Adaptive Auxiliary Unit Charging from Internal and External Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical systems face challenges in charging auxiliary energy storage elements when the primary power unit is not operational, and there is a need for an adaptable charging mechanism that utilizes both internal and external power sources efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A power supply system with an auxiliary module and a charging supply circuit that includes two power converters, allowing it to adapt between states to utilize available power from both the power module and external sources for charging the auxiliary energy storage element, ensuring rapid replenishment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the auxiliary energy storage element is charged only from the power unit, then the charging system is simple, but the charging cannot proceed when the power unit is not operational

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging availabilityVSAvoidcharging system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging supply circuit is designed to accept power from multiple sources (power unit and external energy source) and perform the same charging function regardless of which source is available. This multi-functionality ensures the auxiliary energy storage element can be charged in various operational scenarios, resolving the contradiction between charging availability and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The charging supply circuit dynamically switches between different power sources based on availability. The circuit can adaptively select whether to charge from the power unit or external energy source, providing flexible charging capability that maintains reliability while managing complexity through intelligent control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the charging supply circuit uses a single power source, then the circuit design is simple, but the charging speed is limited by the single source's power output

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoidcharging supply circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging supply circuit merges power from multiple sources (power unit and external energy source) to provide combined charging power. This combination allows the auxiliary energy storage element to charge faster by utilizing the aggregate power capacity of both sources, resolving the contradiction between charging speed and circuit complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The charging supply circuit is designed to handle multiple power sources simultaneously, providing universal charging capability that can operate in single-source or multi-source modes. This multi-functionality enables flexible power combination for accelerated charging while maintaining manageable circuit complexity through standardized design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the auxiliary energy storage element is not rechargeable, then the auxiliary unit is simpler, but the auxiliary battery must be periodically replaced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauxiliary unit availabilityVSAvoidauxiliary unit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary energy storage element is designed to be rechargeable from the power unit during normal operation. This self-service capability allows the auxiliary battery to replenish its own charge using the system's power output, eliminating the need for external charging or periodic replacement and thereby improving availability while managing complexity through integrated charging functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system ensures reliable and efficient charging of the auxiliary energy storage element, improving the availability and reliability of the power unit by utilizing available power sources effectively.

Implementation Method 1

a first power converter electrically coupled to the input port and operable to convert the input electrical power to a first converted electrical power output

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPower conversion:

Implementation Method 2

a second power converter electrically coupled to the power module and operable to convert the electrical power provided by the power module to a second converted electrical power output

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPower conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP4636968A1Electrical system with adaptively chargeable auxiliary unit and method of use thereof
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 INSTAGRID GMBH
  • EP4636968A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4636968A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4636968A1 patent drawingFigure 2C~2D

AI summary

A power supply system and method of charging an auxiliary energy storage element of a power supply system. The power supply system includes an auxiliary module with at least one auxiliary energy storage element, an input port operable to receive input electrical power from an external source, a power unit including a power module for providing electrical power, and a charging supply circuit for delivering charging power on a supply line, wherein the charging power is usable for charging the auxiliary energy storage element via the supply line. The charging supply circuit includes a first power converter electrically coupled to the input port and operable to convert the input electrical power to a first converted electrical power output and a second power converter electrically coupled to the power module and operable to convert the electrical power provided by the power module to a second converted electrical power output. Software products are also disclosed.