Converter-Source Battery Modules for Independent Power Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional energy systems in vehicles and stationary applications face inefficiencies due to lack of advanced monitoring and control capabilities, leading to suboptimal performance, reduced reliability, and limited battery life, as well as inadequate power management and motor control.
Innovation Solution
A module-based energy system comprising multiple modules with converters, where each module includes an energy source and a converter, allowing for complex configurations and independent control of each module to optimize electrical and thermal performance, balance state of charge and temperature, and manage power sharing among modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional battery packs are used with simple embedded battery management systems, then device complexity is reduced, but monitoring precision and control capabilities deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is divided into multiple modular battery modules, each with its own converter-source unit and local control. This segmentation allows each module to be monitored and controlled independently, improving measurement precision for individual module parameters while distributing system complexity across multiple manageable units rather than concentrating it in a single complex management system.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional charging systems supply steady constant power, then ease of operation is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system transitions from static constant power supply to dynamic pulsed charging. The converter-source units can adjust charging parameters dynamically based on battery state, enabling more efficient energy transfer while the automated control maintains ease of operation. The system automatically adjusts pulse width, frequency, and amplitude based on real-time battery conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Pulsed charging is implemented where charging occurs in periodic cycles rather than continuous steady state. This periodic action allows for optimization of charge transfer efficiency by incorporating rest periods and varying pulse characteristics, improving overall energy efficiency while the control system manages the complexity of periodic operation.
3Reliability
If the weakest cell constrains the entire battery pack, then reliability is reduced, but device complexity increases if individual cell control is implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is segmented into independent modular units, each with its own converter-source and control capabilities. This allows individual modules to be managed separately, preventing the weakest cell from constraining the entire pack. Each module can operate independently or in coordination, improving reliability while the modular architecture keeps complexity manageable through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system can dynamically adjust operating parameters for individual battery modules based on their state of charge, temperature, and health. This allows modules with weaker cells to operate at adjusted parameters rather than being constrained to the most conservative settings, improving overall system reliability while the automated parameter adjustment manages the complexity of individual cell control.
4Use of energy by moving object
If regenerative braking power cannot be readily stored, then energy efficiency deteriorates, but device complexity increases with advanced power management
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple converter-source units are distributed across battery modules, enabling parallel power acceptance paths for regenerative braking energy. This segmentation allows the system to readily absorb high instantaneous power from regenerative braking without requiring a single complex power management system, improving energy efficiency by capturing more regenerative energy while distributing complexity across multiple identical units.
Data Source
AI summary
Module-based energy systems are provided having multiple converter-source modules. The converter-source modules can each include an energy source and a converter. The systems can further include control circuitry for the modules. The modules can be arranged in various ways to provide single phase AC, multi-phase AC, and/or DC outputs. Each module can be independently monitored and controlled.