Dual-Voltage Battery Segmentation for AUV Parasitic Loss Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned underwater vehicles (AUVs) face significant power losses due to parasitic currents drawn from high voltage battery systems through voltage down converters, leading to reduced operational time and battery longevity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dual-voltage power system with a primary battery module operating at a higher voltage and a secondary battery module operating at a lower voltage to eliminate the need for voltage down conversion, thereby reducing I^2R power losses and extending operational time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a voltage down converter is used to provide power to parasitic systems from a high voltage battery system, then the parasitic systems can operate at the required lower voltage, but significant I^2R power losses occur reducing operational time
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into two separate battery modules: a first battery module operating at a higher voltage for primary systems, and a second battery module operating at a lower voltage for parasitic systems. This segmentation eliminates the need for voltage down conversion and the associated I^2R losses, directly resolving the technical contradiction by providing efficient power delivery to parasitic systems without energy waste.
2Device complexity
If a single high voltage battery system is used for all systems, then the battery system is simpler in structure, but voltage down conversion causes reduced operational time
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into two separate battery modules with different voltage ratings, each optimized for specific system requirements. This segmentation eliminates the need for voltage down conversion, thereby extending operational time despite the increased structural complexity of having multiple battery modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the voltage parameter by using two different battery modules operating at different voltages (first battery module at higher voltage, second battery module at lower voltage). This parameter change eliminates the need for voltage conversion and extends operational time, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and operational duration.
3Power
If current is drawn from a battery with internal resistance, then power can be delivered to systems, but I^2R losses reduce battery longevity
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into two separate battery modules, allowing each module to operate at its optimal voltage level without requiring current draw through voltage conversion. This reduces I^2R losses and extends battery longevity while maintaining the power delivery capability needed for both primary and parasitic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potential harm of I^2R losses into a benefit by using separate battery modules operating at different voltages. Instead of suffering power losses during voltage down conversion, the system directly provides appropriate voltage to each system type, turning the challenge of voltage matching into an opportunity to eliminate energy waste and extend battery life.
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 dual-voltage system substantially reduces parasitic power losses, preserving more power for both battery modules and extending the operational time of AUVs before recharge is needed.
Implementation Method 1
a first battery module and a second battery module. In some aspects, the first battery module operates at a first voltage and the second battery module operates at a second voltage. In some aspects, the first battery module delivers power to a plurality of primary systems. In some aspects, the second battery module delivers power to a plurality of parasitic systems.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Systems and methods are described herein for a dual-voltage power system. In some aspects, a dual-voltage power system can include a first battery module and a second battery module. In some aspects, the first battery module operates at a first voltage and the second batten' module operates at a second voltage. In some aspects, the first battery module delivers power to a plurality of primary systems. In some aspects, the second battery module delivers power to a plurality of parasitic systems.