Modular High Voltage Accumulator with Integrated DC-AC Converters
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Solution Overview
Problem
High voltage energy storage systems face challenges in reliability and efficiency due to the need for numerous series-connected cells and external DC-DC converters, which increase weight, volume, and risk of single point failures.
Innovation Solution
A self-regulated and self-protected power management system utilizing a plurality of energy processing blocks with bidirectional DC-AC converters and transformers, where secondary windings are connected in series to achieve high voltage output with reduced cell count, incorporating a controller for centralized control and fault-tolerant operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a large number of energy storage cells are connected in series to achieve high voltage, then the output voltage increases, but the reliability decreases and the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system is divided into multiple independent modular units, each containing its own DC-DC converter. This segmentation allows each module to operate independently, so that a failure in one module does not propagate to the entire system, thereby maintaining high reliability while achieving high voltage through series connection of modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic reconfiguration capability where modules can be dynamically connected or disconnected based on operational conditions. This allows the system to adapt its configuration to maintain reliability while optimizing voltage output, enabling flexible response to individual module failures or maintenance needs.
2Power
If external DC-DC converters are used to boost low voltage to high voltage, then the desired voltage level is achieved, but the weight and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The DC-DC converter functionality is merged directly into each energy storage module rather than using a separate external converter. This integration eliminates the need for additional external converter components, reducing overall system weight and volume while achieving the desired high voltage through the series connection of integrated modules.
Solution Approach 2:
Each modular unit is designed to be multi-functional, serving both as an energy storage element and as a voltage conversion unit through its integrated DC-DC converter. This universality eliminates the need for separate voltage boosting equipment, reducing overall system mass while maintaining the capability to deliver high voltage output.
3Ease of operation
If conventional charge/discharge control electronics are used at cell level, then proper control is achieved, but the electronic complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each modular unit incorporates integrated control electronics that perform multiple functions including charge management, discharge control, and DC-DC conversion within a single unified system. This multi-functional approach reduces the total component count and electronic complexity compared to conventional cell-level control architectures while maintaining proper charge/discharge management.
Solution Approach 2:
Each module contains self-contained control and conversion capabilities, allowing it to autonomously manage its own charge and discharge operations. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex centralized control systems and reduces overall electronic complexity while ensuring proper control at the module level.
4Power
If low voltage energy system with external DC-DC converter is used, then high voltage is achieved, but the efficiency decreases due to wide voltage variation and single point failures
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the voltage conversion function across multiple independent modules, each with its own DC-DC converter. This segmentation allows each converter to operate within a narrower, more efficient voltage range, reducing energy losses associated with wide voltage variations that plague single external converter systems. Additionally, the distributed architecture eliminates single point failures, maintaining efficiency even when individual modules are offline.
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 reduces the number of energy storage cells required, enhances reliability, and minimizes weight, volume, and electronic complexity, while maintaining efficiency and fault tolerance, enabling effective power management in high voltage applications.
Implementation Method 1
converting the first quantity of DC into a first quantity of alternating current (AC); converting the second quantity of DC to a second quantity of AC
Implementation Method 2
supplying the first quantity of AC to a primary winding of a first transformer; supplying the second quantity of AC to a primary winding of a second transformer; and combining the first and second quantities of AC within series connected secondary windings of the first and second transformers
Data Source
AI summary
A power management system may employ a power source, a distribution system between the power source and electrical loads and an energy accumulator. The accumulator may comprise a plurality of energy processing blocks. Each block may have a limited number of energy storage cells connected in series to produce first voltage. A second higher output voltage from the accumulator may be achieved though integrated DC-DC, DC-AC and AC-DC conversion with intermediate boost of AC voltage through high frequency transformers. Bidirectional power flow may be achieved with high efficiency during charge and discharge of the accumulator. Secondary windings of the transformers may be connected with one another in series so that the accumulator can transfer energy between the distribution system and any one or all of the energy processing units in a fault-tolerant and efficient manner.