Hybrid Power Management Using Battery Buffer Instead of DC-DC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high-power DC-DC converters used in renewable energy systems for power regulation are heavy and generate excessive heat, making them unsuitable for applications like multirotor drones, where they increase weight and power consumption, and can damage fuel cells due to improper voltage management.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid power system that combines a power source, such as a fuel cell, with an energy storage device, like a battery, and a power management system that controls the flow of power using a solid-state switch and control system to regulate voltage and current, eliminating the need for high-power DC-DC converters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a high-power DC-DC converter is used to regulate power from renewable energy sources, then power regulation capability is improved, but weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power system into two separate power sources: a fuel cell stack for primary power generation and a battery pack for supplemental power and voltage regulation. This segmentation eliminates the need for a heavy DC-DC converter while maintaining power regulation capability through intelligent control of power distribution between the two sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack serves as an intermediary component that absorbs voltage fluctuations and power mismatches between the fuel cell and the motor controller. By using the battery as a buffer, the system avoids the need for complex voltage conversion hardware, thereby reducing weight.
2Reliability
If a high-power DC-DC converter is used for power regulation, then voltage control is improved, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack acts as a thermal buffer that absorbs voltage spikes and power surges without generating excessive heat. The battery's inherent electrical characteristics allow it to smooth out power fluctuations from the fuel cell, eliminating the need for heat-generating DC-DC conversion while maintaining stable voltage supply to the motor controller.
3Reliability
If a high-power DC-DC converter is used, then power delivery control is improved, but thermal management system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack serves as a passive thermal management intermediary that absorbs excess energy and smooths power delivery without requiring active cooling components. By using the battery's electrochemical properties to regulate power flow, the system eliminates the need for heavy heat sinks and cooling fans that would otherwise be required to manage DC-DC converter heat.
4Reliability
If a high-power DC-DC converter is used, then voltage regulation is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack provides self-service voltage regulation by naturally absorbing and releasing electrical energy based on its charge state. When the fuel cell produces excess voltage or current, the battery automatically absorbs the surplus; when voltage drops, the battery supplements the output. This self-regulating behavior eliminates the need for energy-consuming control circuits and switching losses associated with DC-DC converters.
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
The hybrid power system reduces weight and heat generation, effectively manages power delivery to prevent damage from overvoltage or overcharging, and maintains system stability by automatically controlling power flow between the power source and energy storage device.
Implementation Method 1
electrical power for an electric engine or motor can be generated using hydrogen fuel cell which combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, heat, and water
Implementation Method 2
an energy storage device... configured to control activation and deactivation to allow the energy storage device to be discharged and supply power to a load
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprises a positive voltage supply node and a negative voltage supply node configured for connection to a load, a power source coupled between the positive voltage supply node and the negative voltage supply node, an energy storage device, a solid-state switch, and a control system. The energy storage device and the solid-state switch are connected in series between the positive voltage supply node and the negative voltage supply node. The control system is configured to control activation and deactivation of the solid-state switch to (i) allow the energy storage device to be discharged and supply power to a load, and to (ii) modulate an amount of charging current that flows through the energy storage device from the power source (or load) to recharge the energy storage device.