Distributed MPPT for Electric Vehicle Power Bus Integration

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric or hybrid means of transport require heavy and costly bi-directional DC/DC converters between high and low voltage buses, which is inefficient and costly.

Innovation Solution

The use of Distributed Maximum Power Point Trackers with a secondary bus connected to the low voltage bus eliminates the need for a bi-directional DC/DC converter by acting as bi-directional converters, allowing power transfer between high and low voltage buses without the need for additional conversion equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a bi-directional DC/DC converter is used to transfer power between high voltage bus and low voltage bus, then power transfer capability is achieved, but weight and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer capabilityVSAvoidweight of DC/DC converter

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the function of the bi-directional DC/DC converter with the Distributed Maximum Power Point Tracker (DMPPT) by connecting the secondary bus of the DMPPT to the low voltage bus. This integration allows the DMPPT to perform both its original function of optimizing solar power extraction and the additional function of bidirectional power conversion between high and low voltage buses, thereby eliminating the need for a separate heavy DC/DC converter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The DMPPT is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a maximum power point tracker for solar panels and a bi-directional DC/DC converter for power transfer between high and low voltage buses. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated separate equipment, reducing overall system weight and cost while maintaining full power transfer capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Power

If a bi-directional DC/DC converter is used to transfer power between high voltage bus and low voltage bus, then power transfer capability is achieved, but system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer capabilityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the function of the bi-directional DC/DC converter with the Distributed Maximum Power Point Tracker (DMPPT) by connecting the secondary bus of the DMPPT to the low voltage bus. This integration allows the DMPPT to perform both its original function of optimizing solar power extraction and the additional function of bidirectional power conversion between high and low voltage buses, thereby eliminating the need for a separate heavy DC/DC converter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The DMPPT is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a maximum power point tracker for solar panels and a bi-directional DC/DC converter for power transfer between high and low voltage buses. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated separate equipment, reducing overall system weight and cost while maintaining full power transfer capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If the secondary bus of DMPPT is connected to the low voltage bus, then the need for bi-directional DC/DC converter is eliminated, but galvanic insulation must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of convertersVSAvoidgalvanic insulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary isolation mechanism (such as an isolated DC/DC converter stage or optical isolation) between the DMPPT secondary bus and the low voltage bus. This intermediary maintains galvanic insulation to ensure safety and reliability while still enabling power transfer, thus resolving the contradiction between reducing device complexity and maintaining reliability through galvanic isolation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution results in a lighter and cheaper means of transport by eliminating the need for heavy bi-directional DC/DC converters, improving efficiency and reducing costs while maintaining safety through galvanic insulation and error handling circuitry.

Implementation Method 1

solar cells (photovoltaic cells) mounted on the vehicle to charge the vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11712970B2Electric or hybrid means of transport with a solar panel

Publication Date: 2023.08.01 LIGHTYEAR IPCO BV

AI summary

The invention relates to an electric or hybrid means of transport comprising a high voltage bus and a low voltage bus. The high voltage bus is for delivering energy to at least one propulsion motor. The low voltage bus is for delivering energy to parts operating at low voltage. The electric or hybrid means of transport is equipped with a solar panel, the panel comprising groups of solar cells connected to a primary bus of an associated distributed maximum power point tracker. The distributed maximum power point tracker having a secondary bus to exchange energy with other distributed maximum power point trackers. The secondary bus of at least one of the distributed maximum power point tracker is connected to the low voltage bus, thereby eliminating the need for a DC/DC converter between the high voltage bus and the low voltage bus.