EV Power Distribution Prioritization for 48V Battery Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrified vehicles face challenges in sustaining continuous power to electric motors, particularly in mild-HEVs with smaller 48V batteries, leading to competition among vehicle systems for power and potential inability to deliver constant power in certain conditions.
Innovation Solution
A power management system that includes a high voltage power source and a control module capable of prioritizing power distribution based on assigned priorities to vehicle subsystems, distinguishing between closed loop, open loop, high voltage, and low voltage subsystems, and adjusting these priorities based on vehicle status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a smaller 48V battery is used in mild-HEVs, then vehicle weight and cost are reduced, but the battery cannot sustain continuous electrical power to the electric motor in certain conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power distribution priorities based on real-time vehicle status and demand conditions. The control module continuously monitors power requests from multiple subsystems and reconfigures power allocation dynamically, allowing the smaller battery to adapt its power delivery to match actual vehicle needs rather than being designed for peak continuous output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the power system by introducing priority-based power distribution. Instead of designing the battery for worst-case continuous power scenarios, the system modifies how power is allocated by assigning different priority levels to various subsystems, allowing the same battery to serve multiple functions effectively under varying conditions.
2Device complexity
If multiple vehicle subsystems compete for power from the same high voltage source, then system integration is simplified, but critical functions may not receive sufficient power during peak demand
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system is segmented into multiple priority levels, with each vehicle subsystem assigned to a specific priority tier. This segmentation allows the control module to systematically manage power allocation by first satisfying high-priority critical functions, then allocating remaining power to lower-priority subsystems, ensuring reliability without requiring an overly complex distribution architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module acts as an intermediary between the high voltage power source and multiple competing subsystems. It receives power requests from various subsystems, applies priority-based filtering and allocation logic, and manages power distribution accordingly. This intermediary function resolves the conflict between simplified system integration and reliable power supply for critical functions.
3Ease of operation
If power is allocated without prioritization to all subsystems equally, then system fairness is maintained, but critical safety functions may be inhibited during power shortages
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static equal power allocation to dynamic priority-based allocation. The control module continuously adjusts power distribution based on real-time vehicle status, ensuring that critical safety functions receive adequate power when needed while maintaining fair allocation for non-critical subsystems under normal conditions. This dynamic approach preserves both fairness and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different quality levels of power allocation are applied to different subsystems based on their criticality. Critical safety functions receive guaranteed high-priority power allocation, while non-critical comfort and convenience features receive lower priority allocation. This local differentiation of allocation quality ensures critical functions are never inhibited while maintaining overall system fairness.
Data Source
AI summary
A power management system for a vehicle includes a high voltage power source configured to provide power to vehicle subsystems, and at least one control module operably coupled to the high voltage power source and configured to receive power demand requests from the vehicle subsystems, and prioritize supply of power from the high voltage power source based on an assigned priority associated with each of the received power demand requests. The assigned priority may vary based on vehicle status.