Parallel Charger Modules Integrated Control Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

When multiple charging modules are connected in parallel, they struggle to operate simultaneously as a single charger, leading to issues like overcharging or insufficient charging due to differences in voltage detection and timing, resulting in inconsistent charging profiles and increased risk to battery lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A charger system with integrated control and separate control of parallel operations, where each module includes a rectification unit, power conversion unit, detection unit, and computation control unit, allowing for synchronized entry into and termination of the secondary constant current period without signal transmission between modules, and compensating for current imbalances to ensure consistent charging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If multiple charging modules are connected in parallel to increase charging capacity, then the charger can handle larger battery capacities, but the charging modules cannot operate simultaneously due to voltage detection errors and timing differences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging capacityVSAvoidsimultaneous operation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control functions of multiple charging modules into a unified control system. A master charging module coordinates with slave charging modules through signal transmission, enabling them to operate simultaneously as a unified system. This resolves the contradiction by combining multiple independent modules into a coordinated ensemble that functions reliably together.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where charging modules transmit status signals and voltage detection results to each other. The master module receives feedback from slave modules about their charging states and adjusts coordination accordingly. This feedback loop ensures simultaneous operation reliability while maintaining the increased charging capacity provided by parallel connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If charging modules operate independently without signal transmission, then device complexity is reduced, but overcharging or insufficient charging occurs due to timing differences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidcharging accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary control mechanism where a master charging module acts as a coordinator between slave modules and the central control system. This intermediary manages signal transmission and timing coordination, ensuring charging accuracy without requiring complex direct communication between all modules. The intermediary approach maintains reliability while controlling system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Power

If expensive large-capacity chargers are manufactured, then charging capability is sufficient, but manufacturing cost and replacement loss are very high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments a large-capacity charging system into multiple smaller, independent charging modules that can be connected in parallel. Each module is a complete but smaller-scale charger that can function independently or in coordination with others. This segmentation reduces the manufacturing cost and replacement loss compared to a single large-capacity charger, while still achieving the required total charging capability through parallel operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution enables parallel-connected charging modules to operate like a single charger, minimizing the risk of overcharging or insufficient charging, ensuring consistent battery charging and extending battery lifespan by compensating for current deviations and synchronizing charging termination.

Implementation Method 1

a rectification unit for converting input AC power into DC power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification:

Implementation Method 2

a power conversion unit for dropping the power input through the rectification unit by switching the power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a detection unit for detecting an output voltage and an output current of the DC unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical detection:

Data Source

PatentUS8102149B2Charger capable of performing integrated control and separate control of parallel operations
Publication Date: 2012.01.24 SIGNET EV INC
  • US8102149B2 patent drawing
  • US8102149B2 patent drawing
  • US8102149B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a charger capable of performing the integrated control and separate control of parallel operations. The charger includes a plurality of charging modules connected in parallel with each other. Each of the charging modules includes a rectification unit for converting input AC power into DC power. The system also includes a power conversion unit, a switching control unit, a DC unit, a detection unit, and a computation control unit. The computation control unit receives the voltage and current, detected by and fed back from the detection unit, computes the voltage and the current, and transmits a control signal required to allow the DC unit to supply a primary constant current, a constant voltage, and a secondary constant current to a battery.