Multiport Energy Routing for Integrated AC and DC Power Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional utility transformers are limited to AC power delivery, unable to efficiently connect to and manage DC loads and sources, leading to complex, costly, and inflexible energy routing systems that hinder the integration of emerging DC loads and sources, such as photovoltaic arrays, battery storage, and DC fast charging, and complicate grid operations.
Innovation Solution
A multiport energy routing system with a first port connected to an AC utility grid, multiple dynamic ports for AC/DC power flow, and a power converter stack with modular soft-switching solid-state transformer converters, enabling flexible, scalable, and dynamically reconfigurable power management, including bidirectional AC/DC power flow and independent control of ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional utility transformers are used for AC power delivery, then AC power can be efficiently transformed and delivered, but DC loads and sources cannot be connected or managed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multiport energy routing system where a single integrated device can handle both AC and DC power flows. The system includes multiple ports that can independently connect to different AC and DC loads and sources, allowing one device to perform functions that traditionally required separate transformers, rectifiers, and protection devices for each load type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple previously separate components into a single integrated energy routing system. Instead of having separate AC transformers, DC-DC converters, and protection devices for each load, the system combines these functions into one unified device with multiple ports, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to serve diverse AC and DC loads.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate converters and protection gear are used for each DC load, then each load can be independently managed, but system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The multiport energy routing system provides independent control for each connected load through dedicated control circuits for each port, while maintaining a unified physical structure. Each port can be independently configured and controlled to serve different AC or DC loads, eliminating the need for separate converter devices while preserving independent management capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies segmentation by dividing the energy routing function into multiple independent ports, each capable of serving a specific load or source. This modular port structure allows independent control and configuration for each connection point while maintaining overall system integration, reducing the number of separate devices needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional AC-only infrastructure is used, then existing AC loads can be served, but emerging DC loads like photovoltaic arrays, battery storage, and DC fast charging cannot be efficiently integrated
Solution Approach 1:
The energy routing system is designed as a universal platform that can serve both traditional AC loads and emerging DC loads through its multiple ports. By incorporating both AC and DC ports in a single device, the system eliminates the need for separate infrastructure for different load types, reducing deployment costs while enabling integration of photovoltaic arrays, battery storage, and DC fast charging.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent converters are used for multiport operation, then each port can be independently controlled, but coordination between converters becomes extremely complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple converter functions into a single integrated energy routing device with unified control. Instead of coordinating separate converters, the system provides centralized control that manages power flow across all ports simultaneously, eliminating the coordination complexity that would arise from multiple independent converter devices working together.
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 system provides a cost-effective, interoperable, and flexible solution for integrating AC and DC loads/sources, reducing complexity and cost by eliminating the need for separate converters and external protection gear, allowing dynamic power distribution and efficient utilization of resources.
Implementation Method 1
The step-down transformer can have a high voltage side and a low voltage side
Implementation Method 2
Each of the plurality of power converter modules can comprise a first converter bridge, a second converter bridge, and a power converter transformer
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the disclosure provides a flexible multiport energy routing system comprising a first port configured to connect to an AC grid, a plurality of second ports configured to connect to a plurality of devices, a step-down transformer, a power converter stack, and a third port. The step-down transformer can a high voltage side electrically coupled to the first port and a low voltage side. The power converter stack can comprise a plurality of power converter modules each having a first converter bridge connected to the low voltage side of the step-down transformer and a second converter bridge connected to one or more of the plurality of second ports. Each of the power converter modules can have a converter transformer connected between the first and second converter bridges. The first and second converter bridges can bidirectionally manage AC and DC power flows between the first, second, and third ports.