Intelligent power distribution system and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides an intelligent power distribution system, which comprises a low-voltage load power distribution module, a high-voltage load power distribution module, a battery management module, a low-voltage power supply, a high-voltage power supply module, a first switch piece and a second switch piece, each of the low-voltage load power distribution module and the high-voltage load power distribution module comprises a plurality of load protection units connected with each load; positive and negative electrodes of the low-voltage load power distribution module and the high-voltage load power distribution module are respectively connected to two ends of the battery management module; one end of the first switch piece is connected with the anode of the low-voltage power supply, and the other end is connected with each branch load protection unit of the low-voltage load distribution module; one end of the second switch piece is connected with the positive electrode of the high-voltage power supply module and each branch load protection unit of the high-voltage load power distribution module; the other end of the second switch piece is connected with the other end of the first switch piece. According to the scheme, efficient and automatic power distribution is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive battery management, and more particularly to an intelligent power distribution system and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] With the popularization and promotion of new energy electric vehicles, the application of lithium batteries has been fully developed. 12V lithium batteries have also replaced lead-acid batteries as the only power source for the 12V power supply system of the whole vehicle, in order to reduce the environmental pollution caused by the disposal of lead-acid batteries. However, for the entire 12V power supply network, lithium battery management uses a separate 12V battery management system; power distribution is still achieved by a separate power distribution box, which cannot achieve intelligent power distribution in accordance with the current 12V lithium battery status and the status of the whole vehicle. Moreover, the discrete architecture and independent 12V low-voltage system controller and power distribution system control box will lead to problems such as high cost, heavy weight, complex wiring harness connection, and long power distribution strategy links. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To overcome the aforementioned technical deficiencies, the present invention aims to provide an intelligent power distribution system and its control method. Through ingenious integrated design, a single battery management module can simultaneously control low-voltage and high-voltage load power distribution modules. Furthermore, a first and a second switching element enable power distribution switching during power-on and power-off operations. Additionally, a load protection unit, replacing the mechanical fuse, is controlled by the battery management module and can independently control the on / off states of each power distribution branch, thus forming a highly efficient and automated power distribution scheme.

[0004] This invention discloses an intelligent power distribution system, comprising: a low-voltage load power distribution module, a high-voltage load power distribution module, a battery management module, a low-voltage power supply, a high-voltage power supply module, a first switch, and a second switch; both the low-voltage load power distribution module and the high-voltage load power distribution module include several load protection units connected to each load.

[0005] The positive and negative terminals of the low-voltage load power distribution module and the high-voltage load power distribution module are respectively connected to the two ends of the battery management module;

[0006] One end of the first switch is connected to the positive terminal of the low-voltage power supply, and the other end is connected to the load protection unit of each branch of the low-voltage load distribution module; one end of the second switch is connected to the positive terminal of the high-voltage power supply module and the load protection unit of each branch of the high-voltage load distribution module; the other end of the second switch is connected to the other end of the first switch.

[0007] After the vehicle is turned off and powered down, the first switch is closed and the second switch is opened, and the low-voltage power supply supplies power to the low-voltage load distribution module.

[0008] When the vehicle is powered on, and the low-voltage power supply is fully charged, the first switch is disconnected and the second switch is closed. The high-voltage power supply module simultaneously outputs voltage to the low-voltage load distribution module and the high-voltage load distribution module.

[0009] When the low-voltage power supply is insufficient, the first switch and the second switch are closed simultaneously, and the high-voltage power supply module also charges the low-voltage power supply.

[0010] Optionally, the battery management module is used to collect the status data of the low-voltage power supply and the status data of each distribution branch collected by each load protection unit; and to control the on / off state of the first switch and / or each distribution branch based on the status data of the low-voltage load distribution module and the status data of each distribution branch collected by each load protection unit.

[0011] Optionally, the battery management module is communicatively connected to the vehicle.

[0012] The battery management module is also used to: report the status data of the low-voltage load power distribution module to the vehicle, and obtain the status data of each power distribution branch collected by each load protection unit, and receive the control commands fed back by the vehicle, and control the first switch and / or each power distribution branch to switch on or off according to the control commands.

