Modular Power Supply System with Swappable Battery Racks
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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 requires efficient management of multiple power sources and battery types.
Innovation Solution
A modular power supply system with multiple alternating and direct current inputs and outputs, incorporating a microprocessor-controlled circuitry that manages a backup energy source, such as batteries or fuel cells, allowing for the evaluation and swapping of individual batteries, and includes a scalable design with interchangeable battery racks and a hierarchical management system for efficient power distribution and monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If batteries are recharged in place, then continuous power supply is maintained, but recharge time is considerable and operation is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into multiple individual battery packs that can be independently removed and replaced. This segmentation allows one battery to be swapped while another is being recharged, eliminating the need to interrupt operation for recharging and enabling continuous operation without time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
Batteries are recharged in advance before being installed in the device. The system maintains a stock of pre-charged backup batteries, so when a battery is depleted, a fully charged replacement is already available, eliminating waiting time and ensuring continuous operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple battery types are supported, then versatility is improved, but management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is designed with universal compatibility to accept multiple types of rechargeable batteries (NiCd, NiMH, Li-ion, etc.) through a standardized interface. The control circuitry automatically detects and adapts to different battery types, providing versatile support without requiring separate management systems for each battery type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates microprocessor-controlled monitoring that continuously tracks battery status, charge levels, and compatibility. This feedback mechanism automatically manages multiple battery types by detecting their specific characteristics and adjusting charging parameters accordingly, simplifying the management of versatile battery support.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If battery capacity is increased, then energy supply duration is extended, but battery weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using one large heavy battery, the system divides the total energy capacity into multiple smaller, lighter battery packs. These modular packs can be individually replaced, allowing the device to maintain extended energy supply duration through battery swapping rather than carrying excessive weight, as only one pack needs to be held at full capacity.
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.