Vehicle Electrical System Mode Switching for Energy Recovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle electrical systems lack efficiency and functionality in adapting to varying operating modes and requirements, particularly in managing torque and energy recovery during braking and driving conditions.

Innovation Solution

A system that includes a multi-phase alternating current machine and a control strategy to vary operating modes based on vehicle state, using the electric machine as both a starter/generator to manage torque, energy recovery, and power distribution, with integration of a DC/DC converter and control devices for efficient energy management across the vehicle electrical systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the electrical machine operates in recuperation mode to recover kinetic energy during braking, then fuel efficiency is improved, but vehicle dynamics stability may deteriorate due to additional braking moment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel efficiencyVSAvoidvehicle dynamics stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between different operating modes (recuperation mode, drive mode, standard mode) based on real-time vehicle conditions and operating requirements. The control unit continuously monitors vehicle state and adjusts the electrical machine's operation to maintain stability while maximizing energy recovery when conditions permit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by switching between different operating modes with distinct torque characteristics. In recuperation mode, the electrical machine operates as a generator providing braking moment, while in drive mode it provides drive moment, allowing the system to adapt to varying vehicle dynamics requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If the electrical machine provides high torque during drive mode, then drive power is improved, but torque control precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrive powerVSAvoidtorque control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically adjusts torque output based on real-time operating conditions. The control unit monitors vehicle state and continuously optimizes the electrical machine's torque characteristics, switching between recuperation mode with braking moment, drive mode with drive moment, and standard mode to maintain precise torque control while providing high power when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system integrates multiple operating modes with torque limitation, then adaptability to different operating conditions is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to operating conditionsVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical machine is designed to perform multiple functions across different operating modes: it can operate as a motor providing drive moment, as a generator providing braking moment during recuperation, and in standard mode for normal operation. The control unit universally manages all these modes through a single integrated control system, reducing the need for separate control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses dynamic mode switching to achieve adaptability without requiring complex hardware for each operating condition. The control unit continuously monitors vehicle state and dynamically transitions between operating modes, allowing a single control system to handle multiple operating conditions through software-based logic rather than multiple dedicated control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enhances fuel efficiency by recovering kinetic energy during braking, supports the internal combustion engine, and provides additional drive power, while ensuring stable vehicle dynamics and efficient energy storage and distribution.

Implementation Method 1

the system is operated in a recuperation mode during a thrust operation or braking operation of the motor vehicle, whereby the electrical machine is operated with the torque, in particular a brake moment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a DC/DC converter that connects the high-voltage sector network and the low-voltage sector network

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical energy conversion:

Implementation Method 3

the electrical machine is operated in a motor operation and/or a generator, especially as a starter and/or as a generator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP2576303B2Method for operating a system, system, controller, and computer program product
Publication Date: 2022.12.21 SEG AUTOMOTIVE GERMANY GMBH
  • EP2576303B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2576303B2 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2576303B2 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating a system (1) for a motor vehicle, wherein the system (1) comprises a controller (8), a high-voltage electrical system (4), a low-voltage electrical system (5), a DC/DC transformer (3) connecting the high-voltage electrical system (4) to the low-voltage electrical system (5), and an electric machine (2), in particular a starter generator or motor generator. In order to further develop the system (1) more efficiently and at a higher level of applicable functionality, an operating mode (20-31) of the system (1) is varied as a function of the operating requirements, in particular an operating state of the motor vehicle.