Micro-hybrid System Voltage Control for Automotive Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional micro-hybrid systems in motor vehicles experience sudden voltage fluctuations in the electrical distribution network due to the all-or-nothing mode operation of power converters, leading to negative effects such as visible and audible disturbances, which affect user safety and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A micro-hybrid system with a control circuit that manages a progressive variation of the load voltage during state changes, determining the duration and slope of this variation based on network voltage values and user sensitivity parameters to minimize these disturbances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the power converter operates in all-or-nothing mode with step-type control law, then the control is simple and responsive, but the voltage varies instantaneously causing negative effects on consumers
Solution Approach 1:
The control system transitions from static step-type control to dynamic continuous control by introducing a duty cycle parameter that varies the power converter's switching ratio. This allows the output voltage to change progressively rather than instantaneously, eliminating voltage fluctuations while maintaining operational simplicity through automated duty cycle adjustment based on battery state of charge and electrical load conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the control parameter from binary on/off states to a continuous duty cycle parameter ranging from 0% to 100%. By modulating the duty cycle, the power converter delivers a controlled average voltage that smoothly transitions between battery voltage and charging voltage levels, preventing instantaneous voltage changes while maintaining simple control logic through parameter variation
2Speed
If the power converter switches between active and inactive states, then the power supply response is fast, but the energy delivery is discontinuous causing disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The power converter operates in periodic pulse-width modulation (PWM) mode, switching rapidly between on and off states at a high frequency. By adjusting the duty cycle (ratio of on-time to total period), the system delivers continuous average power while maintaining fast response capability. The periodic switching ensures smooth energy delivery to consumers while the fast switching frequency prevents perceptible interruptions in power supply
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 progressive voltage control eliminates sudden voltage fluctuations, enhancing user safety and comfort by smoothing energy transitions in the electrical distribution network.
Implementation Method 1
a power converter capable of being connected to an electrical distribution network of the vehicle... controlling the power converter to supply a supply current to the electrical distribution network
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a micro-hybrid system (1) for an automobile comprising: a rotating electrical machine (2); at least one power converter (3) connectable to an electricity distribution network (7) of the automobile, said network (7) comprising a power storage unit (8); and a control circuit (4) capable of controlling the power converter (3) to provide a power supply current to the electricity distribution network (7). The system (1) comprises a means (5) combined with the control circuit (4) for controlling, during a change of state between the states of providing and not providing the power supply current to the electricity distribution network (7), an at least partially gradual variation in a charge voltage generated by the power converter (3) so as to obtain a corresponding variation in a network voltage of the electricity distribution network (7) from a first network voltage value to a second network voltage value. A duration of said variation between said first and second network voltage values is predetermined so as to eliminate a negative effect of the state change on the environment of the micro-hybrid system (1).