Balancing power sources of a power bus

Abstract

Aspects of this technical solution can include identifying a first energy storage device based on a first type of power source, where the first energy storage device is coupled with a power bus, isolating, based on the first energy storage device identified, a first power converter electrically from the first energy storage device, coupling the first power converter with a second energy storage device coupled with the power bus of the vehicle, the second energy storage device of a second type, and transmitting, via the first power converter, power to the power bus from the first energy storage device.

Description

BALANCING POWER SOURCES OF A POWER BUSTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present implementations relate generally to electrical power systems, including, but not limited to, balancing power sources of a power bus.INTRODUCTION

[0002] Electrical energy is increasingly stored and transmitted by a wider range of devices. Concurrently, demands on efficiency in power delivery and conservation of power are increasing in view of increasing integration of electrical power system in high-capacity and high-consumption environments. Converters used in conventional systems must be rated for the maximum anticipated power demand, but may be underutilized for large portions of an operating cycle.SUMMARY

[0003] This technical solution is directed at least to methods, systems, and computer readable media for allocating power from multiple energy storage devices across an electrical power bus. For example, systems and methods according to this disclosure can include electrical circuits and electrical storage devices that can be configured to couple and decouple electrical storage devices according to various operating conditions of a power bus that can affect charging and discharging capacity for the power bus. The electrical storage devices can be variously selected, coupled, or isolated to provide technical improvements including to maximize electrical energy capture, minimize overall discharge, and improve overall electrical performance of the power bus. The methods, systems, and computer readable media discussed herein can provide the above-noted technical improvements for power buses having a plurality of types of energy storage devices, including, but not limited to, batteries, capacitors, ultracapacitors, hydrogen fuel cells, and power generation devices (e.g., gensets). For example, re-tasking common converters can maximize utilization at reduced cost. The methods, systems, and computer readable media discussed herein can provide the above-noted technical improvements for power buses in high-current environments, including electrical systems configured to handle electrical currents exceeding hundreds or thousands of Amperes (“amps” or “A”). Thus, a technical solution for balancing power sources of a power bus is provided.

[0004] At least one aspect is directed to a method of allocating power from multiple energy storage devices across an electrical power bus. The method can include identifying a firstenergy storage device based on a first type of power source, where the first energy storage device is coupled with a power bus. The method can include isolating, based on the first energy storage device identified, a first power converter electrically from the first energy storage device. The method can include coupling the first power converter with a second energy storage device coupled with the power bus of the vehicle, the second energy storage device having a second type of power source. The method can include transmitting, via the first power converter, power to the power bus from the first energy storage device.

[0005] At least one aspect is directed to a system of allocating power from multiple energy storage devices across an electrical power bus. The system can include a power bus of an object. The system can include a first energy storage device of a first type. In some embodiments, the first type is a first type of power source (e.g., a fuel cell). The system can include a first power converter coupled with the power bus and that can be coupled with the first energy storage device. The system can include a second energy storage device of a second type. In some embodiments, the second type is a second type of power source (e.g., a battery) different from the first type of power source. The system can include a second power converter coupled with the power bus and that can be coupled with the second energy storage device. The system can include a controller device that can include a non-transitory memory and one or more processors. The system can identify the first energy storage device based on the first type of power source, isolate, based on the first energy storage device identified, the first power converter electrically from the first energy storage device, couple the first power converter with the second energy storage device, and transmit, via the first power converter, power to the power bus from the second energy storage device.

[0006] At least one aspect is directed to a non-transitory computer readable medium can include one or more instructions stored thereon and executable by a processor. The processor can identify, based on a type of power source corresponding to a fuel cell, a first energy storage device having the fuel cell, the first energy storage device coupled with a power bus. The processor can isolate, based on the first energy storage device identified, a first power converter electrically from the first energy storage device. The processor can couple the first power converter with a second energy storage device coupled with the power bus of the vehicle, the second energy storage device having a battery. The processor can transmit, via the first power converter, power to the power bus from the first energy storage device.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0007] These and other aspects and features of the present implementations are depicted by way of example in the figures discussed herein. Present implementations can be directed to, but are not limited to, examples depicted in the figures discussed herein. Thus, this disclosure is not limited to any figure or portion thereof depicted or referenced herein, or any aspect described herein with respect to any figures depicted or referenced herein.

[0008] FIG. 1 depicts an example system according to this disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 2 depicts an example multi-device power system according to this disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 3 depicts an example first state of a power system according to this disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 4 depicts an example second state of a power system according to this disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 5 depicts an example method of balancing power sources of a power bus according to this disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Aspects of this technical solution are described herein with reference to the figures, which are illustrative examples of this technical solution. The figures and examples below are not meant to limit the scope of this technical solution to the present implementations or to a single implementation, and other implementations in accordance with present implementations are possible, for example, by way of interchange of some or all of the described or illustrated elements. Where certain elements of the present implementations can be partially or fully implemented using known components, only those portions of such known components that are necessary for an understanding of the present implementations are described, and detailed descriptions of other portions of such known components are omitted to not obscure the present implementations. Terms in the specification and claims are to be ascribed no uncommon or special meaning unless explicitly set forth herein. Further, this technical solution and the present implementations encompass present and future known equivalents to the known components referred to herein by way of description, illustration, or example.