[0013] Optionally, the status data of the low-voltage power supply includes: voltage, temperature, and current; the battery management module includes: a sampling chip, a current sampling unit, and a microcontroller unit;

[0014] The sampling chip is used to collect the voltage and temperature of the low-voltage power supply through the built-in battery connector, and to collect the current of the low-voltage power supply through the current sampling unit; the battery connector is connected in parallel between the positive and negative terminals of the low-voltage power supply; the current sampling unit is connected to the negative terminal of the low-voltage power supply.

[0015] The microcontroller unit is communicatively connected to the sampling chip and is used to acquire the voltage, temperature, and current of the low-voltage power supply; and to control the first switch to open or close based on the voltage, temperature, and current of the low-voltage power supply.

[0016] Optionally, the load protection unit is an EFUSE chip unit;

[0017] The types of EFUSE chip units include: EFUSE chip units with external switching devices and EFUSE chip units with internal switching devices; the types of EFUSE chip units are configured according to the voltage output capability of each power distribution branch.

[0018] Optionally, the status data of each distribution branch collected by each load protection unit includes: the current and temperature of each distribution branch;

[0019] The EFUSE chip unit includes: a temperature sensor, a power distribution branch circuit breaker, a current sensor, and an EFUSE control chip;

[0020] The EFUSE control chip is used to acquire the current and temperature of the power distribution branch collected by the temperature sensor and the current sensor, and to control the circuit breaker of the power distribution branch to open or close based on the current and temperature of the power distribution branch, or to report the current and temperature of the power distribution branch to the microcontroller unit.

[0021] The microcontroller unit is used to control the circuit breaker of the power distribution branch to open and close based on the reported current and temperature of the power distribution branch.

[0022] Optionally, it also includes a power management chip; the microcontroller unit communicates with the vehicle via the power management chip and the vehicle connector.

[0023] The microcontroller unit is also used to: report the voltage, temperature and current of the low-voltage load power distribution module to the vehicle, and receive control commands fed back by the vehicle, and control the first switch and / or each power distribution branch to switch on and off according to the control commands.

[0024] Optionally, it also includes: a CB Driver circuit, which is disposed on the control line composed of the microcontroller unit, the first switch, the second switch, and the circuit breakers of the distribution branches in each distribution branch;

[0025] The microcontroller unit controls the on / off state of the first switch, the second switch, and each distribution branch circuit breaker via a CB Driver circuit.

[0026] This invention also provides a control method for an intelligent power distribution system, applied to the aforementioned intelligent power distribution system.

[0027] After the vehicle is turned off and powered down, the battery management module closes the first switch and opens the second switch, and the low-voltage load distribution module supplies power to the low-voltage load distribution module.

[0028] When the vehicle is powered on, if the low-voltage power supply is fully charged, the battery management module disconnects the first switch and closes the second switch. The high-voltage power supply module simultaneously outputs voltage to the low-voltage load distribution module and the high-voltage load distribution module.

[0029] If the low-voltage power supply is insufficient, the battery management module simultaneously closes the first switch and the second switch, and the high-voltage power supply module also charges the low-voltage power supply.

[0030] Optionally, the battery management module collects the status data of the low-voltage power supply and obtains the status data of each power distribution branch collected by each load protection unit;

[0031] The battery management module controls the on / off state of the first switch and each power distribution branch based on the status data of the low-voltage load power distribution module and the status data of each power distribution branch collected by each load protection unit.

[0032] Compared with existing technologies, the above technical solution has the following advantages:

[0033] 1. It can achieve flexible, efficient, and automated power distribution based on the status of the low-voltage power supply, the status of the power distribution branches, and vehicle commands, while retaining the original battery protection to ensure vehicle safety during parking, starting, charging, and discharging. It overcomes the limitation of existing technologies that can only completely shut down the system when a fault occurs.

