Multi-Port Converter Topology With HESS for Fast Load Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-port converters for renewable and hybrid energy systems are large, complex, and expensive, with slow response times due to the need for numerous components and controllers, and lack integration of photovoltaic, electrical grid, and fuel cell sources with hybrid energy storage systems while providing galvanic isolation and performance monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A multi-port converter topology that includes a hybrid energy storage system with a battery and supercapacitor combination, a high-frequency transformer, and a controller to manage power flow, allowing for reduced component count, faster response times, and galvanic isolation, enabling efficient integration of various energy sources and monitoring of power levels and storage states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If prior art multi-port converter topologies are used, then multiple power sources can be integrated, but the system size and component count become large and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power source interfaces (photovoltaic, electrical grid, fuel cell) and energy storage systems (battery, supercapacitor) into a single integrated multi-port converter topology. This merging approach allows all power sources to be processed through shared circuitry including a single high-frequency transformer, reducing the overall component count while maintaining the ability to handle diverse input sources simultaneously
2Adaptability or versatility
If prior art multi-port converter topologies are used, then multiple power sources can be integrated, but the system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple power processing functions into a single compact converter architecture, eliminating the need for separate processing circuits for each power source. The shared high-frequency transformer and integrated energy storage system reduce the overall system volume while maintaining full functionality for handling photovoltaic, grid, and fuel cell inputs
3Adaptability or versatility
If prior art multi-port converter topologies are used, then multiple power sources can be integrated, but response time becomes slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hybrid energy storage system comprising both battery and supercapacitor as intermediary elements between the multiple power sources and the load. The supercapacitor provides fast transient response for sudden load changes, while the battery handles sustained energy delivery, together enabling rapid system response without requiring complex control coordination between multiple separate power processing circuits
4Adaptability or versatility
If prior art multi-port converter topologies are used, then multiple controllers are needed for coordination, but this increases cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single controller that performs multiple functions including managing power flow from all input sources (photovoltaic, grid, fuel cell), controlling both energy storage systems (battery and supercapacitor), and coordinating output power delivery. This universal controller eliminates the need for multiple separate controllers and their associated communication interfaces, reducing both complexity and cost while maintaining full coordination capability
5Power
If prior art multi-port converter topologies are used, then power conversion is achieved, but galvanic isolation and performance monitoring are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the high-frequency transformer as an intermediary element that provides galvanic isolation between the multiple input power sources and the output load. Additionally, the controller continuously monitors performance parameters including power levels from each source, state of charge of energy storage systems, and output delivery, enabling comprehensive performance monitoring that enhances system reliability without adding separate monitoring hardware
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 solution results in a more compact, cost-effective system with improved response times, enabling efficient energy management and extended range or life of the power source, while providing an additional path for inputs to bypass the energy storage system when necessary.
Implementation Method 1
a high frequency transformer having a single primary winding and at least first and second secondary windings, the high frequency transformer connected to receive the AC pulse train
Implementation Method 2
A first and a second rectifier circuit can be selectively connected to the first and second windings, respectively
Implementation Method 3
A first energy storage system is selectively connected to an output of the first rectifier circuit, and a second energy storage system is selectively connected to an output of the second rectifier circuit
Implementation Method 4
The disclosed system provides a unique combination of ESSs which can include different charge and discharge response characteristics. For example, as illustrated below, the ESS can include a battery and a supercapacitor
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-port converter includes a hybrid energy storage system (HESS) that provides a faster dynamic response to load changes than prior art systems, and enables either downsizing of the main energy storage system (ESS) to increase the life of the main ESS (e.g. energy battery), or retaining the same size ESS and increasing the range or life of the power source. The multi-port convertor can advantageously result in lower investment and maintenance costs, and can also advantageously provide a path for inputs to directly feed the load. All these benefits can be achieved while reducing the number of active switches and overall component count as compared to prior art systems.