Busbar Matrix for Flexible Energy Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical energy supply devices lack flexibility in connecting multiple appliances and energy sources while maintaining galvanic separation, leading to costly production and limited control over output current strength.

Innovation Solution

The energy supply device employs a busbar matrix with galvanically separable switching units and DC voltage converters to connect usage units in series circuits, allowing flexible energy exchange with multiple external components while maintaining separation, and includes a control device to manage energy distribution and thermal loading.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple switches are provided to enable flexible connection between usage units and external components, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexible connection capabilityVSAvoidnumber of switches

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The usage units are divided into multiple strands, with each strand forming an independent series circuit. This segmentation allows the system to achieve flexible connection capabilities through strand-level independence without requiring complex switching networks, as each strand can be independently connected to external components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The busbar assembly serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connection points for external components, enables flexible strand configuration, and facilitates galvanic separation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated switching components for each connection scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If galvanic separation is maintained between external components, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to switching units

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegalvanic separationVSAvoidswitching unit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The busbar assembly acts as an intermediary between strands and external components, enabling galvanic separation through its modular structure. The busbars provide electrical connection while maintaining physical and electrical isolation between different connection points, eliminating the need for complex active switching mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Power

If usage units are connected in parallel to provide larger operating current, then power is improved, but control precision over output current strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating current capabilityVSAvoidcurrent control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables dynamic configuration of strand connections to the busbar assembly, allowing real-time adjustment of current distribution. This dynamic capability permits precise control of output current strength even when multiple strands are connected in parallel, as the control device can selectively engage or disengage specific strands based on current requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 efficient energy exchange with multiple appliances and sources, maintaining galvanic separation and allowing for variable power profiles, thus improving flexibility and reducing production costs.

Implementation Method 1

Within the strand, the series circuit is connected across a DC voltage converter (DC/DC converter) to one of the strand ends

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDC/DC conversion:

Implementation Method 2

Each strand end is connected across a respective galvanically separable switching unit to the busbar assembly. A galvanically separable switching unit is a mechanical switching unit which may provide for example at least one contactor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical switching:

Data Source

PatentUS11616379B2Electric energy supply device comprising a busbar matrix, and method for operating the energy supply device

Publication Date: 2023.03.28 AUDI AG

AI summary

The disclosure relates to an electrical energy supply device having a plurality of usage units, each of which is adapted to generate or to buffer electrical energy. The disclosure proposes that the energy supply device carries out an energy exchange with multiple external components at the same time through a busbar assembly and in the energy supply device the usage units are divided up into strands and each strand end of the strand is connected across a respective galvanically separable switching unit.