SOC Balancing Circuit With Shared Inductors for Multi-Source Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy storage systems with active cell balancing circuits are complex, large, costly, and rarely used due to their high complexity and component count, making it desirable to develop efficient, flexible, and inexpensive solutions for voltage and state of charge balancing.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an adaptive power system using two switches and one or more inductors to balance the state of charge (SOC) of multiple power sources, allowing operation in different modes to achieve efficient balancing and minimize power loss, even with disconnected cells, by controlling the switches and inductor current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional active cell balancing circuits are implemented, then SOC balancing capability is achieved, but device complexity and component count increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple balancing functions into a single integrated circuit that uses shared inductors and switches. The same inductors are used for both SOC balancing and voltage regulation, eliminating the need for separate balancing circuits for each cell and reducing overall component count while maintaining effective SOC balancing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit components serve multiple functions: the inductors are used for both energy transfer during SOC balancing and voltage regulation, the switches control both balancing current flow and voltage regulation, and the controller manages multiple operating modes including balancing mode, voltage regulation mode, and disconnected cell compensation, making the system versatile and reducing the need for dedicated components for each function
2Manufacturing precision
If more components are added to achieve precise SOC balancing, then balancing precision improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges SOC balancing and voltage regulation functions into a single circuit architecture, reducing the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration maintains precise SOC balancing while lowering manufacturing costs by eliminating redundant components and simplifying the assembly process
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves precise SOC balancing by dynamically adjusting operating parameters such as duty cycle, switching frequency, and current levels rather than adding more components. The controller modifies these parameters in real-time to optimize balancing precision while keeping the component count low and manufacturing costs down
3Power
If the balancing system handles full load current, then energy processing capability increases, but component size and power loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the current paths by using separate winding sets on the inductors: one winding set handles the high-current load current while another winding set handles the lower-current balancing current. This segmentation allows the balancing circuit to operate with reduced current, minimizing I²R losses in the balancing path while still providing adequate energy processing capability through the load current path
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using the inductor windings as intermediate energy transfer paths. The balancing current flows through dedicated winding sets that are magnetically coupled to the main power windings, allowing energy transfer without direct high-current flow through the balancing components, thereby reducing power losses while maintaining energy processing capability
4Adaptability or versatility
If the system must accommodate varying numbers of power sources, then adaptability improves, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability through a controller that automatically detects the number of connected power sources and adjusts its control strategy accordingly. The system can operate in different modes (full balancing mode, voltage regulation mode, disconnected cell compensation mode) and dynamically transitions between them based on real-time system conditions, providing high adaptability through software control rather than hardware 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
This solution enables efficient SOC balancing in energy storage systems with reduced component count and cost, maintaining operation at desired voltage levels and maximizing efficiency, while accommodating varying numbers of power sources and handling disconnected cells effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a state-of-charge (SOC) circuit including a plurality of switches and at least one inductor
Data Source
AI summary
Adaptive power systems and control methods are described herein. An example adaptive power system can include a plurality of power sources; a state-of-charge (SOC) circuit including a plurality of switches and at least one inductor, wherein the plurality of switches includes first and second switches; and a controller operably coupled to plurality of switches, the controller being configured to operate the plurality of switches in a first mode and a second mode to balance a respective SOC of each of the plurality of power sources.