[0014] Methods, systems, and computer readable media according to this disclosure can include various electrical components in communication with various control devices to configure power distribution via various power sources. For example, power or electricalpower can include direct current (“DC”) electricity or electricity including a DC component. For example, a power bus can include an electrical bus for a high-current environment and can be coupled with one or more batteries and one or more fuel cells. The power bus can be installed at or in a high-current environment that requires transmission of electricity at hundreds or thousands of amps. For example, a high-current environment can include, but is not limited to, a mining vehicle, a container ship, a power generator, or a grid power station. The power bus can include a number of DC-DC power converters, each coupled to various power sources and to a power bus that provides power to and receives power from, various components of the high-current environment. For example, a power bus of a mining vehicle can include a plurality of batteries or stacks of batteries each coupled with corresponding DC-DC converters, and can include a plurality of fuel cells or stacks of fuel cells each coupled with different corresponding DC-DC converters.

[0015] The power bus can receive transmit power to one or more components of the mining vehicle by the power bus, and can obtain power from one or more components of the mining vehicle by the power bus, dependent on the operating state of the mining vehicle. The power system of the mining vehicle can accordingly be configured to maximize efficiency of power draw or charge based on the operating state of the mining vehicle. For example, the power bus, or a controller thereof or coupled therewith, can isolate and couple fuel cells and batteries with various of the DC-DC converters to optimize power draw or charge based on the type of power source best suited for the operating state. For example, the power bus can shift DC-DC converters to couple with batteries and decouple from fuel cells during a downhill movement operating state of the mining vehicle, where the downhill movement causes wheel motors of the mining vehicle to generate electricity that can charge batteries but cannot fill fuel cells. Thus, at least the methods, systems, and computer readable media according to this disclosure can achieve technical improvements to maximize electrical energy capture, minimize overall discharge, and improve overall electrical performance of the power bus.

[0016] FIG. 1 depicts an example power system according to this disclosure. As illustrated by way of example in FIG. 1, a system 100 can include at least a power bus 102, converter power connectors 104, a first power converter 110, a second power connector 112, a first energy storage device of a first type 120, a second power converter 130, a second power connector 132, a second energy storage device of a second type 140, a first source connector 142, a controller 150, an output circuit 160, and an interface structure 170. The controller 150 caninclude one or more logical or electronic devices including but not limited to integrated circuits, logic gates, flip flops, gate arrays, programmable gate arrays, and the like. The controller 150 can include a processor 152 and a memory 154. For example, the system 100 can include a power bus installed at or in a device, vehicle, or building. For example, the system 100 can support or include one or more components that provide a high-current environment that requires transmission of electricity at hundreds or thousands of amps as discussed herein. The controller 150 is not limited to the example illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, the controller 150, including at least one of the processor 152 and the memory 154, can be at least partially integrated with at least one of the first power converter 110, the first energy storage device 120, the second power converter 130, the output circuit 160, or the interface structure 170. Such modifications are expressly contemplated within the scope of FIG. 1 and other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] The power bus 102 can transmit electrical power to and from various components of or coupled with the system 100. For example, the power bus 102 is a DC power bus that can transmit DC power or a DC power component among a plurality of components of the system 100 or coupled with the system 100. For example, the system 100 can correspond to a power bus or a portion thereof as discussed herein. For example, a component of power can correspond to an electrical signal in a given domain. For example, a domain is a DC domain or an alternating current (“AC”) domain. For example, the power bus 102 can be an AC power bus, and can receive AC power from or transmit AC power to one or more of the first power converter 110 and the second power converter 130.

[0018] For example, a component of the power bus can correspond to a physical device as discussed herein, and can include, but is not limited to, an electrical device, a source of power, a connection between any electrical device or source of power. The power bus 102 can include one or more channels, lines, traces, or the like. For example, the power bus 102 can include channels, lines, or traces that can transmit DC power of 1000 A or more. The converter power connectors 104 can transmit electrical power between the power bus 102 and one or more of the DC-DC converters 110 and 130. For example, the converter power connectors 104 can transmit DC power or a DC power component between the power bus 102 and one or more of the DC-DC converters 110 and 130. The power bus 102 can include one or more channels, lines, traces, or the like. For example, the converter power connectors 104 can each include one or more channels, lines, or traces that can transmit DC power of 1000 A or more. Forexample, the power bus 102 can correspond to or be linked with an electrical microgrid, and can be integrate with a fixed or mobile system.

[0019] The first power converter 110 can include one or more electrical, electronic, electromechanical, electrochemical, or like devices or systems for supplying power to or drawing power from the power bus 102 via the first energy storage device of a first type or the second energy storage device of a second type 140. For example, where the power bus 102 is a DC power bus, the first power converter 110 can correspond to a DC-DC converter. For example, where the power bus 102 is an AC power bus, the first power converter 110 can correspond to a DC-AC converter.

[0020] In some embodiments, the power bus, the first power converter, and the second power converter each are structured to have a current capacity of at least 100 A. For example, the first power converter 110 can include channels, lines, or traces that can transmit DC power of 100 A to 1000 A. The second power converter 130 can include one or more electrical, electronic, electromechanical, electrochemical, or like devices or systems for supplying power to or drawing power from the power bus 102 via the second energy storage device of a second type 140. For example, the second power converter 130 can include channels, lines, or traces that can transmit DC power of 100 A to 1000 A. In some embodiments, the first power converter and the second power converter each are structured to have a first current capacity of at least 100 A, and the power bus is structured to have a second current capacity greater than the first current capacity. Thus, the system 100 can provide a technical improvement to couple a plurality of power converters to various power sources to support a high-current power bus, where the current capacity of the power bus exceeds the current capacity of any single power converter. For example, where the power bus 102 is a DC power bus, the second power converter 130 can correspond to a DC-DC converter. For example, where the power bus 102 is an AC power bus, the second power converter 130 can correspond to a DC-AC converter.

