DC Voltage Source Adaptive Voltage Level Electrochemical Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-capacity DC voltage sources, such as electrochemical accumulator batteries and fuel cells, face challenges in voltage adaptation and efficiency, leading to cumbersome, expensive, and complex converters, especially in applications requiring high power and capacity, where modules with different characteristics need to be interconnected while maintaining efficient operation and safety.
Innovation Solution
A DC voltage power source comprising electrochemical cells connected in series with a DC/DC converter that adapts voltage between modules, using low-voltage MOS-type transistors for efficient switching, reducing losses and enabling higher frequency operation, and incorporating a voltage adaptation device to connect modules in parallel with minimal losses and optimized cost and volume requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high-capacity batteries or fuel cells are used to achieve high power and capacity ratings, then voltage and current requirements can be met, but voltage adaptation becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into multiple stages, with each stage containing series-connected accumulator groups. This segmentation allows flexible configuration to achieve different voltage levels without requiring complex conversion circuits, as each stage can be independently configured based on voltage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The inverter is designed to accept DC voltage input within a range (300-600V) rather than requiring a fixed voltage. This multi-functionality allows the same inverter to work with different battery configurations (different numbers of accumulators in series) without requiring voltage adaptation converters, simplifying the overall system.
2Temperature
If accumulators are connected in series to achieve required voltage levels, then voltage requirements are met, but the number of components and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic reconfiguration of accumulator connections through contactors that can switch between series and parallel configurations. This enables the same physical accumulators to provide different voltage levels as needed, reducing the total number of accumulators required compared to a fixed series configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The inverter's input voltage acceptance range (300-600V) allows operation with varying numbers of accumulators in series. This parameter flexibility means the system can adapt to different voltage conditions without requiring exact voltage matching, reducing the need for precise and complex series configurations.
3Reliability
If lithium-ion/iron phosphate technology is used to achieve high intrinsic safety, then safety is improved, but energy storage density is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple accumulator groups in series to achieve the required voltage levels. By using available safe technologies (like LiFePO4) and configuring them in series rather than seeking higher-density but less safe alternatives, the system achieves both safety and adequate energy storage through proper system architecture.
4Productivity
If MOS-type transistors are used for switching in the inverter, then switching frequency can be increased and losses reduced, but transistor voltage rating requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inverter uses pulse-width modulation (PWM) with switching frequencies between 2-20 kHz to dynamically control power delivery. This dynamic switching approach allows the use of MOS transistors with voltage ratings matching the DC bus voltage (300-600V range), achieving high efficiency while accommodating voltage variations through controlled switching rather than requiring excessive voltage margins.
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 allows for efficient voltage adaptation with reduced losses and optimized cost and volume, enabling higher frequency switching and the use of low-cost, efficient transistors, while ensuring safe and efficient operation of high-capacity DC voltage sources, particularly in vehicles and renewable energy systems.
Implementation Method 1
a DC/DC converter (32) configured for the transformation of a voltage V31 applied to its input into a voltage Vs at its output
Implementation Method 2
using low-voltage MOS-type transistors for efficient switching
Implementation Method 3
A fuel cell is an electrochemical device which converts chemical energy directly into electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
A DC voltage power source, comprising: first electrochemical cells electrically connected in series; a DC/DC converter, the output of the converter being connected in series with said first electrochemical cells, a secondary DC voltage source applying its potential difference to the input of the converter.