DC Converter Diagnostics for Vehicle Auto-Stop Voltage Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved diagnostics for direct current (DC) converters in vehicles to stabilize voltage fluctuations during auto-stop engine operations, as existing systems lack effective fault detection and remedial actions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine the status of the engine and receive DC converter voltage values to provide diagnostics, using a processor-based system that alerts drivers of faults and disables the auto-stop feature when errors are detected, ensuring stable engine operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If DC converter diagnostics are implemented to detect faults and stabilize voltage, then vehicle reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The DC converter system performs self-diagnostics by monitoring its own voltage output and comparing it against expected values during engine start-stop operations. The controller detects faults internally without requiring external diagnostic equipment, allowing the system to identify and report issues autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors DC converter voltage output and provides feedback to the controller. When voltage fluctuations exceed predetermined thresholds during engine start-stop cycles, the controller receives real-time feedback and can detect faults, enabling proactive reliability management through closed-loop monitoring.
2Measurement precision
If continuous monitoring of DC converter voltage is performed to detect faults early, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases due to continuous sensor operation and data processing
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the system performs voltage measurements periodically at critical moments during engine start-stop operations. The controller monitors DC converter voltage at specific intervals when faults are most likely to occur, reducing unnecessary sensor operation and data processing while maintaining adequate detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs voltage measurements and fault checks in advance of potential problems by monitoring during the engine start-up phase when the DC converter is actively stabilizing voltage. By detecting issues early in the start-stop cycle, the system prevents voltage instability before it affects vehicle operation, reducing the need for continuous post-event monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, program products, hybrid, and non-hybrid vehicles are provided for providing diagnostics for a direct current (DC) converter of the hybrid, and non-hybrid vehicle. The vehicle includes an engine, a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS), the direct current (DC) converter, and a controller. The engine is automatically turned on and off based on driver inputs in accordance with an auto-stop feature. The RESS at least facilitates turning on the engine. The DC converter is coupled to the RESS. The controller is coupled to the DC converter, and is configured to determine a status of the engine, receive a DC converter voltage value from the DC converter, and provide diagnostics for the DC converter based on the engine status, RESS voltage, and the DC converter voltage.