Backup Power Path Switching for Charge-Discharge Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In power supply systems, particularly in vehicles, there is a challenge in minimizing the duration of power outages when a power supply failure occurs, as the voltage conversion unit takes time to start up and charge the backup power storage unit, leading to interruptions in power supply to the load.
Innovation Solution
A charge/discharge control apparatus that includes a first conductive path for the power supply unit, a second conductive path for the power storage unit, a voltage conversion unit, and an auxiliary charging unit, allowing for immediate power supply to the load during failures by switching between power paths and charging the storage unit without interrupting backup operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the voltage conversion unit is used to charge the power storage unit, then the power storage unit can be charged, but the load cannot be supplied with power during the charging process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power supply system into separate charging path and backup power supply path. The charging path includes the voltage conversion unit for charging the power storage unit, while the backup power supply path includes the auxiliary charging unit that can supply power to the load independently. This segmentation allows the charging operation and backup power supply operation to occur simultaneously without interfering with each other, resolving the contradiction between charging capability and power supply continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary charging unit acts as an intermediary component that provides an alternative power supply path. When the voltage conversion unit is charging the power storage unit, the auxiliary charging unit can simultaneously supply power to the load from the power supply unit through a different route. This intermediary mechanism ensures that the load remains powered even when the main voltage conversion unit is occupied with charging operations.
2Reliability
If the voltage conversion unit starts up after power supply failure, then it can convert voltage for backup power supply, but there is a delay before power is supplied to the load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the auxiliary charging unit ready to operate independently before power supply failure occurs. The auxiliary charging unit is configured to be able to immediately supply power to the load through the second conductive path when failure is detected, without requiring the voltage conversion unit to complete its startup sequence. This preliminary preparation eliminates the startup delay and ensures immediate backup power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different power supply modes based on operational conditions. The control unit can dynamically select whether to use the voltage conversion unit for charging, the auxiliary charging unit for immediate backup power, or both simultaneously. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize response time during failures by activating the auxiliary charging unit immediately while the voltage conversion unit starts up in the background.
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 solution enables immediate continuation of power supply to the load after a failure, continuous charging of the power storage unit, and prevention of delayed backup operations, thereby minimizing power outages and ensuring reliable power delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage conversion unit configured to perform voltage conversion between the second conductive path and the third conductive path
Data Source
AI summary
In a charge/discharge control apparatus, a voltage conversion unit performs voltage conversion between a second conductive path and a third conductive path. A first switch switches between an on state where a current is allowed to flow from a first conductive path to the second conductive path and an off state where the current is blocked. A second switch switches between an on state where a current is allowed to flow from the second conductive path to a second power path, and an off state where the current is blocked. An auxiliary charging unit switches between a supply state where power is supplied to a power storage unit via a path different from a path including the voltage conversion unit, based on power supplied via the first conductive path, and a stopped state where the supply of power via the path is stopped.