Housekeeping Circuit Trickle Charge for Vehicle Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a multistage power supply system that provides uninterrupted low voltage electrical power to control circuitry in electric and hybrid-electric vehicles without the use of costly control circuitry for switching between high voltage and low voltage power sources, aiming to reduce costs and improve reliability.
Innovation Solution
A housekeeping circuit utilizing a multi-tapped transformer that steps down high voltage input to multiple low voltage outputs, with a trickle circuit providing a constant current to the battery, ensuring a minimum load and allowing power to be sourced from either the high voltage AC power line or the low voltage battery, depending on availability, and a rectifier to convert AC high voltage input to the transformer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control circuitry and sensing components are used to switch between high voltage power source and low voltage battery, then power supply reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transformer automatically selects its power source based on input voltage detection without external control circuitry. When high voltage AC power is detected, the transformer draws power from it; when not detected, it automatically switches to the low voltage battery. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex switching control circuitry while maintaining reliable power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The transformer is designed to accept and process both high voltage AC power input and low voltage battery input through the same primary winding, making it a universal power conversion device that can operate from either source without requiring separate switching circuitry for each power source.
2Reliability
If control circuitry for switching between power sources is implemented, then uninterrupted power supply is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transformer inherently provides uninterrupted power supply by automatically detecting the presence of high voltage AC power and switching sources without requiring external control circuitry. This self-service approach eliminates costly switching components while ensuring continuous power delivery to the secondary winding.
3Loss of energy
If transformer operates without minimum load, then energy efficiency is improved, but voltage regulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The trickle charge circuit acts as an intermediary that provides a minimal load current to the transformer when no other secondary loads are present. This ensures the transformer maintains proper voltage regulation and operates efficiently without requiring complex control mechanisms, as the trickle charge circuit automatically adjusts based on battery charge state.
4Adaptability or versatility
If switching between high voltage and low voltage power sources is implemented, then power source flexibility is improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to increased failure possibilities
Solution Approach 1:
The transformer automatically manages power source selection and switching based on input voltage detection, eliminating the need for external control circuitry and sensing components. This self-service mechanism maintains dual power source flexibility while reducing system reliability risks by removing additional failure-prone components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the control circuitry and sensing components from the power switching system, retaining only the essential transformer that inherently performs source selection and power delivery based on its operating conditions.
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
The system provides reliable and cost-effective uninterrupted power to vehicle control circuitry, enabling diagnostic operations and software updates without the need for complex switching circuitry, by regulating voltage based on load feedback and maintaining a minimum load on the transformer.
Implementation Method 1
a multi-tapped transformer configured to step-down a high voltage input to at least a first low voltage output and a second low voltage output
Implementation Method 2
a rectifier to convert AC high voltage input to the transformer
Implementation Method 3
a trickle circuit configured to direct a trickle current from the first low voltage output to the battery
Data Source
AI summary
A housekeeping circuit configured to facilitate powering multiple loads is contemplated. The housekeeping circuit may include a transformer to regulate voltage output for using in powering the loads. A trickle circuit may be included to facilitate setting a minimum loading on the transformer. The minimum loading may be beneficial in insuring proper regulation of the transformer.