Multi-port Reconfigurable Battery for Inverter-free Regenerative Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric bicycle systems require complex and costly inverter designs to achieve regenerative braking, which are inefficient and not widely adopted due to high energy loss and weight, and lack a battery configuration that can efficiently drive and recharge without an inverter.
Innovation Solution
A multi-port reconfigurable battery system with processor-controlled switches that dynamically reconfigure series-connected battery cells to provide variable voltage outputs, allowing for simultaneous charging and discharging without the need for an inverter, and can power electric motors in electric vehicles and forced-air induction systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inverter-based regenerative braking systems are used, then regenerative braking capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the inverter component from the regenerative braking system. By directly connecting the battery cells in parallel configuration, the system eliminates the need for complex inverter-based voltage conversion, while still achieving regenerative braking capability through the natural voltage difference between series and parallel battery configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery system is segmented into multiple independently controllable battery cells with individual switching devices. This segmentation allows flexible reconfiguration between series and parallel connections, enabling regenerative braking without requiring a centralized inverter system. Each cell can be independently switched to achieve the desired electrical configuration.
2Reliability
If inverter-based regenerative braking systems are used, then regenerative braking capability is achieved, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the inverter from the system, the patent eliminates the energy losses associated with voltage conversion and inversion processes. The direct parallel connection of battery cells during regenerative braking minimizes energy loss by maintaining a more efficient electrical pathway for energy recovery.
3Reliability
If inverter-based regenerative braking systems are used, then regenerative braking capability is achieved, but system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the heavy inverter component from the system architecture. By using direct battery cell reconfiguration through switching devices, the system achieves regenerative braking capability with significantly reduced weight, as the lightweight switching circuitry replaces the heavy inverter hardware.
4Adaptability or versatility
If battery cells are reconfigured for simultaneous charging and discharging, then versatility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into independently controllable cells with individual switching devices. This segmentation enables flexible reconfiguration for simultaneous charging and discharging operations. The modular architecture allows different portions of the battery to be independently managed, achieving high versatility while keeping individual cell control relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reconfigures battery cell connections based on operational requirements. Processor-controlled switches enable real-time transitions between series and parallel configurations, allowing the battery to adapt its electrical characteristics for optimal performance in charging, discharging, or simultaneous operations.
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 enables efficient regenerative braking and driving without inverter-based systems, reducing energy loss and weight, and provides a flexible power source for various electrical applications, including electric bicycles and forced-air induction systems.
Implementation Method 1
A reconfigurable series-joined first bank of statically joined plurality of series connected battery cells to a second bank of statically joined plurality of series connected battery cells
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of ports, each port including at least one processor controlled switch electrically connected between a first voltage pole of each of the battery cells and a first electrical output connection, and at least one processor controlled switch electrically connected between a second voltage pole of each of the battery cells and a second electrical output connection
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-port reconfigurable battery has at least one bank of statically joined series connected battery cells, each including a positive and negative pole connected through switches to respective output connections on at least one port. Processor controlled switches reconfigure the cells to provide power for electrical loads on one or more ports and simultaneously provide charging on one or more other ports. An alternative configuration divides groups of series connected cells into separate battery banks that permit other configurations. Ports are configurable to share one electrically common connection with other ports providing a simplified configuration (multi-tap reconfigurable battery). Applications include selectable motor speed control and battery regeneration schemes matched to motor output, and single or multiphase AC power output at selectable frequencies for use as an Uninterruptible Power Supply. The battery is also described as a power source for a forced-air induction system (e.g. electric supercharger) for a combustion engine.