Telematics Parasitic Load Validation for Vehicle Fleet Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in detecting and addressing excessive parasitic load on SLI batteries in motorized vehicles, which can drain the battery to a low state of charge, leading to vehicle non-start situations and reduced battery life, especially due to intermittent unknown faults and conditions difficult to replicate during diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
A method to evaluate parasitic load by determining the battery's state of charge before and after an engine-off state, calculating the difference to estimate parasitic load, using open circuit voltage and temperature measurements, and employing least square curve fitting with data from multiple ignition cycles to improve accuracy, with results stored and analyzed remotely for diagnostic purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If parasitic load measurement equipment is used to detect excessive parasitic load, then parasitic load can be identified, but the measurement equipment itself causes charge drainage which interferes with accurate measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the battery's existing voltage sensor and control module as intermediaries to measure parasitic load indirectly through voltage drop analysis during ignition-off periods, rather than using dedicated measurement equipment that would itself consume power. The control module monitors voltage changes caused by parasitic loads without adding significant measurement overhead.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If diagnostic procedures are performed to identify intermittent faults causing excessive parasitic load, then root causes can be detected, but intermittent faults triggered by specific conditions cannot be readily replicated during service procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors and records battery voltage, current, and state of charge data during normal vehicle operation and ignition-off periods, capturing intermittent parasitic load events before service procedures are initiated. This preliminary data collection allows technicians to review actual field conditions without needing to replicate intermittent faults during diagnostics.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module provides feedback about parasitic load conditions by monitoring voltage drops and state of charge changes during ignition-off periods, enabling continuous detection of intermittent faults without requiring active diagnostic intervention. This feedback mechanism captures faults under real operating conditions that cannot be replicated in the service environment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of on-board computer modules is increased to enhance vehicle functionality, then vehicle features are improved, but excessive parasitic load during ignition-off periods increases which drains the battery
Solution Approach 1:
The control module monitors the cumulative parasitic load imposed by multiple on-board computer modules during ignition-off periods and tracks the battery's state of charge. When excessive drain is detected, the system can provide feedback to adjust module wake-up schedules or notify the operator, enabling the vehicle to maintain enhanced functionality while managing battery consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
Parasitic loads on a vehicular battery are evaluated based on an estimated reduction in the state of charge of the battery over the course of an engine-off state.