[0021] The first power connector 112 can transmit electrical power between the first energy storage device of a first type and the first power converter 110. For example, the first power connector 112 can transmit DC power or a DC power component between the first energy storage device of a first type and the first power converter 110. The first power connector 112 can include one or more channels, lines, traces, or the like. For example, the first power connector 112 can include one or more channels, lines, or traces that can transmit DC power of 1000 A or more. The system 100 or a controller coupled therewith can couple the first energystorage device of a first type with the first power converter 110 via the first power connector 112, according to a condition or instruction of the system 100 to couple the first energy storage device of a first type with the power bus 102. The system 100 or a controller coupled therewith can isolate the first energy storage device of a first type from the power bus 102 by decoupling the first power connector 112 from the first power converter 110, according to a condition or instruction of the system 100 to isolate the first energy storage device of a first type from the power bus 102. For example, the first power connector 112 can include an electrical switch.

[0022] The first energy storage device of a first type can include one or more electrical, electronic, electromechanical, electrochemical, or like devices or systems for storing and distributing power. For example, the first energy storage device of a first type includes one or more hydrogen reaction chambers or storage vessels. For example, the first energy storage device of a first type includes one or more cells structured to convert hydrogen into electricity by an electrochemical reaction. For example, the first energy storage device of a first type is integrated with, integrable with, or separable from the system 100. For example, the second energy storage device of a second type 140 includes a plurality of battery units variously or entirely integrated with, integrable with, or separable from the system 100.

[0023] The second power connector 132 can transmit electrical power between the second energy storage device of a second type 140 and the second power converter 130. For example, the second power connector 132 can transmit DC power or a DC power component between the second energy storage device of a second type 140 and the second power converter 130. The second power connector 132 can include one or more channels, lines, traces, or the like. For example, the second power connector 132 can include one or more channels, lines, or traces that can transmit DC power of 1000 A or more. The second energy storage device of a second type 140 can include one or more electrical, electronic, electromechanical, electrochemical, or like devices or systems for receiving, storing and distributing power. For example, the second energy storage device of a second type 140 includes one or more cells of batteries. For example, the second energy storage device of a second type 140 includes one or more cells structured to store electricity by lithium-ion or like energy storage structures. For example, the second energy storage device of a second type 140 is integrated with, integrable with, or separable from the system 100. For example, the second energy storage device of a second type 140 includes a plurality of battery units variously or entirely integrated with, integrable with, or separable from the system 100.

[0024] The first source connector 142 can transmit electrical power between the second energy storage device of a second type 140 and the first power converter 110. For example, the first source connector 142 can transmit DC power or a DC power component between the second energy storage device of a second type 140 and the first power converter 110. The first source connector 142 can include one or more channels, lines, traces, or the like. For example, the first source connector 142 can include one or more channels, lines, or traces that can transmit DC power of 1000 A or more. The system 100 or a controller coupled therewith can couple the second energy storage device of a second type 140 with the first power converter 110 via the first source connector 142, according to a condition or instruction of the system 100 to couple the second energy storage device of a second type 140. The system 100 or a controller coupled therewith can isolate the second energy storage device of a second type 140 from the first power converter 110 by decoupling the first source connector 142 from the second energy storage device of a second type 140, according to a condition or instruction of the system 100 to isolate the second energy storage device of a second type 140 from the power bus 102. For example, the first source connector 142 can include an electrical switch.

[0025] The processor 152 can execute one or more instructions associated with the system 100. The processor 152 can include an electronic processor, an integrated circuit, or the like including one or more of digital logic, analog logic, digital sensors, analog sensors, communication buses, volatile memory, nonvolatile memory, and the like. The processor 152 can include, but is not limited to, at least one microcontroller unit (MCU), microprocessor unit (MPU), central processing unit (CPU), embedded controller (EC), or the like. The processor 152 can include a processor memory operable to store or storing one or more instructions for operating components of the processor 152 and operating components operably coupled to the processor 152. The one or more instructions can include at least one of firmware, software, hardware, operating systems, embedded operating systems, and the like.

[0026] In some embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium can include one or more instructions stored thereon and executable by a processor to identify, based on a type of power source corresponding to a fuel cell, a first energy storage device having the fuel cell, the first energy storage device coupled with a power bus, isolate, based on the first energy storage device identified, a first power converter electrically from the first energy storage device, couple the first power converter with a second energy storage device coupled with the power bus of the vehicle, the second energy storage device having a battery, and transmit, via the firstpower converter, power to the power bus from the first energy storage device. For example, the memory 154 is the non-transitory computer readable medium. The memory 154 can store data associated with the controller 150. The memory 154 can include one or more hardware memory devices to store binary data, digital data, or the like. The memory 154 can include one or more electrical components, electronic components, programmable electronic components, reprogrammable electronic components, integrated circuits, semiconductor devices, flip flops, arithmetic units, or the like. The memory 154 can include at least one of a non-volatile memory device, a solid-state memory device, a flash memory device, or a NAND memory device. The memory 154 can include one or more addressable memory regions disposed on one or more physical memory arrays. A physical memory array can include a NAND gate array disposed on, for example, at least one of a particular semiconductor device, integrated circuit device, and printed circuit board device.

[0027] In some embodiments, the system 100 includes an output circuit to couple with the power bus 102, the output circuit 160 to transmit power from the power bus 102. The output circuit 160 can provide electrical power from the power bus 102 having one or more electrical properties compatible with one or more components of a vehicle or object coupled with the power bus 102. In some embodiments, an output circuit can include an electrical circuit to modify one or more of current or voltage to a current or voltage compatible with a components of the vehicle or object. For example, the output circuit can include a voltage divider to convert a voltage at the power bus 102 to a voltage compatible with one or more motors each to move or brake corresponding wheels of a vehicle.

