Modular Extra Low Voltage EV Power System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric vehicle systems with high operating voltages require costly specialized power systems and are difficult and expensive to maintain, with series battery configurations limiting lifespan and causing degradation across the entire system if one battery fails.
Innovation Solution
A modular, low-voltage electric vehicle power system comprising multiple power modules connected in parallel, each with rechargeable batteries, an inverter circuit, and a local controller that sends control signals and monitors status, allowing for continued operation even if one module fails and enabling customization and reduced costs through the use of extra-low voltage components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high operating voltage is used to improve operating efficiency and charging time, then power output is improved, but cost of specialized power systems and safety requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into multiple independent battery modules, each operating at low voltage (e.g., 48V). These modules are connected in parallel to achieve high power output without requiring high voltage. Each module has its own inverter and control system, eliminating the need for complex high-voltage specialized power systems while maintaining the required power level.
2Power
If series battery configuration is used to achieve high voltage, then power output is improved, but reliability decreases because one failed battery degrades the entire system
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into multiple independent low-voltage modules connected in parallel. Each module operates autonomously, so if one module fails, the others continue to function, maintaining system reliability while still achieving high power output through the combined capacity of multiple modules.
Solution Approach 2:
Each battery module has its own local controller and inverter system, allowing independent operation and control. This local autonomy ensures that failures are contained to individual modules rather than affecting the entire system, thereby improving reliability while maintaining power output.
3Power
If monolithic battery system is used to achieve high voltage, then power output is improved, but ease of maintenance and replacement worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into modular units that can be independently accessed, removed, and replaced. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to service individual modules without dealing with the entire battery system, significantly improving ease of maintenance and replacement while maintaining high power output through the combined modules.
4Ease of operation
If modular design is used to improve reliability and customization, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular battery modules are designed with standardized interfaces and universal components that can be used across different configurations. Each module contains complete functionality (battery cells, inverter, controller), allowing them to be universally deployed in various arrangements to meet different power requirements without increasing overall system complexity.
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 design enhances safety, reduces costs, and extends the electric vehicle's range and battery life by allowing individual module upgrades and balancing of state of charge across modules, while maintaining high reliability and uniform efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The inverter circuit may be any suitable DC-to-AC converter circuit configured to convert a DC voltage of the DC bus into an AC power signal
Implementation Method 2
The single-phase rectifier circuit may be any suitable AC-to-DC single-phase power converter configured to convert a single-phase AC power signal into the DC voltage of the DC bus
Data Source
AI summary
In some aspects, an electric vehicle power system may comprise two or more electrically connected power modules connected to a system communication bus. Each power module may comprise a rechargeable battery electrically connected to a DC bus, an inverter circuit electrically connected to the DC bus, and at least one of a single-phase rectifier circuit electrically connected to the DC bus or a multi-phase rectifier circuit electrically connected to the DC bus. A local controller configured to send control signals may be connected to the rechargeable battery, the inverter circuit, and the at least one of the single-phase rectifier circuit or the multi-phase rectifier circuit. The single-phase rectifier circuit may be configured to convert a single-phase AC power signal into the DC voltage of the DC bus. The multi-phase rectifier circuit may be configured to convert a multi-phase AC power signal into the DC voltage of the DC bus.