DC/DC Converter Battery State Detection via Test Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hybrid and electric vehicles with multiple electrical systems of different operating voltages, there is no continuous monitoring or display of the accumulator's state, posing a safety risk due to the lack of regular testing, which is typically done at maintenance intervals external to the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A device with a control device that includes a test signal module, a measured value acquisition module, and an evaluation module, utilizing a DC/DC converter to apply test signals and measure reactions, allowing continuous monitoring and display of the accumulator's state, independent of maintenance intervals, and providing a warning for critical conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external test devices are used to test the accumulator at maintenance intervals, then the accumulator state can be checked, but continuous monitoring is not achieved and safety risks remain if maintenance is not complied with
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle's own control device performs self-diagnosis of the accumulator by applying test signals through the DC/DC converter and evaluating the responses, eliminating the need for external test devices and enabling continuous monitoring without dependency on maintenance intervals
Solution Approach 2:
The control device continuously applies test signals and monitors accumulator responses during vehicle operation, providing uninterrupted monitoring rather than periodic checks at maintenance intervals, thereby enabling timely detection of accumulator degradation
2Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle has multiple electrical systems with different operating voltages coupled via DC/DC converter, then power management flexibility is improved, but the accumulator on one voltage level cannot be continuously monitored
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs multiple functions: it manages power conversion between different voltage levels through the DC/DC converter and simultaneously monitors the accumulator state by applying test signals and evaluating responses, eliminating the need for separate monitoring systems for each voltage level
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the power management function and the diagnostic function into a single integrated control device, where the same control unit that manages DC/DC converter operation also performs accumulator state detection, reducing overall system complexity
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
Enables continuous monitoring and timely indication of the accumulator's state, reducing safety risks by allowing early detection of aging and charge state degradation, eliminating the need for external testing and ensuring reliable vehicle operation.
Implementation Method 1
The vehicle electrical systems are coupled via a DC/DC converter, which converts a first DC voltage from a first vehicle electrical system into a second DC voltage from the accumulator of the second vehicle electrical system
Implementation Method 2
The control device has a test signal module that is suitable for applying a test signal to the accumulator to be tested via the DC/DC converter
Implementation Method 3
the control device also includes a measured value acquisition module, which is suitable for measuring the reaction values of the accumulator to be tested
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (1) for detecting the state of a checkable storage battery (3) in a vehicle having at least two vehicle onboard power supply systems (5, 6) of different operating voltages is described. The vehicle onboard power supply systems (5, 6) are coupled by means of a DC/DC converter (7), which converts a first DC voltage of a first vehicle onboard power supply system (5) into a second DC voltage of the storage battery (3) in the second vehicle onboard power supply system (6). The vehicle onboard power supply systems (5, 6) have a control device (8). The control device (8) additionally has a test signal module (9) which is suitable for supplying a test signal (10) via the DC/DC converter (7) to the checkable storage battery (3). Furthermore, the control device (8) of the DC/DC converter (7) additionally comprises a measured value detection module (11) which is suitable for measuring the reaction values of the checkable storage battery, and an evaluation module (12) which is suitable for detecting the state of the storage battery (3) from the measured reaction values.