Bi-directional Converter for Direct DC Power Supply

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing energy storage systems decrease efficiency when supplying power to DC loads due to the need for a separate adapter to invert AC power into DC power.

Innovation Solution

An energy storage system incorporating a bi-directional converter and integration controller that converts power from a first battery into DC power, allowing direct supply to a DC load without inversion, and also converts power from a second battery to the first battery during charge mode, eliminating the need for a separate adapter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If AC power is supplied to AC load and inverted into DC power for DC load through separate adapter, then DC load can receive power, but power supply efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply capability to DC loadVSAvoidpower supply efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The bi-directional converter is designed to perform multiple functions: it can supply DC power directly to DC loads, convert DC to AC for AC loads, and enable bidirectional power flow between the first battery and second battery. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate adapters and improves overall system efficiency.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of the separate adapter and the main power conversion system into a single bi-directional converter. By integrating DC-DC conversion and DC-AC conversion capabilities in one device, power loss is reduced and system complexity is minimized.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If separate adapter is used to invert AC power into DC power, then DC load can be powered, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDC load power supplyVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bi-directional converter serves as a universal power management device that handles both AC and DC loads, as well as battery charging and discharging operations, through a single integrated system rather than requiring separate dedicated devices for each function.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple power conversion functions (DC-DC, DC-AC, bidirectional battery power flow) are merged into the single bi-directional converter, simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing the number of components required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of energy

If first battery supplies power to both AC and DC loads through bi-directional converter, then direct DC power supply is possible, but battery management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply efficiencyVSAvoidbattery management system
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The integration controller implements a universal control strategy that manages multiple operating modes (discharge mode for AC and DC loads, charge mode from AC grid or second battery) within a single control framework, handling complex battery management tasks through unified control logic.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The integration controller employs feedback mechanisms to monitor battery state of charge, power demand from AC and DC loads, and grid conditions, dynamically adjusting power flow distribution to optimize efficiency while maintaining safe and reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 configuration increases system efficiency by eliminating the need for a separate adapter for inversion, ensuring efficient power supply to both AC and DC loads.

Implementation Method 1

a first battery, and a bi-directional converter connected to the first battery, where the bi-directional converter is configured to convert power from the first battery into DC power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

power of the second battery is converted into a DC power by the bi-directional converter and the converted DC power is supplied to the first battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS9000612B2Energy storage system
Publication Date: 2015.04.07 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD
  • US9000612B2 patent drawing
  • US9000612B2 patent drawing
  • US9000612B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An energy storage system is disclosed. The system can supply DC power from a battery to a DC load or from the DC load to the battery without inverting an AC power to the DC power.