Integrated Power System for Electric Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle power systems, particularly in electric and hybrid vehicles, face challenges in efficiently managing multiple voltage levels for both powertrains and auxiliary components, leading to increased complexity and cost, as well as a need for additional power sources to support growing auxiliary features.
Innovation Solution
An integrated power system with a bidirectional voltage converter architecture that includes a high voltage source for the powertrain and multiple low voltage sources for auxiliary components, controlled by a single controller, allowing for efficient conversion and distribution of power across different voltage levels, and the ability to temporarily supply power in case of failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate power systems are used for different voltage levels, then power distribution capability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power systems into a single integrated power system that manages multiple voltage levels (high voltage for powertrain, medium voltage for auxiliary components, and low voltage for electronics) through one unified architecture. This integration reduces the number of separate control systems while maintaining the ability to distribute power across different voltage levels, thereby reducing system complexity and cost without sacrificing power distribution capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated power system performs multiple functions within a single system: it manages high voltage powertrain operations, controls medium voltage auxiliary components, and regulates low voltage electronics. The single controller handles charging, discharging, and power conversion across all voltage levels, making the system universal and multi-functional, which improves adaptability while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate systems.
2Power
If additional power sources are added to support auxiliary features, then power supply capability is improved, but system weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding separate power sources for auxiliary features, the patent merges the auxiliary power supply into the main battery system. The high capacity battery serves dual purposes: powering the powertrain and supplying auxiliary components through integrated power conversion. This eliminates the need for additional separate power sources and their associated weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The main battery system is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides high voltage power to the powertrain, converts to medium voltage for auxiliary components, and supplies low voltage for electronics. This multi-functional design allows the system to support all power needs without adding extra power sources, thereby avoiding additional weight while maintaining enhanced power supply capability.
3Measurement precision
If multiple controllers are used for different power systems, then control precision is improved, but coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple controllers into a single integrated controller that manages all power systems. This single controller handles high voltage powertrain control, medium voltage auxiliary component management, and low voltage electronics regulation, eliminating the need for multiple separate controllers and their complex coordination protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The single controller is designed with multi-functional capabilities, performing precise control across all voltage levels and power systems. It manages charging and discharging operations, power conversion, and component control with unified precision, thereby maintaining control accuracy while eliminating coordination complexity between multiple controllers.
4Reliability
If separate battery systems are used for high voltage and low voltage, then power reliability is improved, but system cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges high voltage and low voltage battery systems into a single battery system with integrated power management. The high capacity battery provides both high voltage power for the powertrain and low voltage power for electronics through integrated power conversion, eliminating the need for separate battery systems and their associated weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The single battery system is designed to serve multiple voltage levels simultaneously. It provides high voltage output for powertrain operations, converts to medium voltage for auxiliary components, and supplies low voltage for electronics. This multi-functional design maintains power reliability across all systems while avoiding the weight penalty of separate battery systems.
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 reduces the overall cost and weight of the power system, provides a flexible architecture that can be adjusted by adding or removing battery cells, and simplifies component coordination through a single controller, while ensuring reliable power distribution and redundant boost precharge functions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one bidirectional voltage converter coupled between the high voltage circuit and the low voltage circuit and that converts the high voltage provided by the high voltage source to the two different low voltages and that converts the two different low voltages provided by the at least two low voltage sources to the high voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A power module for a vehicle includes a first bidirectional voltage converter to convert a first voltage to a second voltage and convert the second voltage back to the first voltage. The power module includes a second bidirectional voltage converter to convert the first voltage to a third voltage and convert the third voltage back to the first voltage. The power module includes a first battery coupled to the first bidirectional voltage converter to receive the second voltage, and a second battery coupled to the second bidirectional voltage converter to receive the third voltage. The power module includes a controller to control the first and second bidirectional voltage converters and the first and second batteries. The first voltage is for supplying power to a powertrain of the vehicle. The second voltage and the third voltage are for supplying power to the first and second batteries, respectively.