Motor-Driven Vehicle Voltage Converter Dynamic Battery Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor-driven vehicles face overheating issues in switching elements due to increased current, limiting battery power output and affecting driveability, as existing solutions restrict power to prevent overheating.
Innovation Solution
A motor-driven vehicle with a voltage converter that includes multiple switching elements and a control device to dynamically switch battery connections between series and parallel configurations based on switching element temperatures and motor operating points, ensuring efficient power distribution without overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the current through switching elements is increased to improve power output, then the power performance is improved, but the temperature of switching elements increases causing overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between series and parallel battery connections based on real-time temperature monitoring of switching elements. When temperature exceeds thresholds, the system dynamically reconfigures the circuit to reduce current through overheating elements while maintaining overall power output through alternative current paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different connection configurations (series/parallel) and adjusting which switching elements are active. This allows the system to operate at different current levels and temperature profiles while maintaining power output within acceptable ranges.
2Temperature
If the input/output electric power of battery is limited to prevent overheating, then the temperature of switching elements is controlled, but the power performance and driveability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery system into multiple independent pathways by using multiple switching elements (first through fourth switching elements) that can be controlled independently. This segmentation allows current to be routed through different paths, enabling the system to bypass overheating switching elements while maintaining overall power output through alternative routes.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device acts as an intermediary that monitors temperature conditions and dynamically reconfigures the circuit connections. It mediates between the conflicting requirements of temperature control and power output by selecting appropriate switching element combinations and battery connection modes based on real-time conditions.
3Power
If multiple batteries are connected in series to increase voltage, then the power output is improved, but the current through switching elements increases causing overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between series and parallel battery connections based on thermal conditions. When switching elements overheat, the system can transition from series connection (higher voltage, higher current through switches) to parallel connection (lower voltage, reduced current through switches) to cool down the switching elements while maintaining power output.
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
Prevents switching element overheating while maintaining battery power output, thus enhancing driveability and power performance by adjusting battery connections according to temperature and operational conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The boost converter (voltage converter) adopts a boost chopper circuit that is configured to boost an input voltage by turning on and off the switching elements such as IGBTs, and thus storing electric power in a reactor or discharging electric power from the reactor
Implementation Method 2
a cooler is provided in the boost converter (voltage converter) so that overheating of the elements can be prevented
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a motor-driven vehicle including: a first and second battery; a voltage converter that includes a plurality of switching elements configured to perform voltage conversion between an electric power output path and the first and second battery, and to switch the connection of the first battery and the second battery between an in-series connection and an in-parallel connection; a motor-generator; and a control device configured to turn on and off the switching elements, in which the control device switches connection to either of connection between the electric power output path and both the first battery and the second battery, and connection between the first battery and the second battery based on the switching element temperature, and the operating point of the motor-generator.