Modular Energy Supply System with Swappable Battery Packs
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a lightweight intelligent energy system that can be used in various applications, including homeland defense, military, and residential use, as well as in vehicles, which can be refueled by swapping individual or groups of batteries at energy filling stations, similar to gas stations, and efficiently manage multiple alternating and direct current inputs and outputs.
Innovation Solution
A modular energy supply system with a microprocessor-controlled power supply that includes multiple alternating current and direct current inputs and outputs, featuring interchangeable battery packs, a programmable microprocessor for managing inputs and outputs based on voltage, current, and temperature measurements, and the ability to selectively couple system inputs, buses, and outputs using MOSFET-based switches and diodes to manage backup energy sources such as batteries or fuel cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If rechargeable batteries are used in vehicles, then energy storage capacity is improved, but recharge time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into multiple individual battery packs that can be independently removed and replaced. Instead of charging one large battery system, the vehicle can have depleted battery packs quickly swapped out and replaced with charged ones, eliminating the lengthy recharge wait time while maintaining high energy storage capacity through the collective capacity of multiple packs.
Solution Approach 2:
Battery packs are pre-charged externally at charging stations before being installed in the vehicle. This preliminary charging action separates the charging process from the vehicle operation, allowing the vehicle to use pre-charged packs immediately without experiencing recharge delays during operation.
2Duration of action of moving object
If multiple battery packs are used to extend operating time, then duration of action is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single battery management system is designed to handle multiple battery packs universally. The management system can detect, monitor, and control any number of identical battery packs through standardized interfaces, allowing the system to scale operating time by simply adding more packs without increasing management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extends operating time by changing the quantity parameter (number of battery packs) rather than modifying the complexity of individual pack management. Each battery pack operates with the same management protocol, so adding packs linearly increases capacity without exponentially increasing system complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If intelligent power management is implemented, then energy usage efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system continuously monitors voltage, current, and temperature parameters from battery packs and automatically adjusts power distribution based on real-time conditions. This feedback mechanism optimizes energy efficiency by preventing over-discharge, managing thermal conditions, and balancing load distribution without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery management system performs self-diagnosis and automatic power routing decisions based on predefined parameters. The system autonomously determines which battery packs are ready for use, monitors their status, and manages their integration into the vehicle's power system without external control, reducing the need for complex external management infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A scalable intelligent power-supply system and method capable of powering a defined load for a specified period of time is disclosed and claimed. Multiple external AC and DC inputs supply power to the system if available and required. An internal DC input from a back-up energy source is on board. The back-up energy source is scalable by adding additional energy cartridges such as batteries in racks mounted within frames of the system. The AC and DC inputs (including the internal DC input) are controlled, measured, sensed, and converted by circuitry controlled by the microprocessor into multiple AC and/or DC outputs. A microprocessor manages power input to, within, and output from the system. The performance of a Lithium-ion batteries used to power an automobile can be determined on the basis individual battery packs or individual battery cells within the packs. This enables the clusters or groups of Lithium ion batteries to be used in a vehicle such that these clusters operate and function as a “gas” tank or more appropriately as an “energy” tank.