Multi-Bridge Charging System with Dynamic Assigning Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing charging systems lack flexibility in charging various types of electrical energy accumulators, particularly in supporting multiple connections and efficient energy transfer modes, such as single-phase and three-phase AC and DC charging, with limited ability to adjust charging currents and voltages.

Innovation Solution

A charging system comprising multiple connections, two-level or multi-level inverter bridges, electric filters, a controllable assigning unit, and a control unit that allows for flexible assignment of energy flows and switching devices to manage different charging modes, including simultaneous charging of multiple accumulators with AC or DC, and the ability to inject energy into or extract from a grid, with a focus on high voltage and current handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a charging system uses a single inverter bridge configuration, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to charge different types of accumulators (single-phase AC, three-phase AC, DC) is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging mode adaptabilityVSAvoidinverter bridge configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal charging system where multiple inverter bridges (first, second, third, and fourth inverter bridges) can operate in different configurations to support single-phase AC charging, three-phase AC charging, and DC charging modes. The controllable switching unit dynamically reconfigures the inverter bridges to provide multi-functional capability, allowing a single system to serve multiple charging purposes without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each charging type.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a controllable switching unit that dynamically reconfigures the connection topology of the inverter bridges based on the detected charging requirements. The switching unit can change the operational state of individual inverter bridges, transforming the system from a static configuration to a dynamic one that adapts in real-time to different charging modes, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and charging adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the charging system uses multiple inverter bridges with controllable switching, then the charging flexibility improves, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging mode flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a control unit that receives charging requirement information and automatically determines the appropriate charging mode. The control unit monitors the operational state of the inverter bridges and adjusts the switching configuration accordingly, implementing a feedback mechanism that reduces the need for manual intervention and simplifies the overall control complexity while maintaining high charging flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The charging system is designed to automatically detect charging requirements and self-configure the inverter bridges without external intervention. The control unit autonomously manages the switching states of the inverter bridges based on the detected charging mode, allowing the system to serve itself and reducing the burden on the control operator, thereby mitigating the complexity issue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the system supports simultaneous charging of multiple accumulators, then the productivity increases, but the energy management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimultaneous charging capacityVSAvoidenergy management system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the charging system into multiple independent inverter bridge modules (first, second, third, and fourth inverter bridges), each capable of operating independently or in combination with others. This segmentation allows simultaneous charging of multiple accumulators by activating specific modules based on demand, while the modular structure simplifies energy management compared to a fully integrated system, as each module can be controlled and monitored separately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables flexible and efficient charging of multiple electrical energy accumulators across various modes, including high current and voltage operations, supporting rapid charging of electric vehicle batteries and grid energy integration, while allowing for recharging of the energy supply accumulator.

Implementation Method 1

a number n of at least three two-level or multi-level inverter bridges... Each of the inverter bridges conventionally comprises a center tap... at least two series-connected and actuatable switching devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a number n of single- or multi-phase electric filters, wherein one input of a respective filter of the number n of filters is electrically connected to a respectively associated center tap of an associated inverter bridge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentUS11569677B2Charging system
Publication Date: 2023.01.31 BUCHER HYDRAULICS AG
  • US11569677B2 patent drawing
  • US11569677B2 patent drawing
  • US11569677B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A charging system has: a number of connections for connecting at least one electric energy store to be charged; a number n of at least three inverter bridges, each of which has a center tap; a number n of electric filters, wherein the input of each filter of the number n of filters is electrically connected to a respective corresponding center tap of an inverter bridge of the number of inverter bridges; a controllable assigning unit which is inserted between a respective output of a filter of the number n of filters and the number of connections and which is designed to electrically assign the output of each filter of the number n of filters to a respective corresponding connection of the number of connections depending on at least one actuation signal; and a control unit which is designed to generate the at least one actuation signal depending on a desired charge mode of the charging system.