Vehicle Power Architecture for Dual Battery Switching Under Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle power systems lack efficient management of multiple energy storage technologies, leading to suboptimal performance and potential damage due to mismatched energy supply and demand, as well as temperature-related issues.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle power system incorporating a controller that selectively couples a first energy storage device using one technology to an electrical load or source, and a second energy storage device using a different technology, with temperature sensing to disconnect the second device when its temperature falls below a threshold, ensuring optimal energy distribution and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple energy storage devices with different technologies are used in parallel, then energy management flexibility and system performance are improved, but system complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into multiple independent energy storage modules (first energy storage device and second energy storage device), each with its own characteristics and management strategy. The controller divides the control task by monitoring specific parameters (temperature for second device, power draw for first device) and selectively engaging devices based on operating conditions, thereby managing complexity through modular segmentation while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different energy storage devices based on real-time operating conditions. The controller adjusts which device is active by monitoring temperature thresholds and power draw requirements, enabling the system to adapt its configuration dynamically rather than using a fixed setup, thus achieving versatility without permanent complexity.
2Reliability
If the second energy storage device is selectively disconnected based on temperature, then battery protection and longevity are improved, but system responsiveness and control frequency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements preliminary protective action by monitoring temperature continuously and preemptively disconnecting the second energy storage device when temperature approaches dangerous thresholds. This preliminary action prevents thermal damage before it occurs, improving reliability while the pre-set threshold-based control logic minimizes unnecessary control operations, addressing the time loss concern.
3Reliability
If the second energy storage device is disconnected during high power draw, then the first energy storage device is protected, but energy availability and system power capacity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The controller acts as an intermediary that manages power flow between the two energy storage devices and the electrical load. It monitors power draw conditions and selectively engages or disconnections the second energy storage device based on real-time needs, mediating between the protection requirement for the first device and the power availability requirement by making intelligent switching decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (which energy storage device is active) based on detected conditions (power draw levels). By monitoring power draw and switching between devices with different characteristics, the system adapts its parameter configuration to balance protection needs with power availability requirements dynamically.
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 enables efficient energy management by matching energy supply and demand, prolonging battery life and preventing damage from temperature extremes, while maintaining high system performance.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic device configured to receive rotational mechanical energy and generate electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
The temperature sensor is configured to measure a temperature associated with the second energy storage device
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a chassis, tractive elements coupled to the chassis, an electrical system, and a controller. The electrical system includes an electrical load, a first energy storage device coupled to the electrical load, the first energy storage device utilizing a first energy storage technology, and a second energy storage device selectively coupled to the electrical load by a switch, the second energy storage device utilizing a second energy storage technology different from the first energy storage technology. The controller is coupled to the switch and configured to command the switch to disconnect the second energy storage device from the electrical load in response to an indication of a power draw from the electrical load.