Bypass Switch for DC/DC Converter in Vehicle Electrical Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing on-board electrical systems for motor vehicles experience energy conversion losses in DC voltage/DC voltage converters when high-power consumers operate at low or constant power demands, leading to heat dissipation and decreased fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a bypass switch and diodes to bridge the DC/DC converter during low or constant power demands, allowing regenerative currents to be stored in an energy storage device, and using a suitably sized converter only during high-power requirements, thereby reducing energy conversion losses and heat generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the DC/DC converter is always in the power flow to supply high-power consumers, then the consumers receive stable power, but energy conversion losses occur and heat is dissipated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the DC/DC converter from the mandatory power flow path by introducing a bypass switch. When the converter is not needed (low power demand or constant load), the switch bypasses the converter, eliminating energy conversion losses while maintaining power supply to the consumer.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two configurations: (1) converter in power flow for high or variable power demands, and (2) converter bypassed for low or constant power demands. This dynamic adaptation eliminates unnecessary energy conversion losses while maintaining reliability when needed.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the DC/DC converter operates continuously, then power supply is maintained, but fuel efficiency decreases due to conversion losses
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass switch extracts the converter from the power flow when not needed, allowing the system to maintain power supply continuity to the consumer while eliminating the converter's energy-consuming operation during low-demand periods, thus improving fuel efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If the converter is used for low-power demands, then power supply is provided, but larger converters must be used and energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass switch removes the converter from the power flow during low-power demands, eliminating heat dissipation and energy waste. The consumer receives power directly without undergoing unnecessary conversion, while the converter remains available when high-power demands occur.
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 increases energy efficiency by minimizing the use of larger converters and allowing regenerative energy to be reused, reducing fuel consumption and heat loss, especially during low-power operations.
Implementation Method 1
an upper diode, wherein in a first switching position, the high-load consumer is supplied power by the primary power supply via the upper diode and, in a second switching position of the switch, the high-load consumer is connected to the storage device and the output of the DCDC-converter, wherein the upper diode allows the primary power supply to supply the high-load consumer, but blocks a current flow in the opposite direction to force any regenerated current to be stored in the energy storage device
Implementation Method 2
a lower diode is connected between the energy storage device and the high-power load, wherein the lower diode is implemented to always block a current flow from the storage device to the conventional loads powered by the primary power supply but transmits a current flow in the opposite direction to facilitate the recuperation of regenerated power from the high-power load
Implementation Method 3
a DC voltage/DC voltage converter which, on its primary side, is connected to the battery and, on its secondary side, is connected to a high-load consumer
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for an on-board electrical system for a motor vehicle that includes one or more power sources and an electrical subsystem with a switch that can be actuated to selectively bypass a DC/DC converter and a storage device, responsive to electrical parameters such as the power demand of high-power consumers. In one example, when high-power consumers have low and constant power requirements, the switch may be positioned to bridge the DC/DC converter and storage device. Further, the method includes selectively controlling the power source in order to meet peak power demands with the power source operating at the greatest efficiency for the given operating conditions.