[0034] 2. It solves the problems of complex architecture, low integration, high cost, heavy weight and complicated wiring harness connection of existing 12V power distribution systems, and achieves cost reduction and weight reduction and simplified wiring harness after integration. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an intelligent power distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of an intelligent power distribution system according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a control method for an intelligent power distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure label:

[0039] 1-Low-voltage load power distribution module;

[0040] 2-High-voltage load power distribution module;

[0041] 3-Low-voltage power supply;

[0042] 4-High-voltage power supply module;

[0043] 5-Battery Management Module;

[0044] 6-First switching element;

[0045] 7-Second switching element. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The advantages of the present invention will be further illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0047] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0048] The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” as used in this disclosure and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0049] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "inner" and "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0050] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise specified and limited, it should be noted that the terms "installation", "connection" and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to mechanical or electrical connections, or internal connections between two components. They can be direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific circumstances.

[0051] In the following description, suffixes such as "module," "part," or "unit" used to denote elements are used only for the convenience of the description of the invention and have no specific meaning in themselves. Therefore, "module" and "part" can be used interchangeably.

[0052] Compared with the prior art mentioned in the background art, the present invention uses a PCBA to integrate the functions of 12VBMS and 12V low-voltage power distribution box, which simplifies the hardware architecture and significantly reduces hardware costs, such as reducing the use of IC chips and wiring harnesses. At the same time, it makes low-voltage power distribution more intelligent and agile. Thanks to the current hardware architecture, cell data and vehicle data can be processed in software by a single MCU.

[0053] Unlike existing power distribution systems that use a combination of mechanical fuses and relays, this power distribution system uses electronic fuses and MOSFETs, selected based on the load current. Using electronic fuses not only provides short-circuit protection similar to mechanical fuses, but also allows for software-controlled fuse opening and closing to meet intelligent power distribution requirements. Furthermore, electronic fuses can recover after short-circuit protection, unlike mechanical fuses which require replacement. Electronic fuses are also smaller and lighter. For small load circuits that do not require short-circuit protection, MOSFETs can be used for circuit switching. This differs from existing relay-based circuit switching, offering lighter weight, smaller size, and faster response time. The lightweight design of the electronic fuses and MOSFETs also enables integrated design, simplifying external wiring connections. Copper busbars, connecting poles, or connectors can be selected based on the current load, resulting in a cleaner wiring layout and easier installation.

[0054] See Figure 1 , Figure 1A schematic diagram of an intelligent power distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The intelligent power distribution system includes: a low-voltage load distribution module 1, a high-voltage load distribution module 2, a battery management module 5, a low-voltage power supply 3, a high-voltage power supply module 4, a first switch 6, and a second switch 7. Both the low-voltage load distribution module 1 and the high-voltage load distribution module 2 include several load protection units connected to each load. The positive and negative terminals of the low-voltage load distribution module 1 and the high-voltage load distribution module 2 are respectively connected to the two ends of the battery management module 5. One end of the first switch 6 is connected to the positive terminal of the low-voltage power supply 3, and the other end is connected to each branch load protection unit of the low-voltage load distribution module 1; one end of the second switch 7 is connected to the positive terminal of the high-voltage power supply module 4 and to each branch load protection unit of the high-voltage load distribution module 2; the other end of the second switch 7 is connected to the other end of the first switch 6. After the vehicle is turned off and powered down, the first switch 6 is closed, and the second switch 7 is opened, allowing the low-voltage load distribution module 1 to supply power. This is primarily to prevent high-voltage loads from draining the battery even after the vehicle is parked and the engine is off. These loads mainly include those that only operate when the vehicle is powered on, such as windows, sunroof, air conditioning, and seat heaters. When the vehicle is powered on and the low-voltage power supply 3 is fully charged, the first switch 6 is disconnected and the second switch 7 is closed. The high-voltage power supply module 4 simultaneously outputs voltage to the low-voltage load distribution module 1 and the high-voltage load distribution module 2. When the low-voltage power supply 3 is low on power, both the first switch 6 and the second switch 7 are closed simultaneously, and the high-voltage power supply module 4 also charges the low-voltage power supply 3. The present invention provides an intelligent power distribution system that, through a clever integration scheme, enables a single battery management module 5 to simultaneously control low-voltage and high-voltage load power distribution modules 2. Furthermore, the first switch 6 and the second switch 7 facilitate power distribution switching during power-on and power-off. A load protection unit, replacing the mechanical fuse, is controlled by the battery management module 5 and can independently control the on / off states of each power distribution branch. This forms an advanced solution that achieves efficient and automated power distribution based on the state of the low-voltage power supply 3, the state of the power distribution branches, and vehicle commands, while retaining the original battery protection, further ensuring vehicle safety during parking, starting, charging, and discharging.

