Energy Management System With Segmented Power Switches
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy management systems for high power applications, such as electric vehicles and smart grids, face inefficiencies and complexity due to the need for advanced controllers and inability to balance energy between parallel-connected battery strings, leading to potential involuntary discharge from malfunctioning strings.
Innovation Solution
Integrating serial-connected energy storage units with dedicated power switches within the power converter, allowing for independent control and disconnection of each battery string, thereby preventing energy draw from malfunctioning units and improving overall system efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple battery strings are parallel-connected to increase power rating, then the energy storage capacity increases, but the system complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery pack into multiple independent battery strings, each with its own dedicated power switch (S1-S15). This segmentation allows independent control of each string while maintaining parallel connection for increased capacity. The H-bridge converter is also segmented into multiple legs, each handling a specific battery string, simplifying the control architecture compared to a unified control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control where each battery string can be independently connected or disconnected from the load through its dedicated power switch. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt to different operating conditions, such as isolating malfunctioning strings or balancing energy distribution, thereby managing system complexity through flexible, real-time adjustments rather than fixed complex control logic.
2Power
If battery strings are parallel-connected to provide high power, then the power rating increases, but malfunctioning strings can draw energy from healthy strings causing involuntary discharge
Solution Approach 1:
Each battery string is electrically isolated with its own dedicated power switch in series connection. This segmentation prevents current flow between parallel-connected battery strings by breaking the electrical path through the switches. When a string malfunctions, its dedicated switch can be opened to isolate it from other strings, preventing involuntary discharge while maintaining the high power capability of the parallel configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The dedicated power switches (S1-S15) act as intermediaries between the parallel-connected battery strings and the H-bridge converter. These switches control the electrical connection, allowing healthy strings to supply power while isolating malfunctioning strings. The switches serve as mediators that enable high power output from multiple strings without allowing harmful current flow between them.
3Ease of operation
If traditional H-bridge converter is used with parallel battery strings, then AC power conversion is achieved, but the system requires advanced controllers and is expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the battery string selection function with the H-bridge converter structure by integrating dedicated power switches directly into each leg of the H-bridge. This combination eliminates the need for separate battery management control logic, as the converter structure itself provides the isolation and selection functionality. The merging of functions reduces controller complexity while maintaining AC power conversion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The H-bridge converter is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it performs AC power conversion from DC battery strings and also provides independent isolation control for each battery string through its integrated power switches. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate control systems for battery management and power conversion, reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining full operational capability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to an energy management system comprising an energy storage, a control system and a power converter supplying power to a load. The energy storage is arranged in individual energy units and the power converter is provided with a switching system for controlling the voltage over the load. The switching system comprises multiple parallel-connected power switches and at least one of the power switches is connected to each energy unit. The control system comprises individual control units, each being configured to monitor the status of a dedicated energy unit and produce an individual enable signal indicative of the status. Each power switch is configured to be controlled by the individual enable signal and a first control signal, wherein the control system is configured to connect multiple energy units in parallel to the load.