Power Supply Apparatus Charge Equalization Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply systems face challenges in preventing excessive current flow when switching between power storage modules with different charge states, which can damage the system during current flow.
Innovation Solution
A power supply apparatus and method that inhibit charging of non-operating power storage modules and permit discharging of a backup module, detecting and equalizing charge states before allowing charging, thereby preventing excessive current flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If power storage modules with different charge states are connected in parallel during current flow, then system flexibility and backup capability are improved, but excessive current flows from high-charge to low-charge batteries causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs preliminary assessment of charge states and current conditions before allowing module switching. It evaluates whether the difference in charge states exceeds a predetermined threshold and whether current flow is present, preventing switching under dangerous conditions before the harmful effect can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The control device continuously monitors charge states of all power storage modules and uses this feedback information to make switching decisions. The system adjusts switching permissions based on real-time charge state differences, ensuring that switching only occurs when safe conditions are met
2Reliability
If immediate backup operation is performed when a battery is disconnected, then power supply continuity is maintained, but charge state differences may cause excessive current in the backup battery
Solution Approach 1:
Before initiating backup operation, the control device performs preliminary checks to ensure the charge state difference between the operating and backup batteries does not exceed the predetermined threshold, preventing excessive current flow before it can damage the backup battery
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the charge states of all batteries and uses this feedback to dynamically determine when backup switching is safe. The control device only permits backup operation when the charge state difference is within acceptable limits, ensuring reliable power supply continuity without harmful current effects
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple DC-DC converters are used to adjust voltage for each battery pack, then voltage matching is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs multiple functions: it monitors charge states, determines voltage differences, assesses switching safety, and controls the switching process itself. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate DC-DC converters at each battery pack, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining voltage matching capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the control functions that would otherwise require separate DC-DC converters into a single centralized control device. By merging voltage assessment and switching control functions into one device, the system achieves voltage matching without the complexity and cost of multiple individual converters
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply apparatus includes a plurality of power storage modules that are connected in parallel and a backup power storage module that is connected in parallel with the plurality of power storage modules. When charging or discharging of at least one of the power storage modules is disabled, charging of the other power storage modules is inhibited, discharging of the backup power storage module is permitted, states of charge of the backup power storage module and the other power storage modules are detected, and charging of the backup power storage module and the other power storage modules is permitted in accordance with the detected states of charge.