Autonomous Vehicle Power System with Dual Voltage Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles require a redundant electric power system capable of continuous operation despite electrical faults, as they consume significant energy from various devices like sensors and processors, necessitating efficient energy recovery and storage solutions.
Innovation Solution
An electric power system incorporating an energy recovery system that converts kinetic energy into electric energy, a bi-directional DC-DC converter for voltage adaptation, and isolator switches to isolate faulty components, ensuring continued operation by switching between primary and secondary energy storage devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single energy storage device is used to supply power to autonomous vehicle systems, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability is insufficient to provide continued operation during electrical faults
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into two independent energy storage devices (first and second devices) operating at different voltages (48V and 12V), each capable of independently supplying power to autonomous vehicle systems. This segmentation allows the system to maintain operation during faults in one device, thereby improving reliability while managing complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs energy storage devices operating at different voltage parameters (48V nominal for first device, 12V nominal for second device). A bi-directional DC-DC converter dynamically adjusts voltage parameters to enable seamless power transfer between devices, allowing the system to maintain reliability through parameter adaptation rather than requiring identical redundant components
2Loss of energy
If energy recovery system is added to convert kinetic energy into electric energy, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and voltage conversion requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The energy recovery system is merged with the dual energy storage architecture by connecting the generator output to both the first energy storage device (48V) and the bi-directional DC-DC converter. This integration allows kinetic energy recovery to charge both voltage systems simultaneously, improving overall energy efficiency while utilizing existing system components rather than adding separate recovery pathways
Solution Approach 2:
The bi-directional DC-DC converter serves multiple functions: it converts voltage between 48V and 12V systems, enables power transfer between energy storage devices, and interfaces with the energy recovery system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby improving energy efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity
3Reliability
If isolator switches are implemented to isolate faulty components, then the reliability is improved by maintaining operation during faults, but the device complexity and ease of operation increase due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The isolator switches are equipped with automatic fault detection and isolation capabilities that operate without manual intervention. When a fault is detected in one energy storage device or the generator, the corresponding isolator automatically opens to prevent fault propagation, while the system seamlessly transitions to using the other device. This self-service approach improves reliability while minimizing the operational burden on the user
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides a redundant and efficient energy source for autonomous vehicle systems, allowing operation even in fault conditions by converting kinetic energy into electric energy and switching between different voltage loads, ensuring reliable power supply to both 48V and 12V components.
Implementation Method 1
an energy recovery system that is operable to convert kinetic energy into electric energy at a first voltage
Implementation Method 2
a bi-directional DC-DC converter that is operable to convert the electric energy between the first voltage and a second voltage
Data Source
AI summary
An electric power system includes an energy recovery system that is operable to convert kinetic energy into electric energy at a first voltage. A primary energy storage device is electrically connected to the energy recovery system at the first voltage. A first voltage autonomous driving system load is disposed in a parallel circuit with the energy recovery system and the primary energy storage device. A bi-directional DC-DC converter is electrically connected to the energy recovery system and the primary energy storage device for converting the electric energy between the first voltage and a second voltage. A secondary energy storage device is electrically connected to the bi-directional DC-DC converter at the second voltage. A second voltage autonomous driving system load is disposed in a parallel circuit with the secondary energy storage device.