Dual Energy Storage System for Reliable Prime Mover Starting
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power systems face challenges in starting prime movers when the charge level of the primary electrical energy storage device is insufficient, and there may not be a readily available source of off-board commercial power to charge the battery.
Innovation Solution
A power system with a prime mover connected to an electric motor/generator, a first electrical energy storage device, and a second electrical energy storage device, where the second device supplies electricity to charge the first device and power the motor/generator to start the prime mover, even without an external power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single electrical energy storage device is used to start the prime mover, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of starting the prime mover becomes insufficient when charge level is low
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical energy storage system is segmented into a first electrical energy storage device and a second electrical energy storage device. The first device serves as the primary energy storage for normal operation, while the second device serves as a backup specifically for prime mover starting functions. This segmentation allows each device to be optimized for its specific function and provides redundancy for reliable starting.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors the charge level parameter of the first electrical energy storage device and dynamically changes the operational parameters. When the charge level falls below a threshold, the control system automatically switches to using the second electrical energy storage device for starting the prime mover, ensuring reliable starting regardless of the first device's charge state.
2Adaptability or versatility
If off-board commercial power is used to charge the battery, then the battery charge level can be restored, but the adaptability to field conditions without external power sources is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The second electrical energy storage device serves the system itself by providing backup starting capability without requiring external power sources. The system is self-sufficient, using its own internal second energy storage device to ensure prime mover starting capability in field conditions where off-board commercial power may not be available.
Solution Approach 2:
The second electrical energy storage device is pre-charged and maintained in readiness before field operations. This preliminary preparation ensures that when field operations require prime mover starting and the first device charge level is insufficient, the second device is already available to immediately provide the necessary energy without requiring external charging infrastructure.
3Reliability
If the first electrical energy storage device charge level is too low, then the prime mover cannot be started, but increasing the device size increases weight and volume
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using one large energy storage device that would be excessively heavy, the system segments the energy storage function into two separate devices. The first device is optimized for normal operational energy storage with smaller capacity, while the second device is specifically sized for starting functions. This segmentation reduces the total weight compared to a single oversized device while maintaining reliable starting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system monitors the charge level parameter of the first electrical energy storage device and dynamically changes the starting strategy. When the charge level is sufficient, the system uses the first device for starting. When the charge level falls below the threshold, the system switches to using the second electrical energy storage device, ensuring reliable starting without requiring the first device to be oversized for worst-case scenarios.
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 allows for reliable starting of prime movers using internal energy storage, increasing the availability of machines by overcoming low battery charge issues and lack of external power sources.
Implementation Method 1
charging the first electrical energy storage device with electricity from the second electrical energy storage device
Implementation Method 2
transmitting electricity from the first electrical energy storage device to the electric motor/generator to operate the electric motor/generator as an electric motor to start the prime mover
Data Source
AI summary
A power system includes a prime mover drivingly connected to an electric motor/generator. The power system may also include a first electrical energy storage device and a second electrical energy storage device. The power system may further include power-system controls configured to selectively start the prime mover by selectively charging the first electrical energy storage device with electricity from the second electrical energy storage device and transmitting electricity from the first electrical energy storage device to the electric motor/generator to operate the electric motor/generator as an electric motor to start the prime mover.