Dynamic Switching Between Converter and Bypass Modes for Electric Vehicle Energy Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically driven or drivable motor vehicles, particularly commercial vehicles like trucks and buses, face inefficiencies in utilizing recuperation energy due to limitations in the DC-DC converter's power capacity during overhead line operation, leading to suboptimal energy recovery and increased energy losses.
Innovation Solution
A method that dynamically switches between converter operation and bypass operation based on vehicle speed and calculated recuperation potential, optimizing energy use by evaluating the current driving situation and predicting future braking or acceleration processes to determine the most energy-efficient operating mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If converter operation is used during overhead line operation, then electrical safety is improved through galvanic isolation, but power output is reduced due to the DC-DC converter's limited power capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between converter operation and bypass operation based on real-time conditions. The controller monitors vehicle speed, braking status, and overhead line contact status to determine the optimal operating mode, allowing the system to adapt its power transmission path dynamically rather than being fixed in one mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the DC-DC converter and bypass line based on detected conditions. When bypass operation is activated, the system changes from using the isolated converter path to the direct bypass path, effectively changing the electrical configuration parameters to maximize power output while maintaining safety.
2Power
If bypass operation is used to increase power output, then power capacity is improved, but electrical safety is reduced due to galvanic coupling with the overhead line
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic switching between converter and bypass operations based on real-time vehicle conditions. The controller continuously monitors parameters such as vehicle speed, braking status, and overhead line contact to determine when it is safe to activate bypass operation for maximum power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller receives feedback from various sensors monitoring vehicle speed, braking status, and overhead line contact status. Based on this feedback, the controller makes real-time decisions about whether to activate bypass operation, ensuring that power capacity is maximized only when safety conditions are met.
3Productivity
If the vehicle switches between converter and bypass operation based on speed thresholds, then operational efficiency is improved, but energy losses increase due to frequent switching and suboptimal recuperation utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of the driving situation by evaluating current vehicle speed, acceleration, and braking status before deciding to switch between converter and bypass operations. This preliminary action allows the system to anticipate future energy recovery opportunities and make optimal switching decisions in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own operational data (vehicle speed, acceleration, braking status) to make autonomous decisions about operating mode selection. The controller self-regulates the switching between converter and bypass operations based on real-time vehicle conditions, optimizing energy recovery without external intervention.
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
This approach enhances the utilization of brake recuperation energy, improving the carbon footprint of vehicles by optimizing energy efficiency and reducing energy losses, allowing for more effective use of recuperation potential during both low and high power modes.
Implementation Method 1
The pantograph establishes an electrically conductive connection to a contact wire, a conductor rail, or another electrically conductive device
Implementation Method 2
The DC-DC converter is galvanically isolated, thus ensuring particularly safe, double-insulated operation
Implementation Method 3
the electric motor is usually connected to an internal (high-voltage) battery, which serves as an electrical energy storage device
Implementation Method 4
In such a (secondary) vehicle battery, the chemical energy consumed can be replenished by means of an electrical (re)charging process
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating an electrically powered or driveable motor vehicle (2) comprising a pantograph (22) for contacting an overhead line (16) running above a roadway (18), and a drive train (14) coupled to the pantograph (22), wherein during overhead line operation, in which the pantograph (22) is in contact with the overhead line (16), switching is performed between converter operation (52), in which electrical energy is routed via a DC voltage converter (36) connected between the pantograph (22) and the drive train (14), and bypass operation (54), in which electrical energy is routed via a bypass line (38) connected in parallel to the DC voltage converter (36), depending on a vehicle speed (vVeh) and a calculated recuperation potential.