Transformer-Based Galvanic Isolation for Vehicle Control Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electrical drive systems in motor vehicles face challenges in ensuring safe operation due to galvanic separation between the traction and operating networks, where voltage fluctuations and loss of the operating network can disrupt the control electronics system, requiring complex controls and being prone to voltage dips and EMV emissions.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a second transformer to convert the output voltage of the first transformer into a higher output voltage for the power electronics system, along with a diagnostic unit and diode arrangements, allows for automatic switching between the traction and operating networks, ensuring stable supply to the control electronics system and avoiding voltage fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex controls and regulating systems are implemented to overcome voltage dips and EMV emissions, then the motor vehicle can operate defect-free despite voltage fluctuations, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second transformer serves as a passive intermediary that automatically isolates the control electronics from voltage fluctuations and EMV emissions without requiring complex active control systems. This passive isolation approach achieves defect-free operation while maintaining system simplicity, as the transformer inherently blocks harmful electrical variations without needing additional sensors, controllers, or regulation circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, robust transformer-based solution rather than complex, expensive electronic protection systems. The second transformer provides reliable protection against voltage dips and EMV emissions through its inherent galvanic isolation properties, offering a cost-effective and maintenance-free approach compared to sophisticated electronic control and regulation systems.
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 ensures increased operational safety by providing a stable power supply to the control electronics system, preventing voltage dips and EMV emissions, and simplifying the system with automatic switching, thus enhancing the reliability and cost-effectiveness of the motor vehicle's electrical drive system.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first transformer configured to convert an input voltage from the operating network into a first, in particular higher, output voltage for the power electronics system
Implementation Method 2
at least one second transformer, configured to convert the output voltage of the first transformer into a second output voltage for the power electronics system, wherein the second output voltage is higher than the input voltage of the first transformer
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for operating a motor vehicle, comprising an electrical drive system with an electrical high-voltage traction network (2) and an operating network (3) that has a high-voltage unit (7) comprising a power electronics system (5), and a low-voltage unit (6) comprising a control electronics system (4), and a first transformer (8) designed to convert an input voltage (U1) from the low-voltage unit (6) into a first, particularly higher output voltage (U2) for the power electronics system (5). According to the invention, the dev ice comprises at least one second transformer (11) designed to convert the first output voltage (U2) of the first transformer (8) into a second output voltage (U3) for the control electronics system (4), the second output voltage (U3) being higher than the input voltage (U1).