[0055] In one optional embodiment, the battery management module 5 is used to collect the status data of the low-voltage power supply 3 and the status data of each power distribution branch collected by each load protection unit; based on the status data of the low-voltage load power distribution module 1 and the status data of each power distribution branch collected by each load protection unit, it controls the on / off state of the first switch 6 and / or each power distribution branch.

[0056] In one optional embodiment, the battery management module 5 is communicatively connected to the vehicle; the battery management module 5 is further configured to: report the status data of the low-voltage load distribution module 1 to the vehicle, and acquire the status data of each distribution branch collected by each load protection unit, and receive control commands fed back by the vehicle, and control the first switch 6 / or each distribution branch to switch on or off according to the control commands.

[0057] In one optional embodiment, the status data of the low-voltage power supply 3 includes: voltage, temperature, and current; the battery management module 5 includes: a sampling chip, a current sampling unit (such as...) Figure 1 The system includes a shunt and a microcontroller unit; a sampling chip for acquiring the voltage and temperature of the low-voltage power supply 3 via a built-in cell connector, and for acquiring the current of the low-voltage power supply 3 via a current sampling unit; the cell connector is connected in parallel between the positive and negative terminals of the low-voltage power supply 3; the current sampling unit is connected to the negative terminal of the low-voltage power supply 3; the microcontroller unit is communicatively connected to the sampling chip for acquiring the voltage, temperature, and current of the low-voltage power supply 3; and for controlling the on / off state of the first switch 6 based on the voltage, temperature, and current of the low-voltage power supply 3. The sampling chip is also hardware-connected to the first switch 6. In the event of a severe fault, such as a rapid drop in cell voltage or a short-term high rise in cell temperature, the high-level fault response of the sampling chip can be directly predicted and triggered. The first switch 6 is disconnected via a hardware path without requiring the microcontroller unit to perform a disconnection operation, achieving rapid fault response. The sampling chip then reports the fault to the microcontroller unit, which in turn reports it to the vehicle.

[0058] In one optional embodiment, the load protection unit is an EFUSE chip unit; the types of EFUSE chip units include: EFUSE chip units with external switching devices and EFUSE chip units with built-in switching devices; the type of EFUSE chip unit is configured according to the voltage output capability of each power distribution branch.

[0059] In one optional embodiment, the status data of each distribution branch collected by each load protection unit includes: the current and temperature of each distribution branch; the EFUSE chip unit includes: a temperature sensor, a distribution branch circuit breaker, a current sensor, and an EFUSE control chip; the EFUSE control chip is used to acquire the current and temperature of the distribution branch collected by the temperature sensor and the current sensor, and to control the on / off of the distribution branch circuit breaker based on the current and temperature of the distribution branch, or to report the current and temperature of the distribution branch to the microcontroller unit;

[0060] The microcontroller unit is used to control the circuit breaker of the power distribution branch to open and close based on the reported current and temperature of the power distribution branch.

[0061] In one alternative embodiment, a power management chip is also included; the microcontroller unit communicates with the vehicle via the power management chip and the vehicle connector; the microcontroller unit is also used to: report the voltage, temperature and current of the low-voltage load power distribution module 1 to the vehicle, and receive control commands fed back by the vehicle, and control the first switch 6 and / or each power distribution branch to switch on or off according to the control commands.

[0062] In one alternative embodiment, the system further includes a CB Driver circuit, which is disposed on the control line consisting of the microcontroller unit, the first switch 6, the second switch 7, and the circuit breakers of each power distribution branch; the microcontroller unit controls the on / off state of the first switch 6, the second switch 7, and the circuit breakers of each power distribution branch through the CB Driver circuit.

