Battery Converter Switching for Multi-Mode Charging and Power Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply apparatuses for battery-powered vehicles and chargers face challenges in efficiently managing power output and charging due to varying voltage requirements and the need for multiple operational modes, which are not adequately addressed by current technologies.
Innovation Solution
A power supply apparatus with a battery assembly, a power converter, and a switching arrangement that allows the battery assembly to be connected to either the input or output side of the power converter, enabling efficient charging and power output based on demand, using a controller to manage voltage and switching states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a battery apparatus is designed to operate in multiple modes (charging and power output), then the adaptability and versatility of the system is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for switching arrangements and multiple operational configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The power converter is designed to perform multiple functions: it can convert power from the battery assembly to external loads, and also accept external power input to charge the battery assembly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate charging and discharging power converters, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining operational versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the charging function and power output function into a single power converter unit. By merging these functions and using a switching arrangement to control operational modes, the system achieves versatility without proportionally increasing complexity, as the core power conversion hardware remains unified
2Productivity
If the battery assembly is connected to the input side of the power converter for charging, then the charging efficiency is improved, but the ability to provide power output to loads is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a dynamic switching arrangement that can reconfigure the electrical connections between the battery assembly, power converter, and external interfaces. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the battery assembly to be connected to the input side for charging or to the output side for power delivery, enabling the system to optimize for either charging efficiency or power output capability based on operational requirements
3Ease of operation
If the battery assembly is connected to the output side of the power converter for power delivery, then the power output capability is improved, but the charging efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The switching arrangement dynamically reconfigures the system topology to connect the battery assembly to the output side of the power converter when power delivery is required. This dynamic switching enables the system to prioritize power output capability while maintaining the option to switch to charging mode when needed, resolving the contradiction between power delivery and charging efficiency
4Device complexity
If a single power converter is used for both charging and power output, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to handle varying voltage requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The power converter is designed with adjustable conversion ratios that can be dynamically changed based on operational requirements. The controller can modify the converter parameters to handle different voltage ranges whether the battery assembly is connected to the input side for charging or the output side for power delivery, enabling a single converter to adapt to varying voltage requirements without increasing device complexity
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 operation in different modes, efficiently charging the battery assembly and providing power to loads with varying voltage requirements, enhancing the overall performance and efficiency of battery-powered systems.
Implementation Method 1
a power converter including an input node which is a converter input node on an input side and an output node which is a converter output node on an output side
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply apparatus comprising a battery apparatus, the battery apparatus comprising a power input, a power converter (140) having an input side and an output side, a battery assembly (120), a switching arrangement, and a power output connected to the output side of the power converter (140) is disclosed. The switch arrangement is operable to connect the battery assembly (120) to the input side or to the output side of the power converter (140). The switch arrangement is configured to switch the apparatus to one of a plurality of connection states. The plurality of connection states includes a connection state in which the battery assembly (120) is connected to the input side of the power converter (140) and another connection state in which the battery assembly (120) is connected to the output side of the power converter (140).