EV Power Line Communication for Low-Wiring Component Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and cost of wiring in electric vehicles are increased due to the use of different types of physical buses or networks for high power and low power signals, making it difficult to efficiently communicate between components.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a power line to transmit both high power and low power signals by converting messages from a first communication protocol to a power line communication protocol and then back to the original protocol, allowing components to communicate effectively while also detecting and avoiding noise regions using a power line sensing module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate physical buses are used for high power and low power signals, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity and wiring cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines high power signal transmission and low power communication functions into a single power line infrastructure. The power line serves dual purposes: delivering electrical power to components and transmitting communication messages between them, thereby eliminating the need for separate communication buses and reducing overall wiring complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The power line is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. It acts as both a power delivery medium and a communication channel, allowing the same physical infrastructure to support both high power signal transmission and low power data communication without requiring separate dedicated lines for each function
2Ease of operation
If separate physical buses are used for high power and low power signals, then communication effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges power delivery and communication functions into a unified power line interface, reducing the total quantity of wires and connectors needed in the vehicle. This consolidation directly lowers manufacturing costs by reducing parts count and assembly complexity while maintaining effective communication between components
3Device complexity
If power line is used for both power and communication, then wiring complexity is reduced, but noise interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication protocol that acts as an intermediary layer between the power line physical medium and the data communication function. This protocol includes specific message formats, timing mechanisms, and signal modulation techniques that enable reliable data transmission over the power line despite the presence of electrical noise and interference from power-related activities
Solution Approach 2:
The system acknowledges the inherent noise from power line operations and converts this challenge into a manageable parameter by designing communication protocols that are specifically adapted to operate within the noisy power line environment, using the existing electrical characteristics rather than trying to eliminate them
4Adaptability or versatility
If protocol conversion is implemented, then communication compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power line communication system is designed with universal compatibility in mind, where a standardized message format and protocol are implemented across all components. This allows different components to communicate through the power line without requiring complex individual conversion modules at each end, as the protocol itself provides the necessary adaptation and translation capabilities
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 simplifies the wiring by enabling bi-directional communication over a single power line, reducing noise interference, and maintaining reliable communication between electric vehicle components, thereby reducing the complexity and cost of wiring.
Implementation Method 1
converting, at a first conversion module associated with the first component, the message into a power line (PL) communication protocol to form a first converted message; transmitting the first converted message over a power line connecting the first component to a second component of the electric vehicle
Implementation Method 2
determining, at a power line sensing module in communication with the power line, a noise region of noise associated with the power line, the noise region comprising one or more of: a frequency of the noise, an amplitude of the noise, and a change of a noise attribute of the noise over time
Implementation Method 3
changing a message attribute of one or more of the message, the first converted message, and the second converted message to avoid the noise region. The message attribute may comprise a carrier frequency; and the changing the message attribute may comprise changing the carrier frequency
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided methods and systems for operating electric vehicles. One example method includes generating, at a first component of the electric vehicle, a message in a first communication protocol and converting, at a first conversion module associated with the first component, the message into a power line communication protocol to form a first converted message. The method also includes transmitting the first converted message over a power line connecting the first component to a second component of the electric vehicle, and converting, at a second conversion module associated with the second component, the first converted message into a second communication protocol to form a second converted message. The second communication protocol is used by the second component. In addition, the method includes receiving the second converted message at the second component.