Power Controller for Fuel Cell Battery Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply systems using fuel cells and secondary batteries face issues with sudden voltage drops, potential damage to secondary batteries due to excessive charging currents, and increased cost and volume due to the use of multiple power converters.
Innovation Solution
A power controller and power supply system that dynamically adjusts the converting power of a single power converter, implementing a power adjusting mode when the converting power exceeds a set value or the charging current is below a minimum, and a charging control mode when the charging current exceeds a maximum, to prevent battery damage and reduce system complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the output power of the power converter is adjusted to respond to load changes, then the power supply responsiveness is improved, but the charging current may exceed the upper limit and damage the secondary battery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the controller continuously monitors the charging current and dynamically adjusts the power converter's output power based on the secondary battery's state of charge and current capacity. When the charging current approaches the upper limit, the controller automatically reduces the power converter's output to prevent battery damage, thus resolving the contradiction between rapid power response and battery safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the power converter's operating parameters in real-time based on battery conditions. The controller modifies the power output trajectory according to the battery's instantaneous charging capacity, transforming a static power conversion system into a dynamic one that adapts to prevent overcharging while maintaining responsiveness.
2Reliability
If two power converters are used in the power supply system, then the fuel cell output can be better controlled and the secondary battery can be protected, but the system cost and volume are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single power converter perform multiple functions that traditionally required two separate converters. The power converter is controlled to both manage the fuel cell's power output and regulate the charging current to the secondary battery, eliminating the need for a dedicated battery charging converter while maintaining system stability and battery protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The control functions of fuel cell power management and battery charging regulation are merged into a single integrated control system. The controller coordinates the power converter to simultaneously achieve fuel cell output control and battery current protection, consolidating what would have required separate hardware components into one unified system.
3Power
If the fuel cell stack power is not well controlled, then the system can provide sufficient power, but the voltage decreases suddenly and abnormally causing permanent damage or temporary inactive
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the fuel cell stack's output power and voltage. When the power output deviates from the optimal range or voltage shows abnormal decreases, the controller adjusts the power converter's operation to bring the fuel cell back to stable operating conditions, preventing both power deficiency and voltage collapse.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs predictive control mechanisms that anticipate potential fuel cell instability. By monitoring operating parameters and predicting future states, the controller takes preventive actions before voltage drops or power failures occur, cushioning against potential damage or inactive states.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a power controller, a power supply system and device and control method thereof. The power command value is adjusted according to the state of the power supply system and the characteristic of the secondary battery. When the converting power of the power converter is larger than or equal to the power command value, or when the charging current is smaller than the minimum charging current, the power controller performs the power adjusting mode for providing the first preset output current value. The power converter adjusts the converting power according to the first preset output current value. When the charging current is larger than or equal to the maximum charging current, the power controller performs the charging control mode for providing the second preset output current value. The power converter adjusts the output current according to the second preset output current value.