Battery Switch Control to Prevent Parallel Short-Circuit Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
In power conversion apparatuses, when switches are stuck in an ON state in parallel connection, a short-circuit current flows between them, posing a risk of electrical faults.
Innovation Solution
A power conversion apparatus with a battery interconnection switch and a bypass switch, controlled by a detection mechanism that checks for stuck-ON states before activating other switches, using voltage measurements at the smoothing capacitor to prevent short-circuit currents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If switches are connected in parallel to increase system capacity and reliability, then the system can provide higher power output and improved functionality, but the risk of short-circuit current flowing between switches increases when one switch is stuck in the ON state
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs a stuck-ON detection test before activating the second switch. It applies a test voltage to the first switch and measures the resulting current to determine if the switch is properly functioning. Only after confirming the first switch is not stuck in the ON state does the control unit proceed to turn ON the second switch, thereby preventing short-circuit current from flowing between parallel switches
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If voltage measurement methods are used to detect stuck-ON states, then the detection capability is improved, but the system complexity and measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit introduces a test voltage signal as an intermediary to indirectly detect the stuck-ON state of the first switch. Instead of directly measuring the switch state, the system applies a known test voltage and measures the resulting current through the switch. This intermediary measurement approach provides reliable detection while using simple, readily available voltage and current measurement circuits already present in the power conversion apparatus
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
Effectively detects and prevents short-circuit currents by identifying stuck-ON switches, ensuring safe and reliable operation of the power conversion system.
Implementation Method 1
A power conversion apparatus with a battery interconnection switch and a bypass switch, controlled by a detection mechanism that checks for stuck-ON states before activating other switches, using voltage measurements at the smoothing capacitor to prevent short-circuit currents
Data Source
AI summary
The power conversion apparatus is provided with a battery interconnection switch disposed on an inter-storage electrical path that electrically connects between a negative terminal of the first storage battery and a positive terminal of the second storage battery, a bypass switch that performs at least one of an electrical connection between the negative terminal of the first storage battery and the negative terminal of the second storage battery and an electrical connection between the positive terminal of the first storage battery and the positive terminal of the second storage battery, and a control unit that detects, before controlling one switch between the battery interconnection switch and the bypass switch to be ON, whether the other switch is stuck ON.