Modular Electric Power System for Vehicle Load Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicular electric power systems face challenges in efficiently managing peak loads and regenerative loads due to the use of un-regulated permanent magnet generators and standard two-level active rectifiers, which result in high harmonic distortion and electromagnetic interference, and require additional power dissipating resistors even with fully charged batteries.
Innovation Solution
A modular electric power system architecture that includes a source management unit controlling multiple power sources and loads through a multi-level DC bus and AC bus, utilizing multi-level active rectifiers, DC-DC converters, and inverters to distribute power efficiently across various loads, including regenerative loads, and featuring scalable multi-function power modules to adjust to varying requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If standard two-level active rectifiers are used for power conversion, then the system structure is simple, but high harmonic distortion and electromagnetic interference occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power conversion system into separate functional modules: multi-level active rectifier for AC-DC conversion, DC-DC converters for voltage regulation, and inverters for DC-AC conversion. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, reducing harmonic distortion and electromagnetic interference while maintaining manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from standard two-level topology to multi-level topology (three-level or higher), changing the voltage levels and switching parameters. This parameter change reduces harmonic distortion and electromagnetic interference emissions while maintaining acceptable device complexity through modular design.
2Device complexity
If un-regulated permanent magnet generators are used, then the system is simpler, but power efficiency and load management are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a source management unit that continuously monitors power source output, battery charge state, and load requirements. This feedback mechanism enables real-time regulation of the permanent magnet generator, optimizing power efficiency and load management while maintaining acceptable system complexity through integrated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static, un-regulated generator operation to dynamic, regulated operation where the generator output is continuously adjusted based on real-time system conditions. This dynamic control improves power efficiency and load management while the modular architecture keeps the control system complexity manageable.
3Reliability
If additional power dissipating resistors are added to handle regenerative loads, then the system can manage fully charged batteries, but device complexity and energy loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the previously harmful regenerative loads (which required dissipative resistors) into beneficial power sources. The multi-function power modules enable these loads to feed energy back into the DC bus, charging batteries or supporting other loads, thereby eliminating the need for power dissipating resistors and improving overall system efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs multi-function power modules that can operate in multiple modes: rectifying AC power, converting DC voltages, and accepting regenerative power from loads. This multi-functionality allows the system to manage fully charged batteries and regenerative loads without additional dissipative components, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
4Power
If high energy storage batteries are added to support peak loads, then peak load requirements are met, but device complexity and regenerative load management issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the peak load support function and regenerative load management into the same battery system and multi-function power modules. The batteries serve dual purposes: supporting peak loads and absorbing regenerative energy. The integrated control in the source management unit coordinates both functions, reducing overall device complexity compared to separate 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
The modular system effectively manages peak and regenerative loads with reduced harmonic distortion and electromagnetic interference, enabling efficient power distribution and scalability without the need for additional power dissipating resistors, even with fully charged batteries.
Implementation Method 1
an un-regulated permanent magnet generator coupled to a boost type pulse width modulated power converter
Implementation Method 2
additional power dissipating resistors handling regenerative loads with fully charged batteries
Data Source
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AI summary
A power system architecture for a vehicle includes a source management unit (110) having at least a generator (112), a first stored energy component (114), and a second stored energy component (116). A high voltage DC bus (122) connects a high voltage load to the source management unit (110). At least one low voltage DC bus (132) connects at least one low voltage DC load to the source management unit (110). The source management unit (110) includes a plurality of multi-functional power modules (202) configured such that the source management unit (110) includes a multi-level active rectifier connecting the generator to a multi-level DC bus, a first multi-level multi-function converter connecting the first stored energy component to the multi-level active rectifier, a second multi-level multi-function converter (560) connecting the second stored energy component to a multi-level isolated DC bus, and an isolated multi-level DC-DC converter (540) connecting the multi-level DC bus to the multi-level isolated DC bus.