[0063] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a smart power distribution system according to a specific embodiment of the present invention is shown below. Figure 1 Based on the combination Figure 2 A specific embodiment of the present invention provides a detailed description of the above-described solution, the selection of external connection methods on the PCB after PCB integration, and the wiring connection scheme between the battery management module and the low-voltage power supply and the high-voltage power supply:

[0064] Based on the different definitions of load functions and the different power requirements, this invention divides the power distribution system into low-voltage load power supply (output1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) and high-voltage load power supply (output8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20). The low-voltage load power supply and the high-voltage load power supply are isolated through MOS2.

[0065] Part 1: Lithium Battery Status Management Section: The product's external interface is fixedly connected to the positive and negative terminals of the battery via copper busbar 1 and copper plate 2, and fixedly connected to the DC-DC output terminals via copper busbar 3 and copper plate 4, realizing the charging and discharging function of the entire pack. The sampling chip collects the battery cell voltage and temperature through the cell connector. The sampling chip has a built-in equalization control circuit connected to the cell connector to equalize the cells. The sampling chip collects the battery current through the shunt. Each branch's EFUSE can collect the current of that branch through the built-in / external shunt, detect the temperature of that branch through the built-in / external NTC, and control the opening or closing of the built-in / external MOS according to the preset temperature and current thresholds of the EFUSE (the diagnostic thresholds inside the EFUSE are configured by the MCU according to customer needs) to realize the protection of that branch. The sampling chip informs the MCU (microcontroller unit) of the cell data (temperature / voltage) and the entire circuit current. The EFUSE informs the MCU of the branch current and temperature data through the SPI line. The MCU realizes cell fault diagnosis, power management, health prediction, and charge / discharge control. The power management chip connects to the vehicle communication port outside the battery pack via the vehicle connector to enable message interaction with the vehicle, responding to vehicle commands and informing the vehicle of cell status information. The MCU, based on vehicle commands (CAN commands) and cell status, controls the on / off state of MOS1, MOS2, and each power supply branch MOS via the CB Driver circuit. Finally, the SBC with integrated CAN transceiver communicates with the vehicle via the vehicle connector, not only powering the MCU but also reporting signals that the MCU needs to transmit to the vehicle or receiving command signals from the vehicle. The cell sampling line connects to the AFE chip via the cell connector to sample cell voltage and temperature, reporting the data to the MCU. The MCU uses the sampled data to perform cell fault diagnosis, calculate battery SOC, and predict healthy lifespan. For faults affecting functional safety such as overvoltage, overcurrent, overtemperature, and undervoltage, the MCU controls MOS1 to disconnect via the CB Driver hardware circuit to ensure safety during battery charging and discharging, and reports the fault information to the vehicle via the SBC with integrated CAN transceiver through the Vehicle Connector.

