Supercondenser H-Bridge Midpoint Connection for EV Energy Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle systems using supercondensers for regenerative braking face challenges in energy management, leading to premature battery wear and high costs due to the need for additional converters, as they cannot be fully discharged or charged independently, and are not optimally utilized during transient conditions.
Innovation Solution
An electric device with an H bridge structure and supercondensers connected between the winding midpoint and the terminal of the motor, allowing independent control and optimization of energy storage and retrieval, eliminating the need for additional converters and enabling complete discharge of supercondensers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If supercondensers are connected in parallel with the battery, then energy retrieval during braking is enabled, but the supercondenser cannot be fully discharged or charged independently, limiting capacity utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the energy management system by connecting the supercondenser to the midpoint of the motor winding through the H-bridge structure, separating it from the parallel battery connection. This allows independent control of supercondenser charging and discharging through the switching elements, enabling full capacity utilization without being constrained by battery voltage levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic energy management by using controllable switching elements (IGBTs or MOSFETs) in the H-bridge structure to dynamically route energy flow. The switching elements can be controlled to charge or discharge the supercondenser independently based on operational conditions, enabling adaptive energy retrieval and release that optimizes performance across varying driving conditions.
2Ease of operation
If a DC-DC converter is introduced to enable independent supercondenser management, then energy control is improved, but system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the H-bridge structure multi-functional by using it for both motor control and supercondenser management. The same switching elements and circuitry that control motor operation are also used to charge and discharge the supercondenser independently, eliminating the need for a dedicated DC-DC converter and reducing system cost and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the supercondenser management function with the existing motor control H-bridge structure. By integrating the supercondenser connection at the motor winding midpoint and using the same switching elements, the system combines multiple functions into a single circuit architecture, avoiding additional expensive converters while maintaining independent energy management capability.
3Productivity
If the supercondenser is placed at the output of the voltage boost converter, then power supply optimization is achieved, but the supercondenser becomes dependent on inverter power supply voltage, preventing complete discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the supercondenser from the voltage boost converter output connection and repositions it to the motor winding midpoint connection through the H-bridge structure. This separation removes the dependency on inverter power supply voltage, allowing the supercondenser to be charged and discharged independently based on energy retrieval needs rather than being constrained by converter output voltage levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the H-bridge switching elements as intermediaries to connect the supercondenser to the motor winding midpoint. These switching elements act as mediators that enable independent control of energy flow to and from the supercondenser, decoupling it from the voltage boost converter output and allowing complete discharge regardless of inverter power supply conditions.
4Use of energy by moving object
If brief and sudden brakings occur repetitively, then energy retrieval demand increases, but battery wear accelerates due to intense currents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an alternative energy storage path by introducing the supercondenser as a parallel energy storage device connected through the H-bridge structure. The supercondenser copies the energy retrieval function but can handle intense transient currents without degradation, effectively replacing the battery's role during high-rate braking events and preserving battery lifespan while maintaining high energy retrieval capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the energy storage system by using a supercondenser with fundamentally different current handling characteristics compared to a battery. The supercondenser can accept and deliver intense transient currents during repetitive braking without degradation, while the battery operates at lower, more stable current levels, optimizing the overall system for both high-power retrieval and long-term reliability.
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 configuration optimizes the use of supercondensers, reduces equipment costs, and extends battery life by controlling energy storage and retrieval during braking and acceleration phases, minimizing battery usage and preventing premature wear.
Implementation Method 1
at least one energy storage unit, in particular a supercondenser, connected, on the one hand, to the mid point of the winding of the concerned phase of the motor and, on the other hand, to a terminal of the H bridge structure supplying the said winding
Implementation Method 2
the functioning of the electric motors 5, generally asynchronous three-phase motors as shown in FIG. 1, also makes it possible to use the mechanical energy not used by the mechanical equipment as a generator for recharging the batteries 1
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electric device for driving mechanical equipment comprising an alternating current motor and an inverter, the said inverter comprising, for each phase of the said motor, an H bridge structure comprising four switching elements distributed over two branches connecting two terminals of the said H bridge structure and intended to supply the winding of the said at least one phase of the motor, the said winding being a winding with a mid point and the said electric device being characterized in that it also comprises, for each phase of the said motor, an energy storage unit, in particular a supercondenser, connected, on the one hand, to the mid point of the winding of the concerned phase of the motor and, on the other hand, to a terminal of the H bridge structure supplying the said winding.