Semiconductor Switching Circuit for High-Voltage Vehicle Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current high-voltage networks for electric vehicles rely on complex and inefficient connections between energy stores and the network, using high-voltage relays for safety, which are bulky, costly, and have limitations in voltage adjustment and charging efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An electric circuit with multiple semiconductor switching units allows for series and parallel connections of multiple energy stores, enabling dynamic voltage adjustment and safer disconnection, using transistors for improved switching dynamics and space efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high-voltage relays are used for safety disconnection, then galvanic isolation is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegalvanic isolationVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical high-voltage relays with semiconductor switching units that provide galvanic isolation through electronic means rather than mechanical contacts. This substitution eliminates the bulky mechanical structure while maintaining the safety function of electrical isolation between energy stores and the high-voltage network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operating parameters of the switching system by using semiconductor devices that can achieve isolation at lower voltage thresholds compared to mechanical relays. The semiconductor switches can be designed to block high voltages through their inherent semiconductor properties, reducing the need for bulky mechanical isolation structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If high-voltage relays are used for safety disconnection, then galvanic isolation is achieved, but the device becomes costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegalvanic isolationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive mechanical high-voltage relays with semiconductor switching units that provide galvanic isolation through electronic means rather than mechanical contacts. This substitution eliminates the bulky mechanical structure while maintaining the safety function of electrical isolation between energy stores and the high-voltage network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs semiconductor switching units that, while having finite lifetimes, offer lower cost and higher reliability compared to mechanical relays. The semiconductor devices can be replaced more easily and at lower cost than mechanical relay systems, making the overall system more cost-effective despite the components being replaceable rather than permanent.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Loss of energy

If series connection is used for higher voltage, then power supply efficiency improves, but charging compatibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply lossesVSAvoidcharging voltage compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic switching system that can reconfigure the electrical connection topology between energy stores in real-time. The semiconductor switching units enable the system to dynamically switch between series and parallel connections based on operational requirements, allowing optimal power delivery in series mode while maintaining charging compatibility through parallel mode when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a multi-functional energy storage system that can operate in multiple configurations (series and parallel connections) through the same hardware architecture. The semiconductor switching units provide universal functionality, allowing the system to adapt to different operational modes including high-voltage power supply, low-voltage charging, and various load conditions without requiring separate dedicated systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If parallel connection is used for charging compatibility, then charging versatility improves, but power supply efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging voltage compatibilityVSAvoidpower supply losses

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20230242054A1Electric circuit for a high-voltage network of a vehicle

Publication Date: 2023.08.03 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH

AI summary

An electric circuit (3) for a high-voltage network (2) of a vehicle. The high-voltage network (2) includes at least two electrical energy stores and one main electrical consumer. The electric circuit includes a first switching unit electrically connected to first and second pole connectors, and a second switching unit electrically connected to third and fourth pole connectors, and a third switching unit electrically connected to the third pole connector and the second pole connector. A fourth switching unit is connected to the first pole connector and a first consumer connection. A fifth switching unit is electrically connected to the fourth pole connector and a second consumer connection (23). The switching units are switchable between an electrically connecting and disconnecting states, and the fourth switching unit (12) and/or the fifth switching unit (13) are designed to be galvanically isolating in the electrically disconnecting state.