Parallel Charging Control for Mixed-Chemistry Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrified vehicles with multiple energy storage devices of different chemistries and charge requirements face challenges in simultaneous recharging due to limited flexibility in charge profile availability from standardized recharging ports.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a DC to DC converter to manage currents for simultaneous parallel charging of energy storage devices by determining and allocating appropriate charging currents, reducing currents if necessary to comply with charge source constraints, ensuring safe and efficient charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple energy storage devices with different charge requirements are connected in parallel to a standardized charge source, then simultaneous charging is enabled, but the charge source constraint violations occur due to limited flexibility in charge profile availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary between the charge source and multiple energy storage devices. The controller manages current distribution, determining first and second currents for each device, and reduces currents when necessary to prevent charge source constraint violations. This mediator coordinates charging across devices with different requirements while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic current adjustment by continuously monitoring charge source constraints and modifying charging currents in real-time. The controller determines optimal current values for each energy storage device based on current system state, enabling the system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining constraint compliance and maximizing charging productivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different charging currents are allocated to energy storage devices with different chemistries and parameters, then optimal charging for each device is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to need for DC to DC converter control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a DC to DC converter that serves multiple functions: it interfaces between the charge source and different energy storage devices, performs current transformation, and enables simultaneous charging of devices with different voltage and current requirements. This multi-functional component provides charge profile flexibility while managing system complexity through a single versatile interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter transformation through the DC to DC converter, which changes voltage and current parameters to match the specific requirements of each energy storage device. By dynamically adjusting electrical parameters, the system achieves adaptability for different chemistries and configurations without requiring separate charging systems for each device type.
3Productivity
If the charge source provides maximum current to all energy storage devices simultaneously, then charging efficiency is maximized, but the charge source constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by allocating different current levels to different energy storage devices based on their specific requirements and the charge source's capabilities. Rather than attempting to maximize current to all devices simultaneously (which would violate constraints), the controller determines optimal partial current allocations that collectively maximize charging efficiency while maintaining constraint compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control where the controller continuously monitors the charge source output and the state of each energy storage device, then adjusts current allocation accordingly. This closed-loop control prevents constraint violations by detecting when total current demand approaches source limits and automatically reducing individual device currents to maintain safe operating boundaries while preserving overall charging efficiency.
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
Enables simultaneous and efficient charging of energy storage devices with different charge requirements without violating charge source constraints, optimizing energy transfer and extending the capabilities of existing charge infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
coupling the charge source directly to one of the first ESD and the second ESD and through a direct current to direct current (DC to DC) converter to the other of the first ESD and the second ESD
Data Source
AI summary
Simultaneous parallel charging of a first and second electrical energy storage devices coupled to a charge source is carried out by directly coupling the charge source to one of the first ESD and the second ESD and through a DC to DC converter to the other of the first ESD and the second ESD. The charge source provides a current that is allocated to the two ESDs by controlling the DC to DC converter. Priority of charging may be given to either ESD.