MIMO DC-DC Power Distribution for Fault-Tolerant Vehicle Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric power distribution systems in vehicles lack reliability and efficiency, particularly in managing power from multiple sources to multiple electric motors while maintaining galvanic isolation and voltage regulation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a power distribution circuitry that includes multiple DC-to-DC converter assemblies with a multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) transformer, allowing for magnetic coupling between converters and enabling efficient power management across multiple power sources and electric motors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple DC-to-DC converters are used to manage power from multiple sources to multiple motors, then power distribution capability is improved, but system complexity and component redundancy increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple DC-to-DC converter circuits around a single MIMO transformer core, merging what would traditionally be separate isolated transformers into one integrated structure. This allows multiple power sources to be coupled to multiple motors through a unified transformer assembly, reducing component count while maintaining the ability to independently manage power distribution channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The MIMO transformer is designed with multiple primary windings and multiple secondary windings that can simultaneously handle multiple input power sources and multiple output motor loads. This universal structure enables a single transformer to perform the functions of multiple separate transformers, adapting to various power distribution configurations without requiring dedicated components for each source-motor pair.
2Reliability
If traditional isolated DC-to-DC converters with separate transformers are used for each power source-motor pair, then galvanic isolation and voltage regulation are maintained, but the number of components and potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple DC-to-DC converter circuits share a common MIMO transformer structure, combining what would traditionally be multiple separate transformer assemblies into one integrated component. This reduces the total number of magnetic cores, windings, and associated components while preserving the galvanic isolation provided by the transformer architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates bypass switches that can circumvent individual DC-to-DC converter circuits in the event of a fault. This redundancy strategy provides fault tolerance without requiring complete system duplication, allowing the vehicle to continue operation with reduced functionality while maintaining safety through the isolated transformer architecture.
3Quantity of substance
If MIMO transformer with single core is used to couple multiple power sources to multiple motors, then component redundancy is reduced, but the complexity of the transformer design increases
Solution Approach 1:
The MIMO transformer integrates multiple primary windings and multiple secondary windings around a single magnetic core, merging the functions of multiple separate transformers into one component. This consolidation reduces the total number of discrete components while the modular winding structure manages the design complexity through systematic organization of multiple electrical connections.
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 the reliability and efficiency of power distribution by allowing seamless compensation for faults or failures, maintaining voltage regulation, and reducing the need for redundant components, thereby improving overall vehicle performance.
Implementation Method 1
a multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) transformer with a single transformer core... allowing for magnetic coupling between converters
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A vehicle is provided that includes a basic structure; and coupled to the basic structure, power sources, a propulsion system and power distribution circuitry. The propulsion system includes a plurality of electric motors configured to power propulsors to generate propulsive forces that cause the vehicle to move. The power distribution circuitry is configured to deliver DC electric power from the power sources to the electric motors, the power distribution circuitry including a plurality of DC-to-DC converter assemblies configured to input the DC electric power from the power sources and deliver voltage-regulated outputs to the electric motors, a DC-to-DC converter assembly operatively coupled to multiple ones of the power sources and multiple ones of the electric motors, and the DC-to-DC converter assembly including a multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) transformer with a single transformer core.