Two-Quadrant Chopper Thermal Load Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy storage systems face challenges in efficiently managing thermal loads, which can lead to overheating and damage, particularly in drive systems, and require complex cooling solutions.
Innovation Solution
A two-quadrant chopper system connected to a converter DC link, with a control device that adjusts current flow based on thermal loads to prevent overheating, using a model that estimates thermal load without temperature sensors and incorporates virtual resistors for efficient energy storage and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If energy is stored in the energy store without control, then energy storage capacity is improved, but thermal overload and damage risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control device continuously monitors the thermal load of the energy store and adjusts the current flow accordingly. When the thermal load approaches dangerous levels, the control device automatically reduces or stops energy storage, preventing thermal overload while maximizing energy storage capacity under safe operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the current flow parameter based on the thermal load state of the energy store. By adjusting the current magnitude according to real-time thermal conditions, the system optimizes energy storage capacity while preventing harmful thermal effects.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cooling systems are added to prevent thermal overload, then thermal protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cooling systems with an electrical control solution. Instead of using physical cooling mechanisms to manage thermal load, the system uses electronic control to adjust current flow and prevent thermal overload, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining effective thermal protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy store system monitors and protects itself through the control device that automatically adjusts current flow based on thermal load conditions. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for external cooling systems, reducing overall system complexity while ensuring thermal protection.
3Productivity
If current flow is increased for faster energy storage, then energy storage speed is improved, but thermal load and overheating risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the current flow magnitude based on real-time thermal load conditions of the energy store. During periods when the energy store can accept high current without excessive heating, the system operates at high storage speeds. When thermal load increases, the current is automatically reduced, preventing overheating while maximizing storage speed during safe operating windows.
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 approach effectively prevents thermal overload, reduces cooling complexity, and allows for efficient energy storage and release, ensuring the longevity of energy storage components while optimizing power supply in drive systems.
Implementation Method 1
the two-quadrant chopper can be used to transport energy from the converter DC link to the at least one energy store or vice versa
Implementation Method 2
The thermal load on an energy store is dependent, inter alia, on an amount of energy transported to the energy store that is intended to be stored in the energy store. Since the transport of energy is consistent with a current flowing in the present case, control of the current flowing can be used to efficiently adjust or control a quantity of energy that is stored in the energy store.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for storing energy comprises a two-quadrant chopper connectable to a converter DC link, at least one energy store, connected to the two-quadrant chopper for storing energy, so that the two-quadrant chopper can be used to transport energy from the converter DC link to the at least one energy store or vice versa. The apparatus further comprises a control device for controlling a current flowing in accordance with the transport of the energy, wherein the control device is configured to control the current flowing in accordance with the transport on the basis of a thermal load on the at least one energy store.