Modular Power Conversion Unit for Bi-Directional Vehicle Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power distribution systems face challenges in efficiently coordinating electrical power conversion between devices with different power specifications, especially in contested environments where traditional power sources may be unavailable or damaged, and in providing continuous and uninterrupted power to various electrical loads.
Innovation Solution
A modular power conversion unit with bi-directional flow capabilities, incorporating a housing with slots for converter modules that can couple with various power sources and loads, enabling flexible power distribution and conversion between AC and DC sources, and supporting tactical microgrid standards, allowing for customization and isolation of damaged subsystems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional power distribution systems are used, then power conversion between devices with different power specifications can be coordinated, but the system lacks reliability in contested environments where power sources may be unavailable or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system is divided into modular components including power conversion units, power sources, and loads that can be independently configured and replaced. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different power sources while maintaining overall reliability through modular redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The power conversion unit is designed with universal interfaces and bi-directional power flow capability that enable it to work with multiple types of power sources (AC, DC, battery, solar) and various loads, providing both adaptability and reliable power conversion across different configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular power conversion units with bi-directional flow capabilities are implemented, then adaptability to different power sources and loads is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex power conversion functionality is segmented into separate power conversion units that can be independently managed. Each unit handles specific conversion tasks, reducing the complexity within individual components while maintaining overall system adaptability through modular composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The power conversion unit acts as an intermediary device between diverse power sources and loads, providing standardized interfaces and conversion functionality that simplifies the integration of multiple different components without requiring each component to be directly compatible with every other component.
3Ease of repair
If modular converter modules are used, then ease of repair and customization is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses standardized modular converter modules that can be manufactured independently and assembled into power conversion units. This segmentation enables specialized manufacturing of individual modules while simplifying repair through replacement of only the faulty module rather than the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular converter modules are designed with standardized electrical and mechanical parameters that remain constant across different applications. This standardization simplifies manufacturing by using common components and specifications, while still allowing customization through different module configurations and combinations.
Data Source
AI summary
A power conversion unit can include a housing, a first converter module, and a second converter module. The housing can define a shape of the power conversion unit, provide a first slot to receive the first converter module, provide a second slot to receive the second converter module. The first converter module can electrically couple with a first power source, and the first converter module can establish a first bi-directional flow of electrical power between a voltage bus of the power conversion unit and the first power source. The second converter module can electrically couple with a second power source, and establish a second bi-directional flow of electrical power between the voltage bus of the power conversion unit and the second power source.