Power Apparatus Current Switching for Dynamic Load Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing power systems for electric vehicles face challenges in safely reconfiguring power modules under dynamic loads, leading to inefficiencies due to the need for dead-time control and additional energy storage units, making it difficult to manage power transfer during dynamic load conditions.
Innovation Solution
A power apparatus management system that includes a control module and power apparatus module with switches controlled by a battery module controller using negative feedback and open loop control to switch between enable and bypass modes, allowing for efficient current management and reconfiguration without disrupting the power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dead-time control strategy is used to prevent shoot-through current during power module reconfiguration, then system safety is improved, but power transfer efficiency deteriorates due to additional energy storage units and interruption of power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a current transfer mechanism as an intermediary between power modules during reconfiguration. The current transfer module temporarily stores and transfers current, enabling safe switching between power modules without requiring additional energy storage units or interrupting the power supply, thus resolving the contradiction between safety and efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous current transfer during power module reconfiguration through the current transfer module. This ensures that the power supply to the load remains uninterrupted and maintains continuous useful action, eliminating the need for dead-time control and additional energy storage units while preserving both safety and efficiency
2Reliability
If additional energy storage units are added to fulfill energy demand during power device reconfiguration, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The current transfer module serves multiple functions: it acts as a temporary energy storage device during switching, provides current continuity during reconfiguration, and enables safe power module replacement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate additional energy storage units, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the current transfer functionality with the existing power module structure. The current transfer module is integrated into the power system architecture, combining current storage and transfer functions with the power delivery mechanism, thereby avoiding the need for separate additional components and reducing overall device complexity
3Productivity
If power modules are reconfigured under dynamic load conditions, then productivity is improved by avoiding interruptions, but system safety deteriorates due to potential shoot-through current
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary current transfer to the current transfer module before power module disconnection. This preliminary action prepares the system for safe reconfiguration by pre-positioning the current in a controlled storage location, preventing shoot-through current and enabling safe productivity improvement through continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The current transfer module acts as an intermediary that mediates between the power modules during dynamic load reconfiguration. It provides a controlled path for current flow, preventing direct short-circuit conditions while enabling continuous power delivery, thus resolving the safety concern while maintaining productivity
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a power apparatus operating method includes receiving a mode switching signal to control an operating of a power apparatus to provide and/or receive a preconfigured load; sensing an enable route current of an enable route, and a bypass route current of a bypass route, wherein the enable route current flowing through a battery module including one or more batteries, and the bypass route current does not flowing through the battery module; and controlling driving a first and a second switches by using a negative feedback control and an open loop control, to perform a current switching between an enable mode and a bypass mode of the power apparatus, based on the mode switching signal, the enable route current and the bypass route current, wherein the enable mode uses the power apparatus and the bypass mode bypasses the power apparatus.