POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM WITH STARTING POWER SOURCE

Abstract

The present invention relates to a power supply system (100) comprising: - a power supply (102); - a main power source (108); - a DC-DC converter (110); - a first switch (114) between the DC-DC converter (110) and the power supply (102); - a starting power source (118); - a second switch (122) between the starting power source (118) and the power supply (102);and - a control device (126) designed to, when energized, with the first switch (114) open and the second switch (102) closed so that the power supply (102) is supplied by the starting DC voltage (V2): detect when the converted DC voltage (V1') reaches a predefined threshold, and in response, close the first switch (114) and open the second switch (122) so that the power supply (102) is supplied by the main converted DC voltage (V1'). The power supply system (100) further includes a short-circuit detection system (128) designed to detect a short circuit of the second switch (122) and, in response, open the first switch (114). Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 1;

Description

Title of the invention: POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM WITH STARTING POWER SOURCE Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical power supply system with a starting electrical source, a method for securing such a system and a mobility device comprising such a system.

[0002] A mobility device is, for example, a motorized land vehicle, a train, an aircraft, or a drone. A motorized land vehicle is, for example, a car, a motorcycle, a motorized bicycle, or a motorized wheelchair. Technological background

[0003] A power supply system of the type comprising: is known from the prior art. - a power supply designed to be powered by a direct current electrical voltage and, when powered, to power at least one electrical device; - a primary power source designed to provide a primary DC voltage; - a DC-DC converter designed to be powered by the power supply and, when powered, to convert the main DC voltage into a converted main DC voltage; - a first switch between the DC-DC converter and the power supply, designed, when closed, to provide the converted DC voltage to the power supply to power the latter; - a starting power source designed to provide a DC starting voltage; - a second switch between the starting power source and the power supply, designed, when closed, to provide the starting DC voltage to the power supply to power the latter; and - a control device designed to be powered by the power supply and, when powered, with the first switch open and the second switch closed so that the power supply is supplied by the DC starting voltage: • detect when the converted DC voltage reaches a predefined threshold, and • In response, close the first switch and open the second switch so that the power supply is powered by the converted main DC voltage.

[0004] Thus, the two power sources are used to supply the power supply, but at different times: first, the starting power source when the DC-DC converter is not operational, and then the main power source to implement a loop supply. The drawback of the preceding power supply system is that if the second switch fails, causing it to short-circuit, there is a risk of a connection being established between the two power sources.

[0005] It may therefore be desirable to provide a power supply system that makes it possible to overcome at least some of the aforementioned problems and constraints. Summary of the invention

[0006] A power supply system of the aforementioned type is therefore proposed, characterized in that it further comprises a short-circuit detection system designed to detect a short circuit in the second switch and, in response, open the first switch.

[0007] Thus, thanks to the invention, the main power source is disconnected, so that only the starting power source supplies the power supply. In addition to reducing the risk of connection between the two power sources, this allows the power supply to continue to operate, and therefore ensures the continuity of operation of the electrical devices powered by the power supply.

[0008] The invention may further include one or more of the following optional features, according to any technically possible combination.

[0009] Optionally, the short-circuit detection device includes: - a first voltage and / or current sensor, placed at the output of the second switch and designed to provide an initial measurement to the control device; and - the control device which is then designed to detect a short circuit of the second switch from the first voltage measurement and, in response, to open the first switch.

[0010] Optionally also, the short-circuit detection device includes: - a short-circuit detection module separate from the control device; And - a second voltage and / or current sensor, placed at the output of the second switch and designed to provide a second measurement to the short-circuit detection module; the short-circuit detection module is designed to detect a short circuit in the second switch from the second measurement and, in response, to open the first switch.

[0011] Optionally also, the control device is designed to selectively transmit an opening command and a closing command to the first switch, and the short-circuit detection module is designed to transmit an opening command to the first switch, the power supply system further comprising a control combination module designed to give priority to the opening command over the closing command to the first switch.

