Dual Battery Electric Power System with DC/DC Voltage Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric power systems in hybrid vehicles face challenges in achieving an optimal trade-off between range and performance due to limitations in chemical battery design, where batteries with high specific electric energy do not correspondingly deliver high specific electric power, and vice versa, leading to unsatisfactory overall results and increased system dimensions.
Innovation Solution
The electric power system incorporates two distinct chemical battery packs with different energy and power characteristics, each optimized for specific driving needs, and utilizes electronic DC/DC power converters to manage voltage and filter high-frequency oscillations, allowing independent management and efficient energy exchange without direct interaction with the electric machines, thereby optimizing battery performance and reducing system size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If chemical batteries with high specific electric energy are used, then the vehicle range is improved, but the specific deliverable electric power is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage system into two separate chemical battery packs (first and second battery packs) with different characteristics. The first battery pack is optimized for high specific electric energy to extend vehicle range, while the second battery pack is optimized for high specific deliverable electric power to meet performance demands during acceleration. This segmentation allows each battery pack to specialize in one function rather than compromising both.
Solution Approach 2:
Each battery pack is designed with local quality optimized for its specific function. The first battery pack uses chemistry and configuration suited for energy storage (high capacity, lower power), while the second battery pack uses chemistry and configuration suited for power delivery (lower capacity, high power). This local optimization resolves the contradiction by allowing different quality characteristics in different parts of the system.
2Power
If both chemical batteries with high specific electric energy and high specific deliverable electric power are included, then both range and performance are improved, but the system dimensions and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into two specialized battery packs rather than using one oversized battery. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both high energy and high power capabilities while keeping individual battery sizes optimized, reducing overall system weight compared to a single battery attempting to provide both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two specialized battery packs into a unified storage system that functions as a single unit. The first and second battery packs are electrically connected and work together to provide both high specific electric energy and high specific deliverable electric power, achieving the benefits of both battery types without the penalty of duplicated infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If two chemical battery packs are electrically separated, then independent management is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a DC/DC converter as an intermediary device between the two electrically separated battery packs. This converter manages the electrical interaction between the battery packs, enabling independent management and optimized charging/discharging strategies while simplifying the overall control architecture. The DC/DC converter acts as a mediator that reduces the complexity of directly managing two independent battery systems.
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 vehicle's range and performance by optimizing battery management, reducing wear, and minimizing system dimensions and weight, while maintaining efficient energy delivery and extending the operational lifespan of the batteries.
Implementation Method 1
two electronic DC/DC power converters, each of which transforms electrical energy and has a first terminal connected to a corresponding chemical battery pack and a second terminal connected to the fourth terminal
Data Source
AI summary
An electric power system of a vehicle with electric propulsion having: an electric machine; a storage system provided with two chemical battery packs electrically separated from each other; an electronic DC/AC power converter, which exchanges electric energy with the storage system and controls the electric machine; a pair of electronic DC/DC power converters, each of which increases the voltage and has a low-voltage side, which is electrically connected only and exclusively to a corresponding chemical battery, and a high-voltage side, which is connected to the electronic DC/AC power converter in parallel to the high-voltage side of the other electronic DC/DC power converter; and a common container, which houses the storage system and the electronic power converters therein.