Dual DC-DC Power Distribution for EV Critical Load Prioritization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing electrification of vehicles and introduction of advanced driver assistance systems lead to higher power demands, often resulting in insufficient DC-DC converter capacity, which can drain the 12V battery and reduce its lifespan, especially during driving conditions, due to limited sizing and cost constraints.
Innovation Solution
A power supply and distribution system for electric vehicles featuring a dual back-to-back switch unit with individually controlled DC-DC converters, allowing for parallel connection of primary power supply lines to manage variable electrical loads and prioritize critical equipment during power shortages, reducing the maximum rating of DC-DC converters and enhancing safety integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the DC-DC converter capacity is increased to meet higher power demands from electrification and ADAS systems, then power availability and safety are improved, but cost and vehicle weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power supply system into two separate DC-DC converters (first and second DC-DC converters) that can independently supply power to different groups of critical low voltage equipment. This segmentation allows each converter to be sized appropriately for its specific load requirements rather than requiring one oversized converter, thereby reducing overall cost while maintaining adequate power availability for safety-critical systems.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the DC-DC converter capacity is increased to prevent 12V battery drainage, then battery lifespan is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power distribution into two independent paths with separate DC-DC converters, each dedicated to specific critical loads. This prevents any single converter from being overloaded, ensuring that critical equipment receives adequate power and the 12V battery is not drained during driving conditions, thereby extending battery lifespan without requiring an excessively complex single-converter solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by introducing independent control of multiple DC-DC converters with different capacity ratings optimized for their specific loads. This allows the system to operate more efficiently by matching converter output to actual demand, preventing battery drainage while avoiding the need for one large, complex converter that would over-provision all loads.
3Power
If a single high-capacity DC-DC converter is used to cover all electrical loads, then power availability is improved, but cost and packaging space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power supply function across two separate DC-DC converters, each optimized for specific load groups. This segmentation allows each converter to be smaller in size and lower capacity than a single converter would need to be to handle all loads, reducing overall packaging space requirements while maintaining adequate power availability for critical systems.
4Ease of manufacture
If the DC-DC converter capacity is reduced to lower cost, then vehicle cost is reduced, but power availability during driving conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power distribution system into two independent converter paths, allowing each converter to be sized and cost-optimized for its specific load requirements. This enables the use of smaller, less expensive converters that collectively provide adequate power availability for all critical loads, achieving cost reduction without sacrificing power availability during driving conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply and distribution system for an electric vehicle includes: a High Voltage power source connected to a first DC-DC converter and a second DC-DC converter, each of the first DC-DC converter and the second DC-DC converter producing Low Voltage DC to a first primary power supply line for a first group of critical low voltage equipment and a second primary power supply line for a second group of critical low voltage equipment, respectively; wherein the first primary power supply line and the second primary power supply line are connected in parallel to Variable Electrical Loads via a dual back-to-back switch unit, the dual back-to-back switch comprising a first back-to-back switch and a second back-to-back switch each individually controlled by at least a first microcontroller unit.