Hybrid Power Source Load Sharing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hybrid electrical power systems with fuel cells and batteries suffer from poorly optimized load sharing due to differing electrical characteristics, leading to reduced battery life, especially in mobile applications where batteries are not recharged.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid electrical power supply system that includes a fuel cell and a battery, with a voltage regulator and controller to monitor and regulate the current drawn by the load, ensuring the fuel cell supplies current when possible and the battery only contributes minimally, thereby prolonging battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the battery is used primarily to supply current to the load due to its stable output voltage, then the load receives stable power, but the battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic load sharing control where the controller continuously monitors load conditions and dynamically adjusts the contribution of each energy source. The battery operates in a limited current range defined by maximum and minimum current thresholds, dynamically switching between being the primary or secondary energy source based on real-time conditions, thereby extending battery life while maintaining stable power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by introducing maximum and minimum current thresholds for the battery. These parameter constraints optimize battery usage by preventing excessive discharge currents that would reduce battery life, while still allowing the battery to provide stable voltage support when needed. The controller adjusts battery current output within these defined parameter boundaries.
2Productivity
If the fuel cell supplies current proportional to its current-voltage characteristics, then the fuel cell operates efficiently, but poor load sharing optimization occurs due to differing electrical characteristics between fuel cell and battery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the controller continuously monitors the current output of both the fuel cell and battery, as well as the load current requirements. Based on this feedback, the controller adjusts the operating points of both energy sources to achieve optimized load sharing. The feedback mechanism ensures that the fuel cell and battery operate in complementary fashion, with the battery current constrained within optimal thresholds to extend life while maintaining overall system efficiency.
3Power
If the battery is used to provide additional current during high load demands, then the load current requirement is met, but the battery is discharged rapidly reducing its lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by limiting the battery to provide only a portion of the total load current, specifically constraining it within maximum and minimum current thresholds. Rather than allowing the battery to supply excessive current during high demand periods, the system uses the fuel cell to meet the bulk of high power requirements, while the battery provides supplemental current only within its optimized operating range, thereby extending battery lifespan.
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 maximizes fuel cell usage and minimizes battery usage, extending battery life by ensuring the fuel cell primarily supplies current to the load, reducing battery drain and prolonging its lifespan, especially in mobile environments.
Implementation Method 1
the electrical energy sources may be a fuel cell and a battery
Implementation Method 2
the electrical energy sources may be a fuel cell and a battery
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a hybrid electrical power source comprising two or more electrical energy sources that supply energy to a connected load, such as a combination of fuel cell and battery. The present invention comprises first and second electrical energy sources configured to supply current to an output, and a controller configured to receive a signal indicative of the current being drawn at the output, to compare the output current with a reference current level, and to regulate the voltage provided by the one of the first or second electrical energy sources such that: when the output current is lower than the reference current level, the first energy source supplies current equal to the output current; and, when the output current exceeds the reference current level, the first energy source supplies current equal to the reference current level and the second energy source supplies the remaining current required by the load.