Bidirectional Voltage Support Using Capacitor-Battery Series Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems fail to efficiently combine battery and capacitor systems for bidirectional voltage support without adding complex and costly circuitry, leading to reduced reliability and performance in electrical systems, particularly during increased charge and discharge events.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional voltage support apparatus and method that uses a capacitor system in conjunction with a battery system, employing a controller to selectively connect capacitor terminals to battery and output terminals based on voltage thresholds, and includes a charging circuit to manage voltage within acceptable limits, utilizing switches and a DC to DC converter for efficient energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional systems combine battery and capacitor systems to meet output voltage requirements, then voltage support is provided, but complicated circuitry is added which increases expense and reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the battery system and capacitor system into a unified voltage support architecture where the capacitor system is electrically connected to the battery system through switches. This combination allows the capacitor to provide rapid voltage support during transient events while the battery provides sustained energy, achieving bidirectional voltage support without requiring separate independent circuits for each energy storage device.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller system performs multiple functions: it monitors voltage levels, controls switch operations to connect/disconnect the capacitor system, manages charging/discharging cycles, and maintains output voltage within tolerance windows. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate dedicated circuits into a single intelligent control unit, reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If conventional systems add complex circuitry to combine battery and capacitor systems, then voltage support capability is improved, but expense increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple purposes: voltage monitoring, switch control, capacitor charging/discharging management, and output voltage regulation. By consolidating these functions into a single controller rather than requiring separate dedicated circuits for each function, the system reduces component count and manufacturing complexity while maintaining comprehensive voltage support capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the control functions for the battery system and capacitor system into a single integrated controller that manages both energy storage devices. This merging of control functions eliminates the need for separate control circuits, reducing component count and manufacturing expense while maintaining the ability to provide bidirectional voltage support.
3Reliability
If conventional systems use complex circuitry to combine energy storage systems, then voltage requirements are met, but the system becomes less reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the battery system and capacitor system into a coordinated voltage support architecture where both energy storage devices work together under unified control. The capacitor system is connected through switches that are controlled by a single controller, creating a streamlined circuit path that provides reliable voltage support during transient events without the complexity of multiple independent control circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors the voltage output and switch status, and adjusts the switch positions and capacitor charging/discharging operations accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the output voltage remains within the required tolerance window while simplifying the overall circuit design by using intelligent control rather than complex hardwired logic circuits.
4Reliability
If the capacitor system is continuously connected to the battery system, then voltage support is always available, but the battery system cannot be properly charged or discharged
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes its configuration by using switches to connect or disconnect the capacitor system from the battery system based on real-time voltage conditions. When voltage support is needed, the switches close to connect the capacitor; when charging/discharging operations are required, the switches open to isolate the capacitor. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt between different operational modes, providing both continuous voltage support capability and flexible charging/discharging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the energy storage system into two independently controllable parts: the battery system and the capacitor system. The switches create separable connection paths that allow each subsystem to operate independently when needed (for charging/discharging the battery) or work together (for voltage support). This segmentation provides operational flexibility while maintaining the ability to provide continuous voltage support when required.
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
The solution effectively maintains the output voltage within tolerance windows, preventing damage to battery systems and connected electronics by efficiently absorbing high currents and meeting sudden load demands, enhancing the reliability and performance of electrical systems.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor system including a positive terminal and a negative terminal
Implementation Method 2
the charging circuit comprises a DC to DC converter
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for an energy storage system. In one aspect, the energy storage system includes a controller configured to connect a capacitor system in series with an output of a battery system during a regenerative event such that the voltage of the capacitor system is subtracted from the voltage of the battery system.