Multi-Pack DC/DC Converter Architecture for Variable Voltage Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrical energy storage systems are inflexible and unable to support different voltage levels from power generation systems, limiting their application and production efficiency due to fixed input voltage ranges of DC/DC converters.

Innovation Solution

The system employs multiple DC/DC converters, where second DC/DC converters are used to adapt the voltage input from the power generation system to match the input voltage range of first DC/DC converters, allowing the energy storage system to support various voltage levels by performing voltage conversion during charging and discharging processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the input voltage range of the DC/DC converter is designed to match a specific voltage level, then the converter can operate reliably at that voltage level, but it cannot support other voltage levels, reducing system adaptability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconverter operation reliabilityVSAvoidvoltage level adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The DC/DC converter is divided into multiple independent converter modules, each designed to handle specific voltage ranges. This segmentation allows the system to support multiple voltage levels by activating appropriate modules based on the input voltage, resolving the contradiction between reliable operation at a specific voltage and adaptability to multiple voltages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The DC/DC converter is designed with multi-functional capability to operate across different voltage levels. By incorporating multiple converter modules with different voltage ratings and control strategies, the system achieves universal compatibility with various power generation systems while maintaining reliable operation at each supported voltage level.

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

2Device complexity

If the DC/DC converter is designed for a fixed voltage level, then the system structure can be simplified, but the system cannot adapt to different power generation system voltages, limiting application flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconverter system complexityVSAvoidapplication flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The DC/DC converter system employs dynamic voltage detection and automatic module selection capabilities. The controller dynamically identifies the input voltage level and activates the appropriate converter module, allowing the system to adapt to different voltage levels without requiring complex manual configuration or redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A voltage detection and control module serves as an intermediary between the power generation system and the DC/DC converter modules. This intermediary detects the input voltage level and controls which converter module operates, simplifying the overall system structure while enabling adaptability to different voltage levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple DC/DC converter modules are used to support different voltage levels, then voltage adaptability is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage level supportVSAvoidconverter module quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple DC/DC converter modules are merged into a unified system with shared control and detection mechanisms. The voltage detection module and control unit serve all converter modules simultaneously, reducing redundant components and simplifying the overall system structure while maintaining the ability to support multiple voltage levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The DC/DC converter system automatically detects the input voltage level and selects the appropriate converter module without external intervention. The system self-configures based on the detected voltage, eliminating the need for complex manual setup or external control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This configuration enhances the flexibility and efficiency of the electrical energy storage system, enabling it to adapt to different voltage levels and inverters, thereby improving production efficiency and reliability by supporting multiple voltage levels and ensuring seamless operation across various power generation systems.

Implementation Method 1

A direct current to direct current (direct current to direct current, DC/DC) converter in the electrical energy storage system is configured to: receive a direct current that is output by the power generation system, and input the direct current to a battery pack for storage after performing direct current voltage conversion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical energy conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP4027476B1Energy storage system comprising multiple battery packs
Publication Date: 2025.01.15 HUAWEI DIGITAL POWER TECH CO LTD
  • EP4027476B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4027476B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4027476B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

This application provides an electrical energy storage system and an energy storage system, to improve application flexibility of the electrical energy storage system. The electrical energy storage system includes: M battery packs; M first DC/DC converters, where first terminals of the M first DC/DC converters are respectively connected to the M battery packs, the M first DC/DC converters are classified into N first DC/DC converter sets, M is an integer greater than 1, and N is an integer greater than 0; and N second DC/DC converters, where the N second DC/DC converters one-to-one correspond to the N first DC/DC converter sets, a first terminal of each second DC/DC converter is connected to second terminals of all first DC/DC converters in a first DC/DC converter set corresponding to the second DC/DC converter, a second terminal of each second DC/DC converter is connected to a first interface of the electrical energy storage system, the first interface is configured to receive a direct current from a power generation system or output a direct current to the power generation system, and N is an integer greater than 1.