Power Converter Array Proportioning via Node Transfer Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power converter arrays in battery packs become unstable due to interactions among multiple power converters and lack dynamic assignment of desired power proportioning, leading to performance degradation due to cell-to-cell variations in energy storage capacity, lifetime, and charge/discharge rates.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that distribute node-specific transfer functions via a communication bus to each node in a power converter array, allowing each node to contribute positively to the total impedance and regulate common bus current, enabling stable operation with constant proportioning of power across nodes under varying conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power converters are electrically connected together in series and parallel arrays, then the power converter array can serve a range of applications including multi-cell battery packs, lighting arrays, computing systems, heating arrays, and electric motors, but the array becomes unstable without design consideration of the interactions among the multiple power converters
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the power converter array into individually controllable nodes, each with its own controller that independently manages power conversion. This segmentation allows each converter to operate autonomously while contributing to the overall array function, maintaining stability through decentralized control rather than requiring complex interaction management among all converters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation of each power converter node based on real-time conditions. Each node controller continuously monitors and adjusts its operation to maintain array stability, allowing the system to adapt to varying loads and conditions while preserving stable operation across the entire array.
2Ease of operation
If conventional power converter arrays are used in battery packs, then the system can provide power conversion functionality, but the arrays do not enable dynamic assignment of desired proportioning of power to and from the power converters in the array
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic power proportioning where each node controller can independently adjust its power contribution based on real-time requirements. The proportioning factors are dynamically updated to reflect changing battery states, loads, and operational conditions, enabling flexible and adaptive power distribution throughout the array.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the actual power contribution of each node and compares it against the desired proportioning targets. Based on this feedback, the controllers adjust their operation to achieve the desired power distribution, ensuring that each battery cell receives or delivers the appropriate amount of power according to its state and the overall system requirements.
3Power
If individual cells of a conventional battery pack are electrically connected in series to form a series string, then the battery pack can provide voltage multiplication, but the overall performance of the battery pack is degraded by the performance of the weakest cell in the series
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the battery pack into individually managed cells, each with its own power converter node. This allows each cell to be independently controlled and managed, preventing the weakest cell from limiting the overall pack performance. Each cell can operate at its optimal level while the system maintains the required total voltage through the series connection of individually optimized cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality management by tailoring the operation of each cell based on its specific characteristics and state. Each node controller adjusts its cell's operation independently, allowing cells with different capacities, ages, or conditions to contribute optimally without being constrained by the weakest performer in the series string.
4Stability of the object's composition
If charge balancing systems with electrical switches and resistors are used to equalize cell voltages, then cell charging voltages can be equalized by shunting excess current, but the system complexity increases with additional electrical elements at each cell
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the charge balancing function from the cell level and implements it at the system level through the power converter controllers. Instead of adding resistors and switches to each cell, the controllers dynamically adjust the power conversion parameters to achieve voltage equalization, eliminating the need for additional physical balancing components at each cell.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical/electrical charge balancing mechanism (switches and resistors) with a control-based approach. The controllers use software algorithms to manage voltage equalization by adjusting power conversion parameters, substituting electronic control for physical balancing circuitry and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for proportioned power distribution in arrays of power converters are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method includes distributing a node-specific transfer function to each node of a plurality of nodes via a communication bus. Each node includes a power converter, and nodes of the plurality of nodes are electrically connected in series. Each node-specific transfer function enables each node to contribute a positive impedance to a total impedance of the plurality of nodes. The computer-implemented method further includes coordinating a setting of a parameter of each node-specific transfer function to regulate a common bus current across the plurality of nodes, and assigning to each node an electrical characteristic based on a parameter of each node-specific transfer function.