[0028] In some embodiments, the system can include an interface structure 170 to couple with the power bus 102, wherein the power bus 102 is at least partially housed at an automobile, a truck, a seaborne vessel, or a facility to generate power for an electrical grid. The interface structure 170 can physically couple or mate the output circuit 160 or the power bus 102 with a device or component external to the system 100 or including the system 100. In some embodiments, an interface structure can include a plug, connector coupling, electrical pinout having a given arrangement, or any combination thereof.

[0029] FIG. 2 depicts an example multi-device power system according to this disclosure. As illustrated by way of example in FIG. 2, a multi-device power system 200 can include at least DC power connectors 202, DC-DC converters 210, fuel cell power connectors 212, battery power connectors 214, 216 and 218, fuel cells 220, DC-DC converters 230, battery powerconnectors 232 and 234, batteries 240, and batteries 250. The system 200 is illustrated by way of example, and includes various components that can optionally be included according to this disclosure. This disclosure is not limited to the number and arrangement of DC-DC converters, fuel cells, batteries, and connectors illustrated in FIG. 2 by way of example.

[0030] The DC power connectors 202 can correspond at least partially in one or more of structure and operation to the converter power connectors 104. For example, the DC power connectors 202 can be structured to transmit power unidirectionally from the first power converter 110, 130, 210 or 230 to the power bus 102. For example, the DC power connectors 202 can be structured to transmit power unidirectionally to the converter 110, 130, 210 or 230 from the power bus 102. For example, the DC power connectors 202 can be structured to transmit power bidirectionally between the converter 110, 130, 210 or 230 and the power bus 102. The DC-DC converters 210 can correspond at least partially in one or more of structure and operation to the first power converter 110, and can couple with the fuel cells 220 in an arrangement including one or more stacks. Here, the DC-DC converters 210 can each be provided to support transmission of high-current power to or from the power bus 102 at a level corresponding to the output of the fuel cells 220. For example, the DC-DC converters 210 of a first portion of the system 200 can be coupled with a first stack of two fuel cells, and a second portion of the system 200 can be coupled with a second stack of two fuel cells. Each of the DC- DC converters 210 can couple with the fuel cells 220 and can complement or replace the first power converter 110 and the first energy storage device of a first type.

[0031] The fuel cell power connectors 212 can correspond at least partially in one or more of structure and operation to the first power connector 112. For example, each of the fuel cell power connectors 212 can transmit DC power or a DC power component between a corresponding fuel cell 220 (or stack of fuel cells 220) and the corresponding DC-DC converter 210. The system 100 or a controller coupled therewith can couple one or more of the fuel cells 220 (or stacks of fuel cells 220) with its corresponding DC-DC converter 210 via its corresponding fuel cell power connector 212. The system 100 or a controller coupled therewith can cause the coupling according to a condition or instruction of the system 100 to couple a given fuel cell 220 (or stack of fuel cells 220) with the power bus 102. For example, the system 100 or a controller coupled therewith can cause the coupling with respect to a particular first energy storage device of a first type or 220. For example, the system 100 or a controller coupled therewith can cause the coupling with respect to a particular stack of fuel cells 220. The system100 or a controller coupled therewith can isolate one or more of the fuel cells 220 (or stacks of fuel cells 220) from its corresponding DC-DC converter 210 via its corresponding fuel cell power connector 212. The system 100 or a controller coupled therewith can cause the isolating according to a condition or instruction of the system 100 to isolate a given fuel cell 220 (or stack of fuel cells 220) from the power bus 102. For example, the system 100 or a controller coupled therewith can cause the isolating with respect to a particular first energy storage device of a first type or 220. For example, the system 100 or a controller coupled therewith can cause the isolating with respect to a particular stack of fuel cells 220. For example, each of the fuel cell power connectors 212 can include an electrical switch.

[0032] The battery source connectors 214, 216 and 218 can correspond at least partially in one or more of structure and operation to the first source connector 142. The battery source connectors 214, 216 and 218 can transmit electrical power between the second energy storage device of a second type 140 and the first power converter 110. For example, the first source connector 142 can include an electrical switch. For example, the battery source connectors 214, 216 and 218 each can transmit DC power or a DC power component between a given battery 240 or 250 (or a stack of batteries 240 or 250) and a given DC-DC converter 210. The battery source connectors 214, 216 and 218 each can include one or more channels, lines, traces, or the like. For example, the battery source connectors 214, 216 and 218 each can include one or more channels, lines, or traces that can transmit DC power of 1000 A or more. The system 100 or a controller coupled therewith can couple the battery 240 (or a stack of the batteries 240) with the DC-DC converter 210 via the battery source connector 216, according to a condition or instruction of the system 100 to couple the battery 240 (or a stack of the batteries 240) with the power bus 102. The system 100 or a controller coupled therewith can couple the battery 250 (or a stack of the batteries 250) with the first power converter 110 via the battery source connector 218, according to a condition or instruction of the system 100 to couple the battery 250 (or a stack of the batteries 250) with the power bus 102. The system 100 or a controller coupled therewith can couple the second energy storage device of a second type 140 (or a stack of batteries 140) with the DC-DC converter 210 via the battery source connector 214, according to a condition or instruction of the system 100 to couple the second energy storage device of a second type 140 (or a stack of batteries 140) with the power bus 102.

[0033] The system 100 or a controller coupled therewith can isolate the battery 240 (or the stack of the batteries 240) from the DC-DC converter 210 by decoupling the battery sourceconnector 216 from the battery 240 (or the stack of the batteries 240), according to a condition or instruction of the system 100 to isolate the battery 240 (or the stack of the batteries 240) from the power bus 102. The system 100 or a controller coupled therewith can isolate the battery 250 (or the stack of the batteries 250) from the first power converter 110 by decoupling the battery source connector 218 from the battery 250 (or the stack of the batteries 250), according to a condition or instruction of the system 100 to isolate the battery 250 (or the stack of the batteries 250) from the power bus 102. The system 100 or a controller coupled therewith can isolate the second energy storage device of a second type 140 (or a stack of batteries 140) from the DC-DC converter 210 by decoupling the battery source connector 214 from the second energy storage device of a second type 140 (or a stack of batteries 140), according to a condition or instruction of the system 100 to isolate the second energy storage device of a second type 140 (or a stack of batteries 140) from the power bus 102.