[0066] Part Two: Intelligent Power Distribution Section: For low-voltage load power supply, the positive terminal B+ of the battery is connected to copper busbar 1, which is connected to MOS1 through the internal wiring harness of PCBA. Then, the current is shunted through the wiring harness and passes through EFUSE (which can realize It current protection) to each load output port. According to the output capacity of Output1 (150A), EFUSE1 with external MOS is selected. That is, the current is shunted from MOS1 and connected to the external shunt of EFUSE1, then through the external MOS, and finally output through the fixed connection terminal 1. The branch can be equipped with external NTC, external shunt, and external MOS in conjunction with EFUSE1 to realize current, voltage, temperature and other monitoring functions. When overcurrent, overtemperature, open circuit and other faults are triggered, timely detection and disconnection protection can be achieved. Output2 (output capacity 128A) is the same. Based on the output capacity of Output3 (30A), EFUSE3 with built-in MOS is selected. The current is shunted from MOS1 and connected to EFUSE3, finally outputting power through the pin of wire harness connector 1. EFUSE3's built-in shunt, built-in NTC, and built-in MOS enable monitoring of current, voltage, and temperature. It can promptly detect and cut off protection when overcurrent, overtemperature, or open circuit faults are triggered. For load output circuits that only require single overcurrent monitoring and do not need It current protection, the electrical design of output circuits such as Output4, 5, 6, and 7 can be selected. The current is shunted from MOS1 and connected to the shunt, then through an external MOS, and finally connected to the pin of wire harness connector 1 for external power output. Power is supplied through a hardware overcurrent comparator (such as...). Figure 1 (This is followed by a similar explanation) Detecting the shunt current triggers an overcurrent circuit, directly cutting off the circuit via hardware. This solution is primarily implemented using discrete components, significantly reducing cost and PCBA layout space. For high-voltage load power supply, the entire DC-DC converter's P+ is connected to copper busbar 3, and the current is distributed to each load output port via internal PCBA wiring harnesses. Depending on the output capacity of the output, the same electrical architecture design as Output1, Output3, or Output4 is selected, and power is output externally via connecting terminals or wiring harness connectors. Since different loads in the vehicle have different current requirements, medium-to-high current loads can be powered by terminal blocks, while the power output for low-current loads can be integrated into a single connector. This simplifies wiring harness connections and reduces weight and cost. Therefore, high-current loads are connected via terminal blocks 1 (output1), 2 (output2), 3 (output8), 4 (output18), and 5 (output20), while low-current loads are connected via integrated wiring harness connectors 1 (output3, 4, 5, 6, 7) and 2 (output9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19).

[0067] When the vehicle is powered off, the MCU controls MOS1 to close via the CB Driver hardware circuit, supplying power to the low-voltage loads (outputs 1-7) via the battery cell. This ensures the power consumption of the loads that need to operate when the vehicle is powered off. Based on the monitored battery cell status, if the battery cell's charge is low, the MCU controls the opening and closing of each branch MOS via the CB Driver hardware circuit according to priority, conserving power for more critical low-voltage loads. High-voltage loads (outputs 8-20) consume a lot of power and do not need to operate when the vehicle is parked; therefore, the MCU controls MOS2 to open via the CB Driver hardware circuit. When the vehicle is powered on, the MCU opens MOS1 and closes MOS2 via the CB Driver hardware circuit, supplying power to the 12V power system loads via the vehicle's DC-DC converter. If insufficient battery cell charge is detected, MOS1 can be closed, simultaneously charging the battery cell while supplying power to the 12V power system loads via the vehicle's DC-DC converter. Once the battery cell is fully charged, MOS1 can be opened again.

[0068] For large loads (Output1, 2, 8, 18, 20), the circuit is connected to the external load harness via terminal connections. For complex monitoring functions such as It current monitoring curve function (Output1, 2, 8, 20), the EFUSE chip is used in conjunction with external MOS, shunt, and NTC to realize overcurrent, overtemperature, I2t, open circuit, and short circuit monitoring and protection of the circuit. When the EFUSE chip is damaged, the MCU can forcefully disconnect the MOS through the CB Driver hardware circuit to realize the protection function. For loads with a single overcurrent protection function (Output18), only an overcurrent protection circuit built with external shunt and discrete components is needed. After triggering an overcurrent fault, the MOS of the circuit is directly disconnected to realize protection.

[0069] For small loads (Output3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19), connection to the external load harness via connectors not only reduces costs but also facilitates harness insertion / removal and space arrangement. For loads requiring complex monitoring functions, such as It current monitoring curves (Output3, 11, 12), an EFUSE chip integrating MOS, shunt, and NTC is used to implement overcurrent, overtemperature, I²t, open circuit, and short circuit monitoring and protection for this circuit. When the EFUSE chip fails, the MCU can forcefully disconnect the built-in MOS of the EFUSE through the CB Driver hardware circuit to achieve the protection function. For loads with only overcurrent protection function (Output4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19), only an external shunt combined with a discrete component-built overcurrent protection circuit is needed. After triggering an overcurrent fault, the MOS of the circuit is directly disconnected to achieve protection.

