EV Power Management Prioritization for Propulsion Reliability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Electrically powered vehicles face challenges in power management, particularly in distributing power effectively among multiple electrical sub-systems during increased power demand situations like hill starts, gear shifts, and cold weather, where critical systems like propulsion may fail due to insufficient power distribution to non-critical systems.

Innovation Solution

A method for power management in electric vehicles that prioritizes power distribution to the propulsion system over auxiliary loads during increased demand conditions by activating a second prioritization strategy, limiting power to auxiliary loads to set-points or dynamic levels, ensuring reliable operation of critical systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If power is distributed to multiple electrical sub-systems simultaneously, then all systems can operate, but the propulsion system may fail due to insufficient power during high demand conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepropulsion system reliabilityVSAvoidpower distribution flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power distribution by switching between a first prioritization strategy (normal operation) and a second prioritization strategy (increased power demand). The system dynamically adjusts power allocation based on real-time conditions, prioritizing the propulsion system when demand increases while maintaining flexibility for normal multi-system operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If power is prioritized to the propulsion system during increased demand, then propulsion reliability improves, but auxiliary loads may not maintain adequate power levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepropulsion system reliabilityVSAvoidauxiliary load power supply
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments electrical loads into critical loads (propulsion system) and non-critical loads (auxiliary systems). During increased power demand, the system applies different power distribution rules to each segment, ensuring critical loads receive sufficient power while non-critical loads operate at reduced but maintained levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If a single prioritization strategy is used for power distribution, then the system is simple to control, but it cannot adequately handle varying operating conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidresponse to operating conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically switches between two prioritization strategies based on detected operating conditions. The first strategy operates during normal conditions while the second strategy activates during increased power demand, providing adaptability without requiring complex real-time optimization algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3932726B1A method of power management and a power system of an electrically powered vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.05.22 VOLVO TRUCK CORP
  • EP3932726B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3932726B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3932726B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for power management of an electrically powered vehicle (100), wherein at least two loads (230, 240), including a first load (230) and at least one second load (240), are by default powered by an electric energy storage system (220) of the vehicle according to a first prioritization strategy determining how power is distributed among the at least two loads (230, 240). The method comprises detecting (101) that a pre-defined operating condition applies, and in response to said detection, activating (102) a second prioritization strategy, wherein, according to the second prioritization strategy, power distribution to the first load is prioritized over power distribution to the at least one second load. The invention also relates to a power management control unit (210), a power system (200) and an electrically powered vehicle (300) comprising the power management control unit (210) and/or the power system (200).