DC-DC Power Converter for Engine Battery Priority Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for charging secondary batteries in vehicles with an alternator-powered engine do not account for the charge state of the engine battery, leading to potential discharge of the engine battery when charging the secondary battery, and complex systems are costly.
Innovation Solution
A power converter with a DC-DC converter and a microprocessor that regulates charging to maintain the engine battery's voltage above a setpoint, prioritizing its charge and using excess energy to charge the secondary battery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the alternator is used to charge the secondary battery, then the secondary battery charging efficiency is improved, but the engine battery may be discharged leading to system reliability deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the engine battery voltage and uses this feedback to control the power converter operation. When the engine battery voltage drops below the threshold, the controller automatically stops charging the secondary battery, preventing the engine battery from being discharged below safe levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The power converter dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time battery conditions. The controller modulates the charging current to the secondary battery according to the engine battery's charge state, enabling flexible and adaptive power management that responds to changing system conditions.
2Measurement precision
If a complex charging system with multiple controllers and switches is used, then the charging control precision is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines the functions of voltage regulation and charging control into a single power converter with integrated control logic. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate controllers and complex switching networks, reducing system complexity while maintaining precise charging control through unified management.
Solution Approach 2:
The power converter is designed to perform multiple functions: it can charge the secondary battery when the engine battery is sufficiently charged, and it can also operate as a voltage regulator for the engine battery. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated components for each function, simplifying the overall system architecture.
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
Ensures the engine battery is not discharged while efficiently charging the secondary battery, maintaining priority for critical functions and optimizing energy use.
Implementation Method 1
A DC-DC converter is electrically connected between the first battery and the second battery
Implementation Method 2
a source of electrical energy, a first battery electrically connected to and configured to be charged by the source of electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a source of electrical energy, a first battery electrically connected to and configured to be charged by the source of electrical energy, and a second battery electrically connected to at least one load. A power converter is electrically connected between the first battery and the second battery. The power converter is configured such that the source of electrical energy is used to charge the second battery only if a measured voltage of the first battery is above a first setpoint voltage.