[0012] Optionally, the control device is also designed to transmit a diagnostic command to the short-circuit detection module, so that the latter enters a diagnostic mode and transmits a test measurement to the short-circuit detection module instead of the second measurement, this test measurement being designed to simulate a short circuit of the second switch, and the short-circuit detection module in diagnostic mode is designed, in response to the test measurement, not to command the first switch and instead transmit to the control device a status message allowing the control device to verify that the short-circuit detection module has detected a short circuit from the test measurement.

[0013] Optionally also, the control device is designed to check whether the first switch is open when the second switch is closed.

[0014] Optionally also, the control device detects when the DC voltage reaches a predefined threshold, corresponding to the minimum supply voltage of the power supply.

[0015] For example, the minimum supply voltage of the power supply can be 8 V, or for example 9 V.

[0016] A mobility device comprising an electrical power supply system according to the invention is also proposed.

[0017] A method for securing an electrical power supply system is also proposed, comprising: - a power supply designed to be powered by a direct current electrical voltage and, when powered, to power at least one electrical device; - a primary power source designed to provide a primary DC voltage; - a DC-DC converter designed to be powered by the power supply and, when powered, to convert the main DC voltage into a converted main DC voltage; - a first switch between the DC-DC converter and the power supply, designed, when closed, to provide the converted DC voltage to the power supply to power the latter; - a starting power source designed to provide a DC starting voltage; - a second switch between the starting power source and the power supply, designed, when closed, to provide the starting DC voltage to the power supply to power the latter; and - a control device designed to be powered by the power supply and, when powered, with the first switch open and the second switch closed so that the power supply is supplied by the DC starting voltage: • detect when the converted DC voltage reaches a predefined threshold, and • In response, close the first switch and open the second switch so that the power supply is powered by the converted main DC voltage; the safety procedure being characterized in that it comprises: a detection of a short circuit of the second switch and, in response, an opening of the first switch. Brief description of the figures

[0018] The invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: - Figure [1] is a functional diagram of an example of a power supply system according to the invention, - [Fig.2] is a block diagram of a method for starting the power supply system of [Fig.1], - Figure 3 reproduces Figure 1, with the unactivated parts represented by dotted lines, during an activation step of an electrical starting source of the power supply system. - Figure 4 reproduces Figure 1, with the non-activated parts represented by dotted lines, during a start-up step of the power supply system. - [Fig.5] reproduces [Fig.1], with the non-activated parts represented by dotted lines, during a start-up step of a DC-DC converter and a control device of the power supply system, - Figure 6 reproduces Figure 1, with the non-activated parts represented by dotted lines, during a step of supplying a DC voltage converted by the DC-DC converter. - [Fig.7] reproduces [Fig.1], with the non-activated parts represented by dotted lines, during a step of detecting the converted DC voltage and switching from the starting voltage to the converted DC voltage to power the electrical supply, - [Fig.8] is a block diagram of a method for securing the electrical power supply system of [Fig.1], - [Fig.9] reproduces [Fig.1], with the non-activated parts represented by dotted lines, during a short-circuit detection step in a switch of the electrical power supply system providing the starting voltage to the power supply device, - [Fig.10] reproduces [Fig.11], with the non-activated parts represented by dotted lines, during a step, in response to the detection of the short circuit, of opening another switch to disconnect the power supply from the converted DC voltage, - [Fig. 1] is a block diagram of a diagnostic method for a short-circuit detection module of the power supply system of [Fig. 1], and - [Fig.12] reproduces [Fig.1], with the non-activated parts being represented in dotted lines, during the diagnostic process. Detailed description of the invention

[0019] With reference to [Fig.1], an example of a power supply system 100 according to the invention will now be described.

[0020] The power supply system 100 includes, firstly, a power supply 102. This power supply 102 is designed to be supplied by a DC input voltage, for example, between 8 V and 48 V. When supplied, this power supply 102 is designed to provide at least one DC supply voltage to power at least one electrical device 104, 106. Preferably, the DC supply voltage(s) are lower than the voltage continuous input, for example less than 12 V. For example, the power supply 102 is designed to provide a continuous supply voltage of 5 V and / or a continuous supply voltage of 3.3 V. In the example shown, the 5 V supply voltage powers the electrical device 104 and the 3.3 V supply voltage powers the electrical device 106.

