Bidirectional Charging Panel for Military Microgrid Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Military units relying on fossil-fuel-powered generators for power generation face logistical challenges, including maintenance, fuel consumption, and space requirements, especially when operating away from established electrical grids, and current vehicles lack the ability to provide substantial power while maintaining sufficient charge for operational mobility.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional charging panel (BCP) that controls a combustion engine and manages power flow between a vehicle's battery and a grid, enabling bi-directional power transfer and forming a microgrid among vehicles, thereby eliminating the need for portable generators and enhancing operational flexibility and longevity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If fossil-fuel-powered generators are used for power generation, then power supply capability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power generation function with the existing vehicle battery system by enabling bidirectional charging capability. The battery system serves dual purposes: as an energy storage device for vehicle operation and as a power generation interface through the bidirectional charging panel, eliminating the need for separate generator equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The bidirectional charging panel enables the battery system to perform multiple functions: storing energy for vehicle operation, generating power for external loads, and participating in microgrid formation. This multi-functional approach replaces dedicated generator equipment with a versatile battery-based power system.
2Power
If fossil-fuel-powered generators are deployed, then power generation capability is improved, but loss of substance increases due to fuel consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system serves itself by providing power for external loads directly from stored energy, eliminating the need for external fuel supplies. The system recharges autonomously through regenerative braking and microgrid interactions, creating a self-sustaining power cycle without consumable fuel.
3Power
If portable generators are carried onboard vehicles, then power supply for large electrical loads is improved, but weight and volume of moving object increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power supply function with the vehicle's existing battery system, eliminating the need for separate portable generator equipment. The bidirectional charging panel integrates power management capabilities into the vehicle's electrical system, providing large load support without additional heavy equipment.
4Power
If vehicles provide substantial power to electrical loads, then power supply capability is improved, but battery charge depletes reducing operational mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The bidirectional charging system enables continuous power supply by allowing the battery to recharge while powering external loads. Through regenerative braking and microgrid interactions, the system maintains battery charge levels continuously, enabling sustained power provision without compromising vehicle mobility duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system differentiates between power sources for different functions: the battery provides power for vehicle mobility while the bidirectional charging panel manages power for external loads. This local quality differentiation allows independent optimization of each function's energy supply.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a bidirectional charging panel (BCP). The BCP includes a relay for controlling a combustion engine and a battery voltage sensor for monitoring a battery voltage. The BCP also includes a grid switch to transfer continuous power between the battery and a grid interface, where the grid interface further includes a grid voltage sensor for monitoring a grid voltage of a grid of devices and a grid direct current outlet to transfer power to and from a grid of devices. The BCP also includes a controller to manage the flow of power between the battery and the grid of devices, where the controller uses the relay to start or stop the combustion according to the battery voltage and uses the grid interface to transfer power from the grid of devices to the battery in response to determining the battery voltage is lower than the grid voltage.