[0034] The fuel cells 220 can each correspond at least partially in one or more of structure and operation to the first energy storage device of a first type. For example, one or more of the fuel cells 220 can be arranged in a stack and coupled with a corresponding DC-DC converter 210 by a corresponding fuel cell power connector 212. For example, a given DC-DC converter 210 can include a stack of one, two, four, or any multiple thereof, of the fuel cells 220, but is not limited to the multiple discussed herein by way of example. For example, a first stack can include two fuel cells 220 arranged in a series configuration, a second stack can include two fuel cells 220 arranged in the series configuration, and a third stack can include one first energy storage device of a first type arranged in a series configuration.

[0035] The DC-DC converters 230 can correspond at least partially in one or more of structure and operation to the first power converter 110, and can couple with the batteries 240 and 250 in an arrangement including one or more stacks. Here, the DC-DC converters 230 can each be provided to support transmission of high-current power to or from the power bus 102 at a level corresponding to a current capacity of one or more of the batteries 240 and 250. For example, the DC-DC converters 230 of a first portion of the system 200 can be coupled with a first stack of four batteries 250, and a second portion of the system 200 can be coupled with a second stack of two batteries 240. Each of the DC-DC converters 230 can couple with the batteries 240 and 250 and can complement or replace the second power converter 130 and the second energy storage device of a second type 140.

[0036] The battery power connectors 232 and 234 can correspond at least partially in one or more of structure and operation to the battery cell power connector 132. For example, each of the battery power connectors 232 and 234 can transmit DC power or a DC power component between a corresponding battery 240 or 250 (or stack of batteries 240 or 250) and the corresponding DC-DC converter 230. The system 100 or a controller coupled therewith can couple one or more of the batteries 240 or 250 (or stacks of battery 240 or 250) with its corresponding DC-DC converter 230 via its corresponding battery power connector 232 or 234.

[0037] The system 100 or a controller coupled therewith can cause the coupling according to a condition or instruction of the system 100 to couple a given battery 240 or 250 (or stack of batteries 240 or 250) with the power bus 102. For example, the system 100 or a controller coupled therewith can cause the coupling with respect to a particular battery 240 or 250. For example, the system 100 or a controller coupled therewith can cause the coupling with respect to a particular stack of batteries 240 or 250. The system 100 or a controller coupled therewith can isolate one or more of the batteries 240 or 250 (or stacks of battery 240 or 250) from its corresponding DC-DC converter 230 via its corresponding battery power connector 232 or 234. The system 100 or a controller coupled therewith can cause the isolating according to a condition or instruction of the system 100 to isolate a given battery 240 or 250 (or stack of batteries 240 or 250) from the power bus 102. For example, the system 100 or a controller coupled therewith can cause the isolating with respect to a particular battery 240 or 250. For example, the system 100 or a controller coupled therewith can cause the isolating with respect to a particular stack of batteries 240 or 250. For example, each of the battery 240 or 250 can include an electrical switch.

[0038] The batteries 240 can each correspond at least partially in one or more of structure and operation to the second energy storage device of a second type 140. For example, one or more of the batteries 240 can be arranged in a stack of two batteries 240 and coupled with a corresponding DC-DC converter 230 by the battery power connector 232. The batteries 250 can each correspond at least partially in one or more of structure and operation to the second energy storage device of a second type 140. For example, one or more of the batteries 250 can be arranged in a stack of four batteries 250 and coupled with a corresponding DC-DC converter 230 by the battery power connector 234. For example, a given DC-DC converter 230 can include a stack of one, two, four, or any multiple thereof, of the batteries 240, but is not limited to the multiple discussed herein by way of example.

[0039] FIG. 3 depicts an example first state of power system according to this disclosure. As illustrated by way of example in FIG. 3, a first state 300 of the power system 100 can include at least the power bus 102, the coupled DC-DC converters 110, 130, 210 and 230, coupled fuel cell power connectors 310, decoupled battery power connectors 320, 120 and 220coupled fuel cells 120 and 220, and coupled batteries 140, 240 and 250. The system 300 is illustrated by way of example, and includes various components that can optionally be included according to this disclosure. This disclosure is not limited to the number and arrangement of DC-DC converters, fuel cells, batteries, and connectors illustrated in FIG. 3 by way of example. For example, the first state 300 is a state of the system 100 in which the power bus 102 draws power unidirectionally from the fuel cells 120 and 220 and the batteries 140, 240 and 250.

[0040] The coupled DC-DC converters 110, 130, 210 and 230 can be coupled with the fuel cells 120 and 220, and can transmit power unidirectionally to the power bus 102 from one or more of the fuel cells 120 and 220 according to the first state 300. For example, the coupled DC-DC converters 110, 130, 210 and 230 can provide power to drive one or more wheels of a vehicle as discussed herein. The coupled fuel cell power connectors 310 can correspond at least partially in one or more of structure and operation to the fuel cell power connectors 212. The coupled fuel cell power connectors 310 can be coupled with the fuel cells 120 and 220, and can transmit power unidirectionally to the DC-DC converters 110, 130, 210 and 230according to the first state.

