EV High-Voltage Switching With Dual Voltage Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern electric vehicles face inefficiencies in high voltage switching, as existing systems often use fixed high voltages for both electric motors and auxiliary devices, which can limit performance and efficiency, especially when varying power demands are required.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for high voltage switching that determines and adjusts voltage modes, providing a first high voltage to electric motors and a second high voltage to auxiliary devices, using a DC-DC converter and bypass to optimize power distribution, allowing for higher performance and efficiency in propulsion and auxiliary systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed high voltage is provided to both electric motors and auxiliary devices, then the system structure is simple, but the system efficiency and performance are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage switching by enabling the electric motor to operate at different voltage levels (first high voltage and second high voltage) based on operating conditions. The controller dynamically selects between voltage sources (REESS directly or through DC-DC converter) to optimize performance and efficiency across different driving scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the voltage supply system into distinct pathways: one pathway provides first high voltage directly from the REESS to the electric motor, while another pathway provides second high voltage through a DC-DC converter. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each voltage level for different auxiliary device requirements.
2Productivity
If a DC-DC converter is used to provide different high voltages, then the efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The DC-DC converter is designed to perform multiple functions: it can step down the first high voltage to the second high voltage for auxiliary devices, and also serve as a bypass path when not actively converting. The controller intelligently manages the converter's operation mode based on real-time voltage requirements, reducing unnecessary conversions and improving overall efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that manages the complex interactions between the REESS, DC-DC converter, relays, and auxiliary devices. It coordinates relay switching and converter operation to ensure smooth transitions between different voltage modes, abstracting the complexity from the rest of the system while maintaining optimal performance.
3Duration of action of moving object
If high voltage switching is implemented for different modes, then the vehicle range is extended, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors system parameters such as REESS voltage, motor operating conditions, and auxiliary device requirements. Based on this feedback, it dynamically adjusts the voltage switching strategy, selecting the most efficient operating mode (first high voltage or second high voltage) to extend vehicle range while maintaining simplicity in control logic through rule-based decision making.
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 efficiency of electric motor performance and extends vehicle range by dynamically adjusting voltages based on operational modes, improving overall system efficiency and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
providing electric power to the auxiliary device at a second high voltage that is different than the first high voltage includes engaging a direct current to direct current (DC-DC) converter
Data Source
AI summary
Examples described herein provide a method that includes determining whether a vehicle is operating in a first high voltage mode or a second high voltage mode. The method further includes, responsive to determining that the vehicle is operating in the first high voltage mode, providing electric power to an electric motor at a first high voltage and providing electric power to an auxiliary device at a second high voltage that is different than the first high voltage. The method further includes, responsive to determining that the vehicle is operating in the second high voltage mode, providing electric power to the electric motor at the second high voltage and providing electric power to the auxiliary device at the second high voltage.