Dual-Battery Power Balancing for Space-Constrained Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to enhance the space efficiency and design flexibility of vehicles equipped with batteries while efficiently utilizing electric power, particularly in small automobiles where traditional battery capacity is limited by volume constraints.
Innovation Solution
An electric power control system that includes multiple batteries and a control unit to manage the state of charge and balance the remaining capacity between them, allowing for efficient power transmission and utilization, especially during resting or idle states, and incorporating a motor for regenerative power generation and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a battery with large capacity is provided to increase mileage, then the power capacity is improved, but the volume of the battery increases and living space is narrowed
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into multiple separate batteries (first battery and second battery) with different capacities. This segmentation allows the total energy capacity to be distributed across multiple smaller units, achieving the required total capacity without requiring a single large-volume battery, thus preserving living space in the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension battery capacity problem to a multi-dimensional solution by considering both capacity and spatial distribution. Multiple batteries of different sizes can be placed in different locations and orientations, optimizing both total energy storage and space utilization in three-dimensional vehicle architecture.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If multiple batteries are provided to maintain charge balance, then the battery life is extended, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the state of charge of both batteries and automatically controls power transmission between them. This feedback mechanism ensures that charge imbalance is detected and corrected in real-time, extending battery life through balanced charging cycles without requiring complex manual intervention or oversimplified control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables batteries to serve each other - when one battery has excess charge and the other needs charging, power is automatically transmitted from the first to the second battery or vice versa. This self-service capability allows the battery system to self-regulate and maintain balance without external intervention, reducing operational complexity.
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 enables space-saving designs, increased vehicle flexibility, efficient electric power use, and extended battery life by balancing battery charge states and reducing power transmission losses, thereby improving vehicle performance and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
The braking control unit has a function of controlling the motor such that the motor generates electric power at the time of braking
Implementation Method 2
controlling transmission of electric power between the first battery and the second battery, in a case where the difference in the remaining capacities exceeds the predetermined value, to be made such that the remaining capacities are close to each other
Data Source
AI summary
Space-saving in an automobile or the like provided with a battery is achieved. Design flexibility of an automobile or the like can be improved. An electric power control method or an electric power control system capable of utilizing electric power efficiently is provided. It is an electric power control system of an automobile including a car body, a first battery, a second battery, and a control unit. The control unit obtains states of charge of the first battery and the second battery, determines whether or not a difference between remaining capacities of the first battery and the second battery exceeds a predetermined value, and controls transmission of electric power between the first battery and the second battery, in the case where the difference in the remaining capacities exceeds the predetermined value, to be made such that the remaining capacities are close to each other.