Auxiliary Power Source for Electrified Vehicle Range Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrified vehicles face limited travel distances due to battery recharging requirements, leading to operator range anxiety, as they typically rely solely on primary power sources without auxiliary support.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system incorporating a primary power source and an auxiliary power source, such as a portable generator, which can selectively offload energy demand from the primary source, power accessory systems, and extend vehicle range by providing temporary or reduced power modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If electrified vehicles rely solely on primary battery power sources, then the vehicle structure remains simple and cost-effective, but the travel distance is limited and operator range anxiety increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into a primary power source (vehicle battery) and an auxiliary power source (portable generator), allowing the system to divide the power supply function between two independent components. This enables extended travel distance while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary power source is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a power generator and a charging device for the primary battery. The electrical connector system supports multiple connection configurations, enabling the same hardware to serve different operational modes (power supply, battery charging, accessory powering).
2Duration of action of moving object
If an auxiliary power source is added to extend travel distance, then range anxiety is reduced, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary power source is designed as a portable generator that can be prepared and positioned in advance of needed use. The electrical connectors are pre-installed at strategic locations (front and rear of vehicle), allowing the auxiliary power source to be quickly connected without requiring complex real-time system reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connector acts as an intermediary component that bridges the auxiliary power source and the vehicle's power system. By providing standardized connection interfaces at multiple vehicle locations, the connector mediates the interaction between the portable generator and various vehicle systems (power supply, battery charging, accessories), reducing overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the auxiliary power source is positioned for easy access, then ease of operation improves, but vehicle space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connectors are extracted from a centralized location and distributed to multiple accessible positions on the vehicle exterior (front and rear). This allows the auxiliary power source to be connected at convenient locations without requiring interior vehicle space modifications or complex routing through the vehicle body.
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply system for an electrified vehicle according to an exemplar aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a primary power source and an auxiliary power source configured to selectively supply power in place of or in addition to the primary power source. At least one electrical connector is configured to connect the auxiliary power source to the power supply system.