Back-up Power Supply Switching for Sub-10ms Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing back-up power supply systems using rechargeable electrochemical cells face challenges in rapid switching due to slow transition management by system controllers, leading to potential delays in responding to power interruptions or spikes, especially with complex computer systems and renewable energy applications.
Innovation Solution
A back-up power supply system with a primary power sensor that directly communicates threshold signals to each cell controller, enabling rapid switching of rechargeable battery cells between charge and discharge modes through bypass and power switches, bypassing the system controller for faster response times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a system controller manages the transition of cells to charge or discharge modes, then the system can maintain centralized control and coordination, but the response time is delayed due to the controller being slow and dedicated to other functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control function into two levels: a system controller for high-level coordination and individual cell controllers for rapid local execution. Each cell controller independently manages its cell's switches based on direct sensor input, eliminating the bottleneck of centralized sequential control and enabling parallel rapid response across all cells.
Solution Approach 2:
Cell controllers continuously monitor cell status and pre-position switches in optimal states based on predicted operating conditions. This preliminary action ensures that when power changes occur, the system can immediately execute pre-planned switching sequences without waiting for system controller processing, achieving sub-10ms response times.
2Speed
If high discharge rate capacitors are used to avoid power interruption, then the power delivery speed is improved, but the energy density is low and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between battery cells and capacitors based on real-time power demand conditions. During steady-state operation, batteries provide sustained power with high energy density. During rapid power transitions or spikes, the system automatically engages capacitors through fast-acting switches to deliver instantaneous high power, then disengages them once the transition is complete, optimizing both speed and energy efficiency.
3Productivity
If high charge rate capacitors are used to buffer energy spikes from solar or wind sources, then the charging capacity is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the capacitor bank and associated switching circuitry to serve multiple functions: buffering energy spikes from renewable sources, providing rapid discharge support during load increases, and maintaining voltage stability during transitions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated spike-buffering components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high charging capacity.
4Quantity of substance
If rechargeable electrochemical cells are used in back-up power supply, then the energy storage capacity is improved, but the maintenance requirements increase and cells may have reduced state of charge
Solution Approach 1:
Each cell controller continuously monitors its cell's state of charge, voltage, current, and temperature through integrated sensors. This feedback enables real-time assessment of cell readiness for charge or discharge modes, allowing the system to dynamically adjust switching decisions based on actual cell conditions rather than relying on periodic maintenance checks or conservative estimates, thereby reducing maintenance overhead while ensuring safe operation.
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 allows for rapid and efficient transition of cells to charge or discharge modes, reducing delays and ensuring uninterrupted power supply or efficient energy storage in response to power changes, with switching times potentially under 10 ms.
Implementation Method 1
a primary power sensor configured to detect a power level of a primary power supply
Implementation Method 2
Each of the plurality of battery cells (80-80') is a rechargeable electrochemical cell
Implementation Method 3
rechargeable electrochemical cells, such as metal-air cells, lead-acid batteries and lithium batteries
Implementation Method 4
Each cell has a bidirectional switch that controls a connection between the cell and the series
Data Source
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AI summary
A back-up rechargeable battery supply system (10) comprises communication linkages and a configuration of switches (75, 85, 90, 92) to allow battery back-up power to be provided by cells (80) within a battery unit that are in a ready mode and to by-pass batteries that are in a non-ready mode, or maintenance mode. The unique configuration of switches (75, 85, 90, 92) and communication methods enables the back-up power to be provided very quickly to avoid disruptions in power to a load (12). Each battery cell (80) has a charge (92) and discharge switch (90) and a power switch (75). Both the power switch (75) and one of the charge (92) or discharge switches (90) must be closed to allow the battery cell to charge or discharge respectively. The by-pass switch (85) may be controlled by the battery system control (70) or by the cell controller (87) and when closed, the cell (80) may be bypassed from discharging or charging. The battery cells (80) may be electrochemical cells such as metal air batteries.