include, but are not limited to, those with only one wheel or track, those with only two wheels or tracks, those with only three wheels or tracks, those with only four wheels or tracks, and those with five or more wheels or tracks. Examples of mobile entities with which the embodiments disclosed herein may be used include, but are not limited to, cars, buses, trucks, motorcycles, scooters, industrial vehicles, mining vehicles, air vehicles (e.g., airplanes, helicopters, drones, etc.), watercraft (e.g., commercial carriers, ships, yachts, boats, or other water vehicles), submarines, locomotives or rail-based vehicles (e.g., trains, etc.), military vehicles, spacecraft, and satellites.

[0062] Stationary applications are generally applications other than mobile applications. Generally, in stationary applications, the module-based energy system resides at a static location while providing electrical energy for consumption by one or more other entities. Examples of stationary applications with which the embodiments disclosed herein may be used or used include, but are not limited to, energy systems for use by or within one or more residential structures or locations, energy systems for use by or within one or more industrial structures or locations, energy systems for use by or within one or more commercial structures or locations, energy systems for use by or within one or more government structures or locations (including both military and non-military uses), and systems that convert solar, wind, geothermal energy, fossil fuels, or nuclear reactions into electricity for storage. Examples of stationary applications with which the embodiments disclosed herein may be used or used include, but are not limited to, energy systems (e.g., charging stations) for charging the mobile applications described above. Other examples of stationary applications with which the embodiments disclosed herein may be used or used include, but are not limited to, data center storage systems, power grids, or microgrids. Stationary energy systems can be used in either a storage or non-storage role.

[0063] In describing embodiments herein, reference may be made to a particular mobile application (e.g., electric vehicle (EV)) or stationary application (e.g., grid). Such references are made for ease of discussion and do not mean that a particular embodiment is limited for use only to that particular mobile or stationary application. Embodiments of a system for providing power to a motor can be used in both mobile and stationary applications. Although certain configurations may be more suitable for some applications over others, all exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are capable of use in both mobile and stationary applications unless otherwise stated. Exemplary Embodiments of a Module-Based Energy System

[0064] FIG. 1A depicts an exemplary embodiment of a module-based energy system 100. Here, the system 100 includes a control circuit 102 that is communicatively coupled to N converter source modules 108-1 through 108-N via communication paths or links 106-1 through 106-N, respectively. In these embodiments, any number of two or more converter source modules can be used (e.g., N is 2 or more). The converter source modules 108, referred to herein as “ConSource” modules, can be interconnected in various manners, as will be described in more detail with respect to FIGS. 15-29. For ease of illustration, in FIGS. 1A-1C, the ConSource modules are shown connected in series or as a one-dimensional array, with the Nth ConSource module coupled to a load 101. The load 101 is an electrical load that outputs power when the system 100 is used to provide electrical power. The load 101 can be any type of load, including, but not limited to, a motor or a grid. For charging, the power supply module can be coupled to a charging source (not shown) either in addition to or instead of the load 101. As will be described in further detail herein, the system 100 can be configured to supply multiple loads 101, including both primary and auxiliary loads.

[0065] 1A embodiment, the control circuit 102 is configured to control one or more of the power supply modules 108 based on status information received from the same or different one or more of the power supply modules. The control can also be based on one or more other factors, such as the requirements of the load 101. In many embodiments, the aspect that is controlled is the output power of each power supply module over time, however, other aspects can be controlled instead of or in addition to the output power.

[0066] In many embodiments, status information of all consource modules in the system 100 will be communicated to the control circuitry 102, which will then independently control all consource modules 108-1...108-N. Other variations are possible. For example, control of a particular consource module (or a subset of consource modules) can be based on status information of the particular consource module (or a subset of consource modules), based on status information of a different consource module that is not the particular consource module (or a subset of consource modules), based on status information of all consource modules other than the particular consource module (or a subset of consource modules), based on status information of the particular consource module (or a subset of consource modules) and at least one other consource module that is not the particular consource module (or a subset of consource modules), or based on status information of all consource modules in the system 100.

[0067] As will be described herein, the status information may be information about one or more aspects of each consource module. The status information may be operational characteristics or other parameters. Types of status information include, but are not limited to, the following aspects of the consource module or its components: state of charge (SOC) (e.g., the level of charge of the energy source relative to its capacity, such as a fraction or percentage), state of health (SOH) (e.g., a figure of merit of the condition of the energy source compared to its ideal condition), capacity, temperature, voltage, current, or the presence or absence of a fault. Each consource module 108-1...108-N includes one or more sensors or other measurement elements for collecting sensed or measured signals or data that constitute or can be converted into status information. A separate sensor is not required to collect each type of status information, as more than one type of status information can be sensed or measured using a single sensor or otherwise determined algorithmically without the need for additional sensors.

[0068] 1B depicts another exemplary embodiment of the system 100. Here, the control circuitry 102 is implemented as a master control device 112 that is communicatively coupled to N different local control devices 114-1 to 114-N via communication paths or links 115-1 to 115-N, respectively. Each local control device 114-1 to 114-N is communicatively coupled to one converter source module 108-1 to 108-N via communication paths or links 116-1 to 116-N, respectively, such that a 1:1 relationship exists between the local control device 114 and the converter source module 108.

[0069] 1C depicts another exemplary embodiment of the system 100, in which a master control device 112 is communicatively coupled to M different local control devices 114-1 to 114-M via communication paths or links 115-1 to 115-M, respectively. The local control devices 114 are coupled to and can control two or more converter source modules 108. In the illustrated example, each local control device 114 is communicatively coupled to two converter source modules 108, such that the M local control devices 114-1 to 114-M are coupled to 2M converter source modules 108-1 to 108-2M via communication paths or links 116-1 to 116-2M, respectively.

[0070] Each of the communication paths or links 106, 115, and 116 may be a wired or wireless communication path or link that communicates data or information bidirectionally in a parallel or serial manner. Data may be communicated in a standard or custom format. In an automotive application, the communication path or link 115 may be configured to communicate data according to the FlexRay or CAN protocols.

[0071] In the embodiment described with respect to Figures 1B and 1C, the local control device 114 receives status information from each consource module or determines the status information from sensed or measured signals or data received from each consource module and communicates the information to the master control device 112. In some embodiments, the local control device 114 communicates the measured or sensed data to the control device 112, which then algorithmically determines the status information based on the raw data. The master control device 112 can then use the status information of the consource modules 108 and make control decisions accordingly. The control decisions may take the form of instructions, commands, or other information (such as modulation index, described below) that can be interpreted or utilized by the local control device 114 to either maintain or adjust the operation or contribution of the consource modules.

[0072] For example, the master control device 112 may receive status information indicating that a particular power source module (or a component thereof) is operating with respect to one or more other power source modules in the system 100 under one or more of the following conditions: with a relatively lower SOC, with a relatively lower SOH, with a relatively lower capacity, with a relatively lower voltage, with a relatively lower current, with a relatively higher temperature, or with a fault. In such an embodiment, the master control device 112 may output control information to reduce (or in some cases, increase depending on the condition) the power output of the particular power source module. Thus, for example, the power output of a power source module operating at a higher temperature may be reduced to cause the temperature of that power source module to converge toward the temperature of one or more other power source modules.

[0073] In other embodiments, the decision to adjust the operation of a particular consource module can be made by comparison of the status information with a pre-determined threshold, limit, or condition, not necessarily with the status of other consource modules. The pre-determined threshold, limit, or condition can be a static threshold, limit, or condition, such as one set by a manufacturer, that does not change during use. The pre-determined threshold, limit, or condition can be a dynamic threshold, limit, or condition that is allowed to change or changes during use. For example, the master control device 112 can adjust the operation of a consource module if the status information regarding that consource module indicates that it is operating in violation of (e.g., above or below) a pre-determined threshold or limit, or outside a pre-determined range of acceptable operating conditions. Similarly, the master control device 112 can adjust the operation of a consource module if the status information regarding that consource module indicates the presence of an actual or potential fault (e.g., an alarm or warning), or indicates the absence or removal of an actual or potential fault. Examples of faults include, but are not limited to, actual failure of a component, potential failure of a component, a short circuit or other excessive current condition, an open circuit, an excessive voltage condition, an inability to receive communications, receipt of corrupted data, and the like.

[0074] The local control device 114 can receive, process, and transmit signals from various sensors (e.g., temperature, voltage, and current sensors) of the converter source modules, switching (e.g., trigger) and fault signals to and from the semiconductor switches, voltages of the base batteries of the energy storage and buffering elements, and other signals. The local control device can implement communication with the master control device 112 and the transmission of corresponding control signals to and from it.

[0075] In this manner, the master control device 112 can control the consource modules 108 in the system 100 to achieve or converge toward a desired target. The target can be, for example, the operation of all consource modules at the same or similar levels relative to one another, or within a pre-determined threshold, limit, or condition. The process is also referred to as balancing or striving to achieve balance in the operation or operating characteristics of the consource modules. The term "balance" as used herein is used broadly to convey to those skilled in the art that it does not require absolute equality between the consource modules 108 or their components, but rather that the operation of the system 100 can be used to actively reduce differences in operation between the consource modules that would otherwise exist.

[0076] Referring back to FIG. 1A, the control circuitry 102 can be configured to operate and perform control using software (instructions stored in memory that are executable by a processing circuit), hardware, or a combination thereof. The control circuitry 102 can include a processing circuit and a memory, as shown herein. Exemplary implementations of the processing circuit and memory are further described below. The communication path or link 106 can also include wired power to provide operating power for the control circuitry 102 directly from one or more converter source modules 108. In some embodiments, power for the control circuitry 102 is provided solely from one or more converter source modules 108.

[0077] 1B-1C, the master control device 112 and the local control device 114 can be configured to operate and perform control using software (instructions stored in a memory that are executable by a processing circuit), hardware, or a combination thereof, and each can include a processing circuit and a memory, as shown herein. Exemplary implementations of the processing circuit 120 and memory 122 are further described below. The communication paths or links 116 can also include wired power to directly provide operating power for the local control device 114 from one or more converter source modules 108. In an embodiment, the operating power for each local control device 114 is provided solely by the one or more converter source modules 108 to which the local control device 114 is connected by the path 116. The operating power for the master control device 112 can be provided indirectly from one or more of the converter source modules 108 (e.g., through the vehicle's power network, etc.).

[0078] In some embodiments, the control circuitry 102 may include a single control device for the entire system 100. In other embodiments, the control circuitry may be distributed among local control devices 114 associated with the modules 108, such that a separate master control device 112 is not necessary and may be omitted from the system 100.

[0079] In some embodiments, control of the system 100 can be distributed between control circuitry 102 dedicated to or local to the system 100 and control circuitry shared with other parts of the application. For example, in an automotive application, the master control device 112 can be implemented as part of another control device (e.g., an electronic control unit (ECU)) of the vehicle that has responsibility for one or more other automotive functions (e.g., motor control, driver interface control, traction control, etc.).

[0080] The control circuitry 102 may have a communication interface for communicating with another control device of the application. For example, in an automotive application, the control circuitry 102 (e.g., the master control device 112) may output data or information about the system 100 to another control device (e.g., an ECU) of the vehicle. (An exemplary embodiment of a converter-source module in a module-based system)

[0081] 2-4 depict example embodiments of converter source modules 108 or con-source modules in the system 100 as depicted in FIG. 1B with one local control device 114 per con-source module. The embodiments of FIGS. 2-4 and any and all other embodiments described herein can be implemented according to the configurations of FIGS. 1A-1C unless otherwise stated.

[0082] The power supply module 108 can be implemented as a voltage converter or a current converter. For ease of explanation, the embodiments described herein are so done with reference to a voltage converter, although the embodiments are not limited as such.

[0083] 2 is a block diagram depicting an example embodiment of a consource module 108A within system 100. This embodiment of the consource module 108A may be referred to herein as an example consource module version 1 (consource V1) and is an example of a type of converter-source module 108. Also shown are a local control device 114 (LCD) and a master control device 112 (MCD). Consource V1 108A is communicatively coupled to the LCD 114, which is in turn communicatively coupled to the MCD 112.

[0084] Consumptive power source V1 108A includes an energy source 202 (energy source 1), which may include one or more energy storage elements. Energy source 1 may be, for example, but not limited to, one of the following: an ultracapacitor 600 (FIG. 6A), at least one cell or battery module 610 (FIG. 6B) including multiple battery cells connected in series and / or parallel, or a fuel, fuel cell, or fuel cell module 620 (FIG. 6C).

[0085] The outputs out1 and out2 of the energy source 1 can be connected to the input terminals in1 and in2 of the energy buffer, which may include, for example, but not limited to, one of the elements and topologies based on the following: a Z-source network 710 (FIG. 7B) formed by an electrolytic and / or film capacitor CEB700 (FIG. 7A), two inductors LEB1 and LEB2, and two electrolytic and / or film capacitors CEB1 and CEB2, a quasi-Z-source network 720 (FIG. 7C) formed by two inductors LEB1 and LEB2, two electrolytic and / or film capacitors CEB1 and CEB2, and a diode DEB. The choice of the specific topology and components of the energy buffer depends on the maximum allowable amplitude of high-frequency voltage pulsations on the output terminals out1 and out2 of the energy buffer. These pulsations can degrade the performance of the power source module 108, and therefore they can be efficiently buffered by designing suitable elements and topologies as its basis.

[0086] The outputs out1 and out2 of the energy buffer are connected to the inputs in1 and in2 of the converter V1, respectively. A schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of the converter V1 206 is shown in FIG. 5A. In many embodiments, the converter V1 206 can include at least four switches S3, S4, S5, S6, which can be configured as semiconductor switches such as metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors or MOSFETs (as shown in FIG. 4). Another switch example is an insulated gate bipolar transistor or IGBT. The semiconductor switches can be operated at a relatively high switching frequency, thereby allowing the converter V1 to be operated in a pulse width modulation mode, if desired, and to respond to control commands within a relatively short time interval. This can provide high immunity to output voltage regulation and fast dynamic behavior in transient modes.

[0087] In this embodiment, the converter V1 206 generates three different voltage outputs, namely +VDCL, 0, and -VDCL, by connecting the DC line voltage VDCL between its terminals in1 and in2 to its output terminals out1 and out2 by different combinations of switches S3, S4, S5, S6. To obtain +VDCL, switches S3 and S6 are turned on, while -VDCL can be obtained by turning on switches S4 and S5. By turning on S3 and S5 or S4 and S6, the output voltage is set to zero or a reference voltage.

[0088] The control switching signals for the semiconductor switches S3, S4, S5, S6 may be generated in different ways depending on the flexibility and requirements of the adopted control technique in the LCD and MCD (shown in FIG. 2). One approach is to use Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation SVPWM or Sine Wave Pulse Width Modulation SPWM, or their variants, to generate the output voltage of the converter V1. An example of an output voltage waveform 900 of the converter V1 is shown in FIG. 9. The modulation method also depends on the version of the system 100 to which it is applied, and one possible solution of modulation will be presented further herein as an example.

[0089] In some embodiments using pulse width modulation, the LCD (rather than the MCD) generates the switching signal for the switch in the consource module. In some embodiments, such as those using hysteresis, the generation of the switching signal can be performed by the MCD. The LCD 114 shown in FIG. 2 can be connected to the consource V1 108A through a set of diagnostic, measurement, protection, and control signal lines and can perform one or more of three main functions. The first function is the management of the energy source 1. The second function is the protection of the energy buffer, and more specifically its components, from overcurrent, overvoltage, and high temperature conditions. The third function is the control and protection of the converter V1 206.

[0090] In one exemplary embodiment, the function of management of energy source 1 for consource V1 module 108A by LCD 114 is as follows: LCD 114 accepts measurement signals VES1, TES1, IES1, where VES1 is the voltage of at least one, preferably all, of the basic components of energy source 1 or a group of basic components, such as, but not limited to, battery cells (individually or connected in series and / or parallel), ultracapacitor cells (individually or connected in series and / or parallel), TES1 is the temperature of at least one, preferably all, of the basic components of energy source 1 or a group of basic components, and IES1 is the output current of energy source 1. Based on these measurement signals, LCD 114 can perform one or more of the following: calculation or determination of actual capacity, actual state of charge (SOC), and state of health (SOH) of the basic components or the group of basic components, setting warning or alarm signals based on the measured and / or calculated data, and / or transmitting corresponding signals to MCD 112.

[0091] In one exemplary embodiment, the function of protecting the energy buffer 204 for the consource V1 module 108A by the LCD is as follows: the LCD 114 receives measurement signals VEB, TEB, IEB, where VEB is the voltage of at least one major component of the energy buffer, for example, but not limited to, the capacitor CEB, or the capacitors CEB1, CEB2 (see FIGS. 7A-7C), TEB is the temperature of at least one component of the energy buffer, and / or IEB is the current through at least one component of the energy buffer. Based on these measurement signals, the LCD 114 can perform the following: setting a warning or alarm signal based on the measured data and / or transmitting a corresponding warning or alarm signal to the MCD 112.