[0041] The decoupled battery power connectors 320 can correspond at least partially in one or more of structure and operation to the battery power connectors 214, 216 and 218. The decoupled battery power connectors 320 can be decoupled from the batteries 140, 240 and 250 to isolate the batteries 140, 240 and 250 from the DC-DC converters 110, 130, 210 and 230. For example, the decoupled battery power connectors 3203 can prevent the DC-DC converters 110, 130, 210 and 230 from providing power to drive one or more wheels of a vehicle as discussed herein. For example, the decoupled battery power connectors 320 can prevent the DC-DC converters 110, 130, 210 and 230from receiving power from regenerative motion of one or more wheels of a vehicle as discussed herein.

[0042] The coupled DC-DC converters 120 and 220 can be coupled with the batteries 140, 240 and 250, and can transmit power bidirectionally with the power bus 102 and one or more of the batteries 140, 240 and 250 according to the first state 300. For example, the coupled DC-DC converters 120 and 220 can provide power to drive one or more wheels of a vehicle as discussedherein. The coupled fuel cells 120 and 220 can correspond at least partially in one or more of structure and operation to the fuel cells 120 and 220. The coupled fuel cells 120 and 220 can transmit power to the power bus 102 according to the first state 300. The coupled batteries 140, 240 and 250 can correspond at least partially in one or more of structure and operation to the batteries 240 and 250. The coupled batteries 140, 240 and 250 can transmit power bidirectionally with the power bus 102 according to the first state 300.

[0043] FIG. 4 depicts an example second state of power system according to this disclosure. As illustrated by way of example in FIG. 4, a second state 400 of the system 200 can include at least the power bus 102, isolated DC-DC converters 110 and 210, decoupled fuel cell power connectors 410, coupled battery power connectors 414, coupled DC-DC converters 130 and 230, isolated fuel cells 120 and 220, and coupled batteries 140, 240 and 250. The system 400 is illustrated by way of example, and includes various components that can optionally be included according to this disclosure. This disclosure is not limited to the number and arrangement of DC-DC converters, fuel cells, batteries, and connectors illustrated in FIG. 4 by way of example. For example, the second state 400 is a state of the system 200 in which the power bus 102 transmits power bidirectionally with the batteries 140, 240 and 250.

[0044] The isolated DC-DC converters 110 and 210 can be coupled with one or more of the batteries 140, 240 and 250, and can be isolated from the fuel cells 120 and 220, to transmit power bidirectionally between the power bus 102 and only one or more of the batteries 140, 240 and 250 according to the second state 400. For example, the isolated DC-DC converters 110 and 210 can provide power from one or more of the batteries 140, 240 and 250 to drive one or more wheels of a vehicle as discussed herein, in the second state 400. For example, the isolated DC-DC converters 110 and 210 can receive power generated from one or more motors of one or more wheels of a vehicle as discussed herein, in the second state 400. The decoupled fuel cell power connectors 410 can correspond at least partially in one or more of structure and operation to the fuel cell power connectors 212. The decoupled fuel cell power connectors 410 can be in a decoupled state (e.g., an open switch) to isolate the fuel cells 120 and 230 from the isolated DC-DC converters 110 and 210. For example, a regenerative motion of one or more wheels of a vehicle can occur in response to a downhill movement of a vehicle that causes the one or more wheels of the vehicle to rotate due to the pull of gravity on the vehicle. One or more alternators coupled with the one or more wheels can generate electrical power in response to the rotation of the wheels, and can transmit that generated power to the power bus 102.

[0045] The coupled battery power connectors 420 can correspond at least partially in one or more of structure and operation to the battery power connectors 214, 216 and 218. The coupled battery power connectors 420 can be coupled with the batteries 140, 240 and 250 to couple the batteries 140, 240 and 250 with the DC-DC converters 110 and 210. For example, the coupled battery power connectors 420 can allow the DC-DC converters 110 and 210 to provide power to drive one or more wheels of a vehicle as discussed herein, to provide an improvement to increase the load that can be driven from battery power. For example, the coupled battery power connectors 420 can allow the DC-DC converters 110 and 210 to receive power from regenerative motion of one or more wheels of a vehicle as discussed herein, and transmit that power to one or more of the batteries 140, 240 and 250, to provide an improvement to capture and reduce waste of kinetic energy and transform that energy into recovered electrical energy.

[0046] The coupled DC-DC converters 130 and 230 can be coupled with the batteries 140, 240 and 250, and can transmit power bidirectionally with the power bus 102 and one or more of the batteries 140, 240 and 250 according to the second state. For example, the coupled DC-DC converters 130 and 230 can provide power to drive one or more wheels of a vehicle as discussed herein. Thus, the DC-DC converters 110 and 210 and 130 and 230 can be coupled with the batteries 140, 240 and 250 to transmit power at a greater current capacity while also supporting bidirectional transmission. The isolated fuel cells 130 and 230 can be prevented from transmitting power to the power bus 102 in the second state 400. The coupled batteries 140, 240 and 250 can correspond at least partially in one or more of structure and operation to the batteries 240 and 250. The coupled batteries 140, 240 and 250 can transmit power bidirectionally with the power bus 102 according to the second state 400.

[0047] FIG. 5 depicts an example method of allocating power from multiple energy storage devices across an electrical power bus according to this disclosure. At least the system 100 or a subset of components thereof can perform method 500. The method 500 is illustrated by way of example, and includes actions that can optionally be included according to this disclosure.

[0048] At 510, the method 500 can include identifying a first energy storage device based on a first type of power source, wherein the first energy storage device is coupled with a power bus. In some embodiments, the power bus 102 is a power bus of a vehicle. At 520, the method 500 can include isolating, based on the first energy storage device identified, a first power converter electrically from the first energy storage device. At 530, the method 500 can include coupling the first power converter with a second energy storage device coupled with the powerbus of the vehicle, the second energy storage device of a second type. At 540, the method 500 can include transmitting, via the first power converter, power to the power bus from the first energy storage device.

