Power Converter Switch Control for Battery Self-Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric power conversion apparatuses require additional heat generation components to raise the temperature of storage batteries, leading to increased size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An electric power conversion apparatus with a switch unit that determines and manages reverse conduction current flow to generate heat internally, eliminating the need for external heat generation components by optimizing switch operation based on heat generation requests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If additional heat generation components are added to raise the temperature of storage batteries, then the heating function is improved, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power conversion function and heat generation function into a single integrated system. The switch unit, originally designed for power conversion, is utilized to generate heat through controlled reverse conduction current, eliminating the need for separate heating components and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch unit is designed to perform multiple functions: power conversion and heat generation. By controlling the switch unit's operation mode, the system can switch between power transfer and heat generation modes, making the component universal and reducing the need for dedicated heating elements.
2Temperature
If additional heat generation components are added to raise the temperature of storage batteries, then the heating function is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power conversion apparatus and heating apparatus into a single integrated system. The switch unit serves dual purposes, and the heat generated during power conversion or through controlled reverse conduction is utilized to heat the storage battery, eliminating the need for separate heating components and reducing overall apparatus size.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes its own internal components (switch unit, inductors, capacitors) to generate heat for the storage battery. The reverse conduction current flowing through the switch unit generates heat that is directly applied to the storage battery, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating external heating equipment.
3Temperature
If reverse conduction current is used to generate heat, then heat generation efficiency is improved, but conduction loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of conduction loss during reverse conduction into a beneficial heat generation mechanism. The energy that would normally be lost as heat during reverse conduction is intentionally utilized to heat the storage battery, transforming a disadvantage into an advantage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and utilizes the heat energy generated during reverse conduction separately from the power conversion function. By controlling the switch unit to operate in reverse conduction mode during specific periods, the system extracts thermal energy that would otherwise be wasted, applying it directly to the storage battery heating requirement.
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 allows for downsizing of the electric power conversion apparatus while effectively increasing heat generation, reducing the need for external heating elements and simplifying the system.
Implementation Method 1
the switch unit has a characteristic of, when reverse conduction current flows in the switch unit, causing a larger conduction loss in an off state than in an on state
Data Source
AI summary
An electric power conversion apparatus has an input and output terminal, and a switch unit, and turns on and off the switch unit to transfer electric power from an electric storage unit connected to the input terminal to a power supply target connected to the output terminal. When reverse conduction current flows in the switch unit, it causes a larger conduction loss in an off state than an on state. The apparatus includes: a control unit that determines whether there is a request for increasing an amount of heat generation due to the electric power transfer, and when it is determined that there is the request, turns off the switch unit in which the reverse conduction current flows during the electric power transfer and, when it is determined that there is no request, turns on the switch unit in which the reverse conduction current flows during the electric power transfer.