Dual DC-DC On-Board Power Architecture for Redundant Vehicle Supply
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing on-board electrical systems for motor vehicles, particularly those designed for autonomous driving, face challenges in providing a highly reliable power supply while minimizing weight, space requirements, and costs.
Innovation Solution
The proposed on-board electrical system consists of two partial systems with different voltage levels, connected by DC-DC converters and an energy store in the lower voltage system, allowing for redundancy and efficient energy distribution to maintain system reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple batteries are used to provide redundancy, then reliability is improved, but weight and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple batteries into a single battery system with dual DC-DC converters. Instead of using two separate batteries to provide redundancy, the invention merges the energy storage function into one battery while providing redundant power conversion paths through two DC-DC converters, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing weight and space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the power supply system into two independent partial systems (first and second partial on-board electrical systems) with different voltage levels, each capable of operating independently. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability through functional redundancy in the DC-DC converters without requiring multiple complete battery systems.
2Reliability
If multiple batteries are used to provide redundancy, then reliability is improved, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the energy storage function into a single battery while providing redundant power conversion through two DC-DC converters. This approach reduces the total component count compared to using multiple batteries, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the reliability benefits of redundancy.
3Weight of moving object
If a single battery is used, then weight and space requirements are reduced, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces DC-DC converters as intermediary devices between the single battery and the two partial electrical systems. These converters act as mediators that can fail independently of the battery, providing a layer of redundancy. If one converter fails, the other can continue to supply power to the second partial system, maintaining reliability while using only one battery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates two distinct voltage levels (first and second on-board electrical system voltages) to differentiate the partial systems. This parameter change allows independent operation and failure modes for each system, enabling reliability through voltage-level redundancy even with a single battery source.
4Reliability
If DC-DC converters are added for redundancy, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The DC-DC converters are designed to perform multiple functions: normal power conversion from the first to second partial system, and backup power conversion when the other converter fails. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing redundant power paths without requiring additional components beyond the two converters.
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 configuration enhances the reliability of the electrical system by ensuring continued operation even in the event of DC-DC converter failures or voltage drops, while minimizing additional weight, space, and cost.
Implementation Method 1
a first and a second DC-DC converter which are each arranged between the first and the second partial on-board electrical system
Implementation Method 2
an energy store which is arranged in the second on-board electrical system. The energy store of the second on-board electrical system can reduce voltage fluctuations in the second on-board electrical system in the normal operating mode
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an on-board electrical system for a motor vehicle having a first partial on-board electrical system which has a first on-board electrical system voltage, a second partial on-board electrical system which has a second on-board electrical system voltage, lower than the first on-board electrical system voltage, a first and a second DC/DC converter which are each arranged between the first and the second partial on-board electrical system, and an energy store arranged in the second on-board electrical system. The disclosure also relates to a method for operating such an electrical system.