Hierarchical Power Conversion for Heterogeneous Energy Storage Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power systems face inefficiencies and high costs due to the heterogeneity of power nodes, such as batteries and solar cells, which degrade differently, leading to mismatches in power output and requiring full power processing that is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A power conversion system utilizing a hierarchical structure with a dense and sparse tier of power converters, guided by a diversity model, to adjust power flows to a uniform target, reducing the number of converters needed and optimizing power processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If full power processing is used to handle heterogeneous power nodes, then power output uniformity is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power processing system into two distinct tiers: a dense tier of power converters connected directly to power nodes, and a sparse tier of power converters connected to the grid. This segmentation allows each tier to handle specific functions - the dense tier manages heterogeneous power node connections while the sparse tier handles uniform grid interface, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining power output uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the power processing architecture by organizing converters into multiple levels (dense tier and sparse tier). This dimensional organization transforms the traditional flat, monolithic power processing system into a layered structure where different tiers operate at different granularities, reducing complexity by distributing functions across hierarchical levels.
2Stability of the object's composition
If full power processing is used to handle heterogeneous power nodes, then power output uniformity is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power processing function into two tiers, where the dense tier uses smaller, less expensive converters to handle individual power node connections, and the sparse tier uses fewer converters to handle grid interface. This segmentation reduces the total number of high-capacity converters needed, thereby reducing system cost while maintaining power output uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dense tier converters process only the necessary portion of power from each heterogeneous power node to achieve uniformity, rather than processing the full power flow. This partial action approach uses smaller, cheaper converters that handle only the deviation from uniformity, reducing overall system cost while still achieving the desired power output uniformity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional power conversion systems are used, then power node heterogeneity is handled, but efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments power conversion into two stages: first, dense tier converters perform localized power adjustment at the power node level with high efficiency; second, sparse tier converters perform minimal additional conversion at the grid interface. This segmentation reduces total conversion losses by minimizing the number of times power undergoes full conversion, while still handling power node heterogeneity effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The dense tier converters perform partial power processing, adjusting only the necessary portion of power flow to account for heterogeneity rather than processing the entire power flow. This partial action reduces energy losses by avoiding unnecessary conversion of power that already meets specifications, while maintaining adaptability to heterogeneous power nodes.
Data Source
AI summary
A power conversion device may perform model-referenced power processing for multiple diverse power nodes. The power conversion device includes interconnects that couple power nodes connection ports to power converters The power converters include a dense tier of power converters sized to correct from varied power flow levels of a defined portion of a population of power nodes to interim power flows in accord with center values for that portion of power nodes. The center values are provided by a model of the power node diversity. The power converters also include a sparse tier. The sparse tier performs power processing to convert from the interim power flows generated by the dense tier to a uniform model-corrected target flow.