MOSFET Interlock Circuit for Energy Storage Short-Circuit Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

The design of interlock devices for preventing circuit operation until specific conditions are met is a pressing challenge, particularly in applications like Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS), photovoltaic inverters, and energy storage systems.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves an interlock device comprising multiple interlock circuits, drive processing circuits, and drive status feedback circuits, which work together to ensure that specific conditions are met before allowing circuit operation. This is achieved through a complex network of resistors, NAND gates, optocoupler relays, and MOSFETs, allowing for precise control and prevention of simultaneous operation of MOSFETs to avoid short-circuiting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple circuits are allowed to operate simultaneously with input signals applied, then circuit productivity and responsiveness are improved, but the risk of short-circuiting and harmful effects increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit operation responsivenessVSAvoidshort-circuit risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The interlock device applies preliminary anti-action by detecting the operational state of circuits before allowing new operations to commence. The interlock circuit generates interlock signals that prevent drive signals from being output to circuits that are already operating, thereby preventing short-circuits before they can occur. This is achieved through the interlock processing circuit that continuously monitors circuit states and blocks potentially harmful simultaneous operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Reliability

If an interlock circuit is designed to prevent simultaneous circuit operation, then safety and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional interlock circuits and processing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit operation safetyVSAvoidinterlock circuit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interlock device achieves multi-functionality by integrating multiple functions into a single unified circuit structure. The interlock processing circuit simultaneously performs state detection, interlock signal generation, and drive signal control for multiple circuits. This universal design allows the same interlock mechanism to protect multiple circuits without requiring separate interlock circuits for each, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If interlock signals are continuously monitored to prevent short-circuits, then safety is improved, but energy consumption increases due to continuous monitoring requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshort-circuit preventionVSAvoidmonitoring energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The interlock device implements periodic action by monitoring circuit states at specific intervals rather than continuously. The interlock processing circuit checks operational states periodically through sampled signals, generating interlock signals only when necessary to prevent short-circuits. This periodic monitoring approach maintains safety by detecting circuit states at critical moments while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring, as the monitoring circuit is activated only when state changes occur or at predetermined time intervals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

The interlock device effectively prevents the energy storage battery from short-circuiting by ensuring that the first and second MOSFETs cannot be on simultaneously, thus ensuring safe and reliable operation of the energy storage system.

Implementation Method 1

a first optocoupler relay, a second optocoupler relay

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptocoupling: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a first NAND gate; a second NAND gate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDigital logic operation:

Data Source

PatentUS20250047129A1Interlock device, energy storage system, control method, and device thereof
Publication Date: 2025.02.06 ALPHA ESS CO LTD
  • US20250047129A1 patent drawing
  • US20250047129A1 patent drawing
  • US20250047129A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present application provides an interlock device, an energy storage system, a control method, and a control apparatus. The interlock device comprises: a first interlock circuit, a first drive processing circuit, a first drive status feedback circuit, a second interlock circuit, a second drive processing circuit, and a second drive status feedback circuit. The first interlock circuit, the first drive processing circuit, and the first drive status feedback circuit are connected, and the second interlock circuit, the second drive processing circuit, and the second drive status feedback circuit are connected. The first interlock circuit receives an output of the second drive status feedback circuit, and the second interlock circuit receives an output of the first drive status feedback circuit, thereby forming an interlock circuit.