AC Battery Bias Voltage Control Without CAN Bus Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional AC battery systems require a controller area network (CAN) bus or special power conditioners, which are not available in all distributed energy generators, necessitating a simplified battery management unit (BMU) to power conditioner interface.
Innovation Solution
A BMU system that uses metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) switches and a CPU with support circuits and memory to control battery discharge and charge, eliminating the need for a CAN bus by utilizing a microgrid system with power converters and a system controller for power conversion and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a CAN bus or special power conditioner is used in conventional AC battery systems, then proper battery management and safety are achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the BMU and power conditioner into a single integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate CAN bus communication infrastructure. The integrated design allows the power conditioner to directly interface with the battery while incorporating BMU functions, thereby reducing system complexity and component count while maintaining battery management and safety capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The power conditioner is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a power conversion device and a battery management interface. By making the power conditioner universal and capable of direct BMU communication without requiring specialized CAN bus hardware, the system reduces complexity while achieving proper battery management and safety
2Reliability
If a CAN bus is used for BMU communication, then proper battery control is achieved, but ease of operation and compatibility improve generators
Solution Approach 1:
The power conditioner is designed with universal communication capabilities that eliminate the need for specialized CAN bus hardware. This multi-functional design allows the same power conditioner to interface with various battery management units across different distributed energy generator types, improving compatibility while maintaining reliable battery control
3Reliability
If dedicated electronics and special power conditioners are used, then proper battery performance is achieved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the BMU and power conditioner into a single integrated unit, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated electronics and special power conditioners. This integration reduces component count, simplifies manufacturing, and lowers costs while maintaining proper battery performance through the unified design
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for AC battery operation. In one embodiment, the method comprises determining, at a battery management unit (BMU) coupled to an AC battery comprising a power converter and a battery that is rechargeable, a bias control voltage that indicates a state of a charge process of the AC battery; and coupling, by a bias control module of the BMU, the bias control voltage to the power converting for communicating the state of the charge process to and from the BMU and the power converter.