Bidirectional DC/DC Power Sharing for Multi-Storage Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional middle-to-high voltage isolated AC/DC converters require significant installation space and experience increased power loss due to the operation of switches, which are necessary for connecting DC outputs to multiple loads.

Innovation Solution

A power conversion device incorporating a bidirectional DC/DC converter that allows for the transmission of output power between different DC outputs based on the required power of multiple storage devices, eliminating the need for switches and optimizing power distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a switch matrix is used to connect DC outputs to multiple loads, then adaptability to different power requirements is improved, but installation space and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different power requirementsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the switch matrix from the system by implementing direct parallel connection of multiple AC inputs to a single DC output. This eliminates the need for complex switching mechanisms while maintaining the ability to serve multiple loads through the unified DC output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple AC input circuits into a single DC output by connecting them in parallel. This consolidation approach combines the functionality of multiple switched outputs into one unified output, reducing device complexity while preserving adaptability to different power requirements through proportional power distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a switch matrix is used to connect DC outputs to multiple loads, then adaptability to different power requirements is improved, but installation space increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different power requirementsVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the switch matrix component entirely by implementing direct parallel connection of AC inputs to DC output. This extraction eliminates the physical space required for switch matrices and their control systems, significantly reducing installation space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

By merging multiple AC input paths into a single DC output through parallel connection, the patent consolidates what would have been separate switched output circuits into one unified circuit, thereby reducing the physical footprint and installation space required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If switches are operated to connect DC outputs to multiple loads, then power distribution flexibility is improved, but power loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower distribution flexibilityVSAvoidpower loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the switch matrix from the power distribution system, replacing it with direct parallel connections. This removal of switching components eliminates the power losses associated with switch operation while maintaining power distribution flexibility through the parallel input architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

By combining multiple AC input circuits into a single DC output through parallel connection without switches, the patent creates a lossless power distribution path. The merged circuit maintains flexibility in serving multiple loads while eliminating the energy losses that would occur in switched connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4369564A1Power conversion device and charging station
Publication Date: 2024.05.15 HITACHI LTD
  • EP4369564A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4369564A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4369564A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A power conversion device charges a plurality of storage devices and includes a plurality of converter units that receives AC power and outputs DC power, and a bidirectional DC/DC converter connected between two DC outputs of a plurality of DC outputs of the plurality of converter units. The bidirectional DC/DC converter transmits at least a part of output power of the converter unit at one DC output from the one DC output to the other DC output of the two DC outputs according to required power of the plurality of storage devices.