Reconfigurable Energy Storage Element Module Topology
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional energy storage elements for vehicles have hard-wired modules that lead to reduced voltage and capacity over time, requiring complex battery management systems and limiting charging power, especially when using AC voltage.
Innovation Solution
An energy storage element with reconfigurable modules, controlled by a first control apparatus and module control apparatus, allowing for parallel, serial, or bridging connections using semiconductor switches, enabling adaptive voltage regulation and balancing during operation, reducing electromagnetic interference and harmonic distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If modules are hard-wired to one another, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the voltage falls over time and the maximum capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements reconfigurable modules with switches that can dynamically change connection topologies between modules during operation. This allows the battery system to adapt its configuration based on state of charge, temperature, and performance requirements, maintaining optimal voltage and capacity throughout the service life rather than using a fixed hard-wired structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the electrical connection parameters (series/parallel configuration) of modules based on operating conditions. By adjusting the number of modules in series or parallel through controllable switches, the system maintains consistent voltage and capacity characteristics over time, addressing the degradation issue of hard-wired systems.
2Device complexity
If balancing is carried out only at the start or end of charging operation, then the battery management system is simple, but the charging power is limited and the maximum capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous balancing operation during the entire charging process by implementing reconfigurable module connections. The control system continuously monitors module states and adjusts connections in real-time, allowing balancing to occur throughout charging rather than only at discrete points, thereby maximizing charging power and capacity utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses dynamic reconfiguration of module connections during charging operation to perform continuous balancing. The switches can change connection topologies on-the-fly based on real-time measurements, enabling the system to maintain optimal charging power throughout the entire charging process rather than being limited by static connection arrangements.
3Reliability
If voltage regulators and AC/DC converters are used, then the voltage requirements are met, but the maximum charging power is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the battery system into independently controllable modules with individual control apparatuses. This modular architecture allows precise control of voltage and current at the module level, eliminating the need for bulky voltage regulators and AC/DC converters while maintaining voltage requirements and enabling higher charging power through direct module-level management.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the connection configuration parameters of modules to directly achieve voltage regulation without external regulators. By dynamically adjusting the number of modules in series or parallel through controllable switches, the system meets voltage requirements while avoiding the power limitations imposed by conventional voltage regulators and AC/DC converters.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the energy storage element uses reconfigurable modules, then the adaptability to different power inverters and charging voltages is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements modules with universal connection capabilities that can be configured in multiple topologies (series, parallel, series-parallel combinations) through controllable switches. This multi-functionality allows the same module design to interface with different power inverters and accommodate various charging voltages, achieving broad compatibility without requiring multiple specialized module types.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses dynamic reconfiguration capabilities to adapt to different power inverters and charging conditions. The control system adjusts module connections in real-time based on the specific inverter characteristics and charging voltage requirements, providing universal compatibility while managing complexity through intelligent control rather than hardware multiplication.
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage element for providing a voltage has a first control apparatus and modules, which modules each have an energy storage unit, a connection unit and a module control apparatus. The connection units are connected between two associated modules and have first switches and which connection units are designed to enable, on the basis of the state of the first switches, at least two connections from the group of connections including parallel connection of two modules, serial connection of two modules, bridging of at least one of the two modules which first control apparatus and which module control apparatus are together designed to make it possible to change the control of the associated connection unit during use of the energy storage element in order to reconfigure the energy storage element. The first control apparatus is designed to control the module control apparatuses.