Dual Converter Power Supply for Single-Battery EV Voltage Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of both low-voltage and high-voltage batteries in electric vehicles increases vehicle costs and weight, and lead-acid batteries used for low-voltage power have a short lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A power supply apparatus with a battery, first and second power converters, and a controller that switches between converters to supply power to loads with different voltage requirements, eliminating the need for additional batteries by using a single battery to power multiple loads with varying voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a low-voltage battery is installed in addition to a high-voltage battery, then two types of loads with different driving voltages can be driven, but vehicle costs and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single high-voltage battery is designed to serve multiple functions: it directly powers high-voltage loads and, through the power converter, supplies low-voltage loads. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate low-voltage battery while maintaining the ability to drive both high-voltage and low-voltage loads simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
A power converter is introduced as an intermediary device between the high-voltage battery and low-voltage loads. This converter transforms the high-voltage direct current from the battery into suitable low-voltage output, enabling the single battery system to power both voltage types of loads efficiently
2Adaptability or versatility
If a lead-acid battery is used as a low-voltage battery, then low-voltage loads can be powered, but the battery lifetime is limited to about three years
Solution Approach 1:
The high-voltage battery system with integrated power conversion capability serves as a universal power source for both high-voltage and low-voltage loads, replacing the lead-acid battery entirely and extending system lifetime beyond the three-year limitation of traditional lead-acid batteries
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the voltage parameter through the power converter, transforming high-voltage battery output into low-voltage suitable for various loads. This parameter transformation allows a single long-lived high-voltage battery to replace short-lived lead-acid batteries while maintaining compatibility with low-voltage load requirements
3Weight of moving object
If a single battery is used to power both high-voltage and low-voltage loads, then vehicle weight and cost are reduced, but power conversion efficiency may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The power converter operates dynamically, adjusting its conversion ratio and power output based on real-time load requirements. During high-voltage load operation, it provides minimal conversion; during low-voltage load operation, it adjusts conversion levels accordingly, optimizing efficiency across different operating conditions and minimizing overall energy loss
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 efficient power supply to loads with different driving voltages, reducing conversion inefficiencies and costs while maintaining power availability during ignition switch states, thus minimizing the need for additional batteries.
Implementation Method 1
a first power converter configured to convert an output power from the battery into a power with a first voltage value
Implementation Method 2
a second power converter configured to convert an output power from the battery into a power with the first voltage value
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply apparatus includes: a battery configured to supply a power to a first power supply line; a first power converter configured to convert an output power from the battery into a power with a first voltage value and to supply the power with the first voltage value to a second power supply line; a second power converter configured to convert an output power from the battery into a power with the first voltage value and to supply the power with the first voltage value to the second power supply line; and a controller configured to: control the first power converter to be on and control the second power converter to be off during a first period; and control the first power converter to be off and control the second power converter to be on during another period.