[0070] This invention provides an intelligent power distribution system that can achieve efficient and automated power distribution based on the status of the low-voltage power supply, the status of the power distribution branch, and vehicle commands, while retaining the original battery protection to ensure vehicle safety during parking, starting, charging, and discharging. It reduces costs, PCB size, and weight, while also reducing the complexity of external wiring harness connections in the power distribution system. It solves the problems of complex architecture, low integration, high cost, heavy weight, and complex wiring harness connections in existing 12V power distribution systems, achieving cost reduction, weight reduction, and simplified wiring harnesses after integration.

[0071] This invention also provides a control method for an intelligent power distribution system, applied to the aforementioned intelligent power distribution system. Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a control method for an intelligent power distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] See Figure 3 The control method includes:

[0073] S1: After the vehicle is turned off and powered down, the battery management module closes the first switch and opens the second switch, and the low-voltage load distribution module supplies power to the low-voltage load distribution module.

[0074] S2: When the vehicle is powered on, if the low-voltage power supply is fully charged, the battery management module disconnects the first switch and closes the second switch, and the high-voltage power supply module simultaneously outputs voltage to the low-voltage load distribution module and the high-voltage load distribution module; if the low-voltage power supply is low in power, the battery management module simultaneously closes the first switch and the second switch, and the high-voltage power supply module simultaneously charges the low-voltage power supply.

[0075] The present invention provides a control method for an intelligent power distribution system, which can achieve efficient and automated power distribution based on the status of the low-voltage power supply, the status of the power distribution branch, and the vehicle commands, while retaining the original battery protection, ensuring the safety of the vehicle during parking, starting, charging, and discharging.

[0076] In one optional embodiment, the battery management module collects the status data of the low-voltage power supply and obtains the status data of each power distribution branch collected by each load protection unit; the battery management module controls the first switch and each power distribution branch to switch on and off based on the status data of the low-voltage load power distribution module and the status data of each power distribution branch collected by each load protection unit.

[0077] In summary, the intelligent power distribution system provided by this invention can achieve efficient and automated power distribution based on the status of the low-voltage power supply, the status of the power distribution branches, and vehicle commands. It solves the problems inherent in existing 12V power supply networks, where lithium battery management uses a separate 12V battery management system, and power distribution is still implemented by a separate distribution box. This fails to achieve intelligent power distribution in conjunction with the current status of the 12V lithium battery and the vehicle as a whole. Furthermore, the discrete architecture and independent 12V low-voltage system controller and power distribution system control box lead to high cost, heavy weight, complex wiring connections, and long power distribution strategy links. Simultaneously, it reduces cost, PCB size, and weight, while also reducing the complexity of external wiring connections in the power distribution system. It solves the problems of complex architecture, low integration, high cost, heavy weight, and complex wiring connections in existing 12V power distribution systems, achieving cost reduction, weight reduction, and simplified wiring after integration.

[0078] It should be noted that the embodiments of the present invention have better implementability and are not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Any person skilled in the art may use the above-disclosed technical content to change or modify it into equivalent effective embodiments. However, any modifications or equivalent changes and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. An intelligent power distribution system, characterized in that, include: The system includes a low-voltage load distribution module, a high-voltage load distribution module, a battery management module, a low-voltage power supply, a high-voltage power supply module, a first switch, and a second switch; both the low-voltage load distribution module and the high-voltage load distribution module include several load protection units connected to each load. The positive and negative terminals of the low-voltage load power distribution module and the high-voltage load power distribution module are respectively connected to the two ends of the battery management module; One end of the first switch is connected to the positive terminal of the low-voltage power supply, and the other end is connected to the load protection unit of each branch of the low-voltage load distribution module; one end of the second switch is connected to the positive terminal of the high-voltage power supply module and the load protection unit of each branch of the high-voltage load distribution module; the other end of the second switch is connected to the other end of the first switch. The battery management module is used for: After the vehicle is powered off, the first switch is closed and the second switch is opened, and the low-voltage load distribution module supplies power to the low-voltage load distribution module; and is used for: When the vehicle is powered on, and the low-voltage power supply is fully charged, the first switch is disconnected and the second switch is closed. Simultaneously, the high-voltage power supply module outputs voltage to both the low-voltage load distribution module and the high-voltage load distribution module; or it can be used for: When the low-voltage power supply is insufficient, the first switch and the second switch are closed simultaneously, and the high-voltage power supply module also charges the low-voltage power supply.

