Bidirectional Converter for Energy Storage System PCB Size Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy storage systems require multiple converters and an inverter, increasing the number of devices and the size of the printed circuit board, leading to higher manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
An energy storage system with a bidirectional converter coupled to a power generator and a battery in parallel, along with an inverter for DC-AC power conversion, and an integrated controller to manage power flow, reducing the number of devices and PCB size by forming a shared electrical path and optimizing power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple converters and an inverter are used to transfer power among solar battery, electric power system, secondary battery and load, then power transfer capability is improved, but the number of devices and PCB size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple converters into a single bidirectional converter that can operate in different modes (boost and buck) to perform the functions of multiple separate converters. This merging reduces the number of devices from multiple converters plus inverter to just one integrated converter, while maintaining the capability to transfer power among all components (solar battery, electric power system, secondary battery, and load).
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple converters and an inverter are used to transfer power among solar battery, electric power system, secondary battery and load, then power transfer capability is improved, but PCB size increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple converters into a single bidirectional converter unit, the patent significantly reduces the total component count that needs to be mounted on the PCB. This consolidation directly reduces the PCB area required, as fewer individual converter circuits, control circuits, and associated components are needed, while the integrated converter maintains full power transfer capability among all system components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple converters and an inverter are used in the energy storage system, then power conversion flexibility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces manufacturing cost by consolidating multiple converters into a single bidirectional converter unit. This merging reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and tested, thereby lowering production costs. The integrated converter maintains power conversion flexibility by operating in different modes (boost for charging solar battery, buck for discharging to load) to perform multiple conversion functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The bidirectional converter is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple functions: boosting voltage to charge the solar battery, bucking voltage to supply the load, and transferring power between the electric power system and secondary battery. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated converters for each function, reducing overall system complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining conversion flexibility.
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 reduces the overall manufacturing cost of the energy storage system by minimizing the number of circuit components and PCB size while efficiently managing power between the generator, battery, and load.
Implementation Method 1
a converter having a first terminal coupled to the inverter and a second terminal coupleable to at least one of the power generator or the battery, the converter being configured to boost or drop a voltage at one of the first terminal or the second terminal to output to the other one of the first terminal or the second terminal
Implementation Method 2
an inverter for transforming between direct current (DC) power and alternating current (AC) power
Implementation Method 3
the battery for providing a battery power
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage system includes a converter coupled between an inverter and both a power generator and a battery, thereby reducing the number of devices for circuit implementation and the size of a printed circuit board (PCB). The energy storage system is coupled to an electric power system that generates a system power, and the energy storage system includes a battery for generating a battery power and a converter coupleable to a power generator for generating an electric power and the battery in parallel, wherein the converter is configured to boost or drop a voltage of at least one of the electric power, the battery power, or the system power.