Dual Power Unit Distribution with Voltage-Independent Conveyor
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electrical devices with multiple power units connected in parallel, voltage imbalances can lead to inefficiencies and safety hazards, as power units with unequal voltages cannot be concurrently connected to a power bus without risking damage.
Innovation Solution
A switchable power distribution system with dual power units, where each unit has a switch to connect or disconnect from the power bus and a bidirectional power conveyor to transfer power between units independently of their voltages, allowing for voltage-independent power coupling and balancing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple power units are connected in parallel to a power bus, then the total power output is increased, but voltage imbalances cause inefficiencies and safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
A bidirectional power conveyor is introduced as an intermediary device between power units with different voltages. The power conveyor includes voltage conversion circuitry that enables safe power transfer between units regardless of voltage differences, eliminating the need for precise voltage matching while maintaining system reliability and safety
Solution Approach 2:
The power distribution system is segmented into multiple independent power units, each with its own switch and control circuitry. This segmentation allows individual units to operate independently with different voltages, connected to the power bus only when voltage conditions are satisfied, thereby enabling high total power output while maintaining safety through isolated control
2Adaptability or versatility
If power units with unequal voltages are connected to the power bus, then more power units can be utilized, but the connection becomes inefficient and potentially dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
Before connecting a power unit to the power bus, the control system performs preliminary voltage verification. The switch associated with each power unit is configured to close only when the unit's voltage satisfies the connection condition relative to the bus voltage, preventing dangerous connections before they can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The bidirectional power conveyor serves as a mediator that enables power units with unequal voltages to be utilized without direct parallel connection. It converts voltages between units, allowing full utilization of diverse power units while eliminating the inefficiency and danger of direct parallel connection of mismatched voltages
3Power
If a single large battery is used, then sufficient power is available, but replacement and portability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is divided into multiple smaller, modular power units that can be independently manufactured, replaced, and handled. Each unit maintains sufficient power capability through the coordinated operation enabled by the power conveyor, achieving the total power of a large battery while preserving the portability and replaceability of smaller units
4Reliability
If voltage balancing is required for parallel connection, then safety is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bidirectional power conveyor acts as an intermediary that eliminates the need for voltage balancing before parallel connection. By handling voltage conversion between units, it simplifies the system architecture compared to traditional voltage-matching requirements, while simultaneously ensuring safety through controlled voltage transfer
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for dual power unit power distribution. In an aspect, a system includes a first power unit and a second power unit, each operable to store and provide power to a load. A first switch is interposed between the first power unit and a power bus, and a second switch interposed between the second power unit and the power bus. A bidirectional power conveyor is connected to the first power unit and connected to the second power unit, and is operable to convey power between the first power unit and the second power unit independent of respective voltages of the first power unit and the second power unit.