Energy Transfer Circuit for Multi-Source Voltage Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical power systems face challenges in efficiently combining multiple power storage and generation units to achieve a desired balance of cost and effectiveness, particularly in the transportation industry and utility sector, where different units have varying cost, energy density, efficiency, cycle life, safety, and environmental characteristics.
Innovation Solution
The energy transfer circuit connects multiple energy sources with a load, utilizing capacitors, inductors, and switches controlled by a unit that manages energy flow based on demand and source status, allowing for bi-directional energy transfer between sources and the load, enabling the use of dissimilar energy sources with different voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dissimilar energy sources with different voltages are combined to achieve desired cost and performance balance, then adaptability and versatility improve, but device complexity increases due to switching and control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The energy transfer circuit is designed to handle multiple energy sources with different voltages through a universal switching mechanism. The circuit can selectively connect any energy source to the load or to other energy sources for charging, making the system multi-functional and adaptable to various configurations without requiring separate circuits for each source combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an energy transfer circuit as an intermediary between dissimilar energy sources and the load. This intermediary contains switching elements and control logic that mediate the voltage differences and power flow directions, enabling safe and efficient energy transfer without direct connection between incompatible sources.
2Loss of energy
If efficient switching between multiple power units is implemented to optimize cost and effectiveness, then energy efficiency improves, but device complexity increases due to control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit monitors the state of charge, voltage levels, and power demands of all energy sources and the load, using this feedback information to make real-time switching decisions. This feedback mechanism ensures energy is transferred from the most efficient source at any given moment while maintaining system stability and optimizing overall energy utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching configuration is dynamic rather than static, allowing the system to adapt its topology based on real-time conditions. The control unit continuously adjusts which energy sources are connected to the load or to each other for charging, optimizing energy efficiency under varying operating conditions without requiring a complex fixed structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bi-directional energy transfer capability is added to allow charging between energy sources, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases due to additional switching configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The switching circuit is designed with universal connectivity, where any energy source can potentially charge any other energy source or supply the load. The same switching elements and control logic handle both power delivery to the load and power transfer between sources, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function and reducing overall complexity.
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
This solution enables efficient and flexible energy management, optimizing power distribution and storage by balancing the characteristics of various energy sources, enhancing the performance and cost-effectiveness of electrical power systems in vehicles and utility applications.
Implementation Method 1
an inductor; a first switch between the inductor and the first capacitor; a second switch between the inductor and the second capacitor
Implementation Method 2
a first capacitor connected in parallel with the primary energy source and connected in parallel with the load; a second capacitor connected in parallel with the secondary energy source
Data Source
AI summary
An energy transfer circuit for connecting a load to multiple energy sources that can have different voltages. The energy transfer circuit connects the load and at least two energy sources, and has a control unit. The energy transfer circuit can transfer energy from at least one energy source to the load in response to the load's power demand; transfer energy from the load to at least one energy source in response to the load's charging current, and transfer energy between the energy sources. The energy transfer circuit also includes a first capacitor in parallel with the primary source and the load; a second capacitor in parallel with the secondary source, an inductor, a first switch between the inductor and the first capacitor, a second switch between the inductor and the second capacitor. The control unit opens and closes the first and second switches in response to the load and sources.