Reconfigurable DC Interface for Multi-Source Voltage Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hybrid energy systems face limitations in scalability and efficiency due to the use of power diodes and bulk resistors, which result in significant electrical power losses when dealing with multiple DC voltage sources of varying levels and frequencies.

Innovation Solution

A reconfigurable DC interface utilizing multiple synchronized DC-DC converter modules synchronizes and converts input voltages from multiple power sources to a desired output voltage, reducing the need for power diodes and bulk resistors by allowing multiple DC power sources to operate as a constant voltage source.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If power diodes or bulk resistors are used to combine multiple DC voltage sources, then the system can handle multiple DC voltage sources with varying voltage levels, but huge electrical power losses occur when DC voltage differences and variations among the DC voltage sources are significant

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to combine multiple DC voltage sourcesVSAvoidelectrical power losses

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces DC-DC converter modules as intermediary devices between multiple DC voltage sources and the common DC bus. These converters actively regulate voltage conversion, allowing multiple sources with different voltage levels to be combined efficiently without the huge power losses associated with passive diodes or bulk resistors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters by using controllable DC-DC converters that can dynamically adjust their conversion ratio based on the input voltage from different power sources. This allows the system to adapt to varying voltage levels while maintaining efficient power transfer, unlike fixed-parameter diodes or resistors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional hybrid inverters are used for low end power systems, then the system can operate with DC input voltage ranges limited to less than 50 V dc, but the system is limited in size and unsuitable for scalability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of existing hybrid invertersVSAvoidscalability and voltage range capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the power conversion system into multiple modular DC-DC converter modules, each capable of handling a portion of the total power. This segmentation allows the system to be scaled by adding or removing modules, and enables handling of higher voltage ranges by configuring multiple modules in series or parallel, overcoming the limitations of conventional single-unit hybrid inverters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal DC-DC converter module design that can function across multiple voltage ranges and power levels. The same basic module architecture can be configured for different applications by adjusting parameters or connecting multiple modules, providing both simplicity for low-end applications and scalability for high-end applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of energy

If multiple DC-DC converter modules are used to synchronize and convert input voltages, then energy efficiency is enhanced and electrical power losses are reduced, but the device complexity and number of components increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical power lossesVSAvoidnumber of DC-DC converter modules

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple DC-DC converter modules into a unified system with a common control architecture and shared DC bus. By combining the modules in this way, the system achieves efficient power conversion from multiple sources while the shared infrastructure reduces overall complexity compared to having completely separate conversion systems for each power source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution enhances energy efficiency and reduces the size and number of components required, enabling hybrid systems to effectively utilize multiple renewable power sources without substantial electrical power losses.

Implementation Method 1

multiple synchronized DC-DC converter modules synchronizes and converts input voltages from multiple power sources to a desired output voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8648496B2Reconfigurable microgrid direct current interface

Publication Date: 2014.02.11 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

Technologies are described herein for synchronizing multiple direct current (“DC”) voltages provided by multiple power sources. Multiple input voltages are received from multiple power sources. A voltage control signal indicating a desired output voltage is issued to multiple DC-DC converter modules electrically coupled to the multiple power sources. A master DC-DC converter module from the multiple DC-DC converter modules converts a master input voltage to a master output voltage that is substantially equal to the desired output voltage. The master output voltage is then provided to the remaining multiple DC-DC converter modules. Each of the remaining multiple DC-DC converter modules then converts a slave input voltage to a slave output voltage that is substantially equal to the master output voltage.