Hybrid Electrical Power Control Using Battery State-of-Charge Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid electric propulsion systems face challenges in efficiently managing energy storage and generation, particularly in handling transient power needs and reducing the sensitivity to electric load transients, often requiring dedicated and costly charging systems that increase complexity and weight.
Innovation Solution
A controller-based system that monitors the state of charge of the energy storage system, directing the hybrid electrical system to operate in multiple modes (startup, normal, low-charge, and high-charge modes) to manage power distribution between the electrical generation and storage systems, eliminating the need for a dedicated battery charger by using excess generation power to charge the batteries and smoothing load transients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated battery charger system is added to the hybrid electrical system, then the energy storage system can be charged reliably, but the system complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The generator is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the primary power source for the loads and as a charging device for the battery system. The generator controller implements multiple operating modes (power-up mode, normal operation mode, low-charge mode, high-charge mode) that allow the generator to adaptively switch between supplying power to loads and charging the batteries, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated charger
Solution Approach 2:
The dedicated battery charger component is extracted and removed from the system. Instead, the charging function is integrated into the existing generator system through controller-based mode switching, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining charging capability
2Reliability
If the generator responds quickly to load transients, then the power supply stability improves, but the sensitivity to electric load transients increases causing unwanted effects
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system serves as a preliminary buffer that can quickly respond to load transients before the generator needs to adjust. During normal operation, the battery maintains the voltage and power supply stability, absorbing the initial impact of load changes and preventing the generator from experiencing direct transient stress
Solution Approach 2:
The battery system acts as an intermediary between the generator and the loads. It mediates the power flow by absorbing or supplying power during transient conditions, thereby protecting the generator from direct exposure to load transients while maintaining stable power supply to the loads
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for energy management of hybrid electrical systems are discussed herein. In certain embodiments, a system includes one or more generators configured to provide generator electric power. The system also includes one or more batteries configured to provide stored electric power. Further, the system includes one or more generator controllers using a state of charge for the one or more batteries, wherein the one or more generator controllers control a combination of the generator electric power and the stored electric power provided to one or more loads according to a plurality of modes, wherein multiple modes of the plurality of modes are based on one or more parameters of the one or more batteries.