Power Supply System with Voltage Converters for Battery Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connecting batteries with large voltage differences in parallel leads to excessive current flow and potential battery deterioration due to voltage differences, even when using voltage converters.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system with voltage converters and current measuring devices that adjust transformation ratios to keep currents within a safe range, ensuring equalization of battery voltages or SOCs while preventing battery deterioration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If batteries with large voltage differences are connected in parallel to equalize voltages or SOCs, then voltage equalization is achieved, but large current flows causing battery deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces voltage converters as intermediary devices between batteries with different voltages. These converters act as mediators that transform the voltage levels, allowing batteries to be connected in parallel without direct large current flow between them. The converter converts the voltage of each battery to a common level, enabling safe parallel connection and voltage equalization while preventing harmful current surges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter of each battery through voltage converters before parallel connection. By adjusting the output voltage of each converter to match a reference voltage, the system transforms the original voltage differences into controlled, equalized voltage levels. This parameter transformation eliminates large voltage differences that would otherwise cause harmful currents.
2Reliability
If voltage converters are used to connect batteries in parallel, then battery deterioration is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power supply system into independent modular units, each consisting of a battery connected to a dedicated voltage converter. This segmentation allows each battery-converter pair to operate independently with its own control logic, simplifying the overall system architecture. The modular design makes the system more manageable and easier to control despite the added complexity of multiple converters.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage converters serve multiple functions: they transform voltage levels for parallel connection, regulate current flow to prevent battery deterioration, and enable voltage equalization between batteries with different initial voltages or SOCs. This multi-functionality justifies the added device complexity by providing comprehensive battery protection and management capabilities.
3Reliability
If transformation ratio is adjusted to control current flow, then battery deterioration is avoided, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by measuring the voltage of each battery and comparing it with a reference voltage to determine the appropriate transformation ratio for the voltage converter. The control unit continuously monitors battery voltages and adjusts the transformation ratios accordingly, ensuring that batteries with higher voltages are stepped down and batteries with lower voltages are stepped up to match the reference voltage. This feedback mechanism automates the control process, managing the complexity through intelligent control algorithms.
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 effectively equalizes battery voltages or SOCs while maintaining currents within safe limits, preventing battery deterioration and improving system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of voltage converters being configured to convert a voltage of the battery connected to the primary side
Data Source
AI summary
In a power supply system, a plurality of voltage converters have chargeable/dischargeable batteries connected to the respective primary sides and have respective secondary sides connected in parallel to each other. For each of the voltage converters, a voltage transformation rate is set such that the current measured by a primary side current measuring instrument is maintained within a first range between the discharge current maximum value of the batteries connected to the primary sides and the charge current maximum value of the batteries.