Dynamic Series-Parallel Energy Storage Voltage Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicles with high electrical output require high voltages for efficient drive components, but existing charging infrastructure limits the maximum nominal voltage of energy storage devices to 500 V, restricting charging options.
Innovation Solution
The method involves connecting energy storage elements in series for vehicle operation and in parallel during charging, allowing the use of lower charging voltages from external sources, enabling the energy storage device to be charged with a wide range of charging stations by reducing the nominal voltage when charging conditions are met.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If energy storage elements are connected in series to provide high voltage for efficient drive components, then the electrical output and efficiency of the vehicle system are improved, but the compatibility with existing charging infrastructure is worsened due to voltage mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic switching between series and parallel connections of energy storage elements based on operational mode. During vehicle operation, elements are connected in series to provide high voltage (e.g., 800V) for efficient drive components. During charging, the switching device reconfigures elements to parallel connection, reducing the voltage to match external charging sources (e.g., 500V limit). This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the contradiction by adapting the electrical system's voltage characteristic to the current operational requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameter (voltage) of the energy storage device by altering the connection topology of its internal elements. By switching from series to parallel connection, the nominal voltage parameter is reduced from the high voltage level needed for drive efficiency to the lower voltage level compatible with existing charging infrastructure. This parameter transformation enables the system to satisfy both high power requirements during operation and charging compatibility requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the nominal voltage of the energy storage device is reduced to match charging station limits, then charging compatibility is improved, but the efficiency of drive components and electrical system is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its voltage configuration based on whether it is in charging mode or drive mode. The switching device responds to charging conditions by reconfiguring energy storage elements from series to parallel connection, temporarily reducing voltage during charging to ensure compatibility. Once charging is complete, the system switches back to series connection to restore high voltage for efficient drive component operation. This temporal separation of voltage levels resolves the contradiction between charging compatibility and drive efficiency.
3Weight of moving object
If high voltage is used in the on-board electrical system, then the weight of cables and electrical system is reduced, but the complexity of voltage management and switching control is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage device is segmented into multiple independently controllable energy storage elements that can be reconfigured through switching. This segmentation allows flexible connection topologies (series/parallel) to be achieved without requiring a complete system redesign. The modular structure enables high voltage operation with reduced cable weights while managing complexity through standardized switching modules that can be controlled based on operational conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating an energy storage device comprising at least one first and at least one second energy storage element in a motor vehicle. The first and the second energy storage element are serially connected in order to provide a rated voltage of the energy storage device. When a charging condition is met which indicates an energy supply for charging the energy storage device using a vehicle-external energy source, the first and the second energy storage element are connected in parallel to the vehicle-external energy source by means of a switch-over device, wherein a charging voltage for charging the energy storage device is provided by the vehicle-external energy source, said charging voltage being lower than the rated voltage of the energy storage device when the first and the second energy storage element are serially connected.