HVDC to LVDC Converter with Battery Buffer for Standby Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical systems for converting high voltage direct current (HVDC) to low voltage direct current (LVDC) suffer from inefficiency under light loading conditions due to standby power losses in DC to DC converters, which are designed to meet maximum power demands but operate at low efficiency when power levels are below maximum.
Innovation Solution
A battery charger module with a DC to DC converter that is deactivated when the rechargeable battery module is fully charged, using a control system to activate the converter only when the battery state of charge falls below a predetermined threshold and deactivate it when it exceeds another threshold, thereby reducing standby power losses and operating at maximum efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the DC to DC converter is designed to meet maximum power demands, then it can supply sufficient power to all loads, but it operates at low efficiency when power levels are below maximum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the DC to DC converter operational status variable rather than fixed. The converter is dynamically activated or deactivated based on real-time battery state of charge levels, allowing the system to adapt its power conversion capability to actual needs, thereby avoiding continuous operation at low efficiency when full power is not required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through cyclic activation and deactivation of the DC to DC converter. Instead of continuous operation, the converter is periodically switched on when battery charge drops below a threshold and switched off when charge exceeds an upper threshold, creating a rhythmic on-off pattern that reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining adequate power supply
2Reliability
If the DC to DC converter is continuously activated, then low voltage loads receive continuous power, but standby power losses significantly reduce system efficiency under light loading conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by implementing cyclic on-off control of the DC to DC converter based on battery state of charge thresholds. The converter operates periodically rather than continuously, activating when charge drops below a lower threshold and deactivating when charge exceeds an upper threshold, thereby maintaining power reliability while dramatically reducing standby losses
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback through continuous monitoring of battery state of charge and using this information to control converter operation. The control system receives feedback about battery charge levels and adjusts converter activation accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that balances power reliability with energy efficiency
3Power
If the DC to DC converter operates at maximum capacity, then it meets peak power demands, but efficiency drops significantly when operating at much lower power levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the converter operational status adaptive rather than static. The system dynamically adjusts between active and inactive states based on actual power needs, ensuring the converter operates at high efficiency when active (by avoiding prolonged low-power operation) while still maintaining peak power capability when required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by proactively charging the battery to surplus levels during periods of high availability, preparing energy reserves in advance. This allows the system to later operate the converter less frequently, maintaining peak power capability when needed while improving overall efficiency by avoiding continuous low-power operation
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 approach minimizes standby power losses and maintains high efficiency by only activating the DC to DC converter when necessary, allowing for efficient conversion of HVDC to LVDC with reduced power rating requirements, thus improving overall system efficiency and reducing energy wastage.
Implementation Method 1
The rechargeable battery module includes a low voltage battery. The low voltage battery may include a lithium-ion battery.
Implementation Method 2
A battery charger module includes a DC to DC converter. The DC to DC converter has a high voltage input and a low voltage output.
Data Source
AI summary
A buffered power transfer apparatus includes rechargeable batteries. The buffered power transfer apparatus is used on demand to convert high voltage DC to low voltage DC at maximum efficiency with minimum standby losses. The buffered power transfer apparatus may be used in a Wave Energy Converter.