DC/DC Converter Control for Dual Battery Power Consumption
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing dual-battery systems in heavy-duty vehicles consume excessive power when parked due to continuous equalization procedures, leading to high energy consumption over extended periods.
Innovation Solution
A method where the DC/DC converter is activated only when the State of Charge (SoC) of one battery falls below that of the other and remains active until the SoC reaches a predetermined level above, allowing one battery to be voluntarily brought to a higher charge state than the other, reducing the need for continuous balancing and thus lowering overall power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If continuous equalization procedures are applied to balance battery voltages in parked vehicles, then battery voltage balance is maintained, but overall power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by activating the DC/DC converter only during specific conditions (when voltage imbalance exceeds a threshold) rather than continuously. The control unit monitors battery voltages and triggers equalization only when needed, creating a periodic on-demand operation pattern that reduces energy consumption while maintaining battery balance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-service through automatic voltage monitoring and threshold-based activation. The control unit continuously monitors battery voltages and autonomously activates the DC/DC converter when imbalance is detected, eliminating the need for manual intervention while optimizing power consumption based on actual battery conditions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If DC/DC converter is activated frequently to maintain battery balance, then battery voltage equality is maintained, but activation time and energy loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by setting voltage thresholds that anticipate when equalization will be needed. The control unit monitors voltages continuously and activates the DC/DC converter before significant imbalance occurs, preventing extreme voltage differences from developing and reducing the total activation time required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two duplicate electrical systems are provided (24V and 12V), then engine cranking and accessory power requirements are met, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the 24V and 12V electrical systems by connecting two 12V batteries in series to create a unified power architecture. The same battery pack serves both 24V cranking requirements (through series connection) and 12V accessory requirements (through parallel tapping), eliminating the need for separate duplicate systems and reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery system achieves multi-functionality by serving multiple purposes: the series-connected batteries provide 24V for engine cranking, while the same batteries (tapped in parallel) provide 12V for accessories. The DC/DC converter and control unit manage both voltage requirements from a single battery pack, making the system universal rather than requiring separate dedicated systems.
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 significantly reduces power consumption during vehicle parking by minimizing the activation time of the DC/DC converter, extending the time before rebalancing is needed and ensuring more even aging of batteries.
Implementation Method 1
a DC/DC converter for transforming an input voltage corresponding to the sum of the voltages of the two batteries into an output voltage to be applied to a first battery of the two batteries
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for reducing the overall power consumption of a parked vehicle, whereby said vehicle comprises a DC power network including two batteries connected in series and an equalizer circuit, whereby the equalizer circuit includes a DC/DC converter for converting an input voltage corresponding to the sum of the voltages of the two batteries into an output voltage to be applied to a first battery of the two batteries. The method consists in i) activating the DC/DC converter only when the State of Charge (SoC) of the first battery reaches a first level below the State of Charge (SoC) of the second battery; and u) keeping the DC/DC converter active until the State of Charge (SoC) of the first battery reaches a second level above the State of Charge (SoC) of the second battery.