Dual Power Inverter Module Common Controller Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric vehicles with two motors per drive unit require separate inverter controllers for each motor, leading to increased weight and energy consumption, which reduces vehicle range.
Innovation Solution
A dual power inverter module with a common controller is used to control both inverters, converting high voltage DC power to three-phase AC power for both motors, reducing the need for separate controllers and minimizing weight and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate inverter controllers are used for each motor, then each motor can be independently controlled, but the overall system weight increases and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate inverter controllers into a single common controller that manages both inverters. This consolidation reduces the total weight of control electronics while maintaining the ability to independently control each motor through separate control algorithms running on the unified controller platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The common controller is designed to perform multiple functions by controlling both inverters simultaneously. It can independently manage each inverter's operation, providing universal control capability that replaces the need for dedicated separate controllers while maintaining independent motor control functionality.
2Ease of operation
If separate inverter controllers are used for each motor, then each motor can be independently controlled, but energy consumption increases reducing vehicle range
Solution Approach 1:
By merging two separate controllers into one common controller, the patent reduces the total energy consumption associated with control electronics. The unified controller shares power management resources and can optimize energy distribution between the two inverters, thereby extending vehicle range while preserving independent motor control capability.
3Weight of moving object
If a common controller is used for both inverters, then weight is reduced and energy consumption is reduced, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The common controller is designed with multi-functional capabilities to manage both inverters independently. By integrating universal control algorithms that can handle each inverter's specific requirements, the system reduces weight and energy consumption while managing control complexity through standardized yet flexible control architecture.
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
The solution reduces weight and energy consumption by using a common controller for both motors, thereby enhancing the vehicle's range and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first inverter configured to convert the high voltage DC electrical power to three phase, high voltage alternating current (AC) electrical power
Data Source
AI summary
An illustrative drive unit for an electric vehicle includes a first electrical motor, a first axle mechanically couplable to the first electrical motor, a second electrical motor, a second axle mechanically couplable to the second electrical motor, and a dual power inverter module electrically couplable to a source of high voltage DC electrical power. The dual power inverter module includes: a first inverter configured to convert the high voltage DC electrical power to three phase, high voltage AC electrical power and electrically couplable to provide the three phase, high voltage AC electrical power to the first electrical motor; a second inverter configured to convert the high voltage DC electrical power to three phase, high voltage AC electrical power and electrically couplable to provide the three phase, high voltage AC electrical power to the second electrical motor; and a common controller configured to control the first inverter and the second inverter.