Active Power Link Modules for Modular DC Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for charging and discharging energy storage devices in DC power systems interrupt electrical load supportive functions, leading to extended operational downtime, increased maintenance costs, and lack of modularity, with separate components required for charge and discharge functionality and control.
Innovation Solution
A modular power converter system comprising active power link modules with switching devices, relays, and energy storage devices, integrated with a charge controller to alternately charge and discharge energy storage devices, enabling system-wide control and modularity for quick replacement and configuration in varying voltage levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate components are used for charging and discharging energy storage devices, then charge and discharge functionality can be provided, but device complexity increases and operational downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate charging and discharging components into an integrated power converter system. The controller manages both charging from power sources and discharging to loads through a unified architecture, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing operational downtime while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The power converter system is designed to perform multiple functions including charging energy storage devices from various power sources, discharging to different loads, and providing control. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing overall system complexity.
2Ease of repair
If energy storage devices are removed and replaced for maintenance, then faulty devices can be replaced, but electrical load supportive functions are interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power conversion functionality into modular power converter units that can be independently managed. This allows maintenance to be performed on individual modules without taking the entire system offline, enabling continuous electrical load support through redundant or parallel operating units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary charging of energy storage devices during periods of low demand or excess power availability. This allows devices to be maintained or replaced without immediately impacting system operation, as charged devices can be quickly swapped in to restore full functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If non-modular systems are used, then system design is simplified, but adaptability to varying system designs and voltage levels is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into standardized modular power converter units that can be configured in different numbers and arrangements to suit various system designs and voltage levels. This segmentation enables adaptability while maintaining relatively simple individual module designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular power converter units are designed with universal interfaces and control capabilities that allow them to function in various system configurations and voltage levels. This universality provides adaptability to different applications while the modular nature keeps individual unit complexity manageable.
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
This solution reduces operational downtime, simplifies maintenance, integrates charge and discharge functionality, and provides modularity, reducing equipment damage risks and operational costs while allowing configuration for diverse applications.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first-type energy storage device (ESD) coupled in electrical parallel with both of the first switching device and the second switching device. The at least one first-type ESD is configured to induce a first direct current (DC) voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A modular power converter system includes a plurality of active power link modules (APLMs) coupled to each other, each APLM having a plurality of switching devices including first and second switching devices coupled to each other, and at least one first-type energy storage device (ESD) coupled in parallel with both of the first and second switching devices, the first-type ESD configured to induce a first direct current (DC) voltage. The system also includes a plurality of relays coupled to the first-type ESD, and a charge controller coupled to at least one APLM of the plurality of APLMs and coupled to at least one of an electrical power source and a discharge circuit. The charge controller is configured to alternately charge and discharge the first-type ESD in response to a plurality of switching states including switching states of the plurality of switching devices and the plurality of relays.