Electrical installation with two DC voltage sources, two networks and an interconnection device

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical installation (102) for a mobility vehicle (100), comprising: - a first DC voltage source (SC1); - a second DC voltage source (SC2); - a first network (LV1) designed to comprise a battery (BAT); - a second network (LV2) devoid of any battery. The electrical installation (102) further comprises: - an interconnection device (IT) comprising: a first link (L1) between the first DC voltage source (SC1) and the first network (LV1); a second link (L2) between the second DC voltage source (SC2) and the second network (LV2); and a junction switch (BP) connected between the first and second links (L1, L2); and - a control device (108) which, when the interconnection device (IT) is in a so-called normal configuration wherein the junction switch (BP) is open, is designed for: controlling the closing of the junction switch (BP), in response to a detection of an electrical power supply from the second network (LV2) over the second link (L2), in order to place the interconnection device (IT) in a so-called absorption configuration, so that the power supplied by the second network (LV2) is absorbed by the first DC voltage source (SC1) and / or by the battery (BAT).

Description

Description TITLE: ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION WITH TWO DC VOLTAGE SOURCES, TWO NETWORKS AND AN INTERCONNECTION DEVICE Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical installation with two DC voltage sources, two networks and an interconnection device, a mobility device comprising such an electrical installation, a method for controlling the interconnection device and a corresponding computer program.

[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.

[0003] In the description and the claims that follow, an electrical voltage shall be qualified as high voltage when it is greater than 100V, preferably greater than 150V, and as low voltage when it is less than 100V. Technological background

[0004] An electrical installation comprising first and second DC voltage sources, and two networks supplied independently by one of the DC voltage sources via two separate connections, is known from the prior art. The first network may include a battery, while the second network does not.

[0005] However, it can happen that one of the devices on the second network feeds back electrical energy, that is, supplies electrical energy on the link connecting the second source to this second network. Such a feedback of electrical energy can occur when the device is subjected to external stress. For example, in the case of power steering, a sudden change of direction, such as one resulting from the wheels hitting an obstacle (curb, etc.), can cause such a feedback. It is then possible to control the second source to absorb this electrical energy return. However, this is not always desirable or possible, for example, if the second source is faulty. In this case, the electrical energy cannot be discharged through the second link, so it accumulates in the second network and causes a potentially very significant increase in its voltage. Now, the devices, even their safety mechanisms can be damaged if the voltage becomes too high, which can endanger people.

[0006] It may therefore be desirable to plan an installation that makes it possible to overcome at least some of the aforementioned problems and constraints. Summary of the invention

[0007] An electrical installation is therefore proposed for a mobility device, comprising: a first DC voltage source; a second DC voltage source; a first network designed to include a battery; a second network without a battery;

[0008] characterized in that it comprises: an interconnection device comprising: • a first connection between the first DC voltage source and the first network, • a second connection between the second DC voltage source and the second network, • a junction switch connected between the first and second links; and a control device designed for it, the interconnection device being in a so-called normal configuration in which the junction switch is open: • in response to the detection of an electrical power supply by the second network on the second link, command the closing of the junction switch to place the interconnection device in a so-called absorption configuration, so that the energy supplied by the second network is absorbed by the first DC voltage source and / or the battery.

[0009] Thus, thanks to the invention, it is possible to redirect electrical energy to the first network where this electrical energy can be absorbed by the battery, thus that possibly towards the first source which can be used as a supplement to absorb this electrical energy.

[0010] For example, the supply of electrical power by the second network can occur when a component of the second network is externally requested.

[0011] The invention may further include one or more of the following optional features, in any technically feasible combination.

[0012] Optionally, the detection of the supply of electrical power by the second network on the second link includes the detection of an overvoltage of a voltage from the second network and / or a reverse current leaving the second network towards the second source.

[0013] Optionally, the control device is also designed to maintain the interconnection device in the absorption configuration as long as the supply of electrical power by the second network on the second link is detected.

[0014] Optionally, the control device is also designed to, in response to a cessation of the supply of electrical power by the second network on the second link, command the opening of the junction switch to place the interconnection device in the normal configuration.

[0015] Optionally, the control device is also designed to command the closing of the junction switch to place the interconnection device in the absorption configuration, in response to the detection of a failure of the second DC voltage source in addition to the detection of the supply of electrical power by the second network on the second link.

[0016] Optionally, the junction switch also includes two unidirectional switches, each with an intrinsic diode or one added in parallel, the two unidirectional switches being mounted in series, with either each of the conducting diodes in the direction of the other, or each of the blocking diodes in the direction of the other.

