Battery Cluster Switching for Flexible DC/DC Rate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy storage systems require customized designs for different rated charge/discharge rates, leading to high development costs and inconsistencies in battery management, which can result in overcharge or overdischarge issues affecting system stability and lifespan.
Innovation Solution
An energy storage system comprising multiple battery clusters connected to DC/DC conversion modules via switches, controlled by a central unit to adjust the number of connected modules and manage charge/discharge rates, ensuring compatibility with various rates and balancing power distribution across clusters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If customized designs are used for different rated charge/discharge rates, then the energy storage system can adapt to various charge/discharge rate scenarios, but the development costs increase and the number of power converter specifications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single standardized power converter that can serve multiple charge/discharge rate requirements. The converter is configured with a battery cluster connection unit that can dynamically connect to different numbers of battery clusters (1, 2, 3, or 4 clusters), allowing the same converter hardware to adapt to various rated charge/discharge rates (1C, 2C, 3C, 4C) without requiring customized designs for each rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through the configurable connection mechanism between the power converter and battery clusters. The battery cluster connection unit can dynamically adjust the number of connected battery clusters based on the required charge/discharge rate, transforming a static converter design into a dynamic system that adapts to different operational requirements. This dynamic configuration allows the system to switch between different rated charge/discharge rates using the same hardware platform.
2Adaptability or versatility
If customized designs are used for different rated charge/discharge rates, then the energy storage system can adapt to various charge/discharge rate scenarios, but the development costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single standardized power converter that can serve multiple charge/discharge rate requirements. The converter is configured with a battery cluster connection unit that can dynamically connect to different numbers of battery clusters (1, 2, 3, or 4 clusters), allowing the same converter hardware to adapt to various rated charge/discharge rates (1C, 2C, 3C, 4C) without requiring customized designs for each rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the number of battery clusters connected to the standardized power converter. Instead of changing the converter's hardware parameters for different rates, the system changes the operational parameter (number of connected clusters) to achieve different rated charge/discharge rates. This approach reduces manufacturing complexity and development costs by keeping the converter design consistent while adjusting system configuration.
3Device complexity
If battery clusters are managed without independent control, then the system structure is simpler, but overcharge or overdischarge issues occur affecting system stability and lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by providing each battery cluster with an independent overcharge prevention unit. Instead of a single centralized control mechanism, the system divides the protection function into separate units for each battery cluster (first, second, third, and fourth overcharge prevention units). This segmentation ensures that each cluster can be independently monitored and protected, preventing overcharge or overdischarge issues while maintaining system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the overcharge prevention units that continuously monitor the state of charge of each battery cluster and provide feedback control. When a battery cluster approaches its charge or discharge limits, the corresponding overcharge prevention unit detects this condition and adjusts the charging/discharging current accordingly, preventing overcharge or overdischarge. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable operation while maintaining a manageable system structure.
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 flexible adaptation to different charge/discharge rates, reduces development costs, and enhances system stability and reliability by independent management of each battery cluster, preventing overcharge and overdischarge, thus improving overall performance and lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
at least two direct current DC/DC conversion modules, and a control unit. An output end of each of the at least one battery cluster is connected to an input end of each of the at least two DC/DC conversion modules
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage system includes at least one battery cluster, at least two direct current DC/DC conversion modules, and a control unit. An output end of each battery cluster is connected to an input end of each DC/DC conversion module with a switch, and output ends of the at least two DC/DC conversion modules are connected in parallel to a direct current bus. The control unit is connected to each battery cluster and each DC/DC conversion module with a control bus, to control charging and discharging of each battery cluster and control each DC/DC conversion module to perform direct current conversion. The control unit is further configured to control turn-on or turn-off of a switch used by each battery cluster to connect to each DC/DC conversion module, so as to control connections between each battery cluster and different quantities of DC/DC conversion modules.