Flow Battery Power Converter Eliminates Switching Losses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional DC-to-DC converters, such as switch-mode converters, face limitations in conversion speed and efficiency due to switching frequency and switching losses, and lack the ability to store energy for extended periods, especially when loads temporarily shut down.
Innovation Solution
A power converter utilizing flow battery technology with uncharged and charged tanks and reaction cells, where uncharged electrolytes are charged in parallel cells and then pumped to series cells to generate output voltage, allowing for energy storage and efficient power conversion without transistors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If switch-mode converters are used for power conversion, then output voltage higher than input voltage can be achieved and bidirectional operation efficiency is improved, but conversion speed is limited by switching frequency and switching losses decrease efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical switching system (transistors) with an electrochemical system (flow battery). The flow battery converts electrical energy to chemical energy and back without mechanical switching components, eliminating switching losses entirely while maintaining the ability to step up or step down voltages through electrochemical reactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter from electrical switching frequency to electrochemical reaction rate. By controlling the flow rate of electrolytes through the reaction cells, the system can operate continuously without the frequency limitations and losses associated with transistor switching.
2Power
If switch-mode converters are used for power conversion, then voltage conversion capability is achieved, but ability to store energy for significant time is lost when load shuts down
Solution Approach 1:
The flow battery system performs multiple functions: it acts as both a power converter (stepping up or down voltages) and an energy storage device simultaneously. The electrolyte tanks can store large amounts of chemical energy for extended periods, and the system can maintain voltage conversion capability while storing energy, unlike traditional converters that require separate storage components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-charges electrolytes in external tanks before they are needed for power conversion. The electrolytes are stored in a charged state in the tanks, ready to be pumped through the reaction cells when power is needed, allowing the system to deliver power immediately without waiting for energy accumulation in capacitor-like structures.
3Power
If transistors are used in DC-DC converters, then voltage conversion is achieved, but conversion rate is limited by switching frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical switching system (transistors) that limits conversion rate and replaces it with an electrochemical system where the conversion rate is limited only by the flow rate of electrolytes through the reaction cells, which can be increased without the same frequency constraints as electronic switching.
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 enhances power conversion efficiency by eliminating switching losses and enabling energy storage within the converter, improving performance for transient or pulsed loads and reducing energy wastage.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of parallel-connected reaction cells configured to receive fluid from the uncharged tank and an input voltage. The parallel-connected reaction cells may be configured to charge uncharged electrolytes
Implementation Method 2
a first pump configured to pump fluid from the plurality of parallel-connected reaction cells to the charged tank
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of series-connected reaction cells configured to receive the fluid from the charged tank and provide electric power at an output voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A power converter may include an uncharged tank for storing fluid including uncharged electrolytes. The power converter may include a plurality of parallel-connected reaction cells configured to receive the fluid from the uncharged tank and an input voltage, and charge the uncharged electrolytes. The power converter may also include a charged tank configured to receive fluid from the plurality of parallel-connected reaction cells. The power converter may also include a first pump configured to pump the fluid from the plurality of parallel-connected reaction cells to the charged tank. The power converter may include a plurality of series-connected reaction cells configured to receive fluid from the charged tank and provide electric power at an output voltage.