2. The intelligent power distribution system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The battery management module is used to collect the status data of the low-voltage power supply and the status data of each power distribution branch collected by each load protection unit; based on the status data of the low-voltage load power distribution module and the status data of each power distribution branch collected by each load protection unit, it controls the on / off state of the first switch and / or each power distribution branch.

3. The intelligent power distribution system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The battery management module is connected to the vehicle via communication. The battery management module is also used to: report the status data of the low-voltage power supply to the vehicle, and obtain the status data of each power distribution branch collected by each load protection unit, and receive the control commands fed back by the vehicle, and control the first switch and / or each power distribution branch to switch on or off according to the control commands.

4. The intelligent power distribution system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The status data of the low-voltage power supply includes: voltage, temperature, and current; the battery management module includes: a sampling chip, a current sampling unit, and a microcontroller unit; The sampling chip is used to collect the voltage and temperature of the low-voltage power supply through the built-in battery connector, and to collect the current of the low-voltage power supply through the current sampling unit; the battery connector is connected in parallel between the positive and negative terminals of the low-voltage power supply; the current sampling unit is connected to the negative terminal of the low-voltage power supply. The microcontroller unit is communicatively connected to the sampling chip and is used to acquire the voltage, temperature, and current of the low-voltage power supply; and to control the first switch to open or close based on the voltage, temperature, and current of the low-voltage power supply.

5. The intelligent power distribution system as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The load protection unit is an EFUSE chip unit; The types of EFUSE chip units include: EFUSE chip units with external switching devices and EFUSE chip units with internal switching devices; the types of EFUSE chip units are configured according to the voltage output capability of each power distribution branch.

6. The intelligent power distribution system as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The status data of each power distribution branch collected by each load protection unit includes: the current and temperature of each power distribution branch; The EFUSE chip unit includes: a temperature sensor, a power distribution branch circuit breaker, a current sensor, and an EFUSE control chip; The EFUSE control chip is used to acquire the current and temperature of the power distribution branch collected by the temperature sensor and the current sensor, and to control the circuit breaker of the power distribution branch to open or close based on the current and temperature of the power distribution branch, or to report the current and temperature of the power distribution branch to the microcontroller unit. The microcontroller unit is used to control the circuit breaker of the power distribution branch to open and close based on the reported current and temperature of the power distribution branch.

7. The intelligent power distribution system as described in claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a power management chip; the microcontroller unit communicates with the vehicle via the power management chip and the vehicle connector. The microcontroller unit is also used to: report the voltage, temperature and current of the low-voltage load power distribution module to the vehicle, and receive control commands fed back by the vehicle, and control the first switch and / or each power distribution branch to switch on and off according to the control commands.

8. The intelligent power distribution system as described in claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes: a CB Driver circuit, which is disposed on the control line composed of the microcontroller unit, the first switch, the second switch, and the circuit breakers of the distribution branches in each distribution branch; The microcontroller unit is used to control the on / off state of the first switch, the second switch, and each distribution branch circuit breaker via the CB Driver circuit.

9. A control method for an intelligent power distribution system, applied to the intelligent power distribution system according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, After the vehicle is turned off and powered down, the battery management module closes the first switch and opens the second switch, and the low-voltage load distribution module supplies power to the low-voltage load distribution module. When the vehicle is powered on, if the low-voltage power supply is fully charged, the battery management module disconnects the first switch and closes the second switch. The high-voltage power supply module simultaneously outputs voltage to the low-voltage load distribution module and the high-voltage load distribution module. If the low-voltage power supply is insufficient, the battery management module simultaneously closes the first switch and the second switch, and the high-voltage power supply module also charges the low-voltage power supply.

10. The control method for the intelligent power distribution system as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The battery management module collects the status data of the low-voltage power supply and the status data of each power distribution branch collected by each load protection unit. The battery management module controls the on / off state of the first switch and each power distribution branch based on the status data of the low-voltage load power distribution module and the status data of each power distribution branch collected by each load protection unit.

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