[0092] In one exemplary embodiment, the function of control and protection of the converter V1 206 for the con-source V1 module 108A by the LCD 114 is as follows: The LCD can receive command signals from the MCD (e.g., via FlexRay or CAN), which in some embodiments can be modulated reference and enable signals, or reference and modulation indexes, which can be used with pulse width modulation techniques in the LCD to generate control signals for the semiconductor switches S3, S4, S5, S6. A current feedback signal IOUT (not shown in FIG. 2) coming from an integrated current sensor of the converter V1 206 can be used for overcurrent protection, along with one or more signals F coming from the drive circuit of the switches of the converter V1 206 (not shown in FIG. 2), which can carry information about the fault status (e.g., short circuit or open circuit failure mode) of all the switches in the converter V1. Based on this data, the LCD can make a decision as to what combination of switching signals should be applied to the corresponding semiconductor switches S3, S4, S5, S6 to bypass or disconnect the entire converter V1 and consource V1 module 108A from the system 100. (The switching signal for a particular switch can turn that switch on or off.)

[0093] 3 is a block diagram depicting another exemplary embodiment of a consource module 108B, which may be referred to herein as version 2 of the consource module (consource V2) and is an example of a type of converter and source module 108. Consource V2 108B is communicatively coupled to an LCD 114, which is in turn communicatively coupled to an MCD 112.

[0094] In this embodiment, Consource V2 108B is a dual energy source configuration with Primary Energy Source 1 202 and Secondary Energy Source 2 304. Energy Source 1 may include, for example, but not limited to, one of the following: an ultracapacitor or supercapacitor 600 (FIG. 6A), a battery module 610 (FIG. 6B) including at least one cell or multiple battery cells connected in series and / or parallel, and a fuel, fuel cell, or fuel cell module 620 (FIG. 6C).

[0095] The outputs out1 and out2 of the energy source 1 202 can be connected to the input terminals in1 and in2 of the energy buffer 204, which may include, for example, but not limited to, one of the following elements and topologies based on the following: a Z-source network 710 (FIG. 7B) formed by an electrolytic and / or film capacitor CEB700 (FIG. 7A), two inductors LEB1 and LEB2, and two electrolytic and / or film capacitors CEB1 and CEB2, a quasi-Z-source network 720 (FIG. 7C) formed by two inductors LEB1 and LEB2, two electrolytic and / or film capacitors CEB1 and CEB2, and a diode DEB. The outputs out1 and out2 of the energy buffer 204 are connected to the inputs in1 and in3 of the converter V2 308, respectively.

[0096] The output out2 of the energy buffer 204 may also be connected to the output out2 of the energy source 2 304. Another output out1 of the energy source 2 is connected to the input in2 of the converter V2 308. The energy source 2 may include one of the following storage elements, for example, but not limited to, an electrolytic and / or film capacitor CEB800 (FIG. 8A), an ultracapacitor or supercapacitor 810 (FIG. 8B), a battery module 820 (FIG. 8C) including at least one battery cell or a plurality of battery cells connected in series and / or parallel, an electrolytic and / or film capacitor CEB800 connected in parallel with the ultracapacitor or supercapacitor 810 (FIG. 8D), an electrolytic and / or film capacitor CEB800 connected in parallel with the battery module 820 including at least one battery cell or a plurality of battery cells connected in series and / or parallel (FIG. 8E), an ultracapacitor (or supercapacitor) 810, and an electrolytic and / or film capacitor CEB800 connected in parallel with the battery module 820 including at least one battery cell or a plurality of battery cells connected in series and / or parallel (FIG. 8F).

[0097] A simplified schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of the converter V2 308 is shown in Fig. 5B. Here, the converter V2 308 includes six switches S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, which may be configured as semiconductor switches, such as MOSFETs (as shown in Fig. 5B) or IGBTs. The semiconductor switches are operated at a relatively high switching frequency, thereby enabling the converter V2 308 to be operated in a pulse-width modulation mode, if required, and to respond to control commands within a short time interval, and to provide high immunity to output voltage regulation and fast dynamic behavior in transient mode.

[0098] The left side of the converter V2 308 includes two switches S1 and S2, which can generate two different voltages at node 1, +VDCL and 0, referenced to the input In3, which can be at virtual zero potential. C is connected between the input In3 and node 1. The output out1 of the energy source 2 is connected to the coupled inductor L C The current consumed from or generated by Energy Source 2 304 is coupled to the coupled inductor L C The voltage on the output of the MOSFET can be adjusted to control the output of the MOSFET. Other techniques can also be used.

[0099] The right side of the converter V2 308 includes four switches S3, S4, S5, S6, and three different voltage outputs, namely +VDCL, 0, and -VDCL, can be generated by connecting the DCL-voltage VDCL between terminals in1 and in2 to output terminals out1 and out2 by different combinations of switches S3, S4, S5, S6. To obtain the +VDCL voltage between out1 and out2, switches S3 and S6 are turned on, while the -VDCL voltage between out1 and out2 can be obtained by turning on switches S4 and S5. By turning on S3 and S5 or S4 and S6, the output voltage is set to zero or reference potential.

[0100] The control switching signals for the semiconductor switches S3, S4, S5, S6 may be generated in different ways depending on the flexibility and requirements of the adopted control technique in the LCD 114 and the MCD 112. One approach is to use pulse width modulation, such as Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation (SVPWM) or Sine Wave Pulse Width Modulation (SPWM), including its additional variants, to generate the output voltage of the converter V2. A typical output voltage waveform 900 of the converter V2 308 is shown in FIG. 9. The modulation method also depends on the version of the ACi battery pack to which it is applied, and one possible solution of modulation will be further presented as an example.

[0101] In this example Consource V2 module 108B, Energy Source 1 202 acts as the primary energy source, thus supplying the average power required by the load. Energy Source 2 304 may be a secondary energy source with the capability of assisting Energy Source 1 by providing additional power at load power peaks or absorbing excess power.

[0102] FIG. 10 shows an output voltage waveform 1000 from an exemplary module-based energy storage system having six exemplary converter source modules.

[0103] 11 is a block diagram depicting an example embodiment of power flow management 1100 between two energy sources (energy source 1 202 and energy source 2 304) and a load for an example embodiment of the Consource V2 module 108B. The load may be, for example, but not limited to, an electric vehicle motor or a single phase of a power grid. This embodiment allows for complete decoupling between the electrical characteristics (terminal voltage and current) of each energy source and the electrical characteristics of the load 1102.

[0104] In these embodiments, power flow controller 1 1110 and power flow controller 2 1120 may be discrete control devices that are separate from the LCD 114 and the MCD 112, may be implemented as software within the LCD, may be implemented as hardware within the LCD, or may be implemented as a combination of hardware and software within the LCD. In some embodiments, the functionality of power flow controller 1 1110 and power flow controller 2 1120 may be shared or distributed between the LCD 114 and the MCD 112.

[0105] The power flow controller 1 1110 outputs a reference power flow signal (P ES1,REF ) which can be determined by a main power management controller located in the MCD 112 based on motor power or grid power requirements and the status of the Energy Source 1 202 in the Consource V2 module 108B. The Power Flow Controller 1 1110 estimates the maximum allowed charging and / or discharging current of the Energy Source 1 202 and determines the actual allowed power flow (P ES1 ) can be calculated. This value is P CONSOURCE and the difference is the signal (P ES2,REF ) to the power flow controller 2 1120. The power flow controller 2 1120 controls the coupling inductor L C A reference current in can be calculated to determine the switching signals for the switches S1 and S2 of the converter V2 308, for example, but not limited to, using a pulse width modulation or hysteresis control algorithm. Thus, the total power flow (P CONSOURCE ) can be provided by the switching portion of converter V2, including switches S3, S4, S5, and S6. ES1) can be estimated based on the maximum allowable current of the energy source 1 and the actual conditions of the energy source 1, such as, but not limited to, the state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH), temperature of the basic battery or the parallel and / or series connected battery group, equivalent series resistance, and the like. ES1 ) is the load (P LOAD ) and energy source 2 (P ES2 ) can be maintained as the difference between the current values ​​of P ES2 represents the switching portion of the converter V2 308 including the switches S1, S2 and the coupled inductor L C Managed by.

[0106] In many embodiments, Energy Source 2 304 may be a secondary energy source whose function is to assist Energy Source 1 by providing power at load power peaks and / or absorbing excess power. The secondary function of Energy Source 2 304 may be active filtering, such as to reduce (attenuate) or eliminate any secondary current harmonics that appear in the current IDC_CONV flowing at the inputs in1 and in3 of Converter V2 as a result of the inherent pulsating power nature of single-phase systems. These harmonics may have significant peak-to-peak values ​​that may reach up to twice the load current amplitude. Secondary current components present some disadvantages, such as increased internal losses within Energy Source 1 202 associated with the resulting current RMS value. To perform this secondary function, Energy Source 2 304 may include an electrolytic capacitor or an ultracapacitor (or supercapacitor) as a standalone component or connected in parallel with other energy storage elements as shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8D-8F.

[0107] 12A and 12B show examples of waveforms 1200, 1220 occurring before and during the implementation of this active filtering second order function. Before compensation starts (before instant t1), the current of Energy Source 1 202 (FIG. 12A) contains a DC component (IDC=130 A) and a second order harmonic component with amplitude IAC=60 A. High frequency harmonics (not shown) determined by the switching behavior of Converter V2 308 are efficiently buffered by Energy Buffer 204. Starting from instant t1, Converter V2 receives a current I ES2 It starts generating a current I ES1 The second harmonic of the current I is redirected to the energy source 2. ES2 I ES1 The resulting current I in the energy source 1 has an amplitude of the main harmonic equal to the amplitude of the second harmonic of the current ES1 12A , but with approximately the opposite phase angle in such a way that it contains either only a DC component, or mostly a DC component with some significantly reduced AC ripple as shown in FIG. 12A . In the case where only the secondary function is performed by converter V2, if energy source 2 includes only capacitors and / or supercapacitors 810, current I ES2 (FIG. 12B) may include a DC component that needs to be supplied from the load or from Energy Source 1 202 to maintain the voltage on the capacitor and / or supercapacitor 810 of Energy Source 2 304 at a set value required for correct operation of Converter V2 308.

[0108] Both the primary and secondary functions performed by converter V2 and described above can be performed either separately or simultaneously, in which case Energy Source 2 304 preferably includes an electrolytic capacitor or ultracapacitor 810 connected in parallel with other energy storage elements, as shown in Figures 8A, 8B, and 8D-8F.

[0109] The LCD 114 for the Consource V2 module is shown in FIG. 3 connected to the Consource V2 module 108B via a set of diagnostic, measurement, protection, and control signal lines, and can perform at least one, and preferably all, of four main functions. The first function is to manage Energy Source 1 202. The second function is to manage Energy Source 2 203. The third function is the protection of the energy buffer 204, and more specifically its components, from overcurrent, overvoltage and high temperatures. The fourth function is the control and protection of the converter V2 308.

[0110] The function of managing the energy source 1 for the Consource V2 module 108B may be as follows: the LCD 114 accepts the measurement signals VES1, TES1, IES1, where VES1 is the voltage of all basic components / cells of the energy source 1, or the voltage of basic components / cells, such as, but not limited to, individual or series and / or parallel connected battery cells, individual or series and / or parallel connected ultracapacitor cells, TES1 is the temperature of all basic components of the energy source 1, or the temperature of the basic components, and IES1 is the output current of the energy source 1. Based on these measurement signals, the LCD can perform the following: calculate the actual capacity, actual state of charge (SOC), and state of health (SOH) of the basic components or basic components, set warning or alarm signals based on the measured and calculated data, and transmit the corresponding signals to the MCD 112.

[0111] The functions of the management of Energy Source 2 304 for Consource V2 module 108B may be as follows: LCD 114 may receive measurement signals VES2, TES2, IES2, where VES2 is the voltage of all basic components or cells of Energy Source 2, or the voltage of basic components or cells, such as, but not limited to, battery cells connected individually or in series and / or in parallel, ultracapacitor cells connected individually or in series and / or in parallel, TES2 is the temperature of all basic components or the temperature of the basic components of Energy Source 2, and IES2 is the output current of Energy Source 2. Based on these measurement signals, LCD may perform the following: calculate the actual capacity, actual state of charge (SOC), and state of health (SOH) of the basic components or basic components, set warning or alarm signals based on the measured and calculated data, and / or communicate the corresponding signals to MCD.

[0112] The function of the energy buffer protection for the consource V2 module 108B may be as follows: the LCD 114 receives measurement signals VEB, TEB, IEB, where VEB is the voltage of at least one major component of the energy buffer, for example, but not limited to, the capacitor CEB, or the capacitors CEB1, CEB2 (see FIGS. 7A-7C), TEB is the temperature of at least one major component of the energy buffer, and / or IEB is the current through at least one major component of the energy buffer. Based on these measurement signals, the LCD can perform the following: set a fault (e.g., warning or alarm) signal based on the measured data and / or transmit a corresponding fault signal to the MCD 112.

[0113] The control and protection functions of the converter V2 308 for the consource V2 module 108B may be as follows: The LCD 114 receives a command signal from the MCD 112, which may be a modulation reference signal and an enable signal, or a reference signal and a modulation index, which may be used in a PWM and / or hysteresis function in the LCD to generate control signals for the semiconductor switches S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6 according to the power management and / or second harmonic reduction techniques described above. A current feedback signal IES2, IOUT (not shown in FIG. 3) coming from an integrated current sensor of the converter V2 carries information about the fault status (e.g., short circuit or open circuit failure mode) of one or more, preferably all, of the semiconductor switches, e.g., converter V2. Together with the signal F coming from the driving circuit (not shown in FIG. 3) of the semiconductor device of 308, it can be used for overcurrent protection. Based on this specific data, the LCD 114 can make a decision on the combination of the switching signals S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6 to be applied to the corresponding semiconductor switches to bypass or disconnect the entire converter V2 and consource V2 modules from the system 100 (e.g., battery pack, etc.).

[0114] 4 is a block diagram depicting an example embodiment of a consource module 108C, referred to as consource module version 3 (consource V3), which is an example of a type of converter and source module 108. Consource V3 108C is communicatively coupled to LCD 114, which is in turn communicatively coupled to MCD 114.

[0115] The con source V3 module 108C may include an energy source, i.e., energy source 1 202, and converter V2 308, with an additional input for connection of auxiliary load 2 410, if desired, as shown in FIG. 4. The con source V3 module 108C has output ports 1 and 2 for connection with other con source (e.g., V1 / V2 / V3) modules in the exemplary system 100. The illustrated output ports 3 and 4 of the con source V3 are used for connection of the exemplary con source V3 module to the same output ports of other con source V3 modules in the exemplary system 100, if needed, and / or for connection to auxiliary load 1 408, if desired, as shown in FIG. The illustrated output ports 5 and 6 of Consource V3 108C are used for connection of the exemplary Consource V3 module to identical output ports of other Consource V3 modules of the exemplary system 100, if needed, and / or for connection to Auxiliary Load 2 410, if desired, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0116] The energy source 1 may include, for example, but is not limited to, one of the following: a storage element according to FIG. 6, an ultracapacitor or supercapacitor 600 (FIG. 6A), a battery module 610 (FIG. 6B) including at least one cell or a plurality of battery cells connected in series and / or parallel, and a fuel, fuel cell, or fuel cell module 620 (FIG. 6C).

[0117] The outputs out1 and out2 of the energy source 1 202 are respectively connected to the input terminals in1 and in2 of the energy buffer 204, which may include, for example, but not limited to, one of the elements and topologies based on the following: a Z-source network 710 (FIG. 7B) formed by an electrolytic and / or film capacitor CEB700 (FIG. 7A), two inductors LEB1 and LEB2, and two electrolytic and / or film capacitors CEB1 and CEB2, a quasi-Z-source network 720 (FIG. 7C) formed by two inductors LEB1 and LEB2, two electrolytic and / or film capacitors CEB1 and CEB2, and a diode DEB. The outputs out1 and out2 of the energy buffer 204 are respectively connected to the inputs in1 and in3 of the converter V2 308.

[0118] A simplified schematic representation of converter V2 308 is shown in FIG. 5B. Converter V2 includes six switches S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, which may be configured as semiconductor switches, such as MOSFETs (as shown in FIG. 5B), JFETs, or IGBTs. The left side of converter V2 includes two switches S1 and S2, which may generate two different voltages at node 1, +VDCL and 0, referenced to input In3, which is at virtual zero potential. A coupled inductor L C is connected between the input In3 and node 1. A coupled inductor L C The output of converter V2 308 is connected through input In2 of converter V2 308 to port 5 of converter V3 module 108C and to optional auxiliary load 2 410, as shown in FIG. 4. Since auxiliary load 2 has an input capacitor, converter V2 308 provides the required constant voltage on the load and regulates the voltage on the coupled inductor L C It is assumed that the current through the MOSFET can be regulated and stabilized.

[0119] The right side of converter V2 308 includes four switches S3, S4, S5, S6, and three different voltage outputs, namely +VDCL, 0, and -VDCL, can be generated by connecting the DCL-voltage VDCL between terminals in1 and in2 to output terminals out1 and out2 by different combinations of switches S3, S4, S5, S6. To obtain a +VDCL voltage between out1 and out2, switches S3 and S6 are turned on, while a -VDCL voltage between out1 and out2 can be obtained by turning on switches S4 and S5. By turning on S3 and S5 or S4 and S6, the output voltage is set to zero or reference potential.

