Distributed DCDC Converter Control for EV Battery Power Demand
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric vehicle (EV) technologies face challenges in optimizing the control of direct current to direct current (DCDC) converters to efficiently supply power to the electrical systems of EVs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a smartcell battery system that employs a distributed system of DCDC converters, where each converter is connected to a battery cell cluster and controlled by a master controller based on monitored power demands, allowing for dynamic activation and deactivation of converters to optimize power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple DCDC converters are used to supply power to the electrical system, then the power supply capacity is improved, but the system complexity and energy losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into multiple independent battery cell clusters, each with its own DCDC converter. This segmentation allows the system to scale power capacity by activating only the necessary number of converters, rather than requiring all converters to operate simultaneously, thus managing system complexity while providing high power capacity when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically controls the activation and deactivation of individual DCDC converters based on real-time power demands of the electrical system. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt its complexity level to the actual power requirements, maintaining simplicity when low power is needed and providing full capacity when high power is required.
2Power
If multiple DCDC converters operate simultaneously to meet power demand, then the power supply capacity is improved, but the energy losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of operating all DCDC converters simultaneously, the system activates only the partial number of converters necessary to meet the current power demand. This partial action approach reduces the total energy consumption and associated losses while still providing sufficient power capacity to satisfy the electrical system's requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potential harm of having multiple converters (which would increase losses if all operated continuously) into a benefit by using selective activation. The ability to choose which converters to activate allows the system to minimize energy losses while maintaining the power supply capacity advantage of having multiple converters available.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a distributed system of DCDC converters is implemented, then the efficiency is improved through selective activation, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The master controller continuously monitors the power demands of the electrical system and uses this feedback information to determine which DCDC converters should be activated. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically optimize energy efficiency by matching converter activation to actual power needs, managing control complexity through a straightforward monitor-and-respond approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The master controller serves multiple functions: it monitors power demands, determines activation requirements, and controls the switching of multiple DCDC converters. This multi-functionality consolidates control complexity into a single controller rather than requiring distributed intelligence across all converters, improving energy efficiency while managing control complexity centrally.
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 enhances the efficiency and performance of EVs by ensuring that only the necessary DCDC converters are active, operating under high loads, which optimizes energy usage and reduces losses.
Implementation Method 1
direct current to direct current (DCDC) converters
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for optimized control of a distributed system of direct current to direct current (DCDC) converters are described. In an example, a method comprises employing, by a system operatively coupled to at least one processor, a smartcell battery system to supply power to an electrical system of an electric vehicle, the smartcell battery system comprising a plurality of battery cell clusters arranged in three strings, each battery cell cluster of the plurality comprising one or more battery cells, DCDC converters connected to respective ones of the battery cell clusters and the electrical system. The method further comprises controlling, by the system, when respective ones of the DCDC converters activate and deactivate generation and provision of respective output voltages to the electrical system using respective ones of the battery cell clusters to which they are connected based on monitored power demands of the electrical system.