[0021] The power supply system 100 further includes a main power source 108 designed to provide a main DC voltage VI and a DC-DC converter 110 designed to convert the main DC voltage VI into a converted DC voltage VI' intended to power the power supply.

[0022] For example, the main power source 108 includes a battery. Also, for example, the main DC voltage V1 is between 48 V and 800 V. For example, the main voltage V1 is 48 V, 400 V, or 800 V.

[0023] Preferably, the DC-DC converter 110 is a step-down converter, so that the converted DC voltage VI' is lower than the main DC voltage VI. The converted DC voltage VI' is, for example, between 12 V and 48 V.

[0024] The DC-DC converter 110 is designed to be powered by the power supply 102, in order to perform the conversion when powered, for example, to control switching switches of the DC-DC converter 110. The DC-DC converter 110 is thus designed to receive a DC supply voltage provided by the power supply 102, for example the 5V supply voltage as in the illustrated example.

[0025] The power supply system 100 may further include a first electrical network 112 supplied by the converted direct voltage VI'.

[0026] The power supply system 100 further includes, a first switch 114 between the DC-DC converter 110 and the power supply 102, for example between the first power network 112 and the power supply 102. The first switch 114 is thus designed, when closed, to supply the converted DC voltage VI' to the power supply 102 to power the latter. When open, the first switch 114 is designed to disconnect the power supply from the converted DC voltage V1'. Preferably, the first switch 114 is normally open, that is, it is open in the absence of a command.

[0027] The power supply system 100 may further include a diode 116 between the power supply 102 and the first switch 114, conducting towards the power supply 102 (cathode connected to the power supply 102).

[0028] According to the above, it is necessary to provide elements for starting, due to the loop between the power supply 102 and the DC-DC converter 110: the power supply 102 requires the DC-DC converter. 110 to operate and the DC-DC converter 110 needs the power supply 102 to operate.

[0029] Thus, the power supply system 100 further includes a continuous starting power source 118 designed to provide a continuous starting voltage V2.

[0030] The power supply system 100 may further include a second power network 120 supplied by the starting DC voltage V2.

[0031] The power supply system 100 further includes a second switch 122 between the starting power source 118 and the power supply 102, for example between the second power network 120 and the power supply 102.

[0032] The second switch 122 is designed, when closed, to supply the DC starting voltage V2 to the power supply 102 to power the latter. When open, the second switch 122 is designed to disconnect the power supply 102 from the DC starting voltage V2. Preferably, the second switch 122 is normally closed, that is, it is closed in the absence of a command.

[0033] The power supply system 100 may further include a diode 124 between the power supply 102 and the second switch 114, conducting towards the power supply 102 (cathode connected to the power supply 102).

[0034] To control the first switch 114 and the second switch 122, the power supply system 100 further includes a control device 126, for example a microcontroller, designed to be powered by the power supply 102. In particular, after startup, the control device 126 is designed to close the first switch 114 and open the second switch 114 so that the power supply 102 is supplied with the converted DC voltage VI' and disconnected from the starting voltage V2. However, if the second switch 122 fails, causing it to short-circuit, the starting power supply 118 and the main power supply 108 could become connected to each other.

[0035] To avoid this, the power supply system 100 further includes a short-circuit detection system 128 designed to detect a short circuit of the second switch 122 and, in response, open the first switch 114. Thus, not only is a connection between the starting DC voltage V2 and the converted DC voltage VI' avoided, but also the power supply 102 continues to be supplied by the starting voltage V2, allowing the devices 104, 106, 110 that the power supply 102 supplies to continue to operate.

[0036] For example, the short-circuit detection system 128 includes a first voltage and / or current sensor 130, placed at the output of the second switch 122 (i.e., between the second switch 122 and the power supply 102) and designed to provide a first voltage and / or current measurement Ml to the control device 126. The short-circuit detection system 128 further includes the control device 126 which is then designed to detect a short circuit of the second switch 122 from the first voltage and / or current measurement Ml and, in response, to open the first switch 114.