[0120] The control switching signals for the semiconductor switches S3, S4, S5, S6 may be generated in different ways depending on the flexibility and requirements of the adopted control technique in the LCD 114 and MCD 112.

[0121] When connected, the energy source 1 202 can supply a corresponding portion of the power required by the loads of the system 100, the auxiliary load 1408, and / or the auxiliary load 2 410. FIG. 13 shows an example of power flow management for the Consource V3 module, where the power flow between the energy source 1, the auxiliary load 1, and the auxiliary load 2 can be regulated. An example of an auxiliary load can be, for example, an on-board electrical network of an electric vehicle, an HVAC system of an electric vehicle. A load of the system 100 can be, for example, an electric vehicle motor or one of the phases of a power grid. This embodiment can allow a complete decoupling between the electrical characteristics of the energy source (terminal voltage and current) and the electrical characteristics of the load.

[0122] 13, power flow controller 1 1310 (PFC1), power flow controller 2 1320 (PFC2), power flow estimator 1 (PFE1), and power flow estimator 2 (PFE2) may be discrete control devices that are separate from the LCD 114 and MCD 112, may be implemented as software within the LCD, may be implemented as hardware within the LCD, or may be implemented as a combination of hardware and software within the LCD. In some embodiments, the functionality of PFC1, PFC2, PFE1, and PFE2 may be shared or distributed between the LCD and the MCD.

[0123] PFE1 is a reference power flow signal P of energy source 1 202 from LCD 114. ES1,REF This signal can be determined by the main power management controller located in the MCD 112 based on the load power requirements and the status of the energy source 1 of this particular Consource V3 module 108C. The PFE1 can also receive a signal P determined by the power consumption and / or generation of the auxiliary load 1 408 and obtained in a power calculation block (not shown in FIG. 13 ) based on the current in the auxiliary load 1 (e.g., measured by a current sensor that may be integrated in the Consource V3 module or directly received from the auxiliary load 1 by the LCD). LOAD1 The total reference power flow P for energy source 1 202 can also be received. TOT_REF_ES1 , P ES1,REF and P LOAD1 The PFC1 1310 estimates the maximum allowed charging and / or discharging current of the energy source 1 and determines the actual allowed power flow P TOT,ES1 can be calculated.

[0124] The PFE2 1320 outputs the total power flow signal P TOT,ES1The PFE2 can receive a signal P, determined by the power consumption and / or generation of the auxiliary load 2 and obtained in a power calculation block (not shown in FIG. 13) based on the current in the auxiliary load 2 (for example, measured by a current sensor that may be integrated in the Consource V3 module or received directly from the auxiliary load 2 by the LCD). LOAD2 The total nominal power flow P for a Consource V3 module with two auxiliary loads can also be received. CONSOURCE , P LOAD2 and P TOT,ES1 It can be the sum of all P CONSOURCE The power flow is provided by the switching portion of converter V2, which includes switches S3, S4, S5, and S6. LOAD2 represents the switching part of the converter V2 including the switches S1 and S2 and the coupled inductor L C can be managed by

[0125] The LCD 114 for the Consource V3 module 180C is shown in FIG. 4. It can be connected to the Consource V2 module 108B via a set of diagnostic, measurement, protection, and control signal lines and can perform at least one, and preferably all, of four main functions. The first function can be the management of the Energy Source 1 202. The second function can be the management of the Auxiliary Load 2 410. The third function can be the protection of the Energy Buffer 204, and more specifically, its components, from overcurrent, overvoltage, and high temperature. The fourth function can be the control and protection of the Converter V1.

[0126] In some exemplary embodiments, the functions of Energy Source 1 202 management for Consource V3 Module 108C may be as follows: LCD 114 accepts measurement signals VES1, TES1, IES1, where VES1 is the voltage of all basic components / cells of Energy Source 1 202 or the voltage of basic components / cells such as, but not limited to, individual or series and / or parallel connected battery cells, individual or series and / or parallel connected ultracapacitor cells, TES1 is the temperature of all basic components of Energy Source 1 or the temperature of the basic components, and IES1 is the output current of Energy Source 1. Based on these measurement signals, LCD can perform the following: calculating the actual capacity, actual state of charge (SOC), and state of health (SOH) of the basic components or basic components, setting warning or alarm signals based on the measured and calculated data, transmitting corresponding signals to MCD.

[0127] The function of the management of the auxiliary load 2 410 for the consource V3 module 108C may be as follows: The LCD receives measurement signals VAL2, IAL2, where VAL2 is the voltage between ports 5 and 6 of the consource V3 module, and IAL2 is the current in the coupled inductor LC of the converter V2, which is the current of the auxiliary load 2. Based on these measurement signals, the LCD performs correction of the reference signal for the pulse width modulation in the LCD to stabilize and / or control the voltage on the auxiliary load 2.

[0128] The function of the protection of the energy buffer 204 for the consource V3 module 108C may be as follows: The LCD may receive measurement signals VEB, TEB, IEB, where VEB is the voltage of at least one major component of the energy buffer, for example, but not limited to, the capacitor CEB, or the capacitors CEB1, CEB2 (see FIGS. 7A-7C), TEB is the temperature of at least one major component of the energy buffer, and IEB is the current through at least one major component of the energy buffer. Based on these measurement signals, the LCD may perform the following: set a fault (e.g., warning or alarm) signal based on the measured data and / or transmit a corresponding fault signal to the MCD.

[0129] The control and protection functions of the converter V2 308 for the consource V3 module 108C may be as follows: The LCD 114 receives a command signal from the MCD 112, which may be a modulation reference signal and an enable signal, or a reference signal and a modulation index, which may be used in a PWM and / or hysteresis function to generate control signals for the semiconductor switches S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6 according to the power management and / or second harmonic reduction techniques described above. A current feedback signal IES2, IOUT (not shown in FIG. 4) coming from an integrated current sensor of the converter V2 may be used for overcurrent protection, together with one or more signals F coming from a drive circuit (not shown in FIG. 4) of the semiconductor device of the converter V2, which carries information about the fault status (e.g., short circuit or open circuit failure mode) of one or more of the semiconductor switches. Based on this specific data, the LCD can make a decision on the combination of switching signals S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6 to be applied to the corresponding semiconductor switches to bypass or disconnect the entire Converter V2 308 and Consource V3 modules from the system 100 (e.g., a battery pack, etc.).

[0130] One example of a power source module is a converter-battery module having a battery as a first energy source. The converter-battery module may be referred to as a Combat (ConBatt) module. The Combat module may be used in a battery pack for mobility applications such as an electric vehicle (EV). System 100 configured for use as a battery pack with multiple Combat modules may be referred to as a Combat pack.

[0131] In other exemplary embodiments, the consource module can be connected to additional power sources, such as photovoltaic panels and / or wireless charging receivers. In other exemplary embodiments, the system 100 can be connected to another system 100 (e.g., another combat pack) that is coupled with other auxiliary loads at different voltage levels, such as, for example, an EV's onboard electrical network system and an air conditioner. Exemplary embodiments of module arrangements for a module-based system

[0132] 15-29 depict exemplary embodiments of system 100 arranged according to various architectures or configurations. In these embodiments, system 100 is referred to as a power supply pack, although the embodiments are not limited to packs. For ease of illustration, the MCD and LCD in each embodiment are not shown. As can be seen, the modules can be arranged in a number of ways such that the power contributed by each module can be summed to form, for example, one or more of a single phase AC output, multiple phases of an AC output, and a DC output.

[0133] FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a consource pack 1500 including a one-dimensional array of N interconnected consource modules 108-1, 108-2...108-N according to the present disclosure. Each of the consource modules in the array may be configured according to any one of the three module versions (V1, V2, and V3) discussed above with respect to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4. The multiple consource modules may include a mixture of modules configured according to the same module version (V1, V2, or V3) or modules configured according to two or more of the three module versions (V1, V2, and V3). A first port 1 of a consource V1 / V2 / V3 module in a first row of the one-dimensional array (the "first consource V1 / V2 / V3 module") is connected to a first output terminal out1 of the one-dimensional array of consource modules. The second port 2 of the first consumable source V1 / V2 / V3 module is connected to the first port 1 of the consumable source V1 / V2 / V3 module in the second row ("second consumable source V1 / V2 / V3 module"). In the same order, the second port 2 of the second consumable source V1 / V2 / V3 module is connected to the first port 1 of the consumable source V1 / V2 / V3 module in the third row ("third consumable source V1 / V2 / V3 module"), and so on, up to the Nth consumable source V1 / V2 / V3 module in the Nth or last row. The second port 2 of the Nth consumable source V1 / V2 / V3 module is connected to the second output terminal out2 of the one-dimensional array 1500. This one-dimensional array of N interconnected consumable source modules can be used as a DC or single-phase AC energy source, such as a battery pack, for stationary energy storage applications for DC or AC single-phase loads. A DC or AC single-phase load can be connected between the first and second output terminals out1 and out2.

[0134] The output voltage of a one-dimensional array of N interconnected consource modules can be generated using, for example, but not limited to, a phase-shifted carrier technique in conjunction with space vector modulation or sinusoidal pulse width modulation ("PWM"). The switching signals for each converter of the consource modules may then be generated using the phase-shifted carrier technique. This technique ensures that the consource modules are continuously rotated and that power is approximately equally distributed among them.

[0135] The principle of the phase shift technique is to generate a multi-level output PWM waveform using incrementally shifted two-level waveforms. Thus, an N-level PWM waveform is generated by the summation of N-1 two-level PWM waveforms. These two-level waveforms are generated by comparing a reference waveform with a triangular carrier wave 1400, 1410 (FIGS. 14A, 14B) that is incrementally shifted by 360° / (N-1). A nine-level embodiment 1400 is shown in FIG. 14A. The carrier wave is incrementally shifted by 360° / (9-1)=45° and compared with the reference waveform. The resulting two-level PWM waveform 1420 is shown in FIG. 14C. These two-level waveforms may be used as switching signals for the semiconductor switches of the converters in each consource module 108. As an example, for a one-dimensional array including four interconnected consor modules, each with a converter V1, the 0° signal is used for S3 of the first consor module, the 180° signal for S6, the 45° signal for S3 of the second consor module, the 225° signal for S6, etc. Note that for all converters V1, the signal for S3 complements S4, the signal for S5 complements S6, with some dead time to avoid shoots in each section. Figure 14D depicts an exemplary AC waveform 1430 generated by the superposition of the output voltages from the four modules.

[0136] The present one-dimensional array 1500 embodiment of system 100 shown in FIG. 15 enables obtaining high voltages of any shape with very low total harmonic distortion between first and second terminals out1 and out2 using low and / or medium voltage rated energy source elements and switching components (MOSFETs, JFETs, IGBTS, etc.) with significantly reduced switching and conduction losses in the power supply module.

[0137] FIG. 16 shows an exemplary embodiment of a first version of a power supply pack including two one-dimensional arrays 1500 or a two-dimensional array 1600 of N interconnected power supply V1 / V2 / V3 modules 108-1, 108-2...108-N according to the present disclosure. The configuration and output principle of DC or AC voltage generation of each of the two one-dimensional arrays 1500 forming this two-dimensional array 1600 is described above with reference to FIG. 15. The second ports 2 of each of the Nth power supply V1 / V2 / V3 modules in both the Nth or last row of the one-dimensional array are connected together and to a common output terminal Out3 of the two-dimensional array. An output voltage is provided between the first and second output terminals Out1 and Out2 and the common output terminal Out3.

[0138] This two-dimensional array of 2N interconnected conssource V1 / V2 / V3 modules can be used as a two-phase AC energy source for stationary energy storage applications, for DC or AC single-phase loads. A load can be connected between the first and second output terminals Out1 and Out2, while the common terminal Out3 can be connected to the neutral terminal of the load if required.

[0139] The first and second output terminals out1 and out2 of the exemplary two-dimensional array-based power supply pack can be connected together via a coupled inductor and connected to the same first terminal of an AC or DC load, while the common output terminal out3 is connected to the second terminal of the AC or DC load. In this case, the output power capability of such a two-dimensional array-based power supply pack with N rows is twice as high as one of the one-dimensional array-based power supply packs with the same number of N rows.

[0140] The present two-dimensional array embodiment of the system 100 shown in FIG. 16 allows obtaining a high voltage two-phase system with a 90 degree phase shift. For example, such a system can be used in an electric furnace. In general, any shape of high voltage with very low total harmonic distortion can be obtained between terminals out1, out2 and a common terminal out3 that can serve as a neutral terminal using low and / or medium voltage rated energy source elements and switching components (MOSFETs, JFETs, IGBTS, etc.) with significantly reduced switching and conduction losses in the consul module.

[0141] 17 shows an exemplary embodiment of a second version of a power source pack including a two-dimensional array 1700 or two one-dimensional arrays of N and N+1 interconnected power source modules 108-1, 108-2...108-N according to the present disclosure. The principle of the configuration and output of DC or AC voltage generation of each of the two one-dimensional arrays 1500 with N and N+1 interconnected power source modules forming this two-dimensional array is described above with reference to FIG. 15. The second port 2 of each of the Nth power source V1 / V2 / V3 modules in both the Nth or last row of the one-dimensional array is connected to the first and second ports 1 and 2 of the additional or N+1th power source V1 / V2 / V3 module.

[0142] This two-dimensional array of 2N+1 interconnected con-source V1 / V2 / V3 modules can be used as a single-phase AC energy source for stationary energy storage applications, for a DC or AC single-phase load. The load can be connected between the first and second output terminals Out1 and Out2 of the first con-source V1 / V2 / V3 module in each first row of the one-dimensional array.

[0143] FIG. 18 shows an exemplary embodiment of a first version of a power source pack including multiple power source V1 / V2 / V3 modules 108-1, 108-2...108-N interconnected in a three-dimensional array 1800 according to the present disclosure. The first, second and third output terminals out1, out2 and out3 of the power source pack are connected to the first ports of the first power source V1 / V2 / V3 modules of the first row of each of the three one-dimensional arrays 1500 forming the present three-dimensional array 1800 based power source pack. The configuration and output principle of DC or AC voltage generation of each of the three one-dimensional arrays 1500 forming the present three-dimensional array 1800 based power source pack is described above with reference to FIG. 15. The second ports 2 of the Nth power source V1 / V2 / V3 modules in the Nth or last row of each of the three one-dimensional arrays are connected together and to the common output terminal out4 of the three-dimensional array. An output voltage is provided between the first, second and third output terminals out1, out2, out3 and a common output terminal out4.

[0144] This three-dimensional array 1800 of 3N interconnected consource V1 / V2 / V3 modules 108-1, 108-2...108-N can be used as a three-phase AC energy source for stationary energy storage applications or electric vehicle applications, for DC or AC single loads, three-phase loads, a three-phase power grid, or a three-phase electric motor 2200, as shown in Figure 22. The three-phase loads can be connected between the first, second, and third output terminals out1, out2, out3, while the common output terminal out4 can be connected to the neutral terminal of the load if required.

[0145] The first, second and third output terminals out1, out2 and out3 of the three-dimensional array-based consor pack can be connected together through a coupled inductor and connected to the same first terminal of a DC or single-phase AC load when the common output terminal out4 is connected to the second terminal of the DC or single-phase AC load. In this case, the output power capability of such a three-dimensional array-based consor pack with N rows is three times higher than that of one one-dimensional array-based ACi battery pack with the same number of N rows.

[0146] The present three-dimensional array 1900 embodiment of the system 100 shown in FIG. 19 allows obtaining a high voltage three-phase system of any shape with very low total harmonic distortion between terminals out1, out2, out3 and a common terminal out3 that can serve as a neutral terminal, using low and / or medium voltage rated energy source elements and switching components (MOSFETs, JFETs, IGBTS, etc.) with significantly reduced switching and conduction losses in the consource modules. Such a system can be connected to a power grid and can be used as an active source or buffer, a reactive power compensator and power factor corrector, an active harmonic filter with very high dynamic response, and a passive filter of significantly reduced size between out1, out2, out3 and the phases of the power grid. The present system can also be connected to a three-phase load that provides energy from energy source elements such as batteries, supercapacitors, fuel cells, etc.

[0147] FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a second version of a consource pack including multiple consource modules 108 interconnected in a three-dimensional array 1900 in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0148] The first port 1 of the con-source V1 / V2 / V3 module 108-1 ("first con-source V1 / V2 / V3 module") in the first row of each of the three one-dimensional arrays 1500 is connected to the first, second, and third output terminals out1, out2, and out3 of each of the three one-dimensional arrays forming the present three-dimensional array-based con-source pack. The configuration and output principle of DC or AC voltage generation of each of the three one-dimensional arrays with N interconnected con-source V1 / V2 / V3 modules forming the present three-dimensional array is described above with reference to FIG. 15. The second port 2 of the first con-source V1 / V2 / V3 module 108-1 is connected to the first port 1 of the con-source V1 / V2 / V3 module 108-2 ("second con-source V1 / V2 / V3 module") in the second row of the three one-dimensional arrays. In the same order, the second port 2 of a second consource V1 / V2 / V3 module is connected to the first port 1 of a consource V1 / V2 / V3 module in a third row (not shown) of the three one-dimensional arrays, and so on, up to M rows of consource V1 / V2 / V3 modules, where M is two or more.

