Parallel Energy Store Regeneration for Vehicle Electrical Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical distribution systems for vehicles face challenges in efficiently regenerating lead-acid rechargeable batteries, as the regeneration process can take up to 24 hours, which is longer than a typical vehicle operation cycle, necessitating distributed regeneration over multiple cycles.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that connect a first energy store (lead-acid battery) and a second energy store (lithium-ion battery) in parallel, allowing regeneration based on detected characteristic values, with a generator providing operating voltages to ensure the second energy store has a higher open-circuit voltage, enabling continued regeneration after a vehicle cycle is completed, and allowing for efficient charging and isolation of energy stores.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lead-acid battery is regenerated using a single energy store system, then the regeneration process can be completed, but the regeneration time exceeds the typical vehicle operation cycle (up to 24 hours vs. normal running operation)
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the energy storage function into two separate energy stores: a lead-acid battery and a lithium-ion battery. This segmentation allows the lithium-ion battery to handle quick charging during vehicle operation while the lead-acid battery undergoes slower regeneration, effectively splitting the regeneration task across multiple components with different charge rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The lithium-ion battery acts as an intermediary energy store that can quickly accept charge from the generator during vehicle operation and then transfer charge to the lead-acid battery when the vehicle is not in use. This intermediary enables the lead-acid battery to be regenerated without requiring the vehicle to remain running for extended periods.
2Productivity
If the generator provides high operating voltage for quick charging, then the charging speed increases, but the energy store may overcharge or exceed safe voltage thresholds
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operating voltage provided by the generator based on the state of charge of the energy stores. During active regeneration, a first operating voltage is provided to enable quick charging. Once a preset state of charge is reached, the voltage is adjusted to a second operating voltage to maintain charge while preventing overcharge, allowing the system to optimize charging speed at different stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors characteristic values of both energy stores and uses this feedback to regulate the generator's output voltage. This feedback mechanism ensures that the charging process stops or adjusts when energy stores reach appropriate charge levels, preventing overcharge while maximizing charging efficiency during the regeneration phase.
3Productivity
If the two energy stores are connected in parallel for mutual charging, then regeneration efficiency improves, but the system complexity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements multiple functions within a single control architecture: it manages the parallel connection between energy stores, regulates generator output, monitors characteristic values, controls voltage transitions, and manages the galvanic isolation switch. This multi-functional approach enables efficient regeneration while consolidating control complexity into a centralized management system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts the safety function from the parallel connection by introducing a galvanic isolation switch that can disconnect the energy stores from each other when needed. This separation allows the system to enjoy the benefits of parallel operation for regeneration while having the capability to isolate components for safety or maintenance, effectively removing the safety risk from the parallel architecture.
4Reliability
If the generator operates continuously to complete regeneration, then the lead-acid battery can be fully regenerated, but the vehicle running operation time is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging action during the vehicle's normal operation by having the generator charge the lithium-ion battery, which then serves as a charged energy reserve. This preliminary action allows the lead-acid battery to be regenerated during periods when the vehicle is not in use, as the lithium-ion battery can transfer its stored energy to the lead-acid battery without requiring the vehicle to be running.
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
Enables efficient regeneration of the first energy store even after a vehicle cycle is completed, with the second energy store maintaining its charge, and provides safety through galvanic isolation, allowing for quicker charging and effective regeneration management.
Implementation Method 1
a first operating voltage is preset and provided by means of a generator
Implementation Method 2
The electrical distribution system has a first energy store and a second energy store
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical distribution system includes a first energy store and a second energy store. The two energy stores are connected in parallel. Characteristic values of the first and/or second energy store are detected and a regeneration phase of the first energy store is implemented depending on the detected characteristic values. In the regeneration phase, a first operating voltage is preset and provided by means of a generator in such a way that said first operating voltage contributes to the second energy store having, after a preset time span, a higher open-circuit voltage than the first energy store.