Dual Energy Storage Powertrain Control for Voltage-Matched AWD
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual energy storage systems in electric vehicles face complexity in system design, control, and optimization for varying driving demands, along with risks of failure and weight increase due to voltage mismatches and additional components, which complicate energy transfer and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A powertrain system with a DC bus configuration that connects different types of energy storage units (HEU and HPU) to deliver power to distinct wheel sets, using a DC-DC converter for voltage regulation and an electronic control unit for optimized power distribution, reducing weight and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of energy storage units (HEU and HPU) are used in dual energy storage systems, then the system can take advantage of the benefits of each energy storage unit (high energy density and high power density), but the system design complexity and control complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the energy storage system into separate HEU and HPU modules, each with independent control. The HEU (high energy density battery) and HPU (high power density ultracapacitor) are segmented as distinct functional units with separate management systems, allowing independent optimization and control of each energy storage type while maintaining overall system performance
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to universally manage both HEU and HPU units through a unified control architecture that can adaptively allocate power between different energy storage types based on driving conditions, vehicle state, and energy availability, making the system versatile across various operating scenarios
2Productivity
If multiple types of energy storage units are used, then the system can optimize energy and power consumption, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts power allocation between HEU and HPU based on real-time driving conditions, vehicle state, and energy availability. The control strategy adapts to varying power demands, state of charge levels, and operating temperatures, optimizing energy consumption while managing control complexity through adaptive rather than static control
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control mechanisms where the control unit continuously monitors the state of charge, power output, and operating conditions of both HEU and HPU units. Based on this feedback, the control unit optimizes power distribution to minimize energy consumption while maintaining system performance and managing control complexity through closed-loop control
3Reliability
If voltage regulation components are added to manage voltage mismatches between energy storage units, then voltage compatibility is improved, but the weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent manages voltage mismatches by dynamically adjusting operating parameters such as state of charge thresholds, power allocation ratios, and voltage matching points based on driving conditions and energy availability. This parameter-based control achieves voltage compatibility without requiring heavy passive voltage regulation hardware, thereby reducing system weight while maintaining reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A powertrain system for a vehicle is described. The powertrain system includes a first energy storage unit, a second energy storage unit, and an electronic control unit coupled to the first energy storage unit and the second energy storage unit. The first energy storage unit is configured to provide power to drive a first set of wheels of the vehicle. The second energy storage unit is configured to provide power to drive a second set of wheels of the vehicle different from the first set of wheels. The first and second energy storage units have different energy storage and/or energy discharge characteristics. The electronic control unit is programmed to control a charge and/or a discharge operation of the first energy storage unit and the second energy storage unit. The powertrain system is capable of implementing control strategies for optimizing energy and power to meet various driving demands of the vehicle.