Power Storage System Failure Detection Using Comparator Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
The development of storage batteries with higher voltage has made it difficult to implement isolator circuits and voltage measurement circuits, leading to increased costs in detecting failures in power storage systems.
Innovation Solution
A power storage system that includes a power storage unit, switches connected to the terminals of the unit and a load, and comparator circuits that compare voltages between nodes to determine the presence or absence of failure without the need for isolator circuits, allowing for cost-effective failure detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If isolator circuits and voltage measurement circuits are implemented to detect failures, then failure detection capability is improved, but system cost increases due to difficulty in implementing these circuits with higher voltage storage batteries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the voltage measurement function from the traditional isolator circuit architecture. By using comparator circuits that directly compare voltages between nodes without requiring isolator circuits, the measurement function is separated from the isolation function, eliminating the need for expensive isolator components while maintaining failure detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses comparator circuits that create a simplified copy of the voltage measurement function. Instead of implementing complex isolator circuits with voltage measurement capabilities, the invention uses comparators that replicate the essential measurement function by comparing voltages against reference levels, achieving the same diagnostic purpose with simpler, lower-cost circuitry.
2Measurement precision
If isolator circuits are implemented for voltage measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases making implementation difficult with higher voltage batteries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the voltage comparison function from the complex isolator circuit architecture. By using dedicated comparator circuits that directly compare voltages between nodes, the measurement function is separated from the isolation function, eliminating the need for complex isolator components while maintaining measurement accuracy through direct voltage comparison.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/isolator-based voltage measurement system with an electronic comparator system. Instead of using isolator circuits that physically isolate measurement circuits from high voltage, the invention uses electronic comparators that directly sense and compare voltages, substituting a simpler electronic mechanism for a complex isolated system.
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
Enables the determination of failure presence or absence in power storage systems without increasing costs, simplifying circuit configurations and improving reliability in detecting faults in contactors and pre-charge circuits.
Implementation Method 1
a first comparator circuit that compares a first voltage based on a voltage between the first and the fourth nodes with a first reference voltage and a second comparator circuit that compares a second voltage based on a voltage between the second and the third nodes with a second reference voltage
Data Source
AI summary
In a power storage system, a first switch is connected between a first node and a second node. The first node is connected to a positive terminal of a power storage unit, and the second node is connected to a positive terminal of a load. A second switch is connected between a third node and a fourth node. The third node is connected to a negative terminal of the power storage unit, and the fourth node is connected to a negative terminal of the load. A first comparator circuit compares a first voltage based on a voltage between the first and fourth nodes with a first reference voltage. A second comparator circuit compares a second voltage based on a voltage between the second and third nodes with a second reference voltage.