Universal Power Converter Modules for EV Energy Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power converter systems face issues such as high component count, reduced reliability, lack of redundancy and fault tolerance, and inefficiency due to multiple conversions required for different types of input power sources and loads, leading to increased weight, volume, and complexity in applications like electric vehicles and renewable energy systems.
Innovation Solution
A power converter system comprising a power bus with multiple power converter modules connected in parallel, energy storage modules, and a controller module that can operate in various modes for charging and discharging, allowing for adaptable power conversion between AC and DC types, enabling efficient power transfer and fault tolerance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated power converters are used for different power conversion functions (AC-DC, DC-DC, DC-AC), then power conversion capability and adaptability are improved, but system complexity, component count, weight, and volume increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal power converter module that can operate in multiple conversion modes (AC-DC rectification, DC-DC conversion, DC-AC inversion) through software-controlled switching of power electronic devices. This single multi-functional module replaces what would traditionally require multiple dedicated converters, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining full adaptability for different power conversion needs
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated power converters are used for different power conversion functions, then power conversion capability is improved, but the number of components increases leading to reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating multiple conversion functions into a single universal power converter module, the patent reduces the total number of components in the system. Fewer components mean fewer potential failure points, thereby improving overall system reliability while maintaining the capability to perform AC-DC, DC-DC, and DC-AC conversions through controlled switching of power electronic devices
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated power converters are used in the power train system, then functional capability is improved, but weight and volume increase reducing fuel efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal power converter module that consolidates the functions of multiple dedicated converters into a single integrated unit. This reduction in the number of power conversion devices directly decreases the weight of the power train system, thereby improving fuel efficiency while maintaining full functional capability for charging, discharging, and power conversion operations
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated power converters are used, then power conversion functionality is improved, but manufacturing cost and system volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal power converter module that performs AC-DC rectification, DC-DC conversion, and DC-AC inversion within a single integrated unit. This consolidation significantly reduces the total volume occupied by power conversion devices compared to having separate dedicated converters for each function, thereby reducing system volume while maintaining full power conversion functionality
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a power converter system including a power bus, a plurality of power converter modules connected to the power bus in parallel, a plurality of energy storage modules, each energy storage module coupled to the power bus via a corresponding one of the plurality of power converter modules, and a controller module configured to control at least one of the power converter modules to operate in one of a plurality of operating modes. In particular, the plurality of operating modes of the power converter module includes a plurality of charging power conversion modes for connecting an input power source to the corresponding energy storage module for charging power to the corresponding energy storage module. There is also provided a corresponding method of manufacturing the power converter system.