Multi-Mode DC-DC Converters for EV Battery Redundancy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle energy storage systems face challenges in efficiently managing and regulating electrical characteristics of DC-DC power converters to support low voltage loads while maintaining battery state of charge, often lacking flexibility in operating modes and redundancy.
Innovation Solution
The system employs multiple DC-DC power converters with controllers that can operate in various modes (voltage, current, and power control) based on received characteristics and setpoints, allowing for flexible regulation of electrical characteristics and redundancy through parallel operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple DC-DC power converters are used to support low voltage loads, then reliability is improved through redundancy, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power conversion function is segmented into multiple independent DC-DC converters, each capable of operating autonomously. This segmentation provides redundancy (improving reliability) while keeping each individual converter module relatively simple in structure
Solution Approach 2:
Each DC-DC power converter is designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating in different modes (voltage control mode, current control mode, power control mode) depending on system requirements. This universal design reduces the need for specialized components for each function, managing overall device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If DC-DC power converters operate in multiple modes, then adaptability is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically selects operating modes (voltage control, current control, or power control mode) based on real-time system conditions such as load requirements and battery state of charge. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to respond to changing conditions while the controller manages the complexity of mode switching
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operating parameters (control mode, setpoints) based on system conditions to achieve adaptability. The controller adjusts which parameter is primarily controlled (voltage, current, or power) depending on the operational context, managing complexity through parameter-based control strategies
3Reliability
If controllers communicate to coordinate operating modes, then system coordination is improved, but communication reliability requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Controllers exchange information about system state and operating modes through communication links, creating a feedback mechanism that coordinates the operation of multiple converters. This feedback loop improves system coordination while the communication infrastructure manages the complexity of inter-controller interaction
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage system includes a plurality of batteries coupled in series, a plurality of DC-DC power converters each having first and second sides, a DC bus coupled to the second sides of the DC-DC power converters, and at least one controller coupled to at least one DC-DC power converter. Each of the DC-DC power converters is configured to operate in a plurality of operating modes. The at least one controller configured to receive a plurality of operating characteristics of the at least one DC-DC power converter and a plurality of setpoints, select an operating mode of the plurality of operating modes for the at least one DC-DC power converter, and control the at least one DC-DC power converter to operate in the selected operating mode based on at least one of the operating characteristics and at least one of the setpoints.