Dual-Module Vehicle Battery Switching for Emergency Controller Power
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles require a redundant low-voltage power system to prevent safety accidents caused by failures in the power supply to controllers.
Innovation Solution
A power system with a first and second cell module, each comprising a plurality of cells in serial connection, and switching elements to control output lines, along with a control unit to manage power distribution and charging, ensuring emergency power supply and redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single low-voltage battery is used to power electronic devices and controllers, then the power supply system is simple, but safety accidents can occur if problems occur in the power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is divided into two independent cell modules (first cell module and second cell module), each capable of providing power independently. This segmentation allows the system to maintain power supply functionality even if one module fails, thereby improving reliability while keeping the overall structure manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a redundant power supply configuration where a second cell module is prepared in advance as a backup. When the first cell module fails, the second cell module can immediately take over, providing beforehand cushioning against power supply failures and preventing safety accidents.
2Reliability
If a redundant low-voltage power system is implemented with multiple cell modules, then power supply reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second cell modules are combined within a single battery housing, sharing common structural elements, control circuits, and output terminals. This merging approach allows the redundant power system to achieve high reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity by consolidating shared components.
Solution Approach 2:
Both cell modules are designed with identical specifications and capabilities, allowing either module to serve as the primary power source or the backup. This universality simplifies the system design and control logic, as the same module can perform multiple functions (primary power supply, backup power supply, or charging), thereby reducing overall complexity.
3Reliability
If switching elements are added to control power distribution between cell modules, then emergency power supply capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically monitors the state of charge and health of both cell modules and autonomously determines which module should provide power and which should be charged. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex manual switching mechanisms or external control systems, thereby improving emergency power supply capability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a battery, a vehicle power system, and a controlling method for the same. A battery may include the first output line, the second output line, the first cell module which includes a plurality of first cells and outputs the first voltage to the first output line, the second cell module which includes a plurality of second cells is connected to the first cell module in series and outputs a second voltage to the second output line; a first switching element which connects the first output line and the first cell module; and a second switching element which connects the second output line and the second cell module.