[0149] The first port 1 of the con-source V1 / V2 / V3 module in the M+1th row is connected to the second port 2 of the con-source V1 / V2 / V3 module in the Mth row (not shown). The second port 2 of the con-source V1 / V2 / V3 module in the M+1th row is connected to the first port 1 of the con-source V1 / V2 / V3 module in the M+2th row (not shown). In the same order, the second output port 2 of the con-source V1 / V2 / V3 module in the M+2th row is connected to the first port 1 of the con-source V1 / V2 / V3 module in the M+3th row (not shown), and so on, up to M+N rows of con-source V1 / V2 / V3 modules.

[0150] The second port 2 of the consource V1 / V2 / V3 module in the last row or M+Nth row of the first column 1500 of the three-dimensional array is connected to the first port 1 of the consource V1 / V2 / V3 module in the M+1 row of the second column 1500' of the three-dimensional array. The second port 2 of the consource V1 / V2 / V3 module in the last row or M+Nth row of the second column of the three-dimensional array is connected to the first port 1 of the consource V1 / V2 / V3 module in the M+1 row of the third column 1500'' of the three-dimensional array. The second port 2 of the consource V1 / V2 / V3 module in the last row or M+Nth row of the third column of the three-dimensional array is connected to the first port 1 of the consource V1 / V2 / V3 module in the M+1 row of the first column of the three-dimensional array.

[0151] This three-dimensional array of interconnected Consource V1 / V2 / V3 modules can be used as a three-phase energy source for stationary energy storage applications or electric vehicle applications, for DC or AC single loads, three-phase loads, three-phase power grids, or three-phase electric motors, as shown in FIG. 23.

[0152] In addition to the advantages discussed with respect to Figure 18, the present three-phase (three-dimensional array) configured embodiment of system 100 shown in Figure 19 with a combination of series and delta connected consource modules allows for efficient exchange of energy between all consource modules of the system (phase-to-phase balance) and the phases of the grid or load. The combination of delta and series connected consource modules allows for a reduction in the total number of consource modules in the array to obtain a desired output voltage.

[0153] FIG. 20 shows an exemplary embodiment of a third version of a consumable source pack including multiple consumable source modules 108 interconnected in a three-dimensional array 2000 according to the present disclosure. The first, second and third output terminals out1, out2 and 3 of the consumable source pack are connected to the first port 1 of the consumable source V1 / V2 / V3 module 108-1 of the first row of the three one-dimensional arrays 1500 forming the present three-dimensional array 2000-based consumable source pack. The configuration and output principle of DC or AC voltage generation of each of the three one-dimensional arrays with N interconnected consumable source V1 / V2 / V3 modules 108-1, 108-2...108-N forming the present three-dimensional array is described above with reference to FIG. 15. The second port 2 of the consumable source V1 / V2 / V3 module of the Nth row of the first column of the three-dimensional array is connected to the first port 1 of the first additional consumable source V3 module 108C of the N+1th row. The second port 2 of the con-source V1 / V2 / V3 module in the Nth row of the second column of the three-dimensional array is connected to the second port 2 of the first additional con-source V3 module 108C in the N+1th row. The second port 2 of the con-source V1 / V2 / V3 module in the Nth row of the third column of the three-dimensional array is connected to the first port 1 of the second additional con-source V3 module 108C in the N+1th row. The second port 2 of the second additional con-source V3 module is connected to the fourth output terminal Out4 of the con-source pack. The third and fourth ports 3 and 4 of the first and second additional con-source V3 modules in the N+1th row are interconnected as shown in FIG.

[0154] This three-dimensional array of interconnected Consource V1 / V2 / V3 modules can be used as a three-phase energy source for stationary energy storage applications or electric vehicle applications, for DC or AC single loads, three-phase loads, three-phase grids, or three-phase electric motors, as shown in Figure 24. The three-phase loads can be connected between the first, second, and third output terminals out1, out2, and out3, while the fourth output terminal out4 can serve as a charging terminal.

[0155] In addition to the advantages discussed with respect to FIG. 18, the present three-phase (three-dimensional array) configured embodiment of system 100 shown in FIG. 20 with two additional interconnected consource V3 modules 108C allows for efficient and fast exchange of energy between all consource modules of the system (phase-to-phase balancing) and the phases of the power grid or loads.

[0156] 21 shows an exemplary embodiment of a fourth version of a consource pack according to the present disclosure, including multiple consource modules interconnected in a multidimensional array 2100 including K one-dimensional arrays 1500, where K is three or more by way of example, and illustrated in an exemplary orientation having multiple rows and K columns for presentation and reference purposes only. Each of the K one-dimensional arrays 1500 includes M+N consource V1 / V2 / V3 modules 108-1...108-(M+N) having a first and second port. The first, Kth, and other odd integer one-dimensional arrays include an M+N+1th additional consource V3 module 108C having a first, second, third, and fourth port, respectively.

[0157] Respectively, the first port 1 of the consource V1 / V2 / V3 module in the first row of each of the K one-dimensional arrays is connected to a respective one of the first and second output terminals out1 and out2, etc., up to the Kth output terminal outK of the K one-dimensional arrays forming the present multidimensional array-based consource pack. The second port 2 of the consource V1 / V2 / V3 module in the first row is connected to the first port 1 of the consource V1 / V2 / V3 module in the second row (not shown) of each of the K one-dimensional arrays. In the same order, the second port 2 of the consource V1 / V2 / V3 module in the second row is connected to the first port 1 of the consource V1 / V2 / V3 module in the third row (not shown) of each of the K one-dimensional arrays, etc., up to M number of rows of consource V1 / V2 / V3 modules, where M is 2 or more.

[0158] The second port 2 of the con-source V1 / V2 / V3 module 108-M in the first array column of the Mth row is connected to the first port 1 of the con-source V1 / V2 / V3 module 108-1 in the second array column of the first row. In the same order up to the Kth array column, the second port 2 of the con-source V1 / V2 / V3 module 108-M in the second array column of the Mth row is connected to the first port 1 of the con-source V1 / V2 / V3 module 108-1 in the third array column of the first row, and so on, so that the second port 2 of the con-source V1 / V2 / V3 module 108-M in the Kth array column of the Mth row is connected to the first port 1 of the con-source V1 / V2 / V3 module 108-1 in the first array column of the first row.

[0159] The first ports 1 of all consource V1 / V2 / V3 modules 108-(M+1) in the first through the Kth array columns in the M+1th row are connected to the second ports 2 of the consource V1 / V2 / V3 modules 108-M in the Mth row. In the same order, the second ports 2 of all consource V1 / V2 / V3 modules 108-(M+1) in the first through the Kth array columns in the M+1th row are connected to the first ports 1 of all consource V1 / V2 / V3 modules in the first through the Kth array columns in the M+2th row, and so on, where N is 2 or more, up to the N number of rows of consource V1 / V2 / V3 modules.

[0160] The second port 2 of the consource V1 / V2 / V3 module in the M+Nth row of the first array column of the multidimensional array is connected to the first port 1 of the first additional consource V3 module in the M+N+1th row. The second port 2 of the consource V1 / V2 / V3 module in the M+Nth row of the second array column of the multidimensional array is connected to the second port 2 of the first additional consource V3 module in the M+N+1th row. The second port 2 of the consource V1 / V2 / V3 module in the M+Nth row of the K-2th array column of the multidimensional array is connected to the first port 1 of the ((K-1) / 2)th additional consource V3 module in the M+Nth row of the K-1th column of the multidimensional array. The second port 2 of the consource V1 / V2 / V3 module in the M+Nth row of the K-1th column of the multidimensional array is connected to the second port 2 of the ((K-1) / 2)th additional consource V3 module in the M+Nth row of the K-1th column of the multidimensional array. The second port 2 of the consumable V1 / V2 / V3 module in the M+Nth row of the Kth column of the multidimensional array is connected to the first port 1 of the (K+1) / 2th additional consumable V3 module in the M+N+1th row. The second port 2 of the (K+1) / 2th additional consumable V3 module is connected to the Kth output terminal outK+1 of the consumable pack. The output ports 3 and 4 of all (K+1) / 2 additional consumable V3 modules in the M+N+1th row are connected together as shown in FIG.

[0161] This multi-dimensional array of interconnected Consource V1 / V2 / V3 modules can be used as a polyphase energy source for stationary energy storage applications or electric vehicle applications, for DC loads, polyphase AC loads, polyphase power grids, or polyphase electric motors.

[0162] In addition to the advantages described with respect to Figure 18, the present multi-dimensional array 2100 embodiment of the system 100 shown in Figure 21 with the combination of delta-connected and series-connected consource modules and additional interconnected consource V3 modules allows for efficient and fast exchange of energy between all consource modules of the system (phase-to-phase balance) and the grid or load phases. The combination of delta- and series-connected consource modules allows for a reduction in the total number of consource modules in the array to obtain a desired output voltage.

[0163] 22 and 23 show exemplary embodiments of first and second versions of the consensus packs 1800, 1900, respectively, as presented in FIGS. 18 and 19 and further connected to any type of three-phase electric motor 2200.

[0164] The three-dimensional array 1800 (three-phase motor drive system) embodiment of system 100 shown in Figure 22 makes it possible to obtain a high voltage three-phase system of any shape with very low total harmonic distortion between motor phases A, B, and C using low and / or medium voltage rated energy source elements and switching components (MOSFETs, JFETs, IGBTS, etc.) with significantly reduced switching and conduction losses. Such a system does not require the use of bulky passive filters as in the case of two-level inverters and has a high dynamic response.

[0165] In addition to the advantages discussed with respect to Fig. 22, the three-phase motor drive embodiment 1900 of the system 100 (three-dimensional array) shown in Fig. 23 with a combination of series and delta connected con-source modules 108 allows for an efficient exchange of energy between all con-source modules of the system (phase-to-phase balance) and all phases of the electric motor 2200. The combination of delta and series connected con-source modules 108 allows for a reduction in the total number of con-source modules in the array to obtain a desired output motor voltage.

[0166] FIG. 24 shows an exemplary embodiment of a third version of a consumables pack connected to any type of three-phase electric motor 2200. The consumables pack is as presented in FIG. 21, where K is equal to 3, and the third and fourth output ports 3 and 4 of the two additional consumables V3 modules 108C in the N+1th row are connected together and to the second auxiliary load 2. The two additional consumables V3 modules in the N+1th row further include fifth and sixth output ports 5 and 6 that are connected together and to the first auxiliary load 1 408. The first auxiliary load 1 and the second auxiliary load 2 410 have different voltages and represent, for example, but not limited to, an in-vehicle network system and an air conditioner power supply system of an electric vehicle, respectively.

[0167] In addition to the advantages described with respect to FIG. 21, the present three-phase motor drive embodiment 2400 of the system 100 (three-dimensional array) shown in FIG. 24 with the combination of series-connected and delta-connected consource modules 108 and two additional interconnected consource V3 modules 108C allows for an effective and fast exchange of energy between all consource modules of the system (phase-to-phase balance) and the phases of the electric motor 2200. The combination of delta- and series-connected consource modules allows for a reduction in the total number of consource modules in the array to obtain a desired output motor voltage. The additional output terminals 3, 4, 5, 6 of the interconnected consource V3 modules provide different levels of low voltage that can then be used to provide power for auxiliary loads, for example representing the electric on-board network and HVAC power lines of an electric vehicle. In this case, no extra low-voltage battery is required and the energy for the system described above is delivered by the entire array of consource modules.

[0168] FIG. 25 shows an exemplary embodiment 2500 of a fourth version of a power source pack connected to any type of three-phase electric motor 2200. The power source pack is as presented in FIG. 20, where the third and fourth output ports 3 and 4 of the two additional power source V3 modules 108-C in the N+1th row are connected together and to a second auxiliary load 410. The two additional power source V3 modules in the N+1th row further include fifth and sixth output ports 5 and 6 that are connected together and to a first auxiliary load 408. The first auxiliary load and the second auxiliary load 410 have different voltages and represent, for example, but not limited to, an in-vehicle network system and an air conditioner power supply system of an electric vehicle, respectively.

[0169] In addition to the advantages described with respect to FIG. 22, the present three-phase motor drive embodiment of the system 100 (three-dimensional array) shown in FIG. 25 with two additional interconnected Consource V3 modules 108C allows for efficient and fast exchange of energy between all the Consource modules of the system (phase-to-phase balance) and the phases of the electric motor. The additional output terminals 3, 4, 5, 6 of the interconnected Consource V3 modules 108C provide different levels of low voltage that can then be used to provide power for auxiliary loads, for example representing the electric on-board network and HVAC power lines of an electric vehicle. In this case, no extra low-voltage battery is required and the energy for the system described above is delivered by the entire array of Consource modules.

[0170] FIG. 26 shows an exemplary embodiment 2600 of a fifth version of a consor source pack connected to any type of six-phase electric motor 2650. The consor source pack is as presented in FIG. 25, with the first and second array columns of the three-dimensional array 2500 repeated twice to form six array columns of a six-dimensional array, including three sets of the first and second array columns shown in FIG. 25. The third and fourth ports 3 and 4 of the three additional consor source V3 modules 108C in the N+1th row are connected together and to a second auxiliary load 410, and the fifth and sixth ports 5 and 6 of the three additional consor source V3 modules 108C in the N+1th row are connected together and to a first auxiliary load 408. The first auxiliary load 408 and the second auxiliary load 410 have different voltages and represent, for example, but not limited to, an on-board network system and an air conditioner power supply system of an electric vehicle, respectively.

[0171] In addition to the advantages described with respect to FIG. 22, the present three-phase motor drive embodiment of the system 100 (three-dimensional array) shown in FIG. 26 with three additional interconnected Consource V3 modules 108C allows for efficient and fast exchange of energy between all the Consource modules of the system (phase-to-phase balance) and all six phases of the electric motor. The additional output terminals 3, 4, 5, 6 of the interconnected Consource V3 modules provide different levels of low voltage that can in turn be used to provide power for auxiliary loads, for example representing the electric on-board network and HVAC power lines of an electric vehicle. In this case, no extra low-voltage batteries are required and the energy for the system described above is delivered by the entire six-dimensional array of Consource modules.

[0172] FIG. 27 illustrates an exemplary embodiment 2700 of a sixth version of a power source pack including multiple power source modules interconnected in a three-dimensional array connected to two three-phase electric motors 2200, 2200′ and an auxiliary load according to the present disclosure. The first, second, and third output terminals A, B, and C of the first motor 1 2200 are connected to the power source pack at the first port 1 of the power source V1 / V2 / V3 module 108-1 of the first row of the power source pack. The second port 2 of the power source V1 / V2 / V3 module of the Nth row of all three array columns of the power source pack is connected to the first port 1 of the three corresponding power source V3 modules 108C of the N+1th row as shown in FIG. 27. The second port 2 of all three of the power source V3 modules 108C of the N+1th row is connected to the second port 2 of the power source V1 / V2 / V3 module of the N+2th row. 27, continuing in the same order up to the last or Mth row of the consumable pack, the first port 1 of the consumable source V1 / V2 / V3 module in the N+2th row is connected to the second port 2 of the consumable source V1 / V2 / V3 module in the N+3th row, etc. The first, second and third output terminals A', B' and C' of the second motor 2 2200' are connected to the consumable pack at the first port 1 of the consumable source V1 / V2 / V3 module in the Mth row of the consumable pack.

[0173] The third and fourth ports 3 and 4 of the three additional consource V3 modules 108C in the N+1th row are connected together and to a second auxiliary load 410. The fifth and sixth ports 5 and 6 of the three additional consource V3 modules 108C in the N+1th row are connected together and to a first auxiliary load 408. The first auxiliary load 408 and the second auxiliary load 410 have different voltages and represent, for example, but not limited to, an in-vehicle network system and an air conditioner power supply system of an electric vehicle, respectively.

[0174] This three-dimensional array embodiment of the system 100 with three additional interconnected Consource V3 modules shown in FIG. 27 provides independent voltage and frequency regulation (control) for two independent motors (dual motor drive system) and enables efficient and fast exchange of energy (phase-to-phase balancing) between all the Consource modules and the phases of the two electric motors of such a dual motor system. The additional output terminals 3, 4, 5, 6 of the interconnected Consource V3 module 108C provide different levels of low voltage that can in turn be used to provide power for auxiliary loads, for example representing the electric on-board network and HVAC power lines of an electric vehicle. In this case, no extra low-voltage battery is required and the energy for the system described above is delivered by the entire array of Consource modules.