[0017] Optionally, the first connection also includes upstream and downstream switches connected to each other at a first midpoint, with the upstream switch connected between the first DC voltage source and the downstream switch, and the downstream switch being connected between the first upstream switch and the first network, and the second link has a second upstream switch connected between the second DC voltage source and the second network.

[0018] Optionally, the control device is also designed to keep the second upstream switch closed in the absorption configuration.

[0019] Optionally, the control device is also designed to keep the first upstream and downstream switches closed in the absorption configuration.

[0020] Optionally, the second link also includes a second downstream switch connected between the second upstream switch and the second network, the junction switch being connected to the second link at a second midpoint between the second downstream switch and the second upstream switch.

[0021] Optionally, the control device is also designed to keep the second downstream switch closed in the absorption configuration.

[0022] A mobility device comprising an electrical installation according to the invention is also proposed.

[0023] A method for controlling an interconnection device located between first and second DC voltage sources and first and second networks is also proposed, the first network having a battery, the second network having no battery, the interconnection device comprising: a first connection between the first DC voltage source and the first network, a second connection between the second DC voltage source and the second network, a junction switch connected between the first midpoint and a second midpoint located between the second upstream switch and the second network; the method comprising, the interconnection device being in a so-called normal configuration in which the junction switch is open: In response to the detection of an electrical power supply from the second network on the second link, command the closing of the junction switch to place the interconnection device in a so-called absorption configuration, so that the energy supplied by the second network is absorbed by the first DC voltage source and / or the battery.

[0024] Also proposed is a computer program downloadable from a communication network and / or recorded on a computer-readable medium, characterized in that it includes instructions for executing the steps of a process according to the invention, when said program is executed on a computer.

[0025] Optionally, the semiconductor switches used also feature an intrinsic diode or a parallel diode, conducting towards the respective midpoint (cathode connected to the respective midpoint). Brief description of the figures

[0026] 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 very simplified side view of a mobility device comprising an electrical installation according to the invention, Figure 2 is a simplified electrical circuit of the electrical installation, illustrating in particular an interconnection device, Figure 3 is a block diagram of a first method of controlling the interconnection device, Figure 4 illustrates a configuration of the interconnection device at one of the steps of the first control method, Figure 5 illustrates a configuration of the interconnection device at one of the steps of the first control method, and Figure 6 is a simplified electrical circuit of a variant of the electrical installation. Detailed description of the invention

[0027] With reference to Figure 1, a mobility device 100 in which the invention can be implemented will now be described. The mobility device 100 is, for example, a motor vehicle as illustrated.

[0028] The mobility device 100 includes an electrical installation 102 comprising first and second DC voltage sources, hereafter referred to as sources SC1 and SC2, designed to provide DC voltages VB1, VB2 respectively.

[0029] For example, the first source SC1 includes a first battery BAT1 designed to provide a DC voltage VBATI and a first DC-DC converter DCDC1 designed to convert the DC voltage VBATI to the DC voltage VB1. Similarly, the second source SC2 includes a second battery BAT1 designed to provide a DC voltage V BAT2 and a second DC-DC2 voltage converter designed to convert the DC voltage V B AT2 in the DC voltage VB2.

[0030] DC voltages VBATI, V B AT2 are for example equal to each other, for example equal to 400V.

[0031] For example, batteries BAT1 and BAT2 consist of cells or accumulators connected in series. For example, the cells in batteries BAT1 and BAT2 are lithium-ion cells, lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells, or lithium nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) cells. For example, batteries BAT1 and BAT2 have the same number N of cells or accumulators connected in series. Alternatively, batteries BAT1 and BAT2 can have a different number of cells or accumulators connected in series.

[0032] The first and second batteries, BAT1 and BAT2, are, for example, connected in series with each other, so as to form a battery system 104 designed to provide a continuous voltage BA T, based on VBATI tensions, BA T2, for example the sum of the voltages VBATI, V BA T2 - This tension BA T is, for example, a high voltage, for example 800V.

[0033] In other embodiments, the two sources SC1 and SC2 can share a single battery providing a DC voltage. In this case, the two DC-DC converters DC1 and DC-DC2 are connected to this shared battery to receive the DC voltage supplied by it.

[0034] The mobility device 100 may include an electric propulsion motor 106. In this case, the battery system 104 is, for example, designed to electrically supply the electric motor 106 from the voltage VBAT.

[0035] Furthermore, the electrical installation 102 also includes a first network LV1 designed to be powered by a DC voltage V1, and a second network LV2 designed to be powered by a DC voltage V2. The voltages V1 and V2 of the networks LV1 and LV2 are, for example, low voltages. Also, for example, the voltages V1 and V2 are equal.

