Dual 12V Battery Power Supply Control Without Bidirectional Converter

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing power supply systems for eco-friendly vehicles with dual 12V batteries require bidirectional converters to prevent mutual charging and discharging due to voltage differences, leading to increased vehicle cost and weight.

Innovation Solution

A power supply method and apparatus using LDC and relay control to manage state of charge (SOC) and prevent mutual charging and discharging between main and auxiliary batteries without a bidirectional converter, by configuring relays and converters to ensure power supply to dual power loads based on voltage thresholds and SOC values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a bidirectional converter is applied between the main battery and the auxiliary battery to prevent mutual charging and discharging, then the voltage difference problem is solved, but the vehicle cost and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of mutual charging and dischargingVSAvoidvehicle weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the bidirectional converter from the system, replacing it with a control method that uses existing components (LDC and relays) to achieve the same function of preventing mutual charging and discharging, thereby reducing vehicle weight

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the physical bidirectional converter (mechanical/electrical device) with a control-based system using LDC and relay switches, substituting hardware complexity with control logic to achieve the same protective function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a bidirectional converter is applied between the main battery and the auxiliary battery to prevent mutual charging and discharging, then the voltage difference problem is solved, but the vehicle cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of mutual charging and dischargingVSAvoidvehicle cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the expensive bidirectional converter from the system and replaces it with control logic using existing components, directly reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining the protective function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses inexpensive relay switches and control logic instead of expensive bidirectional converters, opting for simpler, cheaper components that can achieve the same functional outcome

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Weight of stationary object

If relays are controlled based on SOC values and voltage thresholds, then mutual charging and discharging is prevented without bidirectional converter, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle weightVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the existing LDC and relay components perform multiple functions: the LDC not only converts voltage but also controls charging/discharging based on SOC, and the relays not only switch circuits but also implement control logic, reducing overall system complexity despite increased control requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring SOC values and voltage thresholds, using this information to dynamically control relay switching and LDC operation, preventing mutual charging and discharging through intelligent control rather than complex hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 solution prevents mutual charging and discharging between batteries, reduces vehicle cost and weight, and improves fuel efficiency by eliminating the need for bidirectional converters.

Implementation Method 1

a converter configured to convert a voltage of a high-voltage battery to supply power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage conversion:

Implementation Method 2

a first relay disposed between the converter and the first low-voltage battery; a second relay disposed between the converter and the second low-voltage battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRelay control: Relay

Data Source

PatentUS12176749B2Power supply method for dual power load and apparatus thereof
Publication Date: 2024.12.24 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • US12176749B2 patent drawing
  • US12176749B2 patent drawing
  • US12176749B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A power supply method and apparatus for dual power load includes a low voltage direct current-direct current converter (LDC) configured to convert a voltage of a high-voltage battery to supply power, a first low-voltage battery configured to be charged by receiving the power from the LDC and to supply power to a general load or a dual power load, a second low-voltage battery configured to be charged by receiving the power from the LDC and to supply power to the dual power load, a first relay disposed between the LDC and the first low-voltage battery, a second relay disposed between the LDC and the second low-voltage battery, a first battery sensor configured to measure a voltage of the first low-voltage battery, and a second battery sensor configured to measure a voltage of the second low-voltage battery.