Off-board Load Power Management for Electrified Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrified vehicles face challenges in managing power distribution between on-board and off-board loads, leading to potential damage or operator dissatisfaction due to fluctuating power availability for auxiliary loads during peak traction power demands.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a manual selector and controller to allocate a minimum amount of power to an inverter for off-board use, ensuring consistent power availability to auxiliary loads while limiting motor power to maintain vehicle propulsion capabilities, with an interface for operator input and alert indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If power is allocated dynamically based on vehicle powertrain requirements, then vehicle propulsion performance is improved, but power availability to auxiliary loads becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by allocating a reserved minimum power level to auxiliary loads before peak power demands occur. The controller pre-establishes this power reservation in response to operator input via the manual selector, ensuring that auxiliary loads have guaranteed power availability even when the powertrain requires maximum power. This prevents power fluctuations and potential damage to auxiliary equipment by proactively reserving power capacity.
2Reliability
If a minimum power allocation is reserved for the inverter, then power stability for auxiliary loads is improved, but power available for vehicle propulsion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by making the minimum power allocation adjustable rather than fixed. The manual selector allows operators to dynamically change the reserved power level based on their specific needs and operating conditions. The controller continuously adapts power distribution by responding to changes in key-switch status and operator selections, optimizing the balance between auxiliary load stability and propulsion power availability in real-time.
3Ease of operation
If the manual selector allows flexible power allocation, then operator control and satisfaction are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by enabling operators to directly control power allocation through the manual selector without requiring complex automated decision-making algorithms. The interface allows operators to independently adjust power reservations based on their knowledge of auxiliary load requirements and vehicle operating conditions. This simplifies the control system while maintaining high operator control, as the system executes operator decisions rather than requiring complex autonomous optimization.
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 ensures reliable power allocation to off-board loads while maintaining sufficient powertrain energy, preventing damage and enhancing operator satisfaction by ensuring a minimum power reserve for inverter use during peak demand events.
Implementation Method 1
The inverter may convert DC energy from a high-voltage bus to AC energy for off-board use during vehicle operation
Data Source
AI summary
An off-board load power management system for an electrified vehicle is provided. The system may include a DC-to-AC inverter for providing power to auxiliary loads. Using a manual selector, an operator may select an amount of power to be allocated for inverter use at all time during vehicle operation. A controller may guarantee the selected amount of power is available for inverter use and control a generator accordingly. The controller may manage the distribution of power from a battery and/or generator to the powertrain and other vehicle accessories to ensure the selected amount for the inverter always remains available.