Semiconductor Switches for Parallel Energy Store Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for parallel operation of electrical energy stores, such as batteries in vehicles, face challenges in scaling and efficiency due to the need for similar charge states and the use of wear-susceptible relays, heavy DC/DC converters, and diode circuits, which lead to power losses and difficulties in operating batteries of different ages or chemistries.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing semiconductor switches and evaluation units to dynamically adapt the operation of energy stores based on charge state and power demand measurements, allowing for flexible and efficient parallel operation without the need for relays or heavy converters, enabling direct charging and discharging across different battery types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If wear-susceptible relays, heavy DC/DC converters or diode circuits are used for parallel operation of energy stores, then the operation can be controlled, but power losses occur and the system becomes heavy and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the unnecessary intermediate components (relays, DC/DC converters, diode circuits) from the system. By directly connecting energy stores in parallel through semiconductor switches, it removes the heavy and lossy components while retaining the essential control function through electronic switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical relays and heavy DC/DC converters with semiconductor switches that operate electronically. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear, reduces weight, and decreases power losses while maintaining the ability to control parallel operation of energy stores.
2Adaptability or versatility
If accumulators of different ages or different sizes with different cell chemistry are operated in parallel, then versatility is improved, but large equalizing currents occur between accumulators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the parallel connection by introducing individual semiconductor switches for each energy store. This segmentation allows independent control of each accumulator, enabling the system to connect or disconnect specific accumulators based on their charge states, thereby preventing harmful equalizing currents while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the parallel operation through semiconductor switches that can rapidly adjust the connection state of each energy store. This dynamic switching capability allows the system to adapt to different battery types, ages, and charge states, preventing equalizing currents by selectively connecting only compatible accumulators at any given moment.
3Reliability
If semiconductor switches are used for rapid switching of energy stores, then protection from equalization currents is improved, but the system requires precise control and monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the charge states of energy stores and using this information to control the semiconductor switches. The control unit receives feedback on voltage and current parameters, enabling it to make real-time decisions about which accumulators to connect or disconnect, thereby preventing equalizing currents while managing system complexity through intelligent control.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating electrical energy stores, in particular for use in motor vehicles, the method including: ascertaining a charge state of a first energy store with the aid of an evaluation unit, ascertaining a charge state of a second energy store with the aid of an evaluation unit, ascertaining an instantaneous power demand with the aid of an evaluation unit, adapting an operation of at least one energy store on the basis of the ascertained charge states and the ascertained instantaneous power demand with the aid of a control unit, the adapting being made using at least one semiconductor switch, in particular bidirectionally.