[0037] Also, for example, the short-circuit detection system 128 includes a second voltage and / or current sensor 132, located at the output of the second switch 122 (i.e., between the second switch 122 and the power supply 102) and designed to provide a second voltage and / or current measurement M2. The short-circuit detection system 128 further includes a short-circuit detection module 134 to which the second measurement M2 is provided. The short-circuit detection module 134 is separate from the control device 126. The short-circuit detection module 134 is designed to detect a short circuit of the second switch 122 from the second measurement M2 and, in response, to open the first switch 114. The short-circuit detection module 134 is, for example, designed to be powered by the power supply 102.

[0038] Preferably, the short-circuit detection system 128 incorporates the two preceding solutions to achieve redundancy. In this case, the control device 126 and the short-circuit detection module 134 can be of ASILB level and, thanks to the redundancy, the short-circuit detection system 128 as a whole can achieve ASIL D level.

[0039] In this case, the power supply system 100 preferably includes a control combination module 136 designed to combine commands transmitted by the control device 126 and the short-circuit detection module 134, as will be explained later.

[0040] Furthermore, the power supply system 100 includes a third voltage and / or current sensor 138, located at the input of the first switch 114 (i.e. between the DC-DC converter 110 and the first switch 114) and designed to provide a third voltage and / or current measurement M3, and a fourth voltage and / or current sensor 140, located at the output of the first switch 114 (i.e. between the first switch 114 and the power supply 102) and designed to provide a fourth voltage and / or current measurement M4.

[0041] With reference to [Fig.2], an example of a starting method 200 for the power supply system 100 will now be described.

[0042] Initially, the power supply 102 is switched off, so that the DC-DC converter 110, the electrical devices 104, 106, the control device 126, and the short-circuit detection module 134 are also switched off. Furthermore, the starting power supply 118 is deactivated.

[0043] During a step 202 ([Fig.3]), the starting power source 118 is activated and provides the starting DC voltage V2.

[0044] During a step 204 ([Fig.4]), as the second switch 122 is closed, for example because it is normally closed and no command is transmitted to it, the DC starting voltage V2 is supplied to the power supply 102 which turns on.

[0045] During a step 206 ([Fig.5]), the power supply 102 is switched on and provides the supply voltage(s). Thus, the electrical devices 104, 106 switch on, as well as the DC-DC converter 110, the control device 126 and the short-circuit detection module 134.

[0046] During a step 208 ([Fig.6]), the DC-DC converter 110 is switched on and supplies the converted DC voltage VI' up to the first switch 114. During this step 208, the control device 126 receives the measurement M3, from which the control device 126 detects that the converted DC voltage VI' reaches a predefined threshold, for example between 12 V and 48 V, or being the minimum supply voltage of the power supply 102, for example being between 8 V and 9 V.

[0047] During step 208, the control device 126 can also preferably diagnose the first switch 114 to verify that it is open, and therefore, in particular, that it does not have a fault causing it to behave as a short circuit. For this purpose, when the sensors 138 and 140 are voltage sensors, the control device 126 can, for example, verify that the voltage measurement M4 is lower than the voltage measurement M3. When the sensor 138 or the sensor 140 is a current sensor, the control device 126 can, for example, verify that the current measurement M3 or the current measurement M4 is substantially zero.

[0048] If the first switch 114 is not detected as open and is therefore faulty, the safety of the power supply 100 cannot be ensured. It may then be decided not to switch on the DC-DC converter 110. It may also be decided to open switch 122.

[0049] During a step 210 ([Fig. 7]), in response to the detection that the converted DC voltage V1' reaches the predefined value and preferably that the first switch 114 is not faulty, the control device 126 closes the first switch 114 and opens the second switch 122 so that the power supply 102 is supplied by the converted DC voltage V1'. For example, the device control 126 transmits a closing command CLOSEn4 to the first switch 114 and an opening command OPENm to the second switch 122. Preferably, the opening of the second switch 122 is carried out quickly after the closing of the first switch 114, for example less than 10 ps after, so that the two switches 114, 122 do not both remain closed together for too long.

