Dual-Battery Relay Control for Vehicle Fail Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems fail to ensure safe continuation of automatic driving when a power source function failure occurs due to an abnormality in an HV battery or in-vehicle battery, as the relay device may be turned off and fail operations are not performed effectively.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system for hybrid vehicles with two drive systems, incorporating a first and second battery, relay circuits, DC-DC converters, and relay control units, which allows for controlling the relay circuit to switch to the second battery as a power source upon detecting an abnormality in the first battery, ensuring continued operation of the second drive system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a relay device is used to control power source connection in a vehicle with a single battery system, then the structure is simple and easy to control, but when a power source function failure occurs, the fail operation cannot be performed and the vehicle becomes uncontrollable
Solution Approach 1:
The power source system is segmented into two independent battery systems (first battery and second battery), each with its own relay circuit and control unit. This segmentation ensures that a failure in one battery system does not affect the other, enabling fail operation capability while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares backup power source arrangements in advance by configuring a second battery and associated relay circuit that can take over if the first battery fails. This beforehand cushioning ensures that when a power source function failure occurs, the vehicle can continue operation through the backup system, preventing complete loss of control
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the relay circuit is interrupted to isolate a failed battery, then safety is improved, but the vehicle loses power source function and cannot perform fail operation
Solution Approach 1:
The relay circuit is segmented into multiple independent relay devices (first relay and second relay) that can be controlled independently. When a battery abnormality is detected, only the relay connected to the failed battery is interrupted, while the other relay maintains power supply to essential systems, enabling both safety isolation and continued operation
Solution Approach 2:
The isolation action is applied locally to only the affected battery system rather than the entire power source system. The relay control unit selectively interrupts the specific relay connected to the abnormal battery, while maintaining power supply through the other relay to systems that require continuous operation, thus achieving safety without complete power loss
3Reliability
If a single relay control unit controls the relay circuit, then the control structure is simple, but when battery abnormality occurs the relay may be improperly controlled and fail operation cannot be executed
Solution Approach 1:
The relay control function is segmented into separate control units (first relay control unit and second relay control unit), each responsible for controlling specific relays. This segmentation improves control accuracy by dedicating control resources to specific functions, while the modular structure keeps the overall system complexity manageable through clear division of responsibilities
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
Enables safe fail operation of the vehicle by switching to the second battery power source, maintaining system functionality and ensuring safety of travel even during power source failures.
Implementation Method 1
a first DC-DC converter connected to the relay circuit; a second DC-DC converter connected to the relay circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle control system is capable of implementing a fail operation while ensuring safety of traveling of a vehicle even when a power source function failure of a battery occurs. The vehicle control system includes an HV battery, first, second, third and fourth high-voltage relays that are redundantly arranged on an upstream side and a downstream side of the HV battery, a first and second DC-DC converters that are connected to the relays, a first and second high-voltage SW control units that are disposed on a downstream side of the converters and control the relays, and an in-vehicle battery disposed on a downstream side of the second DC-DC converter. The first high-voltage SW control unit and the second high-voltage SW control unit interrupt the relays and control a vehicle based on electric power of the in-vehicle battery on condition that an abnormality of the HV battery is detected.