Auxiliary Drive Apparatus Voltage Conversion for Hybrid Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Auxiliary systems in hybrid and electric vehicles often operate inefficiently due to suboptimal voltages provided by energy storage devices, leading to power wastage as these systems require different voltages for efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional buck/boost converter and buck converter system that dynamically adjusts voltage levels to match the optimal operating voltage for each auxiliary system, using a microprocessor-based energy management system to control the converters and ensure efficient power delivery from a battery or fuel cell, allowing for multiple auxiliary loads to operate at their most efficient voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If auxiliary systems are powered directly from battery or fuel cell, then system complexity is reduced, but voltage stability and operational efficiency deteriorate due to widely varying voltage levels
Solution Approach 1:
A DC-DC converter is introduced as an intermediary device between the battery/fuel cell and auxiliary systems. The converter receives power from the energy storage device and converts it to the appropriate voltage levels required by different auxiliary systems, thereby maintaining voltage stability and improving operational efficiency without significantly increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The DC-DC converter dynamically changes voltage parameters to match the optimal operating voltage of each auxiliary system. By adjusting the output voltage according to the specific requirements of connected loads, the system maintains high efficiency across varying operating conditions while preventing power wastage
2Device complexity
If a single voltage level is provided to all auxiliary systems, then device complexity is reduced, but operational efficiency deteriorates as different systems require different optimal voltages
Solution Approach 1:
The DC-DC converter is designed with multi-functionality to serve different auxiliary systems with varying voltage requirements. A single converter unit can dynamically adjust its output to accommodate multiple types of auxiliary loads, providing universal power conversion capability without requiring separate voltage conversion systems for each auxiliary device
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage conversion system operates dynamically, continuously adjusting the output voltage based on the specific requirements of the connected auxiliary system. This dynamic adaptation allows each auxiliary system to operate at its optimal voltage level, maximizing overall system efficiency while managing complexity through intelligent control
3Ease of operation
If voltage is not regulated for auxiliary systems, then ease of operation is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to operation at suboptimal voltages
Solution Approach 1:
The DC-DC converter operates autonomously to regulate voltage for auxiliary systems without requiring manual intervention. The converter automatically adjusts voltage levels based on system requirements, maintaining energy efficiency while preserving ease of operation through self-regulating functionality
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
This solution enables stable and efficient power supply to auxiliary systems, reducing energy wastage and improving overall system efficiency by allowing each system to operate at its optimal voltage, thereby enhancing the driving range of electric vehicles and reducing fuel usage and emissions in hybrid vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a first DC-to-DC voltage converter coupled to the first DC bus and configured to transform the electrical power from the battery to a first voltage and output the first voltage to the second DC bus
Implementation Method 2
a second DC-to-DC voltage converter coupled to the second DC bus and configured to transform the first voltage to a second voltage and provide the second voltage to the auxiliary bus
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An auxiliary drive circuit including a first energy storage device coupled to a first DC bus and configured to output electrical power to the first DC bus, and a first DC-to-DC voltage converter coupled to the first DC bus and to a second DC bus, the first DC-to-DC voltage converter configured to convert the electrical power to a first voltage and to output the first voltage to the second DC bus. The auxiliary drive circuit also includes a second DC-to-DC voltage converter coupled to the second DC bus and coupled to an auxiliary bus, the second DC-to-DC voltage converter configured to convert the first voltage to a second voltage and to provide the second voltage to the auxiliary bus, the auxiliary bus configured to provide an auxiliary voltage to an auxiliary load, wherein the second voltage is different from the first voltage.