DC/DC Converter Pulsed Operation for Motor Vehicle Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DC/DC converters in motor vehicles operate at lower efficiency when continuously converting high-voltage to low-voltage, leading to increased losses and reduced energy efficiency, especially during varying power demands.
Innovation Solution
A supply device with a DC/DC converter that alternates between two states to optimize efficiency, using a control device to switch between conversion and non-conversion modes, allowing for high current charging and efficient power supply to loads, with voltage and power adjustments based on instantaneously required electrical power and state of charge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the DC/DC converter continuously converts high-voltage to low-voltage, then the power supply is maintained, but the efficiency decreases and losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The DC/DC converter operates in periodic pulses rather than continuously. The control device switches the converter between active conversion state and inactive state repeatedly, creating a periodic action pattern that reduces overall energy losses while maintaining adequate power supply to the low-voltage system through energy storage buffering.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating state of the DC/DC converter is made dynamic rather than static. The converter alternates between conversion and non-conversion states based on control signals, allowing the system to adapt its power conversion activity to actual demands and reduce losses during periods when direct conversion is not immediately needed.
2Productivity
If the DC/DC converter operates in pulsed mode to reduce losses, then energy efficiency improves, but the power supply stability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage element (capacitor or battery) serves as an intermediary between the DC/DC converter and the low-voltage load. During conversion pulses, the energy storage element buffers and stores energy, then releases it during non-conversion periods, thereby smoothing out the pulsed power delivery and maintaining stable power supply to the load despite the intermittent conversion activity.
Solution Approach 2:
The DC/DC converter performs preliminary energy conversion and transfers energy to the storage element before it is immediately needed by the load. This advance preparation allows the system to meet power demands without continuous conversion, improving efficiency while maintaining supply stability through pre-stored energy.
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 reduces losses and enhances energy efficiency by operating the DC/DC converter in a more advantageous range, allowing for efficient charging and power supply with minimal interruptions, particularly suited for electric vehicles where energy efficiency is critical.
Implementation Method 1
DC/DC converter (20) which, in a first state (Z1), enables a conversion of a first DC voltage (U1) at first terminals (23, 24) into a lower second DC voltage (U2) at second terminals (25, 26)
Data Source
AI summary
A supply device for a motor vehicle has a DC/DC converter and a control device for the DC/DC converter. The DC/DC converter has first terminals and second terminals, which first terminals are configured for electrical connection to a first energy storage or a first energy source and which second terminals are configured for electrical connection to a second energy storage or a load. The DC/DC converter is configured, in a first state to enable a conversion of a first DC voltage at the first terminals into a lower second DC voltage at the second terminals and, in a second state, to carry out no conversion of a first DC voltage at the first terminals into a lower second DC voltage at the second terminals. The control device enables an energy supply at the second terminals by repeatedly changing the DC/DC converter between the first state and the second state.