[0036] The first LV1 network includes a BAT battery and Z1 loads, while the second LV2 network is preferably battery-free, but includes Z2 loads.

[0037] The BAT battery is designed to be charged from the SC1 source, SC2 supplying power to the LV1 network, and to itself power the Z1 loads of this LV1 network. For this purpose, the BAT battery is, for example, designed to store enough electrical energy to deliver 1 kW for two minutes.

[0038] When it is stated that the second LV2 network is battery-free, this means at a minimum that it lacks a battery designed to power the Z2 loads of the LV2 network and / or capable of storing enough electrical energy to deliver 1 kW for two minutes. Thus, the LV2 network may include electrical components that are not batteries within the meaning of the present invention.

[0039] For example, the voltage VBAT is referenced with respect to a first ground GND1, while the voltages VB1, VB2, V1, V2 are referenced with respect to a second ground GND2, different from the first ground GND1 (see figure 4).

[0040] The 100 mobility vehicle also includes an IT interconnection device designed to connect SC1, SC2 sources to LV1, LV2 networks, according to different configurations which will be detailed later.

[0041] With reference to Figure 2, an example of the implementation of the IT interconnection device will now be described.

[0042] The IT interconnection system initially comprises a first L1 link between the first source SC1 and the first network LV1. This first L1 link includes first upstream switches S11 and downstream switches S12 connected to each other. at a first midpoint P1. The first upstream switch S11 is connected between the first source SC1 and the first downstream switch S12, while the latter is connected between the first upstream switch S11 and the first network LV1.

[0043] The IT interconnection device also includes a second L2 link between the second source SC2 and the second network LV2. This second L2 link includes a second upstream switch S21 connected between the second source SC2 and the second network LV2.

[0044] The IT interconnection device further includes a junction switch BP connected between the first and second links L1, L2, and more precisely between the first midpoint P1 and a second midpoint P2 located between the second upstream switch S21 and the second network LV2.

[0045] The second link L2 may also include, as in the example shown in Figure 2, a second downstream switch S22 connected between the second midpoint P2 and the second network LV2. The second upstream switch S21 and downstream switch S22 are then connected to each other at the second midpoint P2. As will be described with reference to Figure 16, this second downstream switch S22 can be omitted.

[0046] The controllable switches S11, S12, S21, and S22 are, for example, unidirectional switches designed, when open, to interrupt current in only one direction, but not in the other. More precisely, each upstream switch S11, S12 is designed to interrupt the current flowing from the midpoint P1, P2 to the source SC1, SC2 that it connects. Furthermore, each downstream switch S21, S22 is designed to interrupt the current flowing from the midpoint P1, P2 to the network LV1, LV2 that it connects.

[0047] For example, each controllable switch S11, S12, S21, S22 is a semiconductor switch, such as a transistor, for example a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) or a silicon metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor. "Silicon Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor" (also known as Si MOSFET) or a silicon carbide metal-oxide gate field effect transistor (from the English "Silicon Carbide Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor" also known as SiC MOSFET) or an insulated gate bipolar transistor (from the English "Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor") (also known by the acronym IGBT) or a gallium nitride field-effect transistor (GaN FET). The semiconductor switches used generally have an intrinsic diode or a parallel diode. In this case, the diode conducts towards the respective midpoint P1, P2 (cathode connected to the respective midpoint P1, P2).

[0048] The junction switch BP is preferably a bidirectional switch designed to interrupt current in both directions when open. The junction switch BP may, for example, consist of two unidirectional switches BP1 and BP2 arranged back-to-back in series, with, for example, an inductance L between them. Indeed, if a fault occurs on one of the two connections L1 and L2, the presence of the inductance L can slow the propagation of this fault to the other connection. This inductance L may be omitted, so that the unidirectional switches BP1 and BP2 are directly connected to each other. Switch BP1 is connected to the midpoint P1, while switch BP2 is connected to the midpoint P2. These unidirectional switches BP1 and BP2 are, for example, semiconductor switches, as detailed above, generally featuring an intrinsic diode or one added in parallel.In this case, the diodes are in opposite directions, that is, either each conducting towards the other (cathodes connected to each other), or each blocking towards the other (anodes connected to each other, as in the illustrated example).

[0049] The electrical installation also includes a control device 108 for the IT interconnection device.

[0050] To control the IT interconnection device, the control device 108 is specifically designed to detect, on the one hand, a supply of electrical energy by the second network LV2 on the second link L2 and, on the other hand, optionally, a failure of the second source SC2, in particular of its DCDC2 converter, for example a failure of the drivers, of electronics providing the C2 commands, of a short circuit in the primary, etc.

