Vehicle AC Socket Control for Battery-Aware Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing alternating voltage energy networks in electric and hybrid vehicles lack flexibility and efficient energy distribution, particularly in managing current limits and battery state of charge, which can lead to inefficient energy usage and potential battery discharge.
Innovation Solution
An alternating voltage energy network with a socket and method for energy distribution that includes a bidirectional inverter, microprocessor, and switching element, allowing for flexible energy management based on load detection, battery state, and environmental conditions, with features like country coding and master-slave socket configurations to optimize energy usage and prevent battery discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the socket is supplied with voltage from the high-voltage battery via the inverter, then the socket can provide power when no external charging infrastructure is available, but the battery may be discharged below safe levels
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the state of charge of the high-voltage battery and automatically switches off the socket when a predetermined charge level threshold is reached, preventing battery discharge below safe levels while allowing flexible power supply when charge is sufficient
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of the socket based on real-time battery charge level conditions, transitioning between enabled and disabled states to balance power availability with battery protection
2Ease of operation
If the socket is always enabled, then electrical loads can be used at any time, but energy is wasted when no load is connected or when the battery is low on charge
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives feedback from load detection circuits and charge level sensors, automatically enabling the socket only when both a load is detected and sufficient battery charge is available, thereby eliminating energy waste while maintaining ease of use when conditions are favorable
Solution Approach 2:
The socket system autonomously manages its own operational state based on detected conditions, enabling or disabling itself without user intervention to prevent energy waste while maintaining availability when appropriate
3Reliability
If current limit switching is implemented, then battery protection is improved, but the socket becomes less flexible for different power requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts current limits based on real-time battery charge level conditions, allowing higher current draw when charge is abundant and automatically reducing or disabling current when charge levels drop, thereby maintaining both protection and flexibility
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an AC power network (1) in an electric or hybrid vehicle, comprising an AC charging socket (2), at least one socket (4) for an electrical load, and a bidirectional inverter (3), wherein the bidirectional inverter (3) is connected on the AC side to the AC charging socket (2) and the at least one socket (4) and on the DC side to a high-voltage battery (5) of a traction network, wherein at least one microprocessor (8) and a switching element (14) are assigned to the socket (4), wherein the microprocessor (8) of the socket (4) is connected via at least one communication line (6) to a control unit (7) of the inverter (3), wherein, depending on a state, the control unit (7) generates a switching command for the at least one switching element (14) of the socket (4), a socket (4), and a method.