Modular Energy Converter Topology for Charge Balancing and Voltage Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery systems and energy conversion systems face inefficiencies due to the need for complex and costly battery management systems, energy wastage, limited adjustability, and reduced performance due to differences in cell properties, which also apply to energy conversion systems like fuel cells and solar modules.
Innovation Solution
A modular energy storage direct converter system with a bridge branch of series-connected modules, each with two first and two second connections, and a control device that manages switches to achieve desired voltages or phases without additional converters, allowing for dynamic series and parallel connections of modules, including deactivation of storage or energy conversion elements for efficient energy delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive balancing is used to balance charges of battery cells, then charge balance is achieved, but energy is wasted by converting electrical energy into thermal energy
Solution Approach 1:
A DC-DC converter is introduced as an intermediary device between battery cells with different charges. The converter enables controlled energy transfer from higher-charged cells to lower-charged cells through electrical conversion, avoiding the energy-wasting thermal dissipation of passive balancing while achieving charge equilibrium across all cells
Solution Approach 2:
The passive resistive balancing mechanism (electrical-to-thermal conversion) is replaced with an active DC-DC conversion system that transfers electrical energy directly between cells. This substitution eliminates the need for energy-dissipating resistors and enables efficient energy redistribution based on real-time cell state monitoring
2Reliability
If active balancing is used to transfer energy between cells through recharging, then charge balance is achieved, but energy loss occurs and cell lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The DC-DC converter serves as an intelligent intermediary that enables direct energy transfer between cells through controlled conversion rather than complete discharge-recharge cycles. This intermediate conversion step reduces the number of charge-discharge cycles each cell undergoes, thereby minimizing energy loss and reducing stress on cell chemistry that would otherwise accelerate aging
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters including conversion ratio, transfer current, and timing based on real-time cell voltage and state of charge measurements. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves balancing with minimal energy loss and reduced electrochemical stress on the cells compared to conventional active balancing methods
3Stability of the object's composition
If all cells are required to be of the same type with minimal differences in electrical and physical properties, then system uniformity is maintained, but system adaptability and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into individually monitorable and controllable cell groups, each with measured voltage and state of charge. The DC-DC converter can selectively connect and transfer energy between specific segments (cells or groups) based on their individual needs, allowing heterogeneous cells to be integrated while maintaining overall system functionality through localized control
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control where the DC-DC converter continuously adjusts its operation based on real-time cell state measurements. Cells with different characteristics can be dynamically matched and balanced according to their current conditions rather than requiring static uniformity, enabling the system to adapt to varying cell properties and aging states
4Stability of the object's composition
If a high degree of technical circuitry and filtering is employed in battery systems, then voltage stability is improved, but energy consumption and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Passive filtering components (large capacitors, inductors, resistors) are replaced with an active DC-DC conversion system that provides voltage stabilization through controlled energy transfer and conversion. The converter's switching mechanism and control algorithm actively regulate output voltage, eliminating the need for bulky passive components that would otherwise be required to smooth voltage fluctuations
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic parameter adjustment in the DC-DC converter to optimize voltage stabilization efficiency. By adapting switching frequency, duty cycle, and conversion ratio based on real-time operating conditions, the system achieves stable voltage output with minimal energy loss, outperforming fixed-parameter passive filtering approaches
Data Source
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Figure 3a~3b
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AI summary
The invention describes a modular energy storage direct converter system (10) which comprises the following: a control device (20) and at least one bridge branch (12) which comprises a plurality of modules (14) which are connected in series, wherein each of said modules (14) comprises a storage element for electrical energy, in particular a battery, or an energy conversion element. Said modules (14) are designed and can be actuated such that the storage element or energy conversion element of a module can be selectively deactivated, and that the storage elements or energy conversion elements of two modules, which are separated by at least one intermediate module with a deactivated storage element/energy conversion element, can be connected selectively in parallel and in series.