Voltage Control Transformer Charging for Grid-Stable Fast Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric charging systems for vessels, vehicles, and aircraft face challenges in charging batteries efficiently due to insufficient shore power grids, leading to reactive power generation and grid disruptions, especially when high current charging is required.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates energy storage modules, a pulse rectifier, a converter, and a voltage control transformer with serial transformer windings to regulate AC voltage, preventing reactive power generation and enabling efficient charging by using a controlled AC to DC converter and a diode rectifier, which reduces the need for shore-based charging stations and minimizes equipment size and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high current charging is provided directly from the shore power grid to the vessel batteries, then charging speed is improved, but the shore power grid becomes insufficient and causes voltage deviation and grid disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
A shore-based energy storage system is introduced as an intermediary between the shore power grid and the vessel batteries. The energy storage system charges from the grid at low current and discharges to the vessel at high current, enabling fast charging without overloading the grid. This mediator resolves the contradiction by decoupling the charging speed from direct grid current demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system is segmented into two distinct stages: (1) slow charging of the shore-based energy storage system from the grid, and (2) fast charging of the vessel batteries from the energy storage system. This segmentation allows the grid to operate within its capacity limits while still enabling high-speed charging of the vessel.
2Productivity
If an intermediate shore-based energy storage system is used to enable high current charging, then charging speed to the vessel is improved, but reactive power generation occurs and causes grid disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
A control system continuously monitors the state of charge of the energy storage system and the charging requirements of the vessel, dynamically adjusting the charging/discharging rates. This feedback control prevents excessive reactive power generation by optimizing the power flow based on real-time conditions, thus eliminating grid disruptions while maintaining high charging speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static charging to dynamic charging/discharging operation. The energy storage system can rapidly adjust its power output to match the vessel's charging needs without causing grid instability, as the control system dynamically balances active and reactive power flow based on real-time grid and load conditions.
3Device complexity
If conventional charging systems are used, then equipment size is reduced, but the shore power grid infrastructure requirements increase and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shore-based energy storage system serves multiple functions: (1) enabling fast charging of vessels, (2) stabilizing the local grid, (3) providing reactive power compensation, and (4) allowing operation with smaller grid infrastructure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for expensive grid upgrades while providing comprehensive charging capabilities.
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 allows for efficient charging of batteries while minimizing the impact on the grid, reducing the size and cost of onboard equipment, and enabling high current charging without disrupting the local power grid, thus ensuring reliable energy supply for electric vessels and vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The voltage control transformer comprises a serial transformer having a plurality of pairs of transformer windings, connected together in series
Implementation Method 2
a pulse rectifier; wherein the one or more energy storage modules are connected to outputs of the pulse rectifier
Implementation Method 3
a converter; wherein the converter comprises a controlled AC to DC converter
Implementation Method 4
an onboard grid controller comprising an onboard grid converter and a pre-magnetising transformer on the vessel, vehicle or aircraft provides a voltage source to prevent inrush current
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~3A
Figure 3B
AI summary
An electric charging system for a vessel, vehicle, or aircraft comprises one or more energy storage modules (97) on the vessel, vehicle, or aircraft; a pulse rectifier (105); a converter (106); and a voltage control transformer (91). The one or more energy storage modules (97) are connected to outputs of the pulse rectifier. The voltage control transformer (88) is connected to inputs of the pulse rectifier (105). The voltage control transformer comprises a serial transformer (91) having a plurality of pairs of transformer windings, connected together in series, one winding (103) of each pair being adapted to be connected between the pulse rectifier (105) and an input from an energy source and the other winding (104) is connected to the converter (106).