Power Conditioner Path Selection for Battery Charging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In power supply systems, significant power loss occurs when charging storage batteries from power generation apparatuses due to the need to step up and then step down voltage through intermediate links, which reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A power control apparatus that selects between two electrical paths to charge storage batteries, using an inverter with first and second power converters, where surplus power from the power generation apparatus is directed through the second path to charge the battery directly, reducing the need for intermediate voltage conversion and associated power loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If voltage is stepped up to intermediate link voltage and then stepped down for battery charging, then the battery can be charged through the power conditioner, but power loss increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power conversion path into two separate direct conversion paths: one for AC to battery charging (bypassing the intermediate DC link) and another for battery discharge to AC. This segmentation eliminates the need for double conversion (up then down) through the intermediate link, reducing power loss while maintaining system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of following the conventional path of stepping up to intermediate voltage then stepping down, the invention inverts the approach by enabling direct AC to battery charging through a separate converter path, eliminating the intermediate voltage conversion step that causes power loss.
2Loss of energy
If direct connection between power generation apparatus and storage battery is implemented, then power loss is reduced, but system adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the power conditioner with multi-functional capability: it can operate in conventional mode (through intermediate DC link) for general applications, and switch to direct AC-to-battery charging mode when power loss reduction is prioritized. This universal design allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining both functionality and efficiency.
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 approach significantly reduces power loss during battery charging by eliminating the need for intermediate voltage conversion, enhancing charging efficiency and dispersing heat generation.
Implementation Method 1
a first power converter 28 and a second power converter 29
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a power control apparatus, a power supply system, and a method for controlling a power supply system that can reduce the power loss when charging a storage battery from a power generation apparatus. A power control apparatus (power conditioner) controls connection between a storage battery and a power generation apparatus and includes a controller capable of selecting between a first electrical path in which the storage battery is connected to an inverter via a first power converter and the power generation apparatus is connected to the inverter via a second power converter, and a second electrical path in which the power generation apparatus is connected to the inverter via the second power converter and the storage battery is connected to an intermediate point between the power generation apparatus and the second power converter via the first power converter. When surplus power is generated from the power generation apparatus, the controller selects the second electrical path and charges the storage battery with the surplus power.