[0051] For this purpose, the electrical installation 102 includes, for example, voltage sensors CUPI, CUP2, CVBI, CVI, CVB2, CV2 designed to measure the voltages UP1 and UP2 at midpoints P1 and P2, as well as the voltages VB1, V1, VB2, and V2, respectively. The electrical installation 102 may also include current sensors CIBI and CIB2 designed to measure the currents IB1 and IB2 supplied by the sources SC1 , SC2 to the IT interconnection device, these currents IB1 , IB2 passing in particular respectively through the upstream switches S11 , S21.

[0052] To detect the supply of electrical power from the second network LV2 on the second link L2, the control device 108 is, for example, designed to detect an overvoltage of the voltage V2 of the second network LV2. Alternatively, or in addition, the control device 108 is, for example, designed to detect a reverse current, i.e., a negative current IB2.

[0053] To detect a failure of the second source SC2, the control device 108 is for example designed to monitor a signal, for example a current or a voltage, internal to the second DCDC2 converter, in order to detect a failure when this signal has an abnormal value.

[0054] For example, undervoltage is detected when the voltage falls below a predefined threshold, such as 90% of the nominal value of the voltage in question. Similarly, overvoltage is detected when the voltage in question rises above a predefined threshold, such as the same threshold as for undervoltage detection.

[0055] Similarly, an overcurrent is detected, for example, when the current in question goes above a predefined threshold.

[0056] The control device 108 is, for example, a computer device, such as a computer or a set of computers, comprising a processing unit, such as a microprocessor, and a main memory designed to store instructions of a computer program so that the processing unit can execute them to implement the steps that will be described later.

[0057] With reference to figures 3 to 5, an example of a method 300 for the operation of the control device 108 will now be described.

[0058] Referring to Figure 4, during step 302, the IT interconnection device is initially in a so-called normal configuration in which the junction switch BP is open, while the other switches S11, S12, S21, and S22 are closed. Thus, the first source SC1 supplies power to the first network LV1, and the second source SC2 supplies power to the second network LV2, independently.

[0059] During step 304, the control device 108 detects a supply of electrical power from the second LV2 network on the second link L2, that is to say, a supply of electrical energy from the second network LV2 to the second DC voltage source SC2 through the second link L2. This energy can be energy returned by the equipment of the second network LV2, that is to say by the loads Z2.

[0060] During an optional step 306, the control device 108 detects a failure of the second source SC2, for example of the second DCDC2 converter.

[0061] In response to the detection of the electrical power supply by the second network LV2 on the second link L2, the control device 108 commands, during a step 308, the closing of the junction switch BP to place the interconnection device IT in a so-called absorption configuration. This configuration is illustrated in Figure 5.

[0062] In the absorption configuration, the electrical energy supplied by the second network LV2 is absorbed by the battery BAT of the first network LV1. In addition, the control device 108 can also control the first source SC1, for example the first DCDC1 converter, to absorb this electrical energy, together with the battery BAT.

[0063] For example, the mere detection of the supply of electrical power by the second network LV2 on the second link L2 can cause the switch to the absorption configuration, independent of the state, faulty or not, of the second source SC2.

[0064] Alternatively, the combined detection of the supply of electrical power by the second LV2 network on the second L2 link and the failure of the second SC2 source may be necessary to switch to the absorption configuration. In other words, the mere detection of the supply of electrical power by the second LV2 network on the second L2 link does not trigger the switch to the absorption configuration. Indeed, when the second DCDC2 converter is functional, the control device 108 can, for example, command the second DCDC2 converter to absorb the electrical power supplied by the LV2 network, without requiring a switch to the absorption configuration.

[0065] In general, in the absorption configuration, the control device is designed to keep the first upstream switches S11 and downstream S12, as well as the second upstream switches S21 and downstream S22 (when present).

[0066] During a step 310, the control device 108 maintains the IT interconnection device in the absorption configuration as long as the supply of electrical power by the second LV2 network on the second L2 link is detected.

[0067] During a step 312, in response to a cessation of the supply of electrical power by the second network LV2 on the second link L2, the control device 108 commands the opening of the junction switch BP to place the interconnection device IT in the normal configuration.

[0068] Referring to Figure 6, as previously mentioned, the second downstream switch S22 can be omitted. Indeed, the downstream switch S11 is designed to prevent uncontrolled charging of the battery BAT if the source SC1, SC2 supplying the LV1 network were to begin delivering current uncontrollably. However, since the LV2 network does not have a battery, this risk is nonexistent for the LV2 network, so the downstream switch S22 is not necessary.

[0069] In conclusion, it should be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Indeed, it will 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 provided.

