DC-DC Battery Management for Low-Voltage Supply and Float Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery systems in vehicles face challenges in efficiently managing voltage levels and reducing battery cycling, which affects battery life and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
Innovation Solution
A battery management system incorporating a DC to DC converter that steps down high voltage from a battery pack to a low voltage for vehicle components, using float charging to reduce battery cycling and extend battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate low voltage battery is used to power electrical components, then the vehicle can operate electrical components independently of the high voltage battery, but the low voltage battery undergoes frequent cycling which reduces its lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the high voltage battery and low voltage battery into a unified power management system. The DC-DC converter enables bidirectional energy flow between the two batteries, allowing them to function as an integrated system rather than independent units. This combination reduces the cycling burden on the low voltage battery by enabling the high voltage battery to serve as the primary power source.
Solution Approach 2:
The high voltage battery is given multi-functionality by enabling it to serve both as the primary propulsion power source and as a charging source for the low voltage battery through the DC-DC converter. This eliminates the need for the low voltage battery to cycle frequently, extending its lifespan while maintaining its auxiliary functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a DC to DC converter is integrated into the battery management system, then the high voltage battery can provide power to low voltage components, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The DC-DC converter is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a power conversion device and a battery management component. It simultaneously performs voltage conversion, battery charging, and system monitoring functions, which justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single integrated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The DC-DC converter acts as an intermediary between the high voltage battery and the low voltage electrical components. This intermediate device enables safe and efficient voltage transformation while providing control and protection functions, making the complex interaction between different voltage systems manageable and reliable.
3Reliability
If the low voltage battery is used continuously to power electrical components, then the vehicle can maintain stable low voltage supply, but greenhouse gas emissions increase due to reduced battery lifespan and manufacturing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters of the low voltage battery by reducing its cycling frequency and depth of discharge through the DC-DC converter's intelligent power management. This parameter optimization extends battery lifespan, reducing the frequency of battery replacements and the associated manufacturing emissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery management system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the state of charge, temperature, and cycling history of both batteries. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of power distribution strategies, optimizing the use of the high voltage battery to minimize low voltage battery cycling and extend its service life, thereby reducing emissions.
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 reduces battery cycling, extends battery life, and mitigates greenhouse gas emissions by efficiently managing voltage levels and providing an alternative power supply.
Implementation Method 1
a DC to DC converter that converts a high voltage from a battery pack to a low voltage
Implementation Method 2
an energy storage system configured to provide a first voltage to a propulsion component
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus may include a DC to DC converter that converts a high voltage level from a battery pack to a relatively lower voltage level for various components of a vehicle. The DC to DC converter may provide an alternate power supply in addition to a battery that is separate from the battery pack. The battery pack and the DC to DC converter may be used to supply power, instead of the battery, during a sleep mode of a vehicle. Further, the DC to DC converter can supply power to float charge the battery, thus minimizing cycling of the battery. The DC to DC converter and the battery may provide a redundant, or backup, power source for a vehicle.