Multifunction Battery Switch with Buck-Boost Converter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery power systems for high-altitude, long-endurance solar-powered aircraft are hindered by the additional weight and complexity introduced by maximum power point (MPP) trackers and other battery management systems, necessitating a more efficient and lightweight solution.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction battery switch with a controller, switches, an inductor, and a resistor forms a buck-boost converter to regulate power transfer between a battery pack and an external bus, allowing for charge-only and discharge-only operations, and implementing step-up or step-down voltage adjustments using pulse width modulation, while also functioning as an ideal diode to prevent current flow during specific operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a maximum power point (MPP) tracker and battery management system are used to regulate power transfer, then power management efficiency is improved, but system weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the battery switch function with the power regulation function by integrating a buck-boost converter directly into the battery switch assembly. The controller that manages both battery cell switching and power transfer regulation is unified into a single control unit, eliminating the need for separate MPP trackers and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining efficient power management
Solution Approach 2:
The battery switch assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it selectively connects/disconnects battery cells in series strings, regulates power transfer between battery packs and external bus, and provides ideal diode functionality to prevent reverse current flow. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing system weight and complexity
2Productivity
If a maximum power point (MPP) tracker and battery management system are used to regulate power transfer, then power management efficiency is improved, but system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the battery switch function with the power regulation function by integrating a buck-boost converter directly into the battery switch assembly. The controller that manages both battery cell switching and power transfer regulation is unified into a single control unit, eliminating the need for separate MPP trackers and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining efficient power management
Solution Approach 2:
The battery switch assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it selectively connects/disconnects battery cells in series strings, regulates power transfer between battery packs and external bus, and provides ideal diode functionality to prevent reverse current flow. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing system weight and complexity
3Power
If multiple battery cells are connected in series to increase output voltage, then power output capability is improved, but the risk of current flow in wrong direction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an ideal diode function implemented through the controller and switching mechanism as an intermediary between the battery cells and external circuitry. This ideal diode selectively blocks current flow in the reverse direction while allowing forward current flow, preventing damage from reverse polarity connections and ensuring reliable operation when multiple battery cells are connected in series to increase voltage and power output capability
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 reduces weight and complexity, enabling efficient power management and regulation, thereby enhancing the performance and endurance of solar-powered aircraft by optimizing battery power transfer and preventing unnecessary energy loss.
Implementation Method 1
an inductor; and a resistor, wherein the inductor, the resistor, and the plurality of switches are arranged to define a buck-boost converter to selectively regulate power transfer
Implementation Method 2
the method further comprises the step of modulating the one or more switch commands using at least one pulse width modulation (PWM) control technique to implement step-up or step-down voltage adjustments
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a multifunction battery switch and method of connecting a battery pack to an external bus via the multifunction battery switch. The multifunction battery switch having a multifunctional controller, a plurality of switches, an inductor, and a resistor. Each of the plurality of switches is independently controllable via switch commands from the multifunctional controller. The inductor, the resistor, and the plurality of switches are arranged to define a buck-boost converter to selectively regulate power transfer between the battery pack and the external bus as a function of the switch commands from the multifunctional controller.