[0175] FIG. 28 illustrates an exemplary embodiment 2800 of a seventh version of a power source pack including multiple power source modules 108 interconnected in a three-dimensional array connected to a three-phase open winding electric motor 2850 and auxiliary loads 408, 410 in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0176] The first ports 1 of the consumable V1 / V2 / V3 modules 108-1 in the first row of all three array columns 2810 are connected together. In the same order, further down to the Nth row of each array column, the second ports 2 of the consumable V1 / V2 / V3 modules in the first row of all three array columns are connected to the first ports 1 of the consumable V1 / V2 / V3 modules (not shown) in the second row of all three array columns 2810, and so on. The second ports 2 of the consumable V1 / V2 / V3 modules 108-N in the Nth row of all three array columns are connected to the first, second, and third input terminals A, B, C of the open winding electric motor 2850, as shown in FIG. 28. The first, second, and third A', B', C' of the open winding electric motor 2850 are connected to the first ports 1 of the consumable V1 / V2 / V3 modules in the N+1th row of all three array columns. In the same order, further up to each of the array columns, the second port 2 of the con-source V1 / V2 / V3 module in the N+1th row of all three array columns is connected to the first port 1 of the con-source V1 / V2 / V3 module in the N+2th row of all three array columns, and so on. The second port 2 of the con-source V1 / V2 / V3 module in the Mth row of the first column is connected to the first port 1 of the first additional con-source V3 module 108C in the M+1th row. The second port 2 of the con-source V1 / V2 / V3 module in the Mth row of the second array column is connected to the second port 2 of the first additional con-source V3 module 108C in the M+1th row. The second port 2 of the con-source V1 / V2 / V3 module in the Mth row of the third column is connected to the first port 1 of the second additional con-source V3 module 108C in the M+1th row.

[0177] The third and fourth ports 3 and 4 of the two additional consource V3 modules in the M+1th row are connected together and to a second auxiliary load 410. The fifth and sixth ports 5 and 6 of the two additional consource V3 modules in the M+1th row are connected together and to a first auxiliary load 408. The first auxiliary load and the second auxiliary load have different voltages and represent, for example, but not limited to, an in-vehicle network system and an air conditioner power supply system of an electric vehicle, respectively.

[0178] In addition to the advantages described with respect to FIG. 22, the present three-phase motor drive embodiment of the system 100 (three-dimensional array) shown in FIG. 28 with two additional interconnected Consource V3 modules is suitable for open-winding motors and allows efficient and fast exchange of energy between all the Consource modules of the system (phase-to-phase balance) and the phases of the electric motor. The additional output terminals 3, 4, 5, 6 of the interconnected Consource V3 modules provide different levels of low voltage that can then be used to provide power for auxiliary loads, for example representing the electric on-board network and HVAC power lines of an electric vehicle. In this case, no extra low-voltage battery is required and the energy for the system described above is delivered by the entire array of Consource modules.

[0179] FIG. 29 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an eighth version of a power source pack according to the present disclosure, including multiple power source modules interconnected in a three-dimensional array 2900 connected to two three-phase open winding electric motors 2850, 2850′, and auxiliary loads 408, 410.

[0180] The first ports 1 of the consumable source V1 / V2 / V3 modules 108-1 in the first row of all three array columns are connected together. Continuing in the same order up to row N, the second ports 2 of the consumable source V1 / V2 / V3 modules 108-1 in the first row of all three array columns are connected to the first ports 1 of the consumable source V1 / V2 / V3 modules 108-2 (not shown) in the second row of all three array columns, and so on. The second ports 2 of the consumable source V1 / V2 / V3 modules 108-N in the Nth row of all three array columns are connected to the first, second, and third input terminals A, B, C of the first open-winding electric motor 2850, as shown in FIG. The first, second and third A', B', C' of the first open-winding electric motor 2850 are connected to the first port 1 of the consumable V1 / V2 / V3 module 108-(N+1) in the N+1th row of all three array columns. In the same order, the second port 2 of the consumable V1 / V2 / V3 module 108-(N+1) in the N+1th row of all three array columns is connected to the first port 1 of the consumable V1 / V2 / V3 module 108-(N+2) in the N+2th row (not shown) of all three array columns, and so on through row M.

[0181] The second ports 2 of the con-source V1 / V2 / V3 modules 108-M in the Mth row of all three array columns of the con-source pack are connected to the first ports 1 of the three corresponding con-source V3 modules 108C in the M+1th row, as shown in Fig. 29. The second ports 2 of all three con-source V3 modules 108C in the M+1th row are connected to the second ports 2 of the con-source V1 / V2 / V3 modules 108-(M+2) in the M+2th row. In the same order, the first ports 1 of the con-source V1 / V2 / V3 modules in the M+2th row are connected to the second ports 2 of the con-source V1 / V2 / V3 modules in the M+3th row (not shown), and so on, further up to the Kth row. The first port 1 of the consumable V1 / V2 / V3 module 108-K in the Kth row of all three array columns is connected to the first, second, and third input terminals A, B, C of the second open-winding electric motor 2850' as shown in FIG. 29.

[0182] The first, second and third output terminals A', B', C' of the second open-winding electric motor 2850' are connected to the first ports 1 of the consumable V1 / V2 / V3 modules 108-(K+1) in the K+1th row of all three array columns. In the same order, further up to the Lth row, the first ports 1 of the consumable V1 / V2 / V3 modules in the K+1th row of all three array columns are connected to the second ports 2 of the consumable V1 / V2 / V3 modules in the K+2th row (not shown) of all three array columns, and so on. The first ports 1 of the consumable V1 / V2 / V3 modules in the Lth row of all three array columns are connected together.

[0183] The third and fourth ports 3 and 4 of the two additional consource V3 modules in the M+1th row are connected together and to a second auxiliary load 410. The fifth and sixth ports 5 and 6 of the two additional consource V3 modules in the M+1th row are connected together and to a first auxiliary load 408. The first auxiliary load and the second auxiliary load 410 have different voltages and represent, for example, but not limited to, an in-vehicle network system and an air conditioner power supply system of an electric vehicle, respectively.

[0184] This three-dimensional array embodiment of the system 100 with three additional interconnected Consource V3 modules shown in FIG. 29 provides independent voltage and frequency regulation (control) for two independent open-winding motors (dual motor drive system) and enables efficient and fast exchange of energy (phase-to-phase balancing) between all the Consource modules and the phases of the two electric motors of such a dual motor system. The additional output terminals 3, 4, 5, 6 of the interconnected Consource V3 modules provide different levels of low voltage that can in turn be used to provide power for auxiliary loads, for example representing the electric on-board network and HVAC power lines of an electric vehicle. In this case, no extra low-voltage battery is required and the energy for the system described above is delivered by the entire array of Consource modules. (Example embodiment of module control)

[0185] Turning to FIGS. 30-40B, an exemplary system and method is shown that facilitates control of the system 100 and provides state of charge (SOC) and temperature balancing between the con-source modules in different system configurations. The interconnection architecture of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 29 allows for control of power sharing between the con-source modules. Such control allows for maintaining the SOC of the energy sources of the con-source modules in a balanced state during cycling and at rest, which can help the full capacity of each energy source to be utilized regardless of possible differences in capacity. In addition, this can be used to equalize the temperature of the energy sources of the con-source modules. Temperature balancing increases the power capability of the system 100 and provides more uniform aging of the energy sources regardless of their location and differences in thermal resistance within the system 100.

[0186] FIG. 30 depicts an example embodiment of a single-phase AC or DC balance controller 3000 that may include a peak detector 3010 ("peak detection"), a divider 3020 ("division"), and an in-phase balance controller 3030 ("in-phase balance controller"). The peak detector detects a peak Vpk of the reference voltage Vr. The divider generates a normalized reference waveform Vrn by dividing the reference voltage Vr by its detected peak Vpk. The in-phase balance controller uses the peak voltage Vpk together with consource status information (e.g., SOCi, Ti, Qi, Vi, etc.) to generate a modulation index Mi for each module. The in-phase balance controller may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof, as a centralized controller or as part of the MCD, or may be partially or fully distributed among the LCDs described herein.

[0187] In the case of single-phase AC or DC, the intra-phase balance controller, as part of the MCD, receives a reference voltage Vr and collects status information such as state of charge SOCi, temperature Ti, capacity Qi, and voltage Vi from all consoles of the system 100. The balance controller uses these signals to generate a modulation index Mi and a normalized reference waveform Vrn, which is then transmitted to each LCD to generate a switching signal. The reference waveform Vrn can be transmitted continuously, and the modulation index can be transmitted at regular intervals, such as once for a full period of Vrn. The LCD can modulate or scale the normalized reference Vrn by the received modulation index. (The modulation index can be a number between 0 and 1 (inclusive) in some embodiments.) This modulated or scaled Vrn can be used as Vref (or -Vref) according to the pulse width modulation technique described with respect to Figures 14A-14D. In this way, the modulation index can be used to control the PWM switching signal generated by the LCD and thus regulate the operation of each console module. For example, a consource module that is controlled to maintain normal or full operation may receive a modulation index of 1, while a consource module that is controlled to operate less than normal or full may receive a modulation index less than 1. A consource module that is controlled to stop outputting power may receive a modulation index of zero. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, after perusing this description, that other values ​​of modulation index may be used to achieve similar functionality.

[0188] The intra-phase balance controller can generate modulation indices for each power source module according to any number of aspects or operating characteristics described herein, such as the state of charge, temperature, capacity, and / or voltage of its energy source, in a manner that promotes the following: the sum of the generated power source voltages does not exceed the peak voltage Vpk; different combinations of modulation indices can be used but the total generated voltage should remain the same as shown in the phasor diagram 3100 of FIG. 31; the state of charge (SOC) of the battery modules of a power source remains balanced or, if unbalanced, converges to a balanced condition; the temperature of the battery modules of a power source remains balanced when the temperature of at least one battery module of a power source exceeds a certain threshold.

[0189] Since state of charge and temperature balance may not be possible simultaneously, a combination of both may be applied with priority given to one or the other depending on the requirements of the application.

[0190] As shown in FIG. 32, the three-phase balance controller 3200 may include one interphase 3210 and three intraphase balance controllers 3220-1, 3220-2, 3220-3. The task of the intraphase balance controller is to balance the side of the consource module within each one-dimensional array, specifically, as an example, within one phase. The interphase balance controller may balance the side of the consource module between multidimensional arrays, specifically, as an example, between three phases. In a wye connection of phases, this may be achieved through injection common mode (neutral shift) into the phases, or through a common module, or through both. The intraphase balance controllers 3220-1, 3220-2, 3220-3 and the interphase balance controller 3210 may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof, as a centralized controller or as part of the MCD, or may be partially or fully distributed among the LCDs described herein.

[0191] The reference signal input to this system is V rA , V rB , V rC , or any combination of two of these signals, or the Clarke transform (i.e., V rα , V rβ ) or any other transformation that can regenerate these signals.

[0192] In a wye-connected three-phase configuration without common modules between phases (see, for example, system 100 as described with respect to Figures 18 and 22), intra-phase balance can be achieved by controlling the modulation index of the modules in each phase 3300, 3300', 3300", as shown in Figure 33A. By adding some common mode to the phase reference, the neutral point "N" may be shifted 3310 as shown in Figure 33B. This provides control over the sharing of each phase and establishes the three-phase voltages. For example, in Figure 33B, assuming the system is discharging and the total energy available to the modules of phase A is less than the total energy available to the modules of phase C, which is less than the total energy available to the modules of phase B, for SOC balance the neutral point shall be shifted as shown to decrease the contributions of phases A and C, and increase the contribution of phase B, respectively.

[0193] In a wye-connected three-phase configuration with a common module between phases 3400, 3400', which is a consource V3 module (e.g., system 100, see Figures 20 and 24), intra-phase balance can be achieved by controlling the modulation index of the modules in each phase. Inter-phase balance can be achieved either by only controlling the contribution of the common module to each phase, neutral point shift, as shown in Figure 34A, or both, as shown in Figure 34B.

[0194] In a four-phase system 3500, 3500' as illustrated in FIG. 35A without a common module (consource V3) and in FIG. 35B with a common module (consource V3), intra-phase balance can be achieved by controlling the modulation index of the modules in each phase. Inter-phase balance can be achieved by neutral point shift and / or by controlling the contribution of the common module to each phase, if applicable.

[0195] In the five-phase systems 3600, 3600' as described with respect to Fig. 36A without a common module (consource V3) and Fig. 36B with a common module (consource V3), intra-phase balance can be achieved by controlling the modulation index of the modules in each phase. Inter-phase balance can be achieved by neutral point shift and / or by controlling the contribution of the common module to each phase, if applicable.

[0196] In the six-phase systems 3700, 3700' as described with respect to FIG. 37A without a common module (Consource V3) and FIG. 37B with a common module (Consource V3) (modification of system 100, FIG. 26), intra-phase balance can be achieved by controlling the modulation index of the modules in each phase. Inter-phase balance can be achieved by neutral point shift and / or by controlling the contribution of the common module to each phase, if applicable.

[0197] In the system 100 as described with respect to FIG. 27, two systems 3810, 3820 of three-phase configuration are considered, which may start with different voltages and frequencies. Intra-phase balance can be achieved through controlling the modulation index of the modules in each phase. Inter-phase balance within each system and between the two systems can be achieved by controlling the voltage contribution of the common module (consor V3) to each phase, as shown in FIG. 38A. Inter-phase balance within each system 3810, 3820 can be further improved by neutral point shifting, as shown in FIG. 38B.

[0198] In the system 100 as described with respect to FIG. 28, two systems of three-phase configuration are considered that operate with similar frequencies but may have different voltages.

[0199] In Figure 39A, since the complementary phases in the two systems 3900, 3900' run in pairs and generate voltages across each motor winding, the modules in the phase pair may be considered for intra-phase balance. For example, to establish a voltage between A and A', all modules in the A and A' phases shall each contribute their status information.

[0200] Phase-to-phase balancing, or in this case balancing between phase pairs, may be implemented through a common module as shown in FIG. 39A and / or through the neutral point as shown in FIG. 39B.

[0201] In system 100 as described with respect to Fig. 29, two systems of ACi battery packs are connected through a common module and used to drive two motors. Thus, while systems 1 and 2 may operate at different voltages and frequencies, in each system the two components may operate at equal frequencies but have different voltages.

[0202] Without neutral point shifting, the intra-phase balancing of FIG. 40A between the modules of a phase pair, e.g., A1 and A'1, of each system 4010, 4020, 4030 may be implemented. Inter-phase balancing within and between the two systems may be achieved through controlling the voltage contribution of the common module to each phase in the two systems.

[0203] Neutral point shifting as shown in FIG. 40B may be added to improve phase-to-phase and system-to-system 4010, 4020, 4030 balance.

[0204] In many of the embodiments herein, the con-source module is shown or described as being separate from the LCD. However, in any and all embodiments described herein, the con-source module can be configured such that the LCD is a component thereof. For example, FIG. 41 is a block diagram depicting an exemplary embodiment of a converter-source module 108 (which may also be referred to as con-source module V1, V2, or V3). In this embodiment, the module 108 has a common housing or physical packaging 4202 that holds the LCD 114 for the module 108, as well as the converters V1 or V2 206, 308, the energy buffer 204, and the energy source 1 202 (and optionally, if present, the energy source 2 304). Thus, in this embodiment, the module 108 is provided or manufactured as an integrated or single device or subsystem.

[0205] 42 is a block diagram depicting another exemplary embodiment of the converter source module 108. In this embodiment, the module 108 has a housing or physical packaging 4203 that holds an LCD for the module 108, as well as converter V1 or V2 and an energy buffer. Energy Source 1 202 (and optionally, Energy Source 2 304, if present) are provided in a separate housing 4204. The housings 4203 and 4204 can be physically joined or connected together prior to placement in the system 100, or can be separate unconnected entities.

[0206] In any and all embodiments described herein, various circuit components may be integrated on one or more substrates to reduce the form factor. For example, the LCD may be part of a consource module, as described with respect to Figs. 41-42. Fig. 43A is a schematic diagram depicting an exemplary embodiment in which the LCD 114, the converters V1 or V2 206, 308, and the energy buffer 204 are each mounted or attached to a single common substrate 4302, which may be a single printed circuit board (PCB). These components may be electrically coupled to the substrate 4302 and each other to allow the exchange of signals or data between them. Other passive or active components may be mounted or attached to the substrate 4302 as well.

[0207] FIG. 43B is a schematic diagram depicting an exemplary embodiment in which the converters V1 or V2 206, 308 and the energy buffer 204 are each mounted or attached to a single common substrate 4304, which may be a single printed circuit board (PCB). These components may be electrically coupled to the substrate 4304 and each other to allow exchange of signals or data between them. The LCD 114 is mounted or attached to a different substrate 4306, which may also be a single PCB. Other passive or active components may be mounted or attached to the substrates 4304 and 4306 as well. Communication between the LCD and the components on the substrate 4304 may occur via one or more buses, wires or optical fibers.

[0208] In the embodiments described herein, intra-phase balance can be achieved by one or more intra-phase balance controllers, and inter-phase balance can be achieved by one or more inter-phase balance controllers. These intra-phase and inter-phase balance controllers can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. These intra-phase and inter-phase balance controllers can be implemented entirely by a device, such as a master control device. These intra-phase and inter-phase balance controllers can be implemented in a distributed manner among multiple devices, such as a master control device and one or more local control devices.

