High-Voltage Accessory Power Control in Non-Hybrid Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional non-hybrid, non-electric vehicles lack the capability to power electrified accessories such as air compressors, air conditioning, and power steering pumps due to their low voltage alternators and energy storage systems, which are insufficient for the high voltage requirements of these components.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a high voltage electromagnetic device and a power electronics system that generates and regulates high voltage AC electrical power, allowing independent control of electrically-powered accessories without a high voltage energy storage device, using a motor-generator to couple with the engine and provide accessory-specific power outputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional low voltage alternators and energy storage systems are used in non-hybrid vehicles, then the vehicle structure remains simple and cost-effective, but the vehicle cannot power electrified accessories such as air compressors, air conditioning, and power steering pumps
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical system is segmented into multiple voltage levels (low voltage for conventional accessories, high voltage for electrified accessories). The high voltage system includes a dedicated high voltage alternator, high voltage battery, and power management module, while the low voltage system remains separate. This segmentation allows electrified accessories to operate independently at high voltage without affecting the conventional low voltage system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The high voltage alternator is designed to serve multiple functions: it can charge the high voltage battery, directly power high voltage electrified accessories, and potentially support the low voltage system through a DC-DC converter. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by providing versatile power supply capability while consolidating system components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a high voltage electromagnetic device and power electronics system are added to generate and regulate high voltage AC electrical power, then electrified accessories can be powered independently without high voltage energy storage, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A power management module serves as an intermediary between the high voltage alternator, high voltage battery, and electrified accessories. It regulates power flow, converts voltage levels as needed, and manages the independent control of each accessory. This intermediary component enables independent accessory control while centralizing the complexity in a manageable single point.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation mode of the high voltage alternator and power electronics based on real-time power demands of electrified accessories. The alternator can operate in generation mode to charge the battery or directly power accessories, and the power electronics system dynamically regulates voltage and current to match accessory requirements, enabling flexible independent control.
3Ease of operation
If conventional belt-driven engine accessories are electrified, then accessory operation can be controlled independently of engine speed, but the vehicle requires high voltage power generation capability which conventional vehicles lack
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional mechanical belt-driven accessory system is replaced with electric motors powered by the high voltage system. Each electrified accessory (air compressor, air conditioning compressor, power steering pump) is driven by an electric motor that can be independently controlled by the power management module, decoupling accessory operation from engine speed while providing precise control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters of accessories from engine-speed-dependent mechanical drive to electrically-controlled variable speed drive. The power management module can independently adjust the voltage, current, and speed of each electrified accessory motor, enabling operation at optimal parameters regardless of engine speed, thus achieving independent control while utilizing high voltage power generation.
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
Enables efficient operation of electrified accessories in conventional vehicles by generating high voltage electrical power, allowing for the implementation of electrified accessories without the need for high voltage energy storage, thereby enhancing the functionality and efficiency of non-hybrid, non-electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The high voltage electromagnetic device is structured to couple to an engine and generate AC electrical power from the engine
Implementation Method 2
The AC-to-DC inverter is structured to receive and change the AC electrical power to regulated DC electrical power
Data Source
AI summary
A system for a non-hybrid vehicle is provided. The system includes at least one electrically-powered accessory of a vehicle. The at least one electrically-powered accessory is configured to: receive electrical power generated by an electromagnetic device coupled to an engine; and receive, from a controller, a command configured to control the at least one electrically-powered accessory independent of another electrically-powered accessory of the at least one electrically-powered accessory, whereby the command is independent of an output of the engine.