Buck Converter Multi-Mode Voltage Supply for Battery Electronics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery systems with buck converters are complex, energy inefficient, and costly due to the need for multiple components to provide various voltage levels for System Basis Chips and relay drivers.

Innovation Solution

A method and system where a single buck converter operates in multiple modes to provide different output voltages (e.g., 6V to 10.5V, 10.8V to 13.2V, and 21.5V to 26.5V) for a battery system, reducing the number of components and enhancing energy efficiency by using a feedback circuit and timer circuit to manage voltage levels and relay operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple buck converters are used to provide different voltage levels for System Basis Chip and relay drivers, then the voltage supply requirements are met, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage supply capabilityVSAvoidconverter quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The buck converter is designed to perform multiple functions by operating in different modes: it can provide 12V for the System Basis Chip, 24V for relay drivers, and 5V for AUX input. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate converters for each voltage level, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability to various voltage supply requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple buck converters are used to provide different voltage levels, then the voltage supply requirements are met, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage supply capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

A single buck converter is designed to supply multiple voltage levels (12V, 24V, 5V) to different components (System Basis Chip, relay drivers, AUX input) by operating in different modes. This eliminates the energy waste associated with running multiple separate converters, as only one converter needs to be operated, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining the ability to meet all voltage supply requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple buck converters are used to provide different voltage levels, then the voltage supply requirements are met, but the system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage supply capabilityVSAvoidsystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a single buck converter that can generate multiple voltage levels (12V, 24V, 5V) for different components. This approach reduces the bill of materials by eliminating the need for multiple converter components, reducing assembly complexity, and lowering overall system cost while still providing the necessary voltage supply capability for all battery system components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 approach allows for a cost-effective and energy-efficient power supply in battery systems by using a single buck converter to support multiple voltage requirements, reducing component count and power consumption, and enabling efficient operation of System Basis Chips and relays.

Implementation Method 1

a buck converter operable in a first mode to provide a first output voltage to at least one first component of the electronics of the battery system and operable in a second mode to provide a second output voltage to at least one second component of the electronics of the battery system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10644525B2Method for the operation of a buck converter as a power source for the electronics of a battery system and a battery system with a buck converter
Publication Date: 2020.05.05 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD
  • US10644525B2 patent drawing
  • US10644525B2 patent drawing
  • US10644525B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for operating a buck converter as a power source for electronics of a battery system, includes: operating the buck converter in a first mode in which the buck converter provides a first output voltage; receiving a first control signal; and in response to receiving the first control signal, operating the buck converter in a second mode in which the buck converter provides a second output voltage for a System Basis Chip of the battery system. The first output voltage has a first value in a range of a to b, and the second output voltage has a second value in the range of c to d, wherein b is less than c.