Boat Voltage Converter with Active Passive Mode Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power distribution systems in leisure boats, such as those using 12 or 24 V batteries, face challenges with high current consumption, bulky and expensive cables, limited space, and safety concerns like fire hazards and electrical shocks, due to the inefficiency of existing voltage conversion methods.
Innovation Solution
A DC/DC voltage converter system with a control function that switches between active and passive modes based on consumer demand, using a CAN bus for communication, allowing for thinner cables and optimized battery usage, and enabling flexible prioritization and power sharing among consumers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If thick cables are used to achieve desired power output, then power transmission capability is improved, but cable bulkiness and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter from low voltage (12V/24V) to high voltage (400V/800V) to reduce current for the same power transmission. This allows using thinner cables with smaller cross-sectional area while maintaining the required power transmission capability, directly resolving the contradiction between power capability and cable bulkiness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical system of direct low-voltage power distribution with a DC-DC conversion system that uses power electronics to transform voltage levels. This substitution enables high-voltage transmission through the vehicle body, eliminating the need for bulky traditional cable systems
2Reliability
If thick cables are used for security reasons, then safety against fire hazards and electrical shocks is improved, but cable bulkiness and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By changing to high voltage operation, the current is reduced for the same power level. Lower current reduces resistive heating (I²R losses) and the risk of thermal runaway, thereby improving fire safety while allowing the use of thinner, less bulky cables
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a DC-DC converter as an intermediary device that manages power conversion and distribution. This intermediary enables controlled high-voltage operation with proper isolation and protection mechanisms, improving safety while reducing cable requirements
3Duration of action of moving object
If voltage is increased to reduce current consumption, then battery life is extended, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The DC-DC converter is designed to perform multiple functions: voltage conversion, power management, consumer control, and system monitoring. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and components, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while achieving extended battery life through high-voltage operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the voltage conversion function with the power distribution and consumer control functions into a single integrated DC-DC converter system. This consolidation simplifies the overall architecture compared to having separate systems for each function, thus limiting complexity increase while enabling battery life extension
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 reduces current consumption, extends battery life, minimizes cable thickness and cost, enhances safety, and simplifies installation and maintenance, while ensuring reliable power supply even in limited spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage converter (11) for conversion of a first voltage to a second, higher, voltage
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an arrangement for voltage conversion (10) for a boat, for example a leisure boat, comprising a voltage converter (11) for conversion of a first voltage to a second, higher, (low) voltage, wherein said first voltage is a DC voltage which is provided by a low voltage source, for example a battery, and wherein said second voltage is a voltage for supplying a number of, one or more, consumers ( 110, 111, 112, 113) with power. The arrangement for voltage conversion further comprises interconnecting means (15,16) for interconnecting the arrangement for voltage conversion and one or more consumers, and further it comprises, or is connected to, a control function (12) which is adapted to be able to transfer the voltage converter between a first passive mode, which is an idle mode in which substantially no current is consumed, and an active mode in which it can supply one or more consumers with power. Said second voltage is a DC voltage of at least 24V.