EV Power Electronics With Motor Neutral Switching for Fault Tolerance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicle systems face complexity and increased costs due to numerous components, and lack sufficient fault tolerance to maintain essential operations in the event of component failures.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a battery, a power electronics module connected to the battery, an electric motor with phase windings and a neutral point, and a port for external devices, utilizing electrical switches to manage power flow and fault tolerance, with a bi-directional DC-to-DC converter for voltage regulation and isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional electronic systems include a large number of components to enable charging, power delivery control, and sub-system powering, then functionality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical switches are configured to perform multiple functions: they control power delivery to the motor, enable battery charging from external devices, and power various vehicle sub-systems. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each task, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate electronic control functions into a unified system where electrical switches integrate motor control, charging management, and sub-system powering into a single coordinated architecture, reducing component count and system complexity
2Reliability
If traditional electronic systems use standard component configurations, then manufacturing is simpler, but fault tolerance is insufficient to maintain essential operations during component failures
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical switches are dynamically reconfigurable, allowing the system to switch between different operational modes (full three-phase motor control, two-phase operation, charging mode, sub-system powering) based on component status. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to maintain essential functions even when some components fail, improving fault tolerance without requiring permanent redundant hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates pre-configured alternative power paths and operational modes that are ready to activate upon component failure. The electrical switches are designed with built-in redundancy capabilities that allow seamless transition to backup configurations, cushioning the impact of component failures before they compromise essential vehicle operations
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 configuration reduces component count, enhances fault tolerance, and enables efficient power management, ensuring continued vehicle operation even with component failures, while integrating charging and propulsion functions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electrical switch to selectively connect the first terminal of the port to the neutral point of the electric motor and to selectively connect the second terminal of the port to the power electronics module
Implementation Method 2
the power electronics module is to invert direct current (DC) power from the battery to produce alternating current (AC) power for the external load
Implementation Method 3
an electric motor comprising a plurality of phase windings and a neutral point, each of the plurality of phase windings connected between the power electronics module and the neutral point
Data Source
AI summary
Power electronics systems for electric vehicles are provided. These systems may enable propulsion and charging of an electric vehicle, among other functionalities. Related methods are also provided. According to an embodiment, a system includes a battery, a power electronics module to connect to the battery, an electric motor including a plurality of phase windings and a neutral point, and a port to connect to an external device. Each of the plurality of phase windings may connect between the power electronics module and the neutral point. The port may include a first terminal and a second terminal. The system may also include at least one electrical switch to selectively connect the first terminal of the port to the neutral point of the electric motor and to selectively connect the second terminal of the port to the power electronics module.