[0049] For example, the method can include identifying, based on a state of the vehicle, the first energy storage device. In some embodiments, a state of a vehicle is a power-drawing operating state in which the power bus 102 applies power to operate one or more wheels of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the state of the vehicle is an uphill movement condition of the vehicle, that is associated with the power-drawing operating state. In some embodiments, a state of a vehicle is a power-regenerating operating state in which the power bus 102 receives power from one or more wheels of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the state of the vehicle is an uphill movement condition of the vehicle, that is associated with the power-drawing operating state. In some embodiments, the controller 150 identifies the power-drawing state, and operates the system 200 according to the first state 300 to apply power from both fuel cells and batteries to drive one or more wheels of the vehicle.

[0050] In some embodiments, the method can include identifying, based on a state of the vehicle, the second energy storage device. In some such embodiments, the state of the vehicle is a downhill movement condition of the vehicle, that is associated with the power-regenerating operating state. In some embodiments, the controller 150 identifies the power-regenerating state, and operates the system 200 according to the second state 400 to apply and receive power from the batteries to drive one or more wheels of the vehicle at higher electrical efficiency. For example, a state of the vehicle can correspond to a downhill movement as discussed herein. For example, the method can include identifying, based on the second type of power source, the second energy storage device. In some embodiments, the controller 150 identifies one or more of the batteries 140, 240 and 250 based on a battery type.

[0051] For example, the method can include coupling the first power converter in parallel with a second power converter, the second energy storage device coupled with the power bus via the second power converter. In some embodiments, the controller 150 causes the DC-DC converters 110 and 210 to couple in parallel with the DC-DC converters 130 and 230, between the power bus 102 and the energy storage device 140, 240 and 250. In some embodiments, a computer readable medium can include one or more instructions executable by the processor to determine that the level of consumption of power from the first energy storage device satisfies the condition for isolating the first power converter. For example, the method caninclude determining that a level of consumption of power from the first energy storage device satisfies a condition for isolating the first power converter. In some embodiments, a condition for isolating the first power converter from the fuel cells is a level of power consumption associated with a downhill movement that can be performed by battery power alone. In some embodiments, the level of consumption can correspond to a current draw on a fuel cell or battery, or any stack thereof, that exceeds a threshold indicating a maximum current corresponding to a DC-DC converter.

[0052] In some embodiments, the system can include the one or more processors configured to determine a level of consumption of power from the first energy storage device, identify a condition for isolating the first power converter, and determine that the level of consumption of power from the first energy storage device satisfies the condition for isolating the first power converter. In some embodiments, a computer readable medium can include one or more instructions executable by the processor to determine a level of consumption of power from the first energy storage device. In some embodiments, a computer readable medium can include one or more instructions executable by the processor to identify a condition for isolating the first power converter.

[0053] For example, the system can determine a level of consumption of power from the first energy storage device. In some embodiments, the controller 150 can detect at the power 102 a level of power consumption based on current, voltage or any combination thereof, or any change therein. The system can identify a condition for isolating the first power converter. In some embodiments, the controller 150 can identify the condition based on a value or values stored at the memory 154 of the controller 150. The system can determine that the level of consumption of power from the first energy storage device satisfies the condition for isolating the first power converter. In some embodiments, the controller 150 can determine that the level of consumption of power from the first energy storage device satisfies the condition based on the value or values stored at the memory 154 of the controller 150.

[0054] In some embodiments, the system can include the one or more processors configured to enable electrical isolation of the first power converter from the first energy storage device, based on a determination that the level of consumption of power from the first energy storage device satisfies the condition for isolating the first power converter. In some embodiments, a computer readable medium can include one or more instructions executable by the processor to enable electrical isolation of the first power converter from the first energy storage device.

[0055] For example, the system can enable electrical isolation of the first power converter from the first energy storage device, based on a determination that the level of consumption of power from the first energy storage device satisfies the condition for isolating the first power converter.

[0056] In some embodiments, the system can include the one or more processors configured to disable electrical isolation of the first power converter from the first energy storage device, based on a determination that the level of consumption of power from the first energy storage device does not satisfy the condition for isolating the first power converter. In some embodiments, a computer readable medium can include one or more instructions executable by the processor to disable electrical isolation of the first power converter from the first energy storage device. For example, the system can disable electrical isolation of the first power converter from the first energy storage device, based on a determination that the level of consumption of power from the first energy storage device does not satisfy the condition for isolating the first power converter. In some embodiments, the controller 150 can enable and disable electrical isolation of one or more power converters via one or more control lines or control busses. The control lines or control busses can include one or more lines or traces that can trigger one or more switches to close or open one or more connections as discussed herein.

[0057] For example, the system can include the power bus, the first power converter, and the second power converter each structured to have a current capacity of at least 100 A. For example, the system can include the first power converter and the second power converter each structured to have a first current capacity of at least 100 A, and the power bus is structured to have a second current capacity greater than the first current capacity. A high-current environment can correspond to these current capacities, but is not limited thereto. For example, the system can include an output circuit to couple with the power bus, the output circuit to transmit power from the power bus to the object. In some embodiments, an output circuit can include an output circuit can include an electrical circuit to modify one or more of current or voltage to a current or voltage compatible with a component of the vehicle or object. For example, the system can include an interface structure to couple with the power bus of the object, where the power bus is at least partially housed at an automobile, a truck, a seaborne vessel, or a facility to generate power for an electrical grid. In some embodiments, an interface structure can include a plug, connector coupling, electrical pinout having a given arrangement, or any combination thereof.

