Capacitor Backup Power Control for Automotive Voltage Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hybrid and electric vehicles, the disconnection or failure of the main battery leads to a loss of braking control, and auxiliary power sources like small batteries or capacitors face issues with power consumption due to dark current devices, causing voltage drop and operational problems.
Innovation Solution
A power source control unit utilizing a capacitor as a backup power source, which supplies charge to dark current consuming devices and discharge resistance after the start switch is turned off, reducing battery power consumption and maintaining voltage levels by controlled discharging through a discharging circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a small battery or capacitor is used as auxiliary power source, then the weight is reduced, but the battery voltage is lowered due to power consumption from dark current devices
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a start switch that is turned off after engine starting, which preliminarily disconnects the power supply to dark current consuming devices. This preliminary action prevents the continuous discharge of the auxiliary power source through these devices, thereby maintaining battery voltage stability while using a lightweight auxiliary power source.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and isolates the dark current consuming devices (motors, lamps, automatic unlocking devices) from the continuous power supply circuit by introducing a controllable switch. This separation allows the auxiliary power source to be disconnected from these power-hungry devices when not needed, preventing voltage drop while maintaining the ability to power them when required.
2Loss of energy
If the start switch is turned off to save power, then battery power consumption is reduced, but motors and lamps cannot operate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the power supply system dynamic by introducing a controllable start switch that can be turned on or off based on operational needs. The switch dynamically connects or disconnects the auxiliary power source from dark current consuming devices, allowing the system to adapt between power-saving mode (switch off) and operational mode (switch on), thus resolving the contradiction between energy conservation and operational capability.
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 ensures continued operation of critical systems like braking and reduces battery voltage decline, extending the life of the capacitor by managing voltage levels and preventing deterioration, thereby maintaining effective power control in vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor (14) to be charged when the start switch (10) is turned on
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The automobile of the present invention is provided with a capacitor for backup use in case of disconnection or breakdown of a battery. When a start switch is turned off, the collected charge in the capacitor is supplied to a device in which a large current is flowing, such as discharging resistor, motor or lamp, or a device in which a small current is flowing, such as dark current consuming device, and therefore, after the start switch is turned off, power consumption of the battery can be suppressed.