Power Converter Circuit with Battery Charge Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge is to efficiently store and manage electrical power generated by photovoltaic (PV) modules, as the power output does not align with consumption patterns, particularly during periods of high demand at night or in the evening when sunlight is not available.

Innovation Solution

A power converter circuit system comprising a first power converter, a second power converter, and a rechargeable battery, with a charge control circuit that manages the charging and discharging of the battery by controlling the second power converter, allowing for optimal energy storage and release to the grid during peak consumption times.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If photovoltaic modules are used to generate electrical power, then renewable energy production is improved, but power availability does not match consumption patterns

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverenewable energy productionVSAvoidpower availability mismatch
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by charging the rechargeable battery during periods when photovoltaic modules generate excess electrical power (daytime). The charge control circuit stores energy in advance before consumption peaks occur, enabling power to be available when needed during evening or nighttime high-demand periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Quantity of substance

If a rechargeable battery is added to store electrical power, then energy storage capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy storage capabilityVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second power converter circuit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a battery charger during daytime and as a power supply to the load during nighttime. The charge control circuit integrates multiple control functions (battery charging control, power conversion control, and load management) into a single control system, reducing overall system complexity despite adding battery storage capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If power is stored in the battery during daytime, then energy availability during peak consumption is improved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy availabilityVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charge control circuit implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the charge state of the rechargeable battery and adjusting the operation of the second power converter circuit accordingly. This feedback mechanism automatically manages the complex control tasks of charging during daytime and discharging during nighttime, ensuring reliable energy availability without requiring manual intervention or overly complex control logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 system effectively stores excess energy during sunlight hours and supplies it during high demand periods, ensuring efficient energy utilization and grid stability.

Implementation Method 1

A rechargeable battery is coupled to the output of the first power converter circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS10374447B2Power converter circuit including at least one battery
Publication Date: 2019.08.06 INFINEON TECH AUSTRIA AG
  • US10374447B2 patent drawing
  • US10374447B2 patent drawing
  • US10374447B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A circuit includes a first power converter circuit and a second power converter circuit. The input of the second power converter circuit is coupled to the output of the first power converter circuit and is configured to receive an input signal. A rechargeable battery is coupled to the output of the first power converter circuit. A charge control circuit is configured to control charging the rechargeable battery by controlling the second power converter circuit.