Auxiliary Voltage Source Charging via DC-DC Converter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Boats with electric drives require separate energy stores for power and control components, leading to the need for two voltage sources, where the auxiliary voltage source is often overloaded by comfort and safety components, risking insufficient power supply to safety components during trips.
Innovation Solution
A method to charge the auxiliary voltage source from the main voltage source using a DC-to-DC converter, allowing for independent charging of both sources, ensuring a reliable power supply to safety components without the need for a separate land connection, and utilizing a reverse-blocking valve for decoupling power supplies to prevent overloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate voltage sources are provided for power and control components, then the power requirements of different components are met, but the device complexity and number of charging interfaces increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the charging functions for both voltage sources into a single charging device. The charging device can charge the first voltage source (for power components) and the second voltage source (for control components) through one unified interface, reducing system complexity while maintaining the reliability benefits of separate voltage sources
Solution Approach 2:
The charging device is designed with multi-functionality to handle both voltage sources. It can selectively charge either the first or second voltage source based on their respective charge states, making a single device perform multiple charging functions that would otherwise require separate charging systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If the auxiliary voltage source is used for both safety and comfort components, then comfort features are enabled, but the auxiliary voltage source may be overloaded and fail to supply sufficient power to safety components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply system into two distinct voltage sources: a first voltage source dedicated to power components and a second voltage source for control components including safety systems. This segmentation ensures that safety components have a dedicated power source that cannot be overloaded by comfort components, while still allowing the system to support both safety and comfort features
Solution Approach 2:
The charging device acts as an intermediary that manages power distribution between the two voltage sources. It monitors the charge states of both sources and can selectively charge them, ensuring that the second voltage source (powering safety components) maintains sufficient charge levels even when the first voltage source is being charged or when comfort components are in use
3Ease of operation
If the boat is disconnected from land connection for use, then the boat becomes operational, but the main voltage source cannot be charged
Solution Approach 1:
The charging device performs preliminary action by charging the second voltage source (auxiliary voltage source) before the boat departs from the dock. This ensures that the auxiliary voltage source has sufficient charge to power safety and control components during the trip, even though the main voltage source cannot be charged while the boat is operational and disconnected from land power
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
Ensures a sufficient state of charge for the auxiliary voltage source, maintaining reliable power to safety components and preventing system failures, while reducing the need for additional interface points and ensuring safety component functionality during trips.
Implementation Method 1
A method to charge the auxiliary voltage source from the main voltage source using a DC-to-DC converter
Data Source
AI summary
A method for charging an auxiliary voltage source that provides power for at least one additional component, the additional component being in addition to an electric drive that is powered by a main voltage, is described. The method includes electrically connecting a protection and/or control circuit to the main voltage source via a DC-to-DC converter configured for power supply, and to the auxiliary voltage source via a reverse blocking valve. The method further includes electrically connecting the main voltage source to the auxiliary voltage source via a charging device. The method still further includes charging the auxiliary voltage source via the main voltage source.