Energy Store Configuration Switching for Limited Voltage Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Devices capable of charging energy storage systems, such as batteries in motor vehicles, often cannot provide the high voltages required for complete charging, limiting the charging process.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves starting and interrupting the charging process to change the energy storage device's configuration from a high-voltage to a lower-voltage configuration, allowing incomplete devices to fully charge the storage system by halving the required voltage through parallel connection of modules, and managing current intensity to maintain power delivery without user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the charging process is interrupted to change configuration, then complete charging becomes possible with limited voltage devices, but charging time increases due to interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The charging process is performed in periodic cycles: charge in first configuration until voltage threshold is reached, interrupt and switch to second configuration, then resume charging. This periodic alternation between configurations enables complete charging while managing time loss through automated rapid switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy store dynamically switches between two configurations (first and second configurations) during the charging process. The control unit automatically manages this dynamic reconfiguration based on voltage thresholds, allowing the system to adapt its electrical characteristics to match the charging device's capabilities.
2Power
If charging is performed in first configuration with high voltage, then power delivery is optimized, but complete charging is not achievable with limited voltage devices
Solution Approach 1:
The charging process is segmented into distinct phases: initial charging in first configuration (optimized for power) until voltage threshold, then switching to second configuration (enables complete charging). This segmentation allows each configuration to serve its optimal function without compromising overall charging completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical configuration parameter of the energy store between two states. By switching from first configuration (higher voltage, optimized power) to second configuration (lower voltage, enables complete charging), the system adapts parameters to resolve the contradiction between power optimization and charging completeness.
3Reliability
If the energy store configuration is changed during charging, then charging can be completed with limited voltage devices, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy store is designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating in two configurations (first and second configurations). This universal design allows the same energy store to be charged by both high-voltage and limited-voltage charging devices, reducing the need for different charging systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit automatically manages the configuration switching based on voltage threshold detection, making the system self-service. The energy store monitors its own voltage state and triggers configuration changes without external intervention, minimizing the complexity of external control systems.
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
Enables rapid and complete charging of energy storage devices by devices that cannot provide the necessary voltage initially, optimizing power usage and reducing charging time while being compatible with existing charging systems.
Implementation Method 1
the configuration of the energy store is changed from the first configuration to a second configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A method for electrically charging an energy store. The method includes the following steps: starting an electrical charging process for the energy store in a first configuration; interrupting the charging process, changing the configuration of the energy store from the first configuration to a second configuration, and resuming the charging process in the second configuration. The energy store in the first configuration is designed to be charged with a higher electrical voltage than in the second configuration.