Vehicle DC-DC Converter Voltage Control for Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional low voltage DC-DC converters in vehicles increase power consumption in electric devices by supplying high voltage when charging the main battery, leading to unnecessary energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that adjusts the output voltage of the low voltage DC-DC converter based on the state of the auxiliary battery, turning off the relay when fully charged to supply a minimum voltage capable of operating electric devices, and includes a microprocessor and power circuit chip to manage power supply and diagnose failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the low voltage DC-DC converter maintains output voltage identical to the auxiliary battery voltage (13V) when the auxiliary battery is fully charged, then the auxiliary battery can be prevented from overcharging, but unnecessary high voltage power is supplied to electric devices causing increased power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the DC-DC converter output voltage adjustable based on system state. When the auxiliary battery is fully charged, the converter dynamically reduces its output voltage from the battery voltage (13V) to a lower level (e.g., 12V or minimum operating voltage), while maintaining the relay connection. This allows the system to adapt voltage output to current needs, preventing overcharge while reducing unnecessary power consumption in electric devices.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the output voltage of the low voltage DC-DC converter is reduced to minimum operating voltage when the auxiliary battery is fully charged, then power consumption in electric devices is reduced, but the system must ensure continuous power supply for failure diagnosis and recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the relay as an intermediary component to manage power supply paths. When the auxiliary battery is fully charged, the relay remains closed (connected), allowing the DC-DC converter to supply reduced voltage to electric devices while maintaining the ability to provide power for failure diagnosis. The relay acts as a controllable switch that manages the connection between the converter output and the auxiliary battery/electric devices, enabling flexible voltage control while ensuring continuous power availability for monitoring and diagnosis functions.
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
Reduces power consumption by providing reduced voltage to electric devices and ensures continuous power supply for failure diagnosis and recovery.
Implementation Method 1
a low voltage DC-DC converter configured to convert a voltage of a main battery into a low voltage and output the voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling a low voltage DC-DC converter for a vehicle is provided. The system includes a low voltage DC-DC converter that converts a voltage of a main battery into a low voltage and outputs the same. An electric device is connected to an output terminal of the low voltage DC-DC converter and a first relay is connected to the output terminal of the low voltage DC-DC converter at a first terminal thereof. An auxiliary battery is connected to a second terminal of the first relay and a controller turns off the first relay and operates the low voltage DC-DC converter to output a minimum voltage capable of operating the electric device when the auxiliary battery is charged to a preset reference value or more while the main battery is being charged.