Multi-Voltage Power Supply for Agricultural Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power supply arrangements in agricultural vehicles face challenges due to the higher charging voltage required for lead batteries, which can damage electronic components, and the need for a multi-voltage system to efficiently supply power to both onboard components and higher voltage electric loads like agricultural implements.
Innovation Solution
A power supply arrangement with a motor generator and a lead battery, where a voltage source connects two network segments with different voltage levels, raising the first voltage level to the second voltage level for charging in one mode and bypassing it in another mode to prioritize motor operation, using a floating voltage converter or boost converter with an electromagnetic relay or semiconductor switch for voltage equalization and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a lead battery is charged with a higher charging voltage to meet power requirements, then the battery charging capability is improved, but electronic control devices and other vehicle components may be damaged due to elevated voltages
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is divided into two separate network segments: a first network segment operating at a first voltage level (e.g., 48V) for electronic control devices, and a second network segment operating at a second voltage level (e.g., 56V or higher) for battery charging. This segmentation allows each segment to operate at its required voltage level independently, preventing voltage damage to electronic components while maintaining adequate battery charging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A voltage source is introduced as an intermediary component between the two network segments. This voltage source is connected to both the first and second network segments and provides an equalization voltage that enables power transfer from the first network segment to the second network segment, allowing the system to maintain different voltage levels in each segment while still enabling charging operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-voltage system is implemented to supply power to both onboard components and agricultural implements, then the system versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple voltage levels and switching requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage source serves multiple functions: it acts as a voltage equalizer between the two network segments, provides power transfer capability, and enables the system to operate in different modes (charging mode and motor operating mode). The motor generator also serves dual purposes as both a generator for charging and a motor for driving agricultural implements, reducing the need for separate dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic switching between different operating modes through a control device. In charging mode, the voltage source connects the two network segments to enable power transfer. In motor operating mode, the voltage source is bypassed and the motor generator operates as a motor. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements without requiring permanently active complex circuitry in both modes.
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 allows for safe charging of lead batteries while ensuring adequate power supply to agricultural implements, prioritizing motor operation and preventing component damage, with a cost-effective and efficient power management system that meets both standard automotive and higher power requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the voltage source provides an equalization voltage resulting from the two voltage levels in a charging mode
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply arrangement having an interface for operation of a multi-voltage system of an agricultural vehicle includes a first network segment with a motor generator connected thereto and a second network segment with a lead battery connected thereto. The first network segment has a first voltage level corresponding to a nominal voltage of the lead battery for operation of an electric vehicle components, and the second network segment includes a higher second voltage level for charging the lead battery and providing electric power to an electric load comprising an agricultural implement. The interface forms a voltage source connecting the two network segments and provides an equalization voltage resulting from the two voltage levels in a charging mode and which is bypassed in a motor operating mode.