Relay Device for Power Storage Voltage Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In systems with two power storage units, a low resistance value between them can lead to voltage reduction on both units during an earth fault, causing operational halts and potential disablement of connected loads, as existing solutions fail to effectively isolate faults without disrupting voltage supply.
Innovation Solution
A relay device with a switch unit and control unit that manages current flow between power storage units, utilizing a resistance unit and parallel conductive paths to suppress voltage reduction on unaffected units during faults, allowing for controlled charging and load management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the resistance value between two power storage units is reduced to minimize energy loss, then regenerative energy collection efficiency is improved, but voltage reduction occurs on both units during an earth fault, causing operational halts
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection between the first and second power storage units is segmented by introducing a switch unit that can disconnect the connection. This allows the system to maintain low resistance for energy efficiency during normal operation while being able to isolate faults when they occur, preventing voltage reduction from propagating to both units.
Solution Approach 2:
A switch unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the two power storage units. This mediator can control the electrical connection state, allowing the system to achieve both low resistance connection for energy efficiency and isolated connection for fault protection, resolving the contradiction between energy loss and operational reliability.
2Reliability
If a switch unit is provided between two power storage units to interrupt conduction during faults, then fault isolation is improved, but voltage reduction occurs on the unaffected unit before the switch can be turned off, disabling loads
Solution Approach 1:
The switch unit is configured to turn off automatically when a voltage value falls within a predetermined range, which is detected before complete voltage collapse occurs. This preliminary detection and automatic response mechanism ensures that the switch disconnects the affected unit before the voltage reduction propagates to the unaffected unit, maintaining power supply continuity and preventing load disablement.
Solution Approach 2:
A voltage detection mechanism provides continuous feedback on the voltage state of the power storage units. When the detected voltage value enters a predetermined range indicating an emerging fault condition, the control unit receives this feedback and automatically turns off the switch unit, enabling timely fault isolation before voltage collapse affects the entire system.
3Reliability
If the switch unit turns off automatically when voltage value is in a predetermined range, then voltage stability on unaffected units is maintained, but the system complexity increases with additional detection and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions: it controls the switch unit's on/off state, detects voltage values through the detection mechanism, determines when the voltage value is within the predetermined range, and automatically actuates the switch unit when needed. By consolidating these functions into a single control unit, the system maintains voltage stability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
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
The solution effectively maintains voltage supply to unaffected power storage units during faults, prioritizing voltage stability and enabling continued operation of connected loads by strategically managing current flow through resistance and parallel paths.
Implementation Method 1
a resistance unit and the switch unit are connected in series to each other between the first conductive path and the second conductive path
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a relay device and a power supply device that can switch on/off a current path between power storage units, and can suppress, if an earth fault has occurred on either power storage unit side, a voltage reduction on the other power storage unit side. A relay device includes: a serial structural portion in which a resistance unit and a switch unit are connected in series to each other; a relay unit that serves as a path for a current to flow between a first power storage unit and a second power storage unit when the switch unit is in the ON state; and a control unit configured to perform control of switching the switch unit of the relay unit.