Autonomous Vehicle Battery Power Control for Alternator Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles relying on a single alternator-charging system face challenges in power management, including rapid battery drain and potential loss of control in case of alternator failure, which can lead to safety and efficiency issues.
Innovation Solution
A power management system configured with a vehicle control unit and a power management unit, which independently regulates the electrical power charging and distribution processes for both main and secondary power sources, ensuring continuous power supply to critical systems even if the primary alternator fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single alternator-charging system is used to power main subsystems and autonomous control modules, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to potential loss of control in case of alternator failure
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into two independent charging paths: one alternator charges the main battery for main subsystems, while a second alternator charges a secondary battery for autonomous control modules. This segmentation allows independent operation of each charging path, improving reliability without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different quality levels of power supply are assigned to different system components. The main battery with higher capacity serves critical main subsystems, while the secondary battery with lower capacity serves autonomous control modules. This local differentiation optimizes the power supply structure for both reliability and efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single alternator charges both main battery and secondary battery independently, then power distribution flexibility is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to rapid battery drain
Solution Approach 1:
The power management unit merges the charging operations of two alternators by allowing the main battery and secondary battery to charge from their respective alternators simultaneously or sequentially based on system needs. This combining approach optimizes energy utilization and reduces overall energy loss compared to independent charging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The power management unit dynamically adjusts the charging parameters and power distribution ratios between main and secondary batteries based on real-time system conditions, such as alternator output, battery charge levels, and power consumption demands. This dynamic adjustment maximizes energy efficiency while maintaining flexible power distribution.
3Ease of operation
If independent regulation of charging processes is implemented for main and secondary power sources, then power management control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power management unit is designed with multi-functionality to handle both charging regulation and power distribution tasks for two different battery systems. By consolidating these functions into a single control unit with universal capabilities, the system achieves improved power management control without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Described are devices, systems and methods for managing power generation, storage and/or distribution in autonomous vehicles. In some aspects, a system for power management in an autonomous vehicle having a main power source and one or more alternators includes a vehicle control unit, a secondary power source, and a power management unit. In some embodiments, the power management unit is configured on an autonomous vehicle having a single alternator-charging system for battery charging and battery power control with different battery packs. In some embodiments, the power management unit is configured on an autonomous vehicle having multiple alternator-charging systems for battery charging and battery power control for different battery packs.