Parallel Power Source Device with Segmented Storage

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power source devices face challenges in continuously supplying a large current over a long period due to limitations in capacitance and internal resistance, making it difficult to meet varying power demands efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A power source device configuration that includes a first power storage element and a second power storage element connected in parallel, where the second element has lower internal resistance and capacity, with an opening and closing part, charge circuit, and discharge circuit, allowing for sequential charging and discharging operations to manage power supply based on load requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If a single power storage element with large capacitance is used to supply large current over long period, then the duration of power supply is improved, but the internal resistance increases making it difficult to supply large current

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of power supplyVSAvoidcurrent supply capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The power storage system is segmented into two distinct power storage elements: a first power storage element (e.g., capacitor) with low internal resistance for high current discharge, and a second power storage element (e.g., battery) with large capacitance for prolonged power supply. This segmentation allows each element to specialize in different aspects of power delivery, resolving the contradiction between current capability and duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the internal resistance and capacitance parameters by using two different power storage elements with complementary characteristics. The first element has low internal resistance and moderate capacitance, while the second element has high internal resistance but large capacitance. This parameter differentiation enables the system to achieve both high current and long duration power supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If a single power storage element with low internal resistance is used to supply large current, then the current supply capability is improved, but the storage capacity decreases limiting prolonged power output

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurrent supply capabilityVSAvoidstorage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The power storage system is segmented into two distinct power storage elements: a first power storage element (e.g., capacitor) with low internal resistance for high current discharge, and a second power storage element (e.g., battery) with large capacitance for prolonged power supply. This segmentation allows each element to specialize in different aspects of power delivery, resolving the contradiction between current capability and duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the internal resistance and capacitance parameters by using two different power storage elements with complementary characteristics. The first element has low internal resistance and moderate capacitance, while the second element has high internal resistance but large capacitance. This parameter differentiation enables the system to achieve both high current and long duration power supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Power

If two power storage elements are used with different characteristics, then both high current and prolonged power supply are achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurrent supply capabilityVSAvoidpower source device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges two power storage elements with different characteristics into a unified power source device. The first power storage element (capacitor) and second power storage element (battery) are electrically connected in parallel, allowing them to work together as an integrated system. This merging approach achieves both high current and long duration power supply while managing complexity through coordinated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit acts as an intermediary that manages the operations of the two power storage elements. It determines when to charge or discharge each element based on power demands, thereby coordinating their activities and simplifying the overall system operation despite having multiple components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If sequential charging and discharging operations are implemented to manage power supply, then power supply efficiency is improved, but the control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol circuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit implements periodic action by sequentially charging the first power storage element during low-demand periods and discharging it during high-demand periods. This periodic charging and discharging pattern optimizes power supply efficiency by keeping the capacitor charged and ready for immediate high-current discharge when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit performs preliminary action by charging the first power storage element (capacitor) in advance during periods when high current is not required. This preliminary charging ensures that the capacitor is ready to immediately supply large currents when sudden power demands occur, improving overall power supply efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables efficient power supply by initially using the second power storage element for high current discharge and then switching to the first element for prolonged power output, effectively addressing the limitations of conventional devices.

Implementation Method 1

a charge circuit that is connected to an input route of the first power storage element, the charge circuit performing a step-down operation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStep-down operation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a discharge circuit that is connected to an output route of the second power storage element, the discharge circuit performing a step-up operation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStep-up operation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3518373B1Power source device and vehicle equipped with power source device

Publication Date: 2020.11.18 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

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AI summary

A power source device of present disclosure includes: a first power storage element; a second power storage element that is connected in parallel to the first power storage element and that has a lower internal resistance than an internal resistance of the first power storage element and a lower storage capacity than a storage capacity of the first power storage element; an opening and closing part that is connected between the first power storage element and the second power storage element and that switches between a disconnection state and a connection state; a charge circuit that is connected to an input route of the first power storage element and that performs a step-down operation; a discharge circuit that is connected to an output route of the second power storage element and that performs a step-up operation; and a controller that controls operations of the opening and closing part, the charge circuit, and the discharge circuit.