BEV Jump-Start Control Using DC-DC Pre-Charge and Cranking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing jump-start methods for vehicles, particularly for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles using battery electric vehicles (BEVs), often result in adverse conditions for the BEV and are inconvenient for operators due to the lack of efficient power transfer and proper connection guidance.
Innovation Solution
A BEV equipped with a first energy storage system, a DC-DC converter, a switch, and a detection unit, which facilitates controlled power transfer to a second vehicle's energy storage system via a jumper cable, including pre-charging and adjusting current levels to efficiently crank the ICE vehicle engine, with visual and textual instructions for proper connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a BEV is used to jump start an ICE vehicle by connecting batteries directly, then the jump start function is achieved, but the BEV may suffer adverse conditions and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a DC-DC converter as an intermediary device between the BEV's high-voltage battery and the ICE vehicle's low-voltage battery. This converter acts as a mediator that safely transforms and regulates the electrical connection, preventing direct high-voltage contact that would damage the ICE vehicle's electrical system while enabling controlled power transfer for the jump start function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters (voltage and current) through the DC-DC converter, which transforms the high-voltage output from the BEV battery into appropriate low-voltage levels suitable for the ICE vehicle's battery. This parameter transformation enables safe power transfer by adjusting voltage and current characteristics to match the recipient system's requirements.
2Productivity
If conventional jump start methods are used without proper guidance, then the jump start process can be performed, but operators face inconvenience due to lack of connection guidance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a detection unit that provides real-time feedback to the control unit about the connection status between the jumper cable and the ICE vehicle's battery. This feedback mechanism monitors whether proper contact is established and communicates this information to the operator, enabling the system to adapt its power transfer based on actual connection conditions and guiding operators through the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis and self-guidance by automatically detecting connection status and providing appropriate responses to operators. The control unit monitors the jump start process, detects when proper connection is achieved, and manages the power transfer automatically, reducing the operational burden on the user while ensuring correct procedure execution.
3Use of energy by moving object
If power is transferred from BEV to ICE vehicle without controlled current levels, then energy transfer occurs, but the BEV's energy storage system may be adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of the DC-DC converter to continuously adjust the current levels during power transfer. The control unit monitors the BEV's battery state and dynamically regulates the output current to prevent excessive discharge rates that could harm the energy storage system. This dynamic adjustment ensures optimal power transfer while protecting the source battery from adverse conditions.
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 method enables safe and efficient jump-starting of ICE vehicles using BEVs without harming the BEV, providing clear connection guidance and optimizing power transfer to ensure successful engine cranking.
Implementation Method 1
a DC-DC converter that may be configured to convert high-voltage power from the first energy storage system to a low-voltage power output that may be provided to the second energy storage system
Implementation Method 2
The first vehicle may further verify the connection of the jumper cable by using a detection unit (e.g., a battery management sensor) that may measure flow of current and voltage at the second energy storage system
Data Source
AI summary
A first vehicle configured to jump start a second vehicle is disclosed. The first vehicle may include a first energy storage system, a second energy storage system, and a converter. The first vehicle may further include a switch between the second energy storage system and the converter, and a control unit. The control unit may obtain a user request to activate a jump start mode of the first vehicle, deactivate a vehicle load in the first vehicle, and cause the switch to operate in the ON state. The control unit may further cause the second energy storage system to supply a first amount of current to pre-charge a battery of the second vehicle for a predefined time duration, and cause the second energy storage system to supply a second amount of current to the battery to start a second vehicle ignition system when the battery is pre-charged.