[0070] 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

Demands [1] Electrical installation (102) for a mobility device (100), comprising: a first DC voltage source (SC1); a second DC voltage source (SC2); a first network (LV1) designed to include a battery (BAT); a second network (LV2) without a battery; characterized in that it comprises: an interconnection device (IT) comprising: • a first connection (L1) between the first DC voltage source (SC1) and the first network (LV1), • a second connection (L2) between the second DC voltage source (SC2) and the second network (LV2), • a junction switch (BP) connected between the first and second links (L1, L2); and a control device (108) designed for the interconnection device (IT) being in a so-called normal configuration in which the junction switch (BP) is open: • in response to the detection of an electrical power supply by the second network (LV2) on the second link (L2), command the closing of the junction switch (BP) to place the interconnection device (IT) in a so-called absorption configuration, so that the energy supplied by the second network (LV2) is absorbed by the first DC voltage source (SC1) and / or the battery (BAT). [2] Electrical installation (102) according to claim 1, wherein the detection of the supply of electrical power by the second network (LV2) on the second link (L2) includes the detection of an overvoltage of a voltage (V2) of the second network (LV2) and / or a reverse current (IB2) leaving the second network (LV2) towards the second source (SC2). [3] Electrical installation (102) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device (108) is designed to maintain the interconnection device (IT) in the absorption configuration as long as the supply of electrical power by the second network (LV2) on the second link (L2) is detected. [4] Electrical installation (102) according to claim 3, wherein the control device (108) is designed to, in response to a cessation of the supply of electrical power by the second network (LV2) on the second link (L2), command the opening of the junction switch (BP) to place the interconnection device (IT) in the normal configuration. [5] Electrical installation (102) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control device (108) is designed to control the closing of the junction switch (BP) to place the interconnection device (IT) in the absorption configuration, in response to a detection of a failure of the second DC voltage source (SC2) in addition to the detection of the supply of electrical power by the second network (LV2) on the second link (L2). [6] Electrical installation (102) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the junction switch (BP) comprises two unidirectional switches (BP1, BP2) each having an intrinsic diode or added in parallel, the two unidirectional switches (BP1, BP2) being mounted in series, with either each of the conducting diodes in the direction of the other, or each of the blocking diodes in the direction of the other. [7] Electrical installation (102) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first connection (L1) comprises first upstream switches (S11) and downstream (S12) connected to each other at a first midpoint (P1), the first upstream switch (S11) being connected between the first DC voltage source (SC1) and the first downstream switch (S12), the first downstream switch (S12) being connected between the first upstream switch (S11) and the first network (LV1), and wherein the second link (L2) has a second upstream switch (S21) connected between the second DC voltage source (SC2) and the second network (LV2). [8] Electrical installation (102) according to claim 7, wherein the control device (108) is designed to keep the second upstream switch (S21) closed in the absorption configuration. [9] Electrical installation (102) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the control device (108) is designed to keep the first upstream (S11) and downstream (S12) switches closed in the absorption configuration. [10] Electrical installation (102) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the second link (L2) further comprises a second downstream switch (S22) connected between the second upstream switch (S21) and the second network (LV2), the junction switch (BP) being connected to the second link (L2) at a second midpoint (P2) between the second downstream switch (S22) and the second upstream switch (S21). [11] Electrical installation (102) according to claim 10, wherein the control device (108) is designed to keep the second downstream switch (S22) closed in the absorption configuration. [12] Mobility device (100) comprising an electrical installation (102) according to any one of claims 1 to 11. [13] Method (300; 1000) of controlling an interconnection device (IT) located between first and second DC voltage sources (SC1, SC2) and first and second networks (LV1, LV2), the first network (LV1) having a battery (BAT), the second network (LV2) being without a battery, the interconnection device (IT) comprising: a first link (L1) between the first DC voltage source (SC1) and the first network (LV1), a second link (L2) between the second DC voltage source (SC2) and the second network (LV2), a junction switch (BP) connected between the first midpoint (P1) and a second midpoint (P2) located between the second upstream switch (S21) and the second network (LV2); the method (300;1000) comprising, the interconnection device (IT) being in a so-called normal configuration in which the junction switch (BP) is open: in response to a detection of an electrical power supply by the second network (LV2) on the second link (L2), command the closing of the junction switch (BP) to place the interconnection device (IT) in a so-called absorption configuration, so that; the energy supplied by the second network (LV2) is absorbed by the first DC voltage source (SC1) and / or the battery (BAT). [14] A computer program downloadable from a communication network and / or stored on a computer-readable medium, characterized in that it includes instructions for carrying out the steps of a process according to claim 13, when said program is executed on a computer.

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