Parallel Power Storage Switching for Excess Current Suppression

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical power supply systems face issues with excessive electrical current flow due to voltage differences between parallel-connected electrical power storage devices, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential damage.

Innovation Solution

The system employs switching devices and reverse flow prevention devices to manage voltage differences by selectively connecting and disconnecting power generating and storage devices, using control units to regulate power flow and prevent excessive current, ensuring smooth operation and efficient charging of capacitors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If multiple electrical power storage devices are connected in parallel to supply power to different load devices, then the power supply capacity and reliability are improved, but excessive electrical current flows due to voltage differences between the storage devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply capacityVSAvoidexcessive electrical current
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces switching devices as intermediaries between the parallel-connected electrical power storage devices and the load devices. These switching devices control the connection states, ensuring that only one storage device supplies power at a time based on voltage comparisons, thereby preventing excessive current flow while maintaining the ability to serve multiple loads

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If switching devices are introduced to control connection states and prevent excessive current, then excessive electrical current is suppressed, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexcessive electrical currentVSAvoidswitching device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power supply system into independent control branches, with each electrical power storage device having its own switching device. This segmentation allows each switch to independently control its associated storage device's connection state, simplifying the overall control logic while effectively preventing excessive current through decentralized management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If voltage comparison control is implemented to manage power flow from multiple storage devices, then voltage imbalances are prevented and efficient charging is achieved, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the control unit continuously monitors and compares the terminal voltages of parallel-connected electrical power storage devices. Based on this voltage feedback, the control unit automatically adjusts the switching states to ensure optimal power flow and prevent reverse current, achieving efficient charging while maintaining system stability through closed-loop control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4579972A1Electrical power supply system and method of controlling electrical power supply system
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP4579972A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4579972A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4579972A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In an electrical power supply system (10), when a terminal voltage of a first electrical power storage device (24a) is higher than that of a second electrical power storage device (24b), an electrical power generating device (14) and a first load device (16a) are electrically disconnected, and the electrical power generating device and the first electrical power storage device are electrically disconnected, thereby charging a smoothing capacitor (20a) of the first load device by the electrical power supplied from the first electrical power storage device, and the electrical power generating device and a second load device (16b) are electrically connected, and the electrical power generating device and the second electrical power storage device are electrically connected, thereby charging a smoothing capacitor (18) of the electrical power generating device and a smoothing capacitor (20b) of the second load device by the electrical power supplied from the second electrical power storage device.