Battery Swapping Station Power Cutoff Operation Using Bidirectional DC/DC
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery swapping stations face challenges in maintaining stable operation during power interruptions due to system errors or failures, limiting their functionality and the ability to manage bidirectional power transactions and renewable energy integration.
Innovation Solution
A battery-pack-based battery swapping station with a controller and bidirectional DC/DC converters enables power management by switching to battery power during interruptions, using a voltage sensing unit and P-FETs to control current direction, and supports communication and swapping operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the battery swapping station relies on external power supply through smart grid linkage, then normal charging operations can be maintained, but the station cannot operate stably during power interruptions or emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power flow control using bidirectional DC/DC converters that can switch between charging mode (external grid to battery) and discharging mode (battery to external grid/load). The system dynamically adjusts the direction and magnitude of power flow based on real-time power supply status, enabling seamless transition between grid-powered and battery-powered operations during interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the battery pack by controlling the bidirectional DC/DC converter to operate in different modes: charging mode when external power is available, and discharging mode when external power is interrupted. This parameter change enables the battery to serve dual purposes as both energy storage for charging and power source for emergency operation.
2Reliability
If the battery in the swapping station is used for power storage, then it can supply power during interruptions, but the battery cannot store large amounts of power due to its design for vehicle swapping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by maintaining the battery in a ready state that can immediately switch between charging and discharging modes. The bidirectional DC/DC converter keeps the battery engaged with the power system, allowing it to continuously absorb power when available and immediately supply power when needed, eliminating idle time and maximizing the utility of the battery's limited capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack is designed with multi-functionality to serve both as a swappable energy source for vehicles and as a stationary power storage device for the swapping station itself. The bidirectional converter enables the battery to perform multiple functions: charging from grid, discharging to grid, charging from vehicle, and discharging to support station operations during interruptions.
3Device complexity
If the system uses unidirectional power transmission from external source to load and battery, then power flow is simple to control, but the system cannot utilize bidirectional power transactions or renewable energy integration effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static unidirectional power flow with dynamic bidirectional power flow control. The bidirectional DC/DC converter continuously monitors system conditions and dynamically adjusts the direction and level of power flow between the external grid, battery pack, and station loads, enabling adaptive response to changing power availability and demand conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The bidirectional DC/DC converter serves as an intermediary device that mediates power flow between the external power source, battery pack, and station loads. It provides galvanic isolation and controlled energy transfer, enabling safe and efficient bidirectional power transactions while protecting the system from voltage mismatches and power quality issues.
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
Ensures stable operation and communication between the station and electric vehicles, allows for bidirectional power supply, and facilitates energy storage and utilization during power failures.
Implementation Method 1
a bidirectional converter configured to supply direct-current power to the battery pack
Implementation Method 2
wherein when a value of voltage sensed by a voltage sensing unit is 0 V, the controller operates the second DC/DC converter
Implementation Method 3
a P-FET formed between the second DC/DC converter and the battery pack, wherein when a value of voltage sensed by a voltage sensing unit is 0 V, the controller performs control so that the P-FET is turned on
Data Source
Figure 1~2(b)
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a battery swapping station having a mode in which a battery pack is operated at the time of power supply interruption that is capable of, when the supply of power to a battery swapping station (BSS) configured to charge a swappable battery is interrupted due to power failure or system error, enabling the BSS system to be operated without interruption.