ELV Module Decoupling in Modular Energy Store Converter Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery systems in electric vehicles face inefficiencies due to the need for complex and costly battery management systems, energy losses during balancing, and challenges in supplying extra-low voltage networks efficiently, particularly when high-voltage systems are switched off.
Innovation Solution
A modular energy store converter system incorporating extra-low voltage (ELV) modules that can be integrated into converter arms, allowing for efficient energy transfer and decoupling of extra-low voltages, reducing the need for additional converters and balancing, and enabling operation independent of the high-voltage system's state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a series connection of energy storage elements is used to increase total voltage, then the total voltage is improved, but the system complexity and balancing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into multiple independent voltage levels, each with its own energy storage elements connected in series. These voltage levels are then connected in parallel, creating a modular structure that achieves high total voltage while reducing system complexity through independent, manageable segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional series connection to a multi-dimensional configuration by introducing parallel connections between series strings. This creates a two-dimensional array of energy storage elements, allowing voltage multiplication through series connections while using parallel connections to increase capacity and reduce balancing complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If passive balancing is used to balance cell charges, then the charge balance is improved, but energy is wasted as thermal energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary active balancing circuit that transfers charge between energy storage elements through controlled current paths. This intermediary mechanism enables charge redistribution without direct resistive dissipation, reducing energy loss compared to passive balancing methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The balancing system dynamically adjusts operating parameters such as current magnitude and duration based on real-time cell voltage measurements. This parameter optimization enables efficient charge transfer while minimizing energy losses during the balancing process.
3Stability of the object's composition
If active balancing with charge transfer between cells is used, then the charge balance is improved, but energy loss and reduced service life occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an intermediary balancing circuit that facilitates charge transfer through controlled current paths with optimized resistance. This intermediary mechanism reduces direct cell-to-cell stress and minimizes energy losses compared to uncontrolled charge sharing.
Solution Approach 2:
The active balancing system operates continuously during charging and discharging cycles, maintaining charge balance without interrupting the useful energy transfer to the load. This continuous operation prevents the need for corrective balancing after imbalances develop, reducing overall energy loss.
4Reliability
If all cells are required to be of the same type with minimal differences, then the system reliability is improved, but the adaptability and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into multiple independent voltage levels and modules, allowing different cell types or specifications to be used in different segments. Each segment can be optimized for specific requirements while the overall system maintains reliability through the modular independent structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal modular platform that can accommodate various cell types, chemistries, and specifications within the same system architecture. The standardized interface and control system provide multi-functionality, allowing the system to adapt to different energy storage requirements without compromising reliability.
5Measurement precision
If high technical circuitry and filter complexity are used, then the measurement precision is improved, but the energy consumption and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the inherent electrical characteristics of the energy storage elements themselves for measurement and monitoring, rather than requiring external complex measurement circuitry. The energy storage elements provide their own signal sources and the system leverages existing voltage and current information for state estimation, reducing additional energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical filtering and signal conditioning circuitry with digital signal processing and algorithm-based approaches. This substitution reduces hardware complexity, energy consumption, and costs while maintaining or improving measurement precision through software-based filtering and analysis.
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 system achieves efficient energy transfer and reduced energy losses by allowing flexible interconnection of modules, enabling efficient operation of extra-low voltage networks and supporting vehicle systems even when the high-voltage system is off, with lower construction costs and increased redundancy.
Implementation Method 1
a converter with two inputs and two outputs, wherein the outputs of the converter are connected to associated extra-low voltage cables
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a module energy store converter system (10) comprising the following: at least one converter arm (12) comprising a plurality of standard modules (14) connected in series, and at least one extra-low voltage module (ELV module) (40), wherein the standard modules (14) and the ELV module can be connected such that inputs (48) of a transducer (46) of the ELV module can be optionally connected to the storage element (26) of an adjacent standard module (14) serially and/or anti-serially, or the transducer (46) can be decoupled from the storage element (26), and/or the inputs (48) of the transducer (46) can be optionally connected to the storage element of an adjacent standard module (14) in parallel, or the transducer (46) can be decoupled from the storage element (26).