Hybrid Vehicle Power Control System with Neutral Switch Bypass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power control systems for hybrid vehicles face inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for larger converters and inductors when trying to manage peak power demands, leading to weight and volume issues, while also risking overheating and power losses.
Innovation Solution
A power control system that includes a neutral switch and a bypass switch to dynamically manage power distribution between a motor, inverter, and converter, using a controller to adjust operations based on motor state and required power, allowing for direct battery power supply to inverters and optimizing voltage output through magnetic flux and rotating speed calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the efficiency of the converter is improved by increasing current flow, then converter efficiency is improved, but the size of inductor, power module, and cooling apparatus increases, leading to increased costs and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into multiple independent power paths: a main power path through the converter and an auxiliary power path through the neutral switch connected to the neutral point of the motor. This segmentation allows the system to distribute power flow across different paths based on operational requirements, avoiding the need to oversize the converter for peak power demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The neutral switch is dynamically controlled based on the operating state of the motor and the required power level. When the motor is not operating or during specific high-power conditions, the neutral switch is activated to provide an additional power path. This dynamic adjustment allows the converter to operate at optimal efficiency points without being sized for maximum peak power, thereby reducing the size and weight of converter components.
2Power
If the converter size is increased to meet peak power demands, then maximum power delivery is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the converter power path with the neutral switch power path at the neutral point of the motor. This combination creates a unified power delivery system that can leverage both paths simultaneously when needed, achieving higher maximum power delivery without requiring the converter alone to be oversized. The merging allows efficient use of existing components while achieving peak power capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The neutral point of the motor serves as an intermediary connection point that enables the neutral switch to inject additional power into the system. This intermediary approach allows the system to achieve peak power demands without requiring the converter to directly handle the full peak power load, thereby reducing converter size and complexity while maintaining the ability to deliver maximum power when required.
3Power
If a neutral switch is added to bypass the converter, then driving power is increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The neutral switch is integrated into the existing motor control architecture, leveraging the neutral point that already exists in the motor's winding configuration. This multi-functional approach allows the neutral switch to serve multiple purposes: providing an additional power path for increased driving power, enabling regenerative braking capabilities, and assisting during transient conditions. By utilizing existing structural elements, the added complexity is minimized while achieving enhanced power capability.
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 solution enhances driving power, reduces heat loss, and increases efficiency by bypassing the converter during peak demands, allowing for higher power output without the need for larger components and minimizing power losses.
Implementation Method 1
a converter having a first side connected to the battery and a second side connected to the first inverter, wherein the second inverter is configured to supply an output voltage obtained by converting a voltage applied from the battery to the first inverter and the second inverter
Implementation Method 2
a first motor connected to a driving wheel of the vehicle to be operated as an electric motor or a generator; a second motor connected to the driving wheel of the vehicle to be operated as the electric motor or the generator
Implementation Method 3
preventing a counter electromotive force of a motor generated upon turning off a main relay of the hybrid vehicle from being applied to a converter and an inverter
Data Source
AI summary
A power control system for a hybrid vehicle is provided. The system includes a rechargeable battery, a first motor that is connected to a driving wheel of the vehicle, and a second motor that is connected to the driving wheel of the vehicle. A first inverter is connected to the first motor and a second inverter is connected to the second motor. A converter has a first side connected to the battery and a second side connected to the first inverter. A neutral switch is connected between the first side of the converter and a neutral point of the first motor. A controller executes an on/off of the switch based on whether the first motor is operated and required power of the vehicle.