Inverter Load Management for Vehicle Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power distribution systems for vehicles often require multiple alternators and transformers to manage propulsion and non-propulsion electric loads, leading to increased weight and complexity, while also struggling to maintain constant voltage and frequency across varying engine speeds.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a single inverter coupled with contactors and a controller to manage multiple inverter-driven loads, allowing for the disconnection of loads and adjustment of inverter speed to maintain constant voltage and frequency, eliminating the need for transformers and reducing weight by directly coupling the alternator to both propulsion and auxiliary circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple alternators and transformers are used to manage propulsion and non-propulsion electric loads, then power distribution capability is improved, but system weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple alternators into a single alternator that serves both propulsion and non-propulsion loads. The inverter acts as a common power management device that distributes power to both load types, eliminating the need for separate alternators and transformers. This merging reduces system complexity and weight while maintaining the ability to independently manage different power requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The inverter is designed to perform multiple functions: it converts DC to AC for propulsion loads, provides isolated power for non-propulsion loads, and manages power distribution dynamically. This multi-functional design replaces what previously required multiple dedicated devices, achieving both power distribution capability and reduced system complexity.
2Power
If transformers and boost choppers are used to adjust voltage between tractive and auxiliary circuits, then voltage matching is improved, but system weight and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the transformer and boost chopper components from the system. Instead of using these heavy voltage transformation devices, the invention uses the inverter's electronic switching capability to directly generate and regulate AC voltage for both propulsion and auxiliary circuits, removing unnecessary weight while maintaining voltage matching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/electromagnetic voltage transformation (transformers and boost choppers) with electronic voltage generation and regulation through the inverter. This substitution eliminates heavy magnetic components while achieving the same voltage matching function through semiconductor switching and control.
3Power
If engine speed is increased to maintain sufficient voltage for auxiliary loads, then voltage supply stability is improved, but fuel consumption and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management where the inverter adjusts its switching frequency and duty cycle based on real-time power requirements. This allows the engine to operate at lower speeds while the inverter dynamically regulates output voltage and frequency to match load demands, maintaining voltage stability without requiring high engine speeds that increase fuel consumption and noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the power conversion system by using the inverter to independently control output voltage and frequency. This allows decoupling of engine speed from auxiliary load voltage requirements, enabling the engine to operate efficiently at lower speeds while the inverter maintains stable voltage output through parameter adjustment.
4Reliability
If separate engines are used to power tractive and auxiliary circuits, then power supply reliability is improved, but system complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power supply function for both tractive and auxiliary circuits into a single alternator-inverter system. The inverter provides independent power management channels that ensure reliable power delivery to each circuit type while using shared mechanical power generation, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability through electronic isolation and independent control.
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 enables efficient power distribution to both propulsion and non-propulsion loads with reduced weight and complexity, maintaining constant voltage and frequency regardless of engine speed, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing noise and fuel consumption.
Implementation Method 1
an inverter that receives direct current and converts the direct current into an alternating current
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling multiple inverter-driven loads includes a controller that is configured to be coupled with an inverter that receives direct current and converts the direct current into an alternating current in order to supply the alternating current to plural loads that are connected to the inverter by plural respective contactors. The controller also is configured to control operations of the inverter and of the contactors in order to individually control which of the loads remain connected to and powered by the inverter and which of the loads are disconnected from the inverter.