Dual-Voltage DC Bus Control for Variable Hybrid Vehicle Loads

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Hybrid off-road vehicles with fixed DC bus voltage face limitations in providing alternating current energy to variable electrical loads, as the fixed voltage cannot dynamically adjust to changing load demands.

Innovation Solution

A dual voltage direct current bus system with a first and second inverter, coupled to a primary and secondary electric machine, respectively, allowing operation at a lower or higher voltage level based on load requirements, controlled by a vehicle controller or electronic data processor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed DC bus voltage is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but the ability to meet variable load demands is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to meet variable load demandsVSAvoiddual voltage DC bus system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The DC bus voltage is made dynamic by enabling transitions between two voltage levels (first voltage level and second voltage level). The system can switch from a fixed voltage to a variable voltage system that adapts to load conditions, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the voltage parameter of the DC bus dynamically. By switching between two discrete voltage levels based on load conditions, the system achieves adaptability to variable loads while maintaining a relatively simple dual-level architecture rather than a continuously variable complex system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If a fixed DC bus voltage is used, then system complexity is reduced, but power capacity for high-demand tasks is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealternating current energy availabilityVSAvoidinverter and DC bus system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inverter system dynamically adjusts its operating voltage level based on power demand. During high-demand tasks, the system switches to the second (higher) voltage level to provide sufficient power capacity, while operating at the first (lower) voltage level during normal conditions to maintain simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the voltage parameter of the DC bus to match power demands. By implementing a dual-voltage architecture with switchable levels, the system achieves high power capacity when needed without the continuous complexity of a fully variable voltage system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If DC bus voltage operates at higher level continuously, then power capacity is sufficient, but energy efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidpower capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects the appropriate voltage level based on real-time load conditions. During normal operation with lower power demands, the system operates at the first (lower) voltage level to maximize energy efficiency. When high power capacity is required, it switches to the second (higher) voltage level, thus achieving both efficiency and sufficient power capacity at different times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The voltage parameter is changed dynamically rather than maintained at a fixed high level. This allows the system to optimize energy efficiency during normal operation by operating at lower voltage, while still providing the capability to switch to higher voltage when power capacity is needed, resolving the contradiction between continuous high power availability and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4610084A1Control system for a hybrid vehicle with a dual voltage direct current bus
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 DEERE & CO
  • EP4610084A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4610084A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4610084A1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

During a normal DC bus mode, the first DC node and the second DC node are configured to operate a lower voltage level on the primary direct current bus (38). In contrast, during a boost DC mode, the first DC node and the second DC node configured to operate a higher voltage level, which is higher than the lower voltage level, on the primary direct current bus (38).