Bidirectional Inverter Dark Start via Auxiliary Battery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bidirectional power transfer inverters face challenges in activating and running during grid outages due to the need for electrical energy to initiate operations, which existing systems struggle to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an auxiliary battery electrically connected to the bidirectional power transfer inverter that provides low voltage DC power to facilitate startup and operation during grid unavailability, along with strategies to manage temperature and state of charge, and using low voltage power sources for initialization activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an auxiliary battery is added to enable startup during grid outages, then the system can operate during grid unavailability, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
An auxiliary battery is introduced as an intermediary component to bridge the gap between grid power and inverter operation. The battery provides the necessary power for startup and initial operation when the grid is unavailable, enabling the inverter to function during grid outages without requiring complex alternative power sources
2Reliability
If the auxiliary battery is used to power the inverter during grid outage, then the inverter can start up, but the energy consumption of the auxiliary battery increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary battery is charged in advance during normal grid operation to prepare for potential outages. This preliminary charging ensures that when grid power becomes unavailable, the battery already contains sufficient energy to support inverter startup and initial operation, minimizing the need for excessive battery capacity and associated energy consumption
3Reliability
If the auxiliary battery provides power during grid outage, then the system can maintain operation, but the temperature management of the battery becomes more critical
Solution Approach 1:
A temperature monitoring and control system is implemented for the auxiliary battery that continuously monitors battery temperature and adjusts cooling or heating operations accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures the battery operates within optimal temperature ranges during discharge operations, maintaining reliability while preventing thermal damage
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
Enables the bidirectional power transfer inverter and electric vehicle supply equipment to restart and maintain operations during unstable or down-grid situations, ensuring continuous power transfer and flexibility in alternative power options.
Implementation Method 1
an auxiliary battery electrically connected with the bidirectional power transfer inverter that provides low voltage direct current (DC) power to facilitate "dark start" of the bidirectional power transfer inverter and electric vehicle supply equipment
Data Source
AI summary
A power system includes a bidirectional power transfer inverter that receives grid power, and an auxiliary battery electrically connected with the bidirectional power transfer inverter. The auxiliary battery supplies power to the bidirectional power transfer inverter to activate circuitry of the bidirectional power transfer inverter when the grid power is unavailable.