[0058] Having now described some illustrative implementations, the foregoing is illustrative and not limiting, having been presented by way of example. In particular, although many of the examples presented herein involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, those acts and those elements may be combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives. Acts, elements and features discussed in connection with one implementation are not intended to be excluded from a similar role in other implementations.

[0059] The phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “characterized by,” “characterized in that,” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, equivalents thereof, and additional items, as well as alternate implementations consisting of the items listed thereafter exclusively. In one implementation, the systems and methods described herein consist of one, each combination of more than one, or all of the described elements, acts, or components.

[0060] References to “or” may be construed as inclusive so that any terms described using “or” may indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. References to at least one of a conjunctive list of terms may be construed as an inclusive OR to indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. For example, a reference to “at least one of ‘A’ and ‘B’” can include only ‘A’, only ‘B’, as well as both ‘A’ and ‘B’. Such references used in conjunction with “comprising” or other open terminology can include additional items. References to “is” or “are” may be construed as nonlimiting to the implementation or action referenced in connection with that term. The terms “is” or “are” or any tense or derivative thereof, are interchangeable and synonymous with “can be” as used herein, unless stated otherwise herein.

[0061] Directional indicators depicted herein are example directions to facilitate understanding of the examples discussed herein, and are not limited to the directional indicators depicted herein. Any directional indicator depicted herein can be modified to the reverse direction, or can be modified to include both the depicted direction and a direction reverse to the depicted direction, unless stated otherwise herein. While operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, such operations are not required to be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, and all illustrated operations are not required to be performed. Actions described herein can be performed in a different order. Where technical features in the drawings, detailed description or any claim are followed by reference signs, the reference signshave been included to increase the intelligibility of the drawings, detailed description, and claims. Accordingly, neither the reference signs nor their absence have any limiting effect on the scope of any claim elements.

[0062] Scope of the systems and methods described herein is thus indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description. The scope of the claims includes equivalents to the meaning and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method of allocating power from multiple energy storage devices across an electrical power bus, the method comprising: identifying a first energy storage device based on a first type of power source, wherein the first energy storage device is coupled with a power bus; isolating, based on the first energy storage device identified, a first power converter electrically from the first energy storage device; coupling the first power converter with a second energy storage device coupled with the power bus of the vehicle, the second energy storage device of a second type; and transmitting, via the first power converter, power to the power bus from the first energy storage device.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: identifying, based on a state of the vehicle, the first energy storage device.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: identifying, based on a state of the vehicle, the second energy storage device.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: identifying, based on the second type of power source, the second energy storage device.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: coupling the first power converter in parallel with a second power converter, the second energy storage device coupled with the power bus via the second power converter.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining that a level of consumption of power from the first energy storage device satisfies a condition for isolating the first power converter.

7. A system of allocating power from multiple energy storage devices across an electrical power bus, the system comprising: a power bus;a first energy storage device of a first type; a first power converter coupled with the power bus and coupled with the first energy storage device; a second energy storage device of a second type; a second power converter coupled with the power bus and coupled with the second energy storage device; and a controller device including a non-transitory memory and one or more processors configured to: identify the first energy storage device based on the first type, isolate, based on the first energy storage device identified, the first power converter electrically from the first energy storage device, and couple the first power converter with the second energy storage device, and transmit, via the first power converter, power to the power bus from the second energy storage device.

8. The system of claim 7, the one or more processors configured to: determine a level of consumption of power from the first energy storage device; identify a condition for isolating the first power converter; and determine that the level of consumption of power from the first energy storage device satisfies the condition for isolating the first power converter.

9. The system of claim 8, the one or more processors configured to: enable electrical isolation of the first power converter from the first energy storage device, based on a determination that the level of consumption of power from the first energy storage device satisfies the condition for isolating the first power converter.

10. The system of claim 8, the one or more processors configured to: disable electrical isolation of the first power converter from the first energy storage device, based on a determination that the level of consumption of power from the first energy storage device does not satisfy the condition for isolating the first power converter.

11. The system of claim 7, wherein the power bus, the first power converter, and the second power converter each are structured to have a current capacity of at least 100 A.

12. The system of claim 8, wherein the first power converter and the second power converter each are structured to have a first current capacity of at least 100 A, and the power bus is structured to have a second current capacity greater than the first current capacity.

13. The system of claim 7, further comprising: an output circuit to couple with the power bus, the output circuit to transmit power from the power bus.

14. The system of claim 7, further comprising: an interface structure to couple with the power bus, wherein the power bus is at least partially housed at an automobile, a truck, a seaborne vessel, or a facility to generate power for an electrical grid.

15. A non-transitory computer readable medium including one or more instructions stored thereon and executable by a processor to: identify, based on a type of power source corresponding to a fuel cell, a first energy storage device having the fuel cell, the first energy storage device coupled with a power bus; isolate, based on the first energy storage device identified, a first power converter electrically from the first energy storage device; couple the first power converter with a second energy storage device coupled with the power bus of the vehicle, the second energy storage device having a battery; and transmit, via the first power converter, power to the power bus from the first energy storage device.

16. The computer readable medium of claim 15, the computer readable medium further including one or more instructions executable by the processor to: enable electrical isolation of the first power converter from the first energy storage device.

17. The computer readable medium of claim 15, the computer readable medium further including one or more instructions executable by the processor to: disable electrical isolation of the first power converter from the first energy storage device.

18. The computer readable medium of claim 15, the computer readable medium further including one or more instructions executable by the processor to: determine a level of consumption of power from the first energy storage device.

19. The computer readable medium of claim 18, the computer readable medium further including one or more instructions executable by the processor to: identify a condition for isolating the first power converter.

20. The computer readable medium of claim 19, the computer readable medium further including one or more instructions executable by the processor to: determine that the level of consumption of power from the first energy storage device satisfies the condition for isolating the first power converter.

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