Single Battery Architecture for Electric Vehicle Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles require separate high and low voltage storage systems, leading to complexity and inefficiency, as existing systems often include a low voltage battery that is not necessary and consumes power unnecessarily when the vehicle is shut down.
Innovation Solution
A high voltage electrical storage system with a wakeup module that disconnects loads from the energy storage unit during shutdown, eliminating the need for a low voltage battery by using a DC to DC converter to supply low voltage devices and incorporating a high voltage contactor unit to manage power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If separate high voltage and low voltage storage systems are used, then power distribution is simplified, but device complexity increases and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the high voltage and low voltage storage systems into a single battery unit. The battery includes a high voltage output terminal connected to the traction motor and a low voltage output terminal connected to conventional vehicle systems. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate storage systems while maintaining the ability to supply both voltage levels independently, thereby reducing device complexity and eliminating parasitic energy consumption from a separate low voltage battery.
2Reliability
If a low voltage battery is included in the electrical system, then power supply reliability is improved, but parasitic load during shutdown increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic power management system with a wakeup module that can selectively connect or disconnect different voltage outputs based on vehicle operational state. During shutdown, the wakeup module disconnects the low voltage output from the battery, eliminating parasitic load. During operation, it dynamically switches to provide both high voltage to the traction motor and low voltage to conventional systems, ensuring power supply reliability without continuous energy loss.
3Device complexity
If a single battery provides both high voltage and low voltage outputs, then device complexity is reduced, but voltage isolation and safety control become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single battery into functionally independent voltage output circuits. The battery includes a high voltage output terminal with its own protection circuit and a low voltage output terminal with separate control. A wakeup module independently manages connection and disconnection of each voltage output, ensuring that high voltage and low voltage systems remain electrically isolated when not in use. This segmentation maintains safety and reliability while achieving the benefits of a consolidated storage system.
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 simplifies the electrical architecture, reduces parasitic loads during shutdown, and maximizes energy savings by eliminating the low voltage battery, thereby enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the vehicle's power management system.
Implementation Method 1
using a DC to DC converter to supply low voltage devices
Data Source
AI summary
A product for use with a vehicle may include a high voltage electrical storage system unit. An energy storage unit may supply power to a high voltage wakeup module. The high voltage wakeup module may connect and may disconnect a number of loads from the energy storage unit when the vehicle is operating or shut down.