Hybrid Powertrain Control Device for Voltage Regulation During HV Failure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid powertrains face challenges in maintaining operation when the high-voltage battery or relays fail, leading to uncontrolled voltage supply that can damage electrical auxiliaries or prevent their operation.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for regulating the hybrid powertrain by determining a current setpoint for the inverter to ensure proper voltage supply to electronic auxiliaries, using a capacitor and direct current converter to manage current within a defined range, preventing damage and ensuring operation during high-voltage power supply failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the high-voltage power supply fails, then the hybrid powertrain can continue operating with the low-voltage power supply, but the voltage supplied to electronic auxiliaries becomes uncontrolled and may damage them or prevent their operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control device as an intermediary between the inverter and the electronic auxiliaries. This control device monitors the voltage output and actively regulates it to remain within safe operating ranges, preventing voltage spikes or drops that could damage auxiliaries while ensuring continuous operation during high-voltage power supply failure
Solution Approach 2:
The control device implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the voltage at the output and adjusting the inverter's operation accordingly. The controller modifies the inverter's switching signals based on the measured voltage to maintain it within the acceptable range defined by minimum and maximum thresholds, ensuring stable and safe operation of electronic auxiliaries
2Power
If the current to electronic auxiliaries is increased to meet their power needs, then the auxiliaries can operate properly, but the direct current converter may be damaged by excessive current
Solution Approach 1:
The control device dynamically adjusts the current output based on real-time conditions. It continuously monitors both the power demands of electronic auxiliaries and the current capacity of the DC converter, modifying the inverter's current output to satisfy auxiliary power needs while never exceeding the DC converter's maximum current rating, thus protecting the converter from damage
Solution Approach 2:
The control device changes the operating parameters of the inverter dynamically. It adjusts current magnitude, voltage levels, and switching frequencies to optimize power delivery to auxiliaries while maintaining the DC converter current within safe limits. The controller modifies these parameters in real-time based on system conditions and converter capabilities
3Reliability
If the inverter current is regulated to protect the DC converter, then the converter is protected from damage, but the electronic auxiliaries may not receive sufficient power to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The control device dynamically balances the competing requirements by continuously adjusting inverter output parameters. It monitors the power demands of electronic auxiliaries and the current capacity of the DC converter, modifying the inverter's switching signals to deliver maximum possible power to auxiliaries without exceeding the DC converter's current rating, thus simultaneously protecting the converter and satisfying auxiliary power needs
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 allows the hybrid powertrain to continue operating by regulating the current to meet the needs of onboard auxiliaries, protecting the DC converter from excessive current and ensuring the auxiliaries receive sufficient power, thus maintaining vehicle functionality and preventing damage.
Implementation Method 1
a direct current converter (10) coupled between said capacitor and said battery
Implementation Method 2
a second voltage level second power supply (6) coupled to the inverter via a capacitor (11)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Device (30) for controlling a hybrid power train comprising a high-voltage first power supply unit and a low-voltage second power supply unit which comprises a battery and a DC converter coupled between the capacitance and said battery. It comprises: - means (31) of detecting a fault with the first power supply unit, -a regulator (32) able to determine a setpoint current that the inverter is to deliver according to the current delivered by the inverter and according to the difference between the voltage across the terminals of the capacitance and the capacitance voltage setpoint, and - setpoint limiting means (33) able to deliver to the inverter a saturated setpoint for current to be delivered by the inverter if the setpoint determined by the regulator is outside of an acceptable range for current to be delivered and, if not, a non-saturated setpoint.