DC/DC Converter Voltage Setpoint Adjustment for Vehicle Startup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles face challenges in efficiently managing power distribution between low-voltage and high-voltage batteries, particularly when starting up or in low-power states, leading to suboptimal battery charge preservation and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a virtual-driver module, DC/DC converter, low-voltage battery, high-voltage battery, and computer, which optimally selects power sources and adjusts power levels through pre-drive tests and setpoint voltage adjustments to minimize power draw and preserve battery charge, ensuring efficient power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the low-voltage battery supplies power during vehicle startup and pre-drive tests, then the vehicle can operate reliably, but the battery charge is depleted unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a DC/DC converter as an intermediary device between the high-voltage battery and low-voltage battery systems. During vehicle startup and pre-drive tests, the DC/DC converter enables the high-voltage battery to supply power to electrical loads, preventing the low-voltage battery from being depleted while ensuring reliable vehicle operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs pre-drive tests before actual driving to identify potential issues. By using the high-voltage battery during these preliminary tests through the DC/DC converter, the low-voltage battery is preserved for its primary starting function, optimizing power distribution based on anticipated needs.
2Reliability
If the vehicle performs pre-drive tests with full power, then system reliability is ensured, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts power supply sources based on vehicle state and operational requirements. During pre-drive tests, the system transitions from relying solely on the low-voltage battery to utilizing the high-voltage battery through the DC/DC converter, optimizing power consumption while maintaining system reliability throughout the testing process.
3Device complexity
If the low-voltage battery is used for all electrical loads during vehicle off state, then system simplicity is maintained, but battery charge is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The DC/DC converter serves as a smart intermediary that automatically manages power flow between the high-voltage and low-voltage battery systems. During vehicle off state, it enables the high-voltage battery to supply power to electrical loads, preserving low-voltage battery charge without requiring complex manual intervention or additional hardware.
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
The system effectively preserves battery charge and optimizes power consumption by selectively using low-voltage or high-voltage batteries based on demand, reducing unnecessary power usage and maintaining vehicle systems in low-power states when not in use.
Implementation Method 1
a DC/DC converter electrically coupled to the virtual-driver module and communicatively coupled to the computer
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a virtual-driver module, a DC/DC converter electrically coupled to the virtual-driver module, a low-voltage battery electrically coupled to the virtual-driver module, a high-voltage battery electrically coupled to the DC/DC converter, and a computer communicatively coupled to the DC/DC converter. The computer is programmed to, in response to a request to start a vehicle including the virtual-driver module in a manual mode, the vehicle being in an off state at the time of the request, set a setpoint of the DC/DC converter at a first voltage; then perform at least one pre-drive test on the vehicle; and then set the setpoint of the DC/DC converter at a second voltage lower than the first voltage.