Battery Simulator Calibration Using a Capacitor Current Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for calibrating battery simulators, particularly for simulating negative currents and generator operations, require additional power sources and are not suitable for on-site, automatic calibration due to the need for high current absorption and delivery.
Innovation Solution
A device with a current path incorporating a capacitor bank for bidirectional current calibration, utilizing a current transformer to measure high currents efficiently and a voltage path for simultaneous voltage measurement, enabling fully automatic calibration without an additional power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a battery simulator is calibrated using existing methods for negative currents and generator operations, then calibration coverage is improved, but additional power sources and increased device complexity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor bank is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a power source for charging the battery simulator and a power sink for absorbing current during generator operation calibration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power sources, reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive calibration coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration device uses its own capacitor bank to provide the necessary power for calibration operations, making the system self-sufficient. The capacitor bank charges during motor operation calibration and discharges during generator operation calibration, allowing the device to calibrate itself without external power sources
2Adaptability or versatility
If a battery simulator is designed to absorb and deliver very high currents for comprehensive calibration, then calibration capability is improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor bank operates in periodic cycles, charging during motor operation calibration and discharging during generator operation calibration. This periodic action allows the capacitor to deliver very high currents for short durations without requiring a continuously large power source, thereby reducing overall device weight while maintaining full calibration capability
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor bank's electrical parameters (voltage, current, energy) are dynamically changed during calibration operations. By storing energy at high voltage and delivering it as high current pulses, the system achieves the necessary calibration capabilities without requiring a permanently oversized power delivery system, thus reducing device weight
3Power
If battery simulators are made stationary to handle high voltages and currents, then power delivery capability is improved, but mobility and on-site calibration capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration device is segmented into separate functional modules: a capacitor bank for power storage and delivery, a control unit for managing calibration sequences, and measurement systems for monitoring parameters. This modular segmentation allows the high-power capacitor components to be optimized for power delivery while the control and measurement modules enable portable, on-site 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
Enables precise and efficient calibration of battery simulators for both generator and motor operations, reducing power loss and allowing on-site, automatic calibration of battery simulators, suitable for high voltage and current applications.
Implementation Method 1
at least one capacitor (16) connected in said current path (14)
Implementation Method 2
a device (current intensity measuring device) for measuring the current intensity in the current path
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus (1) for calibrating a battery simulator (2) having an input (10) and an output (12), wherein a current path (14) with an apparatus (18) for measuring the current strength and with at least one capacitor (16) is provided between the input (10) and output (12). Furthermore, a voltage path (15) can be provided between the input (10) and output (12), with an apparatus (19) for measuring the voltage and/or a current transformer (20), in the secondary current of which the apparatus (18) for measuring the current strength is connected. If a battery simulator (2) is connected to the apparatus (1) it can charge the capacitor (16) and then the capacitor (16) can charge the battery simulator (2), whilst the current strength and voltage are measured, and on that basis the internal measurement devices (32, 34) of the battery simulator (2) are calibrated.