[0209] In Figures 1-8F, 11, 13, 15-30, 32, and 1A-1C and 41-43B, various components (e.g., elements, components, devices, systems, and / or functional blocks) of the figures are depicted as being coupled or connected to one or more other components (e.g., elements, components, devices, systems, and / or functional blocks). These components are often shown as being coupled or connected without the presence of an intervening entity, such as in a direct coupling or connection. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of this description, that these couplings and connections can be direct (without one or more intervening components) or indirect (with one or more intervening components not shown). Thus, this paragraph serves as a predicate for all couplings or connections that are direct couplings or connections or indirect couplings or connections.

[0210] A detailed discussion of systems (e.g., ACi battery packs), devices, and methods that may be used in conjunction with the systems, devices, and methods described herein is provided in International Publication No. WO2019 / 183553, filed March 22, 2019, and entitled "Systems And Methods For Power Management And Control," which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes as if fully set forth.

[0211] The embodiments described herein allow for the elimination of a conventional battery management system as a subsystem associated with each battery module, for example when used as a battery pack in the automotive industry. Typically, the functionality performed by the battery management system is incorporated or replaced by the different, and in many respects superior, functionality of the system embodiments described herein.

[0212] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that "module," as the term is used herein, refers to a device or subsystem within system 100, and that system 100 need not be configured to allow each individual module to be physically removable and replaceable with other modules. For example, system 100 may be packaged within a common housing that does not permit removal and replacement of any one module without disassembly of the system as a whole. However, any and all embodiments herein can be configured such that each module is removable in a convenient manner and replaceable with other modules without disassembly of the system, etc.

[0213] The term "master control device" is used broadly herein and does not require the implementation of any specific protocol, such as a master and slave relationship with any other device, such as a local control device.

[0214] The term "output" is used broadly herein and does not exclude functioning in a bidirectional manner as both an output and an input. Similarly, the term "input" is used broadly herein and does not exclude functioning in a bidirectional manner as both an input and an output.

[0215] The terms "terminal" and "port" are used broadly herein and may be either unidirectional or bidirectional, may be input or output, and do not require any specific physical or mechanical structure such as female or male configuration.

[0216] Various aspects of the present subject matter are described below with a review of and / or in supplement to the previously described embodiments, with emphasis on the interrelationships and compatibility of the following embodiments, in other words, with emphasis on the fact that each feature of the embodiments can be combined with any and all other features, unless expressly stated otherwise or logically impractical.

[0217] In many embodiments, the module-based energy system includes a converter source module. In these embodiments, the converter source module includes a first energy source, an energy buffer coupled to the first energy source, and a converter coupled to the first energy source and the energy buffer, the converter including a plurality of switches configured to select an output voltage of the module. In these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a local control device communicatively coupled to the converter source module, the local control device configured to generate a plurality of switching signals for the plurality of switches.

[0218] In many embodiments, the module-based energy system includes a converter source module. In these embodiments, the converter source module includes a first energy source, an energy buffer coupled to the first energy source, and a converter coupled to the first energy source and the energy buffer, the converter including a plurality of switches configured to select an output voltage of the module. In these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a local control device communicatively coupled to the converter source module, the first energy source providing operating power for the local control device.

[0219] In many embodiments, the module-based energy system includes a converter source module. In these embodiments, the converter source module includes a first energy source, an energy buffer coupled to the first energy source, and a converter coupled to the first energy source and the energy buffer, the converter including a plurality of switches configured to select an output voltage of the module. In these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a local control device communicatively coupled to the converter source module, the local control device configured to detect a fault in the converter source module and generate a fault signal. In these embodiments, the fault signal indicates an actual or potential fault. In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a master control device communicatively coupled to the local control device, the local control device configured to output the fault signal to the master control device.

[0220] In many embodiments, the module-based energy system includes a converter source module. In these embodiments, the converter source module includes a first energy source, an energy buffer coupled to the first energy source, and a converter coupled to the first energy source and the energy buffer, the converter including a plurality of switches configured to select an output voltage of the module. In these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a local control device communicatively coupled to the converter source module, the local control device, the energy buffer, and the converter being implemented together on a single printed circuit board.

[0221] In many embodiments, the module-based energy system includes a converter source module. In these embodiments, the converter source module includes a first energy source, an energy buffer coupled to the first energy source, and a converter coupled to the first energy source and the energy buffer, the converter including a plurality of switches configured to select an output voltage of the module. In these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a local control device communicatively coupled to the converter source module, the local control device, the energy buffer, and the converter are housed within a common housing that does not house the first energy source.

[0222] In many embodiments, the module-based energy system includes a converter source module. In these embodiments, the converter source module includes a first energy source, an energy buffer coupled to the first energy source, and a converter coupled to the first energy source and the energy buffer, the converter including a plurality of switches configured to select an output voltage of the module. In these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a local control device communicatively coupled to the converter source module, and the local control device, the first energy source, the energy buffer, and the converter are housed within a common housing that does not house another converter source module.

[0223] In many embodiments, the module-based energy system includes a converter source module. In these embodiments, the converter source module includes a first energy source, an energy buffer coupled to the first energy source, and a converter coupled to the first energy source and the energy buffer, the converter including a plurality of switches configured to select an output voltage of the module. In these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a local control device communicatively coupled to the converter source module, the local control device, the energy buffer, and the converter are housed within a common housing that does not house the first energy source.

[0224] In many embodiments, the module-based energy system includes a converter-source module including a first energy source, an energy buffer coupled to the first energy source, and a converter coupled to the first energy source and the energy buffer, the converter including a plurality of switches configured to select an output voltage of the module, and the energy buffer and the converter are implemented together on a single printed circuit board.

[0225] In many embodiments, the module-based energy system includes a converter-source module including a first energy source including a fuel cell, an energy buffer coupled to the first energy source, and a converter coupled to the first energy source and the energy buffer, the converter including a plurality of switches configured to select an output voltage of the module.

[0226] In many embodiments, the module-based energy system includes a converter source module. In these embodiments, the converter source module includes a first energy source, an energy buffer coupled to the first energy source, and a converter coupled to the first energy source and the energy buffer, the energy buffer including a Z-source network including two inductors and two capacitors, or a quasi-Z-source network including two inductors, two capacitors, and a diode. In these embodiments, the converter source module further includes a converter coupled to the first energy source and the energy buffer, the converter including a plurality of switches configured to select an output voltage of the module.

[0227] In many embodiments, the module-based energy system includes a converter-source module. In these embodiments, the converter-source module includes a first energy source, an energy buffer coupled to the first energy source, a second energy source, and a converter including a first input, a second input, and a third input, the first and third inputs being coupled to the first energy source and the energy buffer, and the second and third inputs being coupled to the second energy source, the converter further including a plurality of switches configured to select an output voltage of the module, and the first and second energy sources each both including a battery, or the first and second energy sources each not both including a battery.

[0228] In many of these embodiments, the first and second energy sources each include a capacitor or a fuel cell. In many of these embodiments, the converter includes a first switch, an inductor, and a second switch, where the first switch is coupled between the first input and the first node, the inductor is coupled between the second input and the first node, and the second switch is coupled between the third input and the first node. In many of these embodiments, the plurality of switches includes a third switch, a fourth switch, a fifth switch, and a sixth switch. In many of these embodiments, the first and second energy sources each both include a battery, and the second energy source further includes a first capacitor in parallel with the battery. In many of these embodiments, the first and second energy sources each both include a battery, and the second energy source further includes a first capacitor in parallel with the battery and a second capacitor in parallel with the battery.

[0229] In many embodiments, the module-based energy system includes a converter source module. In these embodiments, the converter source module includes a first energy source, an energy buffer coupled to the first energy source, and a converter coupled to the first energy source and the energy buffer, the converter including a plurality of switches configured to select an output voltage of the module. In these embodiments, the converter source module further includes a first output port for connection to a primary load or another converter source module, and a second output port for connection to an auxiliary load.

[0230] In many of these embodiments, the auxiliary load is a first auxiliary load, and the converter source module includes a third output port for connection to a second auxiliary load. In many of these embodiments, the first output port is coupled to the primary load or another converter source module, the second output port is coupled to the first auxiliary load, and the third output port is coupled to the second auxiliary load. In many of these embodiments, the converter includes a first input, a second input, and a third input, the first and third inputs are coupled to the first energy source, the energy buffer, and the second output port, and the second and third inputs are coupled to the third output port. In many of these embodiments, the converter includes a first switch, an inductor, and a second switch, the first switch is coupled between the first input and the first node, the inductor is coupled between the second input and the first node, and the second switch is coupled between the third input and the first node. In many of these embodiments, the plurality of switches includes a third switch, a fourth switch, a fifth switch, and a sixth switch. In many of these embodiments, the third switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch are coupled together as an H-bridge. In many of these embodiments, the first output port includes a first output and a second output, the third switch is coupled between the first input and the first output, the fourth switch is coupled between the third input and the first output, the fifth switch is coupled between the first input and the second output, and the sixth switch is coupled between the third input and the second output.

[0231] In many of the above-described embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a plurality of converter source modules coupled to the converter source module in an array.

[0232] In many of these embodiments, each converter source module in the plurality of converter source modules includes a converter including a first energy source, an energy buffer coupled to the first energy source, and a plurality of switches configured to select an output voltage of the converter source module. In many of these embodiments, the plurality of switches select between a first voltage with a positive polarity, a zero or reference voltage, and a first voltage with a negative polarity. In many of these embodiments, the first voltage is a direct current (DC) voltage. In many of these embodiments, the array is configured to output an alternating current (AC) signal.

[0233] In many of the aforementioned embodiments, the converter includes one or more sensors configured to output one or more sensed signals indicative of a temperature of the first energy source, a state of charge of the first energy source, a voltage of the first energy source, or a current of the first energy source.

[0234] In many of the aforementioned embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a local control device communicatively coupled to the converter source module.

[0235] In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a plurality of converter source modules and a plurality of local control devices, each local control device in the plurality of local control devices dedicated for use with one converter source module in the plurality of converter source modules. In many of these embodiments, the converter source module is a first converter source module, the system includes a second converter source module, and the local control device controls both the first and second converter source modules.

[0236] In many of the aforementioned embodiments, the local control device includes a processing circuit and a memory communicatively coupled to the processing circuit, the memory including instructions executable by the processing circuit.

[0237] In many of the above described embodiments, the local control device is configured to generate the switching signals for the converter using pulse width modulation.

[0238] In many of these embodiments, the local control device is configured to modulate or scale the received reference signal and use the modulated reference signal for generation of the switching signal. In many of these embodiments, the local control device is configured to use the received modulation index to modulate the received reference signal.

[0239] In many of the aforementioned embodiments, the local control device is configured to receive one or more signals indicative of one or more of the following operating characteristics of the converter source module or its components: temperature, state of charge, capacity, state of health, voltage, or current.

[0240] In many of these embodiments, the local control device is configured to communicate information to the master control device indicative of one or more of the following operating characteristics of the converter source module or its components: temperature, state of charge, capacity, state of health, voltage, or current.

[0241] In many of the above-described embodiments, the local control device is powered only by the first energy source.

[0242] In many of the above-described embodiments, the local control device is powered by an energy source other than the first energy source.

[0243] In many of the aforementioned embodiments, the converter source module includes a second energy source and the local control device is configured to cause the converter source module to actively filter second harmonics in the output current from the first energy source using current from the second energy source.

[0244] In many of these embodiments, the first energy source includes a battery and the second energy source includes a capacitor. In many of these embodiments, the capacitor of the second energy source is an ultracapacitor or a supercapacitor.

[0245] In many of the aforementioned embodiments, the converter source module includes a second energy source and the local control device is configured to control the converter and manage power transfer from the first energy source to the cumulative load of the converter source module, from the second energy source to the cumulative load of the converter source module, and between the first energy source and the second energy source.

[0246] In many of these embodiments, the power transfer between the first energy source and the second energy source includes a power transfer from the first energy source to the second energy source and a power transfer from the second energy source to the first energy source. In many of these embodiments, the local control device is configured to control the converter and manage the power transfer based at least in part on a power consumption of the first auxiliary load and a power consumption of the second auxiliary load. In many of these embodiments, the local control device includes a processor and a memory, the memory including instructions that, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to manage the power transfer from the first energy source to the cumulative load of the converter source module, from the second energy source to the cumulative load of the converter source module, and between the first energy source and the second energy source. In many of these embodiments, the local control device is configured to manage the power transfer by generation of a switching signal for the converter.

[0247] In many of the aforementioned embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a master control device configured to manage one or more operating parameters of the converter source module relative to one or more operating parameters of other converter source modules in the system.

[0248] In many of the aforementioned embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a master control device that is communicatively coupled to the local control devices.

[0249] In many of these embodiments, the master control device is communicatively coupled to the local control device via a serial data cable. In many of these embodiments, the master control device includes a processing circuit and a memory communicatively coupled to the processing circuit, the memory including instructions executable by the processing circuit. In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a plurality of local control devices coupled to the plurality of converter source modules, the master control device being communicatively coupled to each of the local control devices of the plurality of local control devices. In many of these embodiments, the master control device is configured to read data indicative of one or more operating characteristics of the plurality of converter source modules and to determine a contribution for at least one converter source module of the plurality of converter source modules. In many of these embodiments, the master control device is configured to determine a contribution for each of the plurality of converter source modules. In many of these embodiments, the master control device is configured to output a modulation or scaling exponent for each of the plurality of converter source modules, the modulation or scaling exponent being indicative of a power flow contribution. In many of these embodiments, the master control device is configured to output a reference signal to each of the local control devices, and each of the local control devices is configured to modulate or scale the reference signal using a received modulation or scaling exponent, and to generate a switching signal based on the modulated or scaled reference signal.

[0250] In many of the aforementioned embodiments, the module-based energy system is configured for operation within a mobile entity.

[0251] In many of these embodiments, the mobile entity is one of a car, a bus, a truck, a motorcycle, a scooter, an industrial vehicle, a mining vehicle, an air vehicle, a watercraft, a locomotive, a train or rail-based vehicle, or a military vehicle.

[0252] In many of the above-described embodiments, the module-based energy system is configured for operation as a stationary energy system.

[0253] In many of these embodiments, the stationary energy system is one of a residential storage system, an industrial storage system, a commercial storage system, a data center storage system, a grid, a microgrid, or a charging station.

[0254] In many of the above-described embodiments, the module-based energy system is configured as a battery pack for an electric vehicle.

[0255] In many embodiments, the module-based energy system includes a plurality of converter source modules, each including a first energy source, an energy buffer, and a converter electrically coupled together, the plurality of converter source modules being electrically coupled together in an array. In these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a control circuit communicatively coupled to the plurality of converter source modules, the control circuit configured to monitor at least one operating characteristic of each of the plurality of converter source modules and independently control each converter source module in the plurality of converter source modules for performance optimization of the array based on the monitored at least one operating characteristic.

[0256] In many of these embodiments, the at least one operating characteristic is selected from a state of charge, a temperature, a state of health, a capacity, a presence of a fault, a voltage, or a current. In many of these embodiments, the temperature is at least one of a temperature of the first energy source or a component thereof, a temperature of the energy buffer or a component thereof, or a temperature of the converter or a component thereof. In many of these embodiments, the capacity is at least one of a capacity of the first energy source, or a capacity of one or more components of the first energy source. In many of these embodiments, the presence of a fault is at least one of an indication of the presence of a measured fault, an indication of the presence of a potential fault, an indication of the presence of an alarm condition, or an indication of the presence of a warning condition. In many of these embodiments, the voltage is at least one of a voltage of the first energy source or a component thereof, a voltage of the energy buffer or a component thereof, or a voltage of the converter or a component thereof. In many of these embodiments, the current is at least one of a current of the first energy source or a component thereof, a current of the energy buffer or a component thereof, or a current of the converter or a component thereof. In many of these embodiments, each converter source module includes at least one sensor for sensing at least one operating characteristic. In many of these embodiments, the control circuitry is configured to monitor all of the following operating characteristics: state of charge, temperature, state of health, capacity, presence of faults, voltage, and current. In many of these embodiments, the control circuitry is configured to independently control discharging or charging each converter source module by generating and outputting a plurality of switching signals to a converter of each converter source module. In many of these embodiments, the control circuitry is configured to generate the plurality of switching signals with pulse width modulation or hysteresis.

[0257] In many of these embodiments, at least one converter source module of the plurality of converter source modules is a converter source module as described in many of the previous embodiments.

[0258] In many of these embodiments, all of the converter source modules in the plurality of converter source modules are converter source modules as described in many of the previous embodiments.

[0259] In many of these embodiments, the control circuitry is configured to independently control the discharging or charging of each converter source module in the plurality of converter source modules for performance optimization of the array. In many of these embodiments, the control circuitry is configured to independently control the discharging or charging of each converter source module based on a power requirement of a load coupled to the array. In many of these embodiments, the load is a motor, a commercial structure, a residential structure, an industrial structure, or an energy grid. In many of these embodiments, the control circuitry includes a plurality of local control devices and a master control device communicatively coupled to the plurality of local control devices.

[0260] In many embodiments, a module-based energy system includes an array of N converter source modules, where N is two or more, each of the N converter source modules connected in series, each of the N converter source modules configured according to any of the previously described embodiments, and the array includes a first output terminal of a first converter source module and a second output terminal of an Nth converter source module.