[0050] With reference to [Fig.8], an example of a method for securing 800 of the electrical power supply system 100 will now be described.

[0051] Initially, the power supply system 100 is as shown in [Fig.7].

[0052] During a step 802 ([Fig.9]), the second switch 122 fails and short-circuits.

[0053] During a step 804 ([Fig.9]), the control device 126 detects the short circuit of the second switch 122 from the first measurement Ml.

[0054] During a step 806 ([Fig. 10]), in response to the detection of the short circuit of the second switch 122, the control device 126 opens the first switch 114, for example by transmitting an open command OPENn4 to the first switch 114 or by not transmitting any command when the first switch 114 is normally open.

[0055] In parallel with steps 804 and 806, during a step 808 ([Fig.9]), the short-circuit detection module 134 detects the short circuit of the second switch 122 from the second measurement M2.

[0056] During a step 810 ([Fig.10]), in response to the detection of the short circuit of the second switch 122, the short circuit detection module 134 opens the first switch 114, for example by transmitting an open command OPENn4 to the first switch 114.

[0057] Commands from the control device 126 and the short-circuit detection module 134 to the first switch 114 pass through the control combination module 136. The latter is designed to prioritize an opening command over a closing command. Thus, if the control device 126 fails and continues to transmit the closing command CLOSEn4 following a short circuit in the second switch 122, it is the opening command OPENn4 from the short-circuit detection module 134 that will be transmitted by the control combination module 136 to the first switch 114. For example, if opening commands are executed by the logic value "0" and closing commands are executed by the logic value "1", the control combination module 136 can, for example, be an "OR" logic gate.

[0058] With reference to [Fig. 11], an example of a diagnostic method 1100 of the short-circuit detection module 134 will now be described.

[0059] Initially, the power supply system 100 is as shown in [Fig.7].

[0060] During a step 1102 ([Fig. 12]), the control device 126 transmits a DIAG diagnostic command to short-circuit detection module 134.

[0061] During a step 1104, in response, the short-circuit detection module 134 configures itself to disable sending commands to the first switch 114.

[0062] During a step 1106 ([Fig. 12]), the control device 126 transmits a test measurement TEST instead of the second measurement M2. This test measurement TEST is designed to simulate the second measurement M2 that the second sensor 132 would send in the event of a short circuit in the second switch 122.

[0063] During step 1108 ([Fig. 12]), the short-circuit detection module 134 transmits a STATE message to the control device 126, allowing the control device 126 to verify that the short-circuit detection module 134 has detected the simulated short circuit and is therefore functioning as expected. However, due to its reconfiguration in step 1104, the short-circuit detection module 134 does not transmit an opening command to the first switch 114 in response to the TEST test measurement.

[0064] In conclusion, it should also be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. It will indeed be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the embodiments described above, in light of the information just disclosed to them.

[0065] In the detailed presentation of the invention given above, the terms used shall not be interpreted as limiting the invention to the embodiments set forth in this description, but shall be interpreted as including all equivalents which can be foreseen by a person skilled in the art by applying their general knowledge to the implementation of the teaching which has just been disclosed to them.

Claims

1. Demands Power supply system (100) comprising: - an electrical power supply (102) designed to be powered by a direct current electrical voltage and, when powered, to power at least one electrical device (104, 106, 110, 126); - a main power source (108) designed to provide a main DC voltage (VI); - a DC-DC converter (110) designed to be powered by the power supply (102) and, when powered, to convert the main DC voltage (VI) into a converted main DC voltage (VI'); - a first switch (114) between the DC-DC converter (110) and the power supply (102), designed, when closed, to supply the converted DC voltage (VI') to the power supply (102) to power the latter; - a starting power source (118) designed to provide a DC starting voltage (V2); - a second switch (122) between the starting power source (118) and the power supply (102), designed, when closed, to provide the starting DC voltage (V2) to the power supply (102) to power the latter; and - a control device (126) designed to be powered by the power supply (102) and, when powered, to have the first switch (114) open and the second switch (122) closed so that the power supply (102) is supplied by the DC starting voltage (V2): • detect when the converted DC voltage (VI') reaches a predefined threshold, and • in response, close the first switch (114) and open the second switch (122) so that the power supply (102) is powered by the main converted DC voltage (VI'); the power supply system being characterized in that it further comprises a short-circuit detection system (128) designed to detect a short circuit of the second switch (122) and, in response, open the first switch (114).

