Energy Management Circuit for Multi-Source Power Blending
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transportation and portable appliance industries face challenges in finding an optimal mix of cost and performance in electrical power systems, while the utility industry seeks efficient ways to store and release energy, especially during peak demand times, with existing energy storage and generation units having varying cost, efficiency, and performance characteristics.
Innovation Solution
An energy management system that connects multiple energy sources, including batteries and other power units, to efficiently switch power between them, using a control unit to monitor and control energy flow, allowing for the combination of different energy storage and generation units with varying characteristics to meet desired objectives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple energy sources with different voltages are connected in parallel, then the system can provide greater flexibility and adaptability in energy management, but the circuit complexity and control difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an energy management circuit as an intermediary component between multiple energy sources and the load. This circuit includes voltage detection units, control units, and switching elements that mediate the interaction between energy sources with different voltages, enabling safe parallel connection while maintaining system controllability and reducing direct circuit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy management circuit is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple types of energy sources (batteries, capacitors, power supplies) with different voltage levels. The control unit can detect and adapt to various voltage conditions, providing a unified interface that simplifies system integration despite the diversity of energy sources.
2Productivity
If energy is transferred between energy sources with different voltages, then the system can optimize energy distribution and balance, but energy loss increases during the transfer process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter change strategies by dynamically adjusting voltage levels during energy transfer. The control unit detects voltage differences and modifies transfer parameters (such as switching timing, duty cycles) to minimize energy loss while maintaining efficient energy distribution between sources with different voltages.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy management system uses periodic detection and control actions to monitor voltage levels and initiate energy transfer only when optimal conditions are met. This periodic operation reduces unnecessary transfer cycles and minimizes cumulative energy loss while maintaining effective energy balancing.
3Reliability
If voltage detection and control mechanisms are added to manage multiple energy sources, then the system can safely handle voltage differences, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The energy management circuit incorporates self-service features where the control unit automatically detects voltage levels, identifies appropriate energy sources, and executes transfer decisions without external intervention. This self-contained approach enhances reliability while minimizing the need for additional complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where voltage detection units continuously monitor energy source voltages and provide real-time information to the control unit. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of transfer operations, ensuring safe voltage management while using minimal control resources through intelligent, data-driven decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
An energy management system and method connecting a load to multiple energy sources. The system includes a load connection, source connections for each energy source, a control unit and at least one energy management module having an inductor and four switches. The first source is in parallel with the load. The first switch couples the first source positive terminal to the first inductor end, second switch couples the first source negative terminal to the first inductor end, third switch couples the second source positive terminal to the second inductor end, and fourth switch couples the second source negative terminal to the second inductor end. The control unit controls the four switches of each module to transfer energy between the energy sources through the module inductor. The system can have more than two sources. Modes including one or two switch, synchronous or asynchronous, and buck or boost can be used.