[0261] In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a plurality of local control devices, each communicatively coupled to one or more of the N converter source modules. In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a master controller, communicatively coupled to the plurality of local control devices. In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a load, coupled between the first output terminal and the second output terminal. In many of these systems, the load is one of a DC load or a single-phase AC load.

[0262] In many embodiments, a module-based energy system includes M arrays of converter source modules, where M is two or more, each of the M arrays including N converter source modules, where N is two or more, each of the N converter source modules being connected in series within each of the M arrays, each of the N converter source modules being configured according to any of the previously described embodiments, each of the M arrays including an individual output terminal of a first converter source module, and an Nth converter source module of each of the M arrays being connected to a common output terminal.

[0263] In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a plurality of local control devices, each communicatively coupled to one or more of the N converter source modules of each of the M arrays. In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a master controller, communicatively coupled to the plurality of local control devices. In many of these embodiments, the M arrays include a first and a second array. In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a load, connected between the respective output terminals of the first and second arrays. In many of these embodiments, the common output terminal is coupled to a neutral terminal of the load. In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a load, connected between the common output terminal and a joint coupling of the respective output terminals of the first and second arrays. In many of these embodiments, the load is one of a DC load or a single-phase AC load. In many of these embodiments, the M arrays include a first, a second, and a third array. In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a three-phase load connected between the individual output terminals of the first, second, and third arrays. In many of these embodiments, the common output terminal is coupled to a neutral terminal of the load. In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a DC or single-phase AC load connected between the common output terminal and a joint combination of the individual output terminals of the first, second, and third arrays.

[0264] In many embodiments, a module-based energy system includes first and second arrays of converter source modules, the first array including N converter source modules and the second array including N-1 converter source modules, where N is 2 or greater, each of the N converter source modules being connected in series in the first array and each of the N-1 converter source modules being connected in series in the second array, each of the N converter source modules and the N-1 converter source modules including an energy source, an energy buffer, and a converter, each of the first and second arrays including individual output terminals of the first converter source modules, and each of the N converter source modules of the first array and the N-1 converter source modules of the second array being connected to a common output terminal.

[0265] In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a plurality of local control devices communicatively coupled to one or more of the N converter source modules and the N-1 converter source modules, respectively. In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a master controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of local control devices. In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a load connected between the respective output terminals of the first and second arrays. In many of these embodiments, the common output terminal is coupled to a neutral terminal of the load. In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a load connected between the common output terminal and a joint coupling of the respective output terminals of the first and second arrays. In many of these embodiments, the load is one of a DC load or a single-phase AC load. In many of these embodiments, the load is one of a DC load or a single-phase AC load.

[0266] In many embodiments, a module-based energy system includes first, second, and third arrays of converter source modules, the first, second, and third arrays each including N+M converter source modules, N is 2 or more and M is 2 or more, each of the N+M converter source modules including an energy source, an energy buffer, and a converter, each of the N+M converter source modules including first and second ports, each of the first, second, and third arrays including respective output terminals coupled to the first port of the first converter source module, and each of the first converter source modules of the first, second, and third arrays including respective output terminals coupled to the first port of the first converter source module. The Nth converter source module to the Nth converter source module are connected in series, and the Nth converter source module to the N+Mth converter source module of each of the first, second and third arrays are connected in series, with a second port of the N+Mth converter source module of the first array connected to a first port of the Nth converter source module of the second array, a second port of the N+Mth converter source module of the second array connected to a first port of the Nth converter source module of the third array, and a second port of the N+Mth converter source module of the third array connected to a first port of the Nth converter source module of the first array.

[0267] In many of these embodiments, the series connection of the 1st converter source module through the Nth converter source module of each of the first, second, and third arrays includes a first port of the 2nd converter source module through the Nth converter source module of each of the first, second, and third arrays connected to a second port of a preceding converter source module in the series of converter source modules including the 1st converter source module through the N-1th converter source module. In many of these embodiments, the series connection of the Nth converter source module through the N+Mth converter source module of each of the first, second, and third arrays includes a first port of the N+1th converter source module through the N+Mth converter source module of each of the first, second, and third arrays connected to a second port of a preceding converter source module in the series of converter source modules including the Nth converter source module through the N+(M-1)th converter source module. In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a plurality of local control devices, each communicatively coupled to one or more of the N+M converter source modules. In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a master controller, communicatively coupled to the plurality of local control devices. In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a load, connected between the respective output terminals of the first, second, and third arrays. In many of these embodiments, the load is one of a DC load or a single-phase AC load or a three-phase AC load.

[0268] In many embodiments, a module-based energy system includes first, second, and third arrays of converter source modules, the first and third arrays each including N+1 converter source modules, the second array including N converter source modules, where N is 2 or greater, the first converter source module through the Nth converter source module each including an energy source, an energy buffer, and a converter, and the N+1th converter source module of each of the first and third arrays includes an energy source, an energy buffer, and a converter and is configured for connection to one or more auxiliary loads, the first converter source module through the Nth converter source module each including first and second ports, and the N+1th converter source module of each of the first and third arrays includes first, second, third, and fourth ports, and the first, second, and third The output terminal is coupled to a first port of a first converter source module of the first, second, and third arrays, respectively, the first converter source module through the Nth converter source module of each of the first, second, and third arrays are connected in series, the second port of the Nth converter source module of each of the first and third arrays is connected to a first port of a respective N+1th converter source module of the first and third arrays, respectively, the second port of the N+1th converter source module of the first array is connected to a second port of the Nth converter source module of the second array, the second port of the N+1th converter source module of the third array is connected to the fourth output terminal, and the third and fourth ports of the N+1th converter source module of the first array are connected to the third and fourth ports of the N+1th converter source module of the third array, respectively.

[0269] In many of these embodiments, the second port of the second converter source module of the third array is connected to the first port of the first converter source module of the first array. In many of these embodiments, the N+1 converter source module of each of the first and third arrays further includes a fifth and sixth port, and the one or more auxiliary loads of the N+1 converter source module of the first and third arrays include a first auxiliary load connected to the fifth and sixth ports of the N+1 converter source module of each of the first and third arrays and a second auxiliary load connected to the third and fourth ports of the N+1 converter source module of each of the first and third arrays. In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a plurality of local control devices communicatively coupled to one or more of the N+1 converter source modules of the first and third arrays and the N converter source modules of the second array, respectively. In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a master controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of local control devices. In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a plurality of local control devices communicatively coupled to one or more of the N+1 converter source modules of the first and third arrays and the N converter source modules of the second array, respectively. In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a master controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of local control devices. In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a load connected between the first, second, and third output terminals of the first, second, and third arrays. In many of these embodiments, the load is one of a DC or single-phase AC load or a three-phase AC load. In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a load connected between the first, second, and third output terminals of the first, second, and third arrays.In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a load connected between the first, second, and third output terminals of the first, second, and third arrays, In many of these embodiments, the load is one of a DC or single-phase AC load or a three-phase AC load.

[0270] In many embodiments, the module-based energy system includes first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth arrays of converter-source modules, the first, third, and fifth arrays each including N+1 converter-source modules, and the second, fourth, and sixth arrays each including N converter-source modules, where N is 2 or greater, and each of the N converter-source modules and the N+1 converter-source modules includes an energy source, an energy buffer, and a converter, and the first Each of the converter source modules from the Nth converter source module includes a first and a second port, and the N+1th converter source module of each of the first, third, and fifth arrays includes a first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth port, a first auxiliary load is connected to the fifth and sixth ports of the N+1th converter source module of each of the first, third, and fifth arrays, and a second auxiliary load is connected to the third and fourth ports of the N+1th converter source module of each of the first, third, and fifth arrays. The first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth output terminals of each of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth arrays are respectively coupled to a first port of a first converter source module of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth arrays, the first converter source module through the Nth converter source module of each of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth arrays are respectively connected in series, and the second port of the Nth converter source module of each of the first, third, and fifth arrays is respectively coupled to a first port of a first converter source module of each of the first, third, and fifth arrays. The second port of the N+1th converter source module of the first array is connected to the second port of the Nth converter source module of the second array, the second port of the N+1th converter source module of the third array is connected to the second port of the Nth converter source module of the fourth array, and the second port of the N+1th converter source module of the fifth array is connected to the second port of the Nth converter source module of the sixth array.

[0271] In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a plurality of local control devices communicatively coupled to one or more of the N+1 converter source modules of the first, third, and fifth arrays and one or more of the N converter source modules of the second, fourth, and sixth arrays, respectively. In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a master controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of local control devices. In many of these embodiments, the energy system further includes a load connected between the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth output terminals of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth arrays. In many of these embodiments, the load is a six-phase AC load.

[0272] In many embodiments, a module-based energy system includes K one-dimensional arrays of interconnected converter-source modules, where K is an odd integer greater than or equal to 3, and where the first and Kth arrays and every odd integer array therebetween each include N+M+1 converter-source modules, and where every even integer array between the second array and the K-1th array each include N+M converter-source modules, where N and M are 2 or greater, and where the 1st through N+Mth converter-source modules each include an energy source, an energy buffer, and a converter, and where the N+M+1th converter-source module of each of the first, Kth, and other odd integer arrays includes an energy source, an energy buffer, and a converter and is configured for connection to one or more auxiliary loads, and where the 1st through N+Mth converter-source modules of each of the K arrays each include a first and a second port, and where the N+M+1th converter-source module of each of the first, Kth, and other odd integer arrays includes an energy source, an energy buffer, and a converter. The K-th through N+M-th converter source modules include first, second, third, and fourth ports, and the K individual output terminals are respectively coupled to a first port of a first converter source module of each of the K arrays, and the first through N+M-th converter source modules of each of the K arrays are connected in series, and the second port of the N+M-th converter source module of each of the first, K, and other odd integer arrays is respectively coupled to a first port of a first converter source module of each of the first, K, and other odd integer arrays. the second ports of the N+M-th converter source modules of the second, K-1st, and other even integer arrays therebetween are connected to the second port of the N+M+1-th converter source module of the preceding array among the K arrays, the second port of the N+M+1-th converter source module of the K-th array is connected to the K+1 output terminal, and the third and fourth ports of the N+M+1-th converter source modules of the first, Mth, and other odd integer arrays, respectively, are connected to each other.

[0273] In many of these embodiments, the second port of the Nth converter source module of the Kth array is connected to the first port of the first converter source module of the first array. In many of these embodiments, the first port of the first converter source module in the second through Kth arrays is connected to the second port of the Nth converter source module of the preceding array. In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a plurality of local control devices communicatively coupled to one or more of the N+M+1 converter source modules of the first, Kth, and other odd integer arrays, and each of the N+M converter source modules of the second, M-1, and other even integer arrays, respectively. In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a master controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of local control devices. In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a polyphase load connected between the first through Kth output terminals of the Kth arrays. In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a polyphase load connected between the first through Kth output terminals of the Kth arrays. In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a load connected between the first, second, and third output terminals of the M arrays. In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a load connected between the first, second, and third output terminals of the M arrays. In many of these embodiments, the load is one of a DC or single-phase AC load or a three-phase AC load.

[0274] In many embodiments, the module-based energy system includes first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth arrays of N converter-source modules, where N is 2 or greater, each of the N converter-source modules including an energy source, an energy buffer, a converter, and first and second ports, each of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth output terminals being coupled to a first port of a first converter-source module of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth arrays, respectively; a first three-phase AC load being connected between the first, second, and third output terminals of the first, second, and third arrays; a second three-phase AC load being connected between the fourth, fifth, and sixth output terminals of the fourth, fifth, and sixth arrays; a second port of the Nth converter source module of the first array is connected to a second port of the Nth converter source module of the fourth array, a second port of the Nth converter source module of the second array is connected to a second port of the Nth converter source module of the fifth array, and a second port of the Nth converter source module of the third array is connected to a second port of the Nth converter source module of the sixth array, each of the Nth converter source modules of the first, second, and third arrays further including third, fourth, fifth, and sixth ports, a first auxiliary load is connected to the fifth and sixth ports of the Nth converter source module of each of the first, second, and third arrays, and a second auxiliary load is connected to the third and fourth ports of the Nth converter source module of each of the first, second, and third arrays.

[0275] In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a plurality of local control devices communicatively coupled to one or more of the N converter source modules of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth arrays, respectively. In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a master controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of local control devices.

[0276] In many embodiments, the module-based energy system includes first, second, third, and fifth arrays of N converter source modules and fourth and sixth arrays of N+1 converter source modules, where N is 2 or greater, and each of the N converter source modules and the N+1 converter source modules includes an energy source, an energy buffer, a converter, and first and second ports, and each of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth output terminals are coupled to a first port of a first converter source module of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth arrays, respectively, and a six-phase AC load is connected between the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth output terminals of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth arrays, and each of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth arrays is coupled to a first port of a first converter source module of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth arrays, respectively. the N converter source modules of each of the fourth and sixth arrays, and the N+1 converter source modules of each of the fourth and sixth arrays, are connected in series, a second port of the N+1 converter source module of the fourth array is connected to the second port of the N converter source module of the fifth array, and a second port of the N+1 converter source module of the sixth array is connected to the fourth output terminal, the N+1 converter source module of each of the fourth and sixth arrays further includes third, fourth, fifth, and sixth ports, and a first auxiliary load is connected to the fifth and sixth ports of the N converter source module of each of the first, second, and third arrays, and a second auxiliary load is connected to the third and fourth ports of the N converter source module of each of the first, second, and third arrays.

[0277] In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a plurality of local control devices communicatively coupled to one or more of the N converter source modules of the first, second, and third arrays, and the N+1 converter source modules of the fourth and sixth arrays, respectively. In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a master controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of local control devices.

[0278] In many embodiments, a module-based energy system includes a first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth array of N converter-source modules, where N is 2 or greater, and each of the N converter-source modules includes an energy source, an energy buffer, a converter, and first and second ports, and the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth output terminals, respectively, are the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth output terminals, respectively. A first six-phase AC load is coupled to the first port of the first converter source module of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth arrays, a first six-phase AC load is connected between the first, second, third, seventh, eighth, and ninth output terminals of the first, second, third, seventh, eighth, and ninth arrays, a second three-phase AC load is connected between the fourth, fifth, sixth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth output terminals of the fourth, fifth, sixth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth arrays, and a first three-phase AC load is coupled to the first port of the first converter source module of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth arrays. The N converter source modules of each of the fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth arrays are connected in series, and the second port of the N converter source module of the first array is connected to the second port of the N converter source module of the fourth array, the second port of the N converter source module of the second array is connected to the second port of the N converter source module of the fifth array, and the second port of the N converter source module of the third array is connected to the second port of the N converter source module of the fifth array. a first auxiliary load is connected to the fifth and sixth ports of the Nth converter source module of the sixth array, and the Nth converter source module of each of the first, second and third arrays further includes third, fourth, fifth and sixth ports, a first auxiliary load is connected to the fifth and sixth ports of the Nth converter source module of each of the first, second and third arrays, and a second auxiliary load is connected to the third and fourth ports of the Nth converter source module of each of the first, second and third arrays.

[0279] In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a plurality of local control devices communicatively coupled to one or more of the N converter source modules of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth arrays, respectively. In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system further includes a master controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of local control devices.

[0280] In many embodiments, a module-based energy system includes a plurality of interconnected converter source modules and a control circuit configured to adjust the contribution of one or more of the converter source modules based on status information associated with one or more of the converter source modules.

[0281] In many of these embodiments, the converter source module includes a converter source module according to many of the embodiments previously described.

[0282] In many of these embodiments, the converter source module includes an energy source including at least one energy storage element, an energy buffer, and a converter. In many of these embodiments, the status information includes one or more of a state of charge, state of health, temperature, capacity, current, or voltage of the converter source module or a component thereof. In many of these embodiments, the master control device is configured to balance the state of charge (SOC) of the multiple interconnected converter source modules. In many of these embodiments, the control circuit includes a processing circuit and at least one memory having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processing circuit, cause the processing circuit to cause adjustment of the contribution of one or more converter source modules based on status information associated with one or more of the converter source modules. In many of these embodiments, the processing circuit and the at least one memory are components of the master control device, the local control device, or are distributed between the master control device and the one or more local control devices.

[0283] In many of these embodiments, the control circuitry is configured to reduce the contribution of the first converter source module relative to one or more other converter source modules based on status information of the first converter source module and the one or more other converter source modules. In many of these embodiments, the status information of the first converter source module indicates at least one of the following, as compared to the status information of the one or more other converter source modules: a relatively lower state of charge, a relatively lower state of health, a relatively lower capacity, a relatively lower voltage, a relatively lower current, a relatively higher temperature, or a fault.

[0284] In many of these embodiments, the control circuitry is configured to increase the contribution of the first converter source module relative to one or more other converter source modules based on status information of the first converter source module and the one or more other converter source modules. In many of these embodiments, the status information of the first converter source module indicates at least one of the following, as compared to the status information of the one or more other converter source modules: a relatively higher state of charge, a relatively higher state of health, a relatively higher capacity, a relatively higher voltage, a relatively higher current, a relatively lower temperature, or the absence of a fault.