2. Power supply system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the short-circuit detection device (128) comprises: - a first voltage and / or current sensor (130), located at the output of the second switch (122) and designed to provide a first measurement (M1) to the control device (126); and - the control device (126) which is then designed to detect a short circuit of the second switch (112) from the first voltage measurement (M1) and, in response, to open the first switch (114).

3. Power supply system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the short-circuit detection device (128) comprises: - a short-circuit detection module (134) separate from the control device (126); and - a second voltage and / or current sensor (132), located at the output of the second switch (122) and designed to provide a second measurement (M2) to the short-circuit detection module (134); the short-circuit detection module (134) being designed to detect a short circuit of the second switch (122) from the second measurement (M2) and, in response, to open the first switch (114).

4. Power supply system (100) according to claims 2 and 3 sockets together, wherein the control device (126) is designed to selectively transmit an open command (OPEN111) and a close command (CLOS114) to the first switch (114), and wherein the short-circuit detection module (134) is designed to transmit an open command (OPEN114) to the first switch (114), the power supply system (100) further comprising a combination module control (136) designed to allow the first switch (114) to pass primarily the opening command (OPENn4) over the closing command (CLOSEn4).

5. Power supply system (100) according to claims 2 and 3 taken together or claim 4, wherein the control device (126) is designed to transmit a diagnostic command (DIAG) to the short-circuit detection module (134), causing the latter to enter a diagnostic mode and transmit to the short-circuit detection module (134) a test measure (TEST) instead of the second measure (M2), this test measure (TEST) being designed to simulate a short circuit of the second switch (122), and wherein the short-circuit detection module (134) in diagnostic mode is designed, in response to the test measure (TEST), not to control the first switch (114) and instead transmit to the control device (126),a status message (STATE) allowing the control device (126) to verify that the short-circuit detection module (134) has detected a short circuit from the test measurement (TEST).

6. Power supply system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control device (126) is designed to, when the second switch (122) is closed, check whether the first switch (114) is open.

7. Mobility device comprising an electrical power supply system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. A method for securing (800) a power supply system (100) comprising: - a power supply (102) designed to be supplied by a direct current voltage and, when supplied, to supply at least one electrical device (104, 106, 110, 126); - a main power source (108) designed to supply a main direct current voltage (IV); - a direct current-to-direct current converter (110) designed to be supplied by the power supply (102) and, when supplied, to convert the direct current voltage main (VI) into a converted main DC voltage (VI'); - a first switch (114) between the DC-DC converter (110) and the power supply (102), designed, when closed, to supply the converted DC voltage (VI') to the power supply (102) to power the latter; - a starting power source (118) designed to provide a DC starting voltage (V2); - a second switch (122) between the starting power source (118) and the power supply (102), designed, when closed, to provide the starting DC voltage (V2) to the power supply (102) to power the latter; and - a control device (126) designed to be powered by the power supply (102) and, when powered, to have the first switch (114) open and the second switch (102) closed so that the power supply (102) is supplied by the DC starting voltage (V2): • detect (208) when the converted DC voltage (VI') reaches a predefined threshold, and • in response, close (210) the first switch (114) and open the second switch (122) so that the power supply (102) is powered by the main converted DC voltage (VI'); the safety process (800) being characterized in that it comprises: a detection (804, 808) of a short circuit of the second switch (122) and, in response, an opening (806, 810) of the first switch (114).

Images