Inverter Battery Integration via Bidirectional Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inverter apparatuses lack effective integration of battery functionality, particularly in managing state of charge and safety parameters, leading to complex battery modules with unnecessary switches and potential operational disruptions.
Innovation Solution
An inverter apparatus with a DC voltage link, a DC/AC converter, and a bidirectional connection that integrates with a battery monitoring unit to receive and act on relevant battery parameters, including state of charge and safety data, eliminating the need for additional switches in the battery module by commanding the bidirectional connection based on safety data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a battery module with switches and complex monitoring systems is used, then battery safety and state of charge management are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the switching function from the battery module itself and relocates it to the inverter's bidirectional converter. The battery module is simplified to contain only battery cells and minimal monitoring, while the inverter assumes responsibility for connection control based on safety data and state of charge parameters received from the monitoring unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The bidirectional converter in the inverter serves multiple functions: it acts as the switching mechanism for battery connection/disconnection, performs power conversion between DC and AC, and manages energy flow based on battery status. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate switching components in the battery module.
2Ease of operation
If additional switches and monitoring systems are added to the battery module, then battery operation control is improved, but manufacturing cost and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the battery monitoring function and the switching control function into the inverter system. The monitoring unit remains associated with the battery, but its interface connects to the inverter's controller, which centralizes the decision-making for battery operation. This consolidation reduces the need for redundant components in the battery module.
3Device complexity
If a simplified battery module without switches is used, then device complexity is reduced, but operational reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring unit continuously provides feedback to the inverter controller regarding battery safety parameters and state of charge. This real-time feedback enables the controller to make informed decisions about battery connection and disconnection, ensuring operational safety is maintained despite the simplified battery module design.
Data Source
AI summary
An inverter apparatus includes an input stage receiving DC electric power from a DC power generator for loading a DC voltage link, a DC/AC converter connected to the DC voltage link and feeding AC electric power into a power grid. The apparatus further includes a bidirectional connection for loading a battery out of the DC voltage link and for loading the DC voltage link out of the battery, and a controller operating the DC/AC converter and the bidirectional connection. The controller receives present values of relevant parameters of the battery including working data at least related to a state of charge and safety data indicating a safety state of the battery from a battery monitoring unit. The controller, in operating the bidirectional connection, considers the working data and is commanded by the safety data.