Dual-Battery Power Cutoff Circuit for Vehicle Standby Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery power management systems fail to effectively conserve battery power in vehicles and electrical systems when not in use, while ensuring power is available to systems that require it, and addressing power loss issues when the primary power source is unavailable.
Innovation Solution
A battery power management apparatus and method that includes a primary vehicle battery connected to the vehicle ignition system and non-drain loads, a main cutoff switch to disconnect the battery from all vehicle circuits, and a vehicle auxiliary battery to provide power to drain loads when the primary battery is disconnected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the primary battery is disconnected from all vehicle circuits to conserve battery power, then battery charge level is preserved, but essential systems that require power when the vehicle is not operating are deprived of power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vehicle electrical system into two separate battery circuits: a primary battery circuit for non-essential loads and an auxiliary battery circuit for essential systems. The primary battery can be disconnected via a cutoff switch to conserve power, while the auxiliary battery independently maintains power to essential systems such as security systems, radio clocks, and electronic command computers, thus resolving the contradiction between power conservation and reliability.
2Reliability
If the battery is left connected to provide power to essential systems, then power availability is maintained, but battery charge is depleted over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the electrical loads into essential and non-essential categories, with dedicated auxiliary battery power for essential systems. This allows the primary battery to be disconnected and conserve charge while the auxiliary battery independently sustains essential systems, preventing charge depletion while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary battery acts as an intermediary power source between the primary battery and essential systems. When the primary battery is disconnected, the auxiliary battery mediates by providing the necessary power to essential systems, thus preventing charge depletion in the primary battery while maintaining power availability.
3Loss of energy
If a main cutoff switch is added to disconnect the battery, then battery power can be conserved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The main cutoff switch serves multiple functions: it disconnects the primary battery from non-essential loads for power conservation, and it enables the auxiliary battery to take over power supply to essential systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional complex control mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving power conservation.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, including a first circuit containing a first load, wherein a first battery is associated with the first circuit, and the first load comprises an electric motor of an electric or hybrid vehicle; a second circuit containing a second load which draws current from a second battery when the first load is not operating or is non-operational; a first switch capable of disconnecting the first battery from the first circuit; a second switch capable of connecting the first battery to the first circuit, wherein the first switch and second switch are connected in series; at least one recharger which recharges the first battery and second battery when the first load is operating; and a third load connected between the first circuit and a third circuit containing the second battery. The third load generates a circuit stabilizing voltage drop when first battery and second battery voltage levels are not equal.