[0285] In many of these embodiments, the contribution is an output power over time of the first converter source module. In many of these embodiments, the control circuit includes a master control device and a plurality of local control devices. In many of these embodiments, the master control device is configured to generate a plurality of modulation indexes for the plurality of converter source modules, one modulation index being generated independently for each converter source module of the plurality of converter source modules.

[0286] In many of these embodiments, the master control device includes an intra-phase balance controller. In many of these embodiments, the intra-phase balance controller is configured to generate a modulation index for each converter source module. In many of these embodiments, the modulation index for the converter source module is determined based on one or more of a peak voltage Vpk of a reference voltage Vr of the module-based energy system, a state of charge of the converter source module, a temperature of the converter source module, a capacitance of the converter source module, a current of the converter source module, or a voltage of the converter source module. In many of these embodiments, the master control device further includes a peak detector for detecting a peak voltage Vpk of the reference voltage Vr of the module-based energy system. In many of these embodiments, the master control device is configured to generate a normalized reference waveform Vrn from the reference voltage Vr. In many of these embodiments, the master control device is configured to generate a normalized reference waveform Vrn from the reference voltage Vr by division of the reference voltage Vr by its peak voltage Vpk. In many of these embodiments, the master control device is configured to output the normalized reference waveform Vrn to each of the multiple local control devices. In many of these embodiments, each local control device of the plurality of local control devices is configured to modulate the received normalized reference waveform Vrn with the received modulation index. In many of these embodiments, each local control device of the plurality of local control devices is configured to generate a switching signal for the converter source module based on the modulated reference waveform. In many of these embodiments, each local control device of the plurality of local control devices is configured to generate a switching signal for the converter source module based on a pulse width modulation technique implemented with the modulated reference waveform.

[0287] In many of these embodiments, the multiple modulation indexes Mi are generated to ensure that a sum of the generated voltages from the multiple converter source modules does not exceed a peak voltage Vpk. In many of these embodiments, the multiple modulation indexes Mi are generated to cause a state of charge (SOC) of an energy source of the multiple converter source modules to converge toward an equilibrium condition. In many of these embodiments, the multiple modulation indexes Mi are generated to cause a state of health (SOH) of the multiple converter source modules to converge toward an equilibrium condition. In many of these embodiments, the multiple modulation indexes Mi are generated to cause a capacitance of the multiple converter source modules to converge toward an equilibrium condition. In many of these embodiments, the multiple modulation indexes Mi are generated to cause a voltage of the multiple converter source modules to converge toward an equilibrium condition. In many of these embodiments, the multiple modulation indexes Mi are generated to cause a current of the multiple converter source modules to converge toward an equilibrium condition. In many of these embodiments, the multiple modulation indexes Mi are generated to cause a temperature of the multiple converter source modules to converge toward an equilibrium condition. In many of these embodiments, the multiple modulation indexes Mi are generated to reduce the contribution of one or more converter source modules having a fault condition relative to one or more other converter source modules that do not have a fault condition.

[0288] In many of these embodiments, the control circuitry includes one or both of an inter-phase balance controller or an intra-phase balance controller. In many of these embodiments, the multiple converter source modules are arranged in a multi-dimensional array. In many of these embodiments, the intra-phase balance controller is configured to adjust the contributions of the multiple converter source modules in a one-dimensional array of the multi-dimensional array. In many of these embodiments, the inter-phase balance controller is configured to control one or more of the neutral shifts or contributions of the converter source modules common to each phase.

[0289] In many of the foregoing embodiments, the module-based energy system is one of single phase or multi-phase. In many of these embodiments, the module-based energy system is a multi-phase module-based energy system that outputs signals in three, four, five, or six phases.

[0290] In many of the above described embodiments, multiple converter source modules are arranged in a multi-dimensional array.

[0291] In many of the previously described embodiments, the multiple converter source modules are arranged according to any of many of the previously described embodiments.

[0292] In many of the foregoing embodiments, the module-based energy system is configured for operation in an electric or hybrid mobile vehicle. In many of these embodiments, the electric or hybrid mobile vehicle is one of a car, a bus, a truck, a motorcycle, a scooter, an industrial vehicle, a mining vehicle, an air vehicle, a marine vehicle, a locomotive or rail-based vehicle, or a military vehicle.

[0293] In many of the foregoing embodiments, the module-based energy system is configured for operation as a stationary energy system. In many of these embodiments, the stationary energy system is one of a residential storage system, an industrial storage system, a commercial storage system, a data center storage system, a grid, a microgrid, or a charging station.

[0294] In many of the above-described embodiments, the module-based energy system is configured as a battery pack for an electric vehicle.

[0295] In many embodiments, a module-based energy system includes a plurality of interconnected converter source modules and a control circuit configured to regulate a power supply to one or more of the converter source modules based on status information associated with one or more of the converter source modules. In many of these embodiments, each converter source module includes a converter source module according to many of the previously described embodiments.

[0296] In many of these embodiments, each converter source module includes an energy source including at least one energy storage element, an energy buffer, and a converter. In many of these embodiments, the control circuitry is configured to independently determine an amount of charge that each converter source module of the system receives from a power source external to the system. In many of these embodiments, the control circuitry is configured to independently determine an amount of charge that each converter source module of the system receives from a power source external to the system based on status information associated with the converter source module or one or more of its components, the status information including one or more of a state of charge (SOC), a state of health (SOH), a capacity, a temperature, a voltage, a current, a presence of a fault, or an absence of a fault. In many of these embodiments, the multiple converter source modules are arranged in a multi-dimensional array. In many of these embodiments, the multiple converter source modules are arranged according to many of the embodiments described above.

[0297] In many embodiments, the converter source module includes an energy source including at least one energy storage element, an energy buffer, and a converter including a plurality of switches, the converter configured to generate an output voltage based on a combination of the plurality of switches.

[0298] In many of these embodiments, the output of the energy source is coupleable to an input terminal of the energy buffer. In many of these embodiments, the output of the energy buffer is coupleable to an input terminal of the converter. In many of these embodiments, the energy storage element is one of an ultracapacitor, a battery including at least one cell or a plurality of battery cells connected in series and / or parallel, or a fuel cell. In many of these embodiments, the energy buffer includes one or more of an electrolytic capacitor, a film capacitor, a Z-source network including two inductors and two capacitors, or a quasi-Z-source network including two inductors, two capacitors, and a diode. In many of these embodiments, each of the plurality of switches includes at least one of a semiconductor MOSFET or a semiconductor IGBT. In many of these embodiments, the converter is configured to generate three different voltage outputs by different combinations of the plurality of switches. In many of these embodiments, the energy source is configured to output a direct current voltage VDC, and the three different voltage outputs are +VDC, 0, and -VDC. In many of these embodiments, the converter source module is configured to receive switching signals for the plurality of switches from a local control device.

[0299] In many embodiments, the energy system includes at least two converter source modules according to many of the previously described embodiments.

[0300] In many of these embodiments, at least two converter source modules are interconnected in one of a one-dimensional array or a multi-dimensional array. In many of these embodiments, at least two one-dimensional arrays are connected together in different rows and columns, either directly or through additional converter source modules. In many of these embodiments, the energy system includes at least two local control devices, one local control device for each converter source module. In many of these embodiments, each local control device manages energy from an energy source, protects an energy buffer, and controls a converter.

[0301] In many embodiments, the module-based energy system includes a local control device and a converter source module interconnected to the local control device, the converter source module including an energy source having a storage element, first and second outputs of the energy source connected to first and second inputs of an energy buffer, the first and second outputs of the energy buffer connected to first and second inputs of the converter, the converter including at least four switches for generating three voltage levels including a first voltage level with positive polarity, a zero or reference voltage level, and a first voltage level with negative polarity, the three voltage levels being generated by connection of the first voltage level between the first and second inputs of the converter to the first and second outputs of the converter by different combinations of the at least four switches.

[0302] In many of these embodiments, the storage element includes one of an ultracapacitor, a battery module including one or more interconnected battery cells, and a fuel cell module. In many of these embodiments, the energy buffer includes one of an electrolytic and / or film capacitor, a Z source network formed by two inductors and two electrolytic and / or film capacitors, and a quasi-Z source network formed by two inductors, two electrolytic and / or film capacitors, and a diode. In many of these embodiments, the switch is configured as a semiconductor switch. In many of these embodiments, the energy source includes a primary energy source and a secondary energy source, and the primary energy source includes a storage element including one of an ultracapacitor, a battery module including one or more interconnected battery cells, and a fuel cell module. In many of these embodiments, the first and second outputs of the primary energy source are coupled to first and second input terminals of an energy buffer, the energy buffer including one of an electrolytic and / or film capacitor, a Z-source network formed by two inductors and two electrolytic and / or film capacitors, and a quasi-Z-source network formed by two inductors, two electrolytic and / or film capacitors, and a diode. In many of these embodiments, the second output of the energy buffer is connected to a second output of the secondary energy source, and the first output of the secondary energy source is connected to a second input of the converter. In many of these embodiments, the secondary energy source includes a storage element including one of an electrolytic and / or film capacitor, an ultracapacitor, a battery module including one or more interconnected battery cells, an electrolytic and / or film capacitor connected in parallel with the ultracapacitor, an electrolytic and / or film capacitor connected in parallel with the battery module including one or more interconnected battery cells, and an electrolytic and / or film capacitor connected in parallel with the ultracapacitor and a battery module including one or more interconnected battery cells.In many of these embodiments, the converter includes six switches. In many of these embodiments, the converter source module is configured to power first and second auxiliary loads.

[0303] In many of these embodiments, the system further includes a balancing controller. In many of these embodiments, the balancing controller is a single-phase balancing controller. In many of these embodiments, the balancing controller includes a peak detector, a divider, and an intra-phase balancing controller. In many of these embodiments, the system further includes a plurality of converter source modules, the balancing controller configured to balance a state of charge and a temperature among the plurality of converter source modules of the system. In many of these embodiments, the balancing controller is a three-phase balancing controller. In many of these embodiments, the balancing controller includes an inter-phase balancing controller and a plurality of intra-phase controllers. In many of these embodiments, the system further includes a plurality of converter source modules, the balancing controller configured to balance a state of charge and a temperature among the plurality of converter source modules of the system.

[0304] In many embodiments, a module-based energy system is provided that includes a converter-source module including a first energy source and a converter coupled to the first energy source, the converter including a plurality of switches configured to select an output voltage of the module.

[0305] In many embodiments, a method of providing output power from a module-based energy system is provided, the method including receiving, by a control circuitry of the system, status information from at least one of a plurality of converter source modules of the system, each converter source module including an energy source and a converter, and each converter source module configured to contribute power to an output power of the system, and controlling, by the control circuitry, a power contribution of at least one of the plurality of converter source modules based on the status information.

[0306] In these embodiments, the control circuitry can include a master control device and a plurality of local control devices. The master control device can receive status information from at least one of the local control devices, and the method can further include outputting a reference waveform and a modulation index from the master control device to the at least one local control device. The method can further include modulating, by the local control device, the reference waveform with the modulation index, and generating a plurality of switching signals for converters of a converter source module associated with the local control device based at least in part on the modulated reference waveform. The switching signals can be generated using pulse width modulation.

[0307] In these embodiments, controlling the power contribution of the at least one converter source module by the control circuit may include generating and outputting a plurality of switching signals from the control circuit to a converter of the at least one converter source module, and the method further includes switching an output voltage of the at least one converter source module by the converter.

[0308] In these embodiments, controlling the power contribution of the at least one converter source module by the control circuit may include reducing the power contribution of the at least one converter source module or increasing the power contribution of the at least one converter source module. The power contribution may be reduced or increased relative to a preceding power contribution of the at least one converter source module or relative to a power contribution of one or more other converter source modules.

[0309] In these embodiments, the control circuitry may control the power contributions of all converter source modules of the plurality of converter source modules.

[0310] In these embodiments, the control circuitry may control the power contribution according to pulse width modulation or hysteresis techniques.

[0311] In these embodiments, the control circuitry can repeatedly receive status information regarding all of the converter source modules, the status information being specific to each individual converter source module, and the control circuitry can control all of the converter source modules based on the status information, the control occurring in real time.

[0312] In many embodiments, a method of charging a module-based energy system is provided that includes receiving, by a control circuitry of the system, status information from at least one of a plurality of converter source modules of the system, each converter source module including an energy source and a converter, and each converter source module configured to be charged by a power supply source, and controlling, by the control circuitry, a power consumption of at least one of the plurality of converter source modules based on the status information.

[0313] In these embodiments, controlling the power consumption of the at least one converter source module by the control circuit may include generating and outputting a plurality of switching signals from the control circuit to a converter of the at least one converter source module, and the method may further include switching a plurality of switches by the converter such that the power consumption of the at least one converter source module is reduced or increased, optionally the power consumption is reduced or increased compared to a previous power consumption of the at least one converter source module or compared to the power consumption of one or more other converter source modules.

[0314] The processing circuitry may include one or more processors, microprocessors, controllers, and / or microcontrollers, each of which may be a discrete or stand-alone chip or distributed among several different chips (and portions thereof). Any type of processing circuitry may be implemented, such as, but not limited to, personal computing architectures (e.g., as used in desktop PCs, laptops, tablets, etc.), programmable gate array architectures, dedicated architectures, custom architectures, and others. The processing circuitry may include digital signal processors, which may be implemented in hardware and / or software. The processing circuitry may execute software instructions stored on memory that cause the processing circuitry to host different actions and control other components.

[0315] The processing circuitry may also implement other software and / or hardware routines. For example, the processing circuitry may interface with communications circuitry to perform analog / digital conversion, encoding and decoding, other digital signal processing, multimedia functions, conversion of data to a suitable form (e.g., in-phase and quadrature) for presentation to the communications circuitry, and / or cause the communications circuitry to transmit data (either wired or wirelessly).

[0316] Any and all signals described herein can be communicated wirelessly unless described or logically impractical. Communication circuitry can be included for wireless communication. The communication circuitry can be implemented as one or more chips and / or components (e.g., transmitters, receivers, transceivers, and / or other communication circuitry) that implement wireless communication over a link under an appropriate protocol (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, Near Field Communication (NFC), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), proprietary protocols, and others). One or more other antennas can be included with the communication circuitry as necessary to operate with various protocols and circuits. In some embodiments, the communication circuitry can share an antenna for transmission over the link. The processing circuitry can also interface with the communication circuitry and perform the inverse functions necessary to receive the wireless transmission and convert it to digital data, voice, and / or video. The RF communication circuitry can include a transmitter and receiver (e.g., integrated as a transceiver) and associated encoder logic.

[0317] The processing circuitry may also be adapted to run an operating system and any software applications and to perform other functions thereof not related to the processing of transmitted and received communications.

[0318] Computer program instructions for performing operations in accordance with the described subject matter may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages, such as Java, JavaScript, Smalltalk, C++, C#, Transact-SQL, XML, PHP, or the like, and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or a similar programming language.

[0319] The memory, storage, and / or computer-readable media may be shared by one or more of the various functional units present, or may be distributed among two or more of them (e.g., as separate memories present in different chips). A memory may also be its own separate chip.

[0320] To the extent that an embodiment disclosed herein includes or operates in conjunction with a memory, storage device, and / or computer readable medium, then the memory, storage device, and / or computer readable medium is non-transient. Thus, to the extent that the memory, storage device, and / or computer readable medium is covered by one or more claims, then the memory, storage device, and / or computer readable medium is only non-transient. The terms "non-transient" and "tangible" as used herein are intended to describe memory, storage device, and / or computer readable medium that exclude propagating electromagnetic signals, but are not intended to limit the type of memory, storage device, and / or computer readable medium in terms of persistence of storage or otherwise. For example, "non-transitory" and / or "tangible" memory, storage, and / or computer readable media encompasses volatile and non-volatile media, such as random access media (e.g., RAM, SRAM, DRAM, FRAM, etc.), read-only media (e.g., ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash, etc.), and combinations thereof (e.g., hybrid RAM and ROM, NVRAM, etc.) and variations thereof.

[0321] It should be noted that all features, elements, components, functions, and steps described with respect to any embodiment provided herein are intended to be freely combinable and substitutable with those from any other embodiment. If a feature, element, component, function, or step is described with respect to only one embodiment, it should be understood that the feature, element, component, function, or step may be used with all other embodiments described herein unless expressly stated otherwise. This paragraph therefore serves as a predicate and written support for the introduction of claims that combine features, elements, components, functions, and steps from different embodiments at any time, or substitute features, elements, components, functions, and steps from one embodiment with those of another embodiment, even if the following description does not expressly state that such combination or substitution is possible in a particular case. In particular, it is expressly acknowledged that an explicit description of all possible combinations and substitutions would be overly burdensome, given that the acceptability of any and all such combinations and substitutions would be readily recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0322] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0323] While the embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific examples thereof are shown in the drawings and described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that these embodiments are not limited to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, these embodiments are intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit of the disclosure. Furthermore, negative limitations may be written into or added to the claims that define the scope of any feature, function, step, or element of the embodiments and any feature, function, step, or element that is not within the scope of the claimed invention.

Claims

[Claim 1] The invention described in this specification.

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