Battery Voltage Conversion Module Series Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery systems for providing electrical voltage are inflexible and inefficient, requiring identical power output from all voltage conversion modules, leading to over-dimensioning of components and increased costs, with limited ability to supply flexible power to electrical components.

Innovation Solution

A device with a series connection of battery submodules and a coupling device that connects voltage conversion modules to multiple battery submodules, allowing a sum voltage to be generated and supplied to electrical components, enabling flexible power delivery without altering the circuit topology, and using a control device to optimize energy distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If voltage conversion modules are connected in series with identical power output requirements, then system reliability is improved, but power flexibility and adaptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidpower flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic reconfigurability by enabling voltage conversion modules to switch between series and parallel connections based on power demands. Each module can dynamically adjust its connection state and power output level, allowing the system to adapt from high-voltage low-power mode to high-power mode as needed, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability (series connection) and adaptability (flexible power supply).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Each voltage conversion module is designed with multi-functionality to perform both series connection operations (for reliability) and independent parallel operations (for power flexibility). The modules can universally operate in different connection configurations and power levels, enabling the system to maintain reliability while providing adaptable power supply to different electrical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Power

If voltage conversion modules are over-dimensioned for peak power, then power capacity is improved, but component size and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower capacityVSAvoidcomponent size
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of over-dimensioning all modules for peak power, the patent applies partial action by enabling only the necessary number of modules to operate at full capacity depending on the power demand. During normal operation, fewer modules are activated, and during peak demand, additional modules are dynamically engaged, thus providing adequate power capacity without requiring all components to be oversized.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the number of active voltage conversion modules based on real-time power demands. This dynamic activation allows the system to scale power capacity from a single module up to multiple modules operating in parallel, eliminating the need to size all components for maximum peak power while still being capable of meeting peak demands when necessary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Power

If multiple battery submodules are connected in series, then voltage output is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage outputVSAvoidcircuit arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The battery system is segmented into multiple independent battery submodules, each capable of operating independently or in combination with others. This segmentation allows flexible series connections to achieve different voltage levels without creating a single complex fixed circuit arrangement. Each submodule maintains simple internal structure while the system as a whole achieves high voltage output through dynamic series configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit topology dynamically reconfigures the series connection of battery submodules based on voltage and power requirements. Rather than a fixed complex circuit arrangement, the system adaptively connects submodules in series when high voltage is needed and switches to parallel or reduced series configurations when lower voltage suffices, thus achieving high voltage output without permanent system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10347948B2Device for providing an electrical voltage as well as drive arrangement and method
Publication Date: 2019.07.09 VALEO EAUTOMOTIVE GERMANY GMBH
  • US10347948B2 patent drawing
  • US10347948B2 patent drawing
  • US10347948B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A device supplying an electrical voltage from a battery system includes a series connection composed of a first battery submodule supplying a first battery submodule voltage and at least one second battery submodule supplying a second battery submodule voltage, a first voltage conversion module receiving the first battery submodule voltage and converting the first battery submodule voltage into an AC output voltage to be supplied to an electrical component connected to the first voltage conversion module, and a coupling device electrically connecting the first voltage conversion module to the first battery submodule and to the at least one second battery submodule such that the first voltage conversion module receives a sum voltage composed of the first battery submodule voltage and the second battery submodule voltage.