Battery Sharing System with Switched Power Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicular systems that share a battery with external components, such as electric power steering systems, the voltage output from the battery can rapidly decrease due to external devices like starters, leading to operational failures in other components.
Innovation Solution
A system with a power storage device connected to the battery via a power supply line and a switch, controlled by a unit that manages electrical conduction to prevent discharge from the power storage device to the battery when voltage is insufficient, allowing the power storage device to supply operating power even when battery voltage is low.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the battery is shared with external devices like starters, then the system can operate with a common power source, but the voltage output from the battery may rapidly decrease due to external devices being driven
Solution Approach 1:
A power storage device (capacitor) is introduced as an intermediary between the battery and the power supply line. This capacitor absorbs voltage fluctuations and provides stable power during battery voltage drops caused by external devices like starters, preventing operational failures in system components.
Solution Approach 2:
The power storage device is pre-charged from the battery during normal operation so that when the battery voltage rapidly decreases due to external device operation, the already-charged power storage device can immediately supply power to maintain stable voltage levels without waiting for the battery to recover.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the power storage device is connected to the battery via a power supply line, then the power storage device can be charged from the battery, but electrical power charged in the power storage device may be discharged to the battery when battery voltage is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A switch is introduced to dynamically control the connection between the power storage device and the battery. The control unit monitors battery voltage and switches the connection state: connecting when battery voltage is sufficient (allowing charging) and disconnecting when battery voltage is insufficient (preventing discharge to battery), thus adaptively managing energy flow based on real-time conditions.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the switch is controlled to establish electrical conduction between battery and power storage device, then the power storage device can be charged, but the switch adds complexity to the system
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the battery voltage and automatically adjusting the switch state accordingly. When battery voltage exceeds a threshold, the switch connects to allow charging; when voltage drops below the threshold, the switch disconnects to prevent discharge. This automated feedback mechanism manages complexity by replacing manual intervention with intelligent control.
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 configuration prevents the discharge of electrical power from the power storage device to the battery, limiting voltage decrease and enabling continuous operation of electrical loads, even when the battery voltage is insufficient.
Implementation Method 1
The battery has a battery voltage thereacross, and the power storage device has a power-storage voltage thereacross. The battery charges the power storage device while the electrical conduction is established so that the power-storage voltage follows the battery voltage.
Implementation Method 2
The control unit is configured to control on-off switching operations of the switch to selectively establish an electrical conduction between the battery and the power storage device or interrupt the electrical conduction therebetween.
Data Source
AI summary
In a system that shares a battery with an external device, the system includes a power storage device connected to the battery via a power supply line. The system includes a switch provided on the power supply line, and a control unit. The control unit controls on-off switching operations of the switch to selectively establish an electrical conduction between the battery and the power storage device or interrupt the electrical conduction therebetween. The battery has a battery voltage thereacross, and the power storage device has a power-storage voltage thereacross. The battery charges the power storage device while the electrical conduction is established so that the power-storage voltage follows the battery voltage. The control unit turns off the switch when the battery voltage is in a predetermined insufficient voltage state to prevent electrical power charged in the power storage device from being discharged to the battery.