Vehicle Energy Storage with DC/DC Voltage Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing on-board power supply systems in motor vehicles face challenges in maintaining reliable energy supply to safety-critical components, particularly when the generator, DC/DC converter, and starter battery fail, due to high maintenance requirements, limited voltage capabilities of double-layer capacitors, and inadequate protection against short-circuits and overvoltages.
Innovation Solution
A storage arrangement with a direct connection from the generator to safety-critical consumers and an energy storage device, utilizing a voltage converter to adapt energy supply independently of nominal voltages, allowing for the use of single double-layer capacitors without series connection, and incorporating means for monitoring and protection against overvoltages and short-circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If series connections of double-layer capacitors are used to achieve required voltage levels, then voltage capability is improved, but device complexity and installation space requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
A DC/DC converter is introduced as an intermediary device between the double-layer capacitor and the safety-relevant consumer. The converter adapts the voltage from a single capacitor (or parallel configuration) to the required output voltage, eliminating the need for series connections while maintaining voltage capability through electronic conversion rather than electrