Vehicle Powernet Domain Control for SoC-Based Load Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle systems face challenges in reducing power consumption, particularly with high-voltage loads that consume significant power for short periods, such as air conditioning, which reduces driving distance and increases energy usage during peak seasons.
Innovation Solution
A powernet domain controller is introduced to manage power by decreasing the output of high-voltage loads and increasing the output of low-voltage loads during a power saving mode, based on battery state of charge and user inputs, while also controlling temperature settings and display temperatures to optimize energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If high-voltage loads are operated at high output to meet user temperature demands, then user comfort is improved, but power consumption increases and driving distance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the temperature control system into two independent parts: high-voltage load (air conditioner) and low-voltage load (heating/ventilation). By dividing the heating function into separate heating elements that can operate independently of the air conditioner, the system can reduce air conditioner output while maintaining user comfort through localized heating, thereby reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing targeted heating to specific areas (seats, steering wheel, footwell) rather than heating the entire vehicle cabin. This localized approach allows the system to maintain user comfort in critical areas while reducing the overall power consumption of the temperature control system by avoiding unnecessary heating of unoccupied spaces.
2Reliability
If high-voltage loads are operated at high output for short periods, then temperature control effectiveness is improved, but driving distance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-heating or pre-cooling seats, steering wheel, and footwell areas before the user needs them. The low-voltage heating elements can operate in advance to prepare the local environment, reducing the need for high-power air conditioner operation and thereby extending driving distance while maintaining temperature control effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic action by cycling the low-voltage heating elements and air conditioner operation rather than continuous high-power operation. The system can alternate between high-voltage and low-voltage heating modes, using the air conditioner for rapid temperature adjustment when needed and low-voltage heating for maintenance, thereby reducing overall power consumption and extending driving distance.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle including a powernet domain controller controlling power supplied to a load includes a first load configured to be applied with a first voltage; a second load configured to be applied with a second voltage lower than the first voltage; a temperature controller configured to control an operation of the first load and the second load; an inputter configured to receive a user input; a battery management system configured to manage a state of charge (SOC) value of a battery; and a powernet domain controller configured for determining whether to activate a power saving mode based on the SoC value, and when the power saving mode is activated, transmit an output reduction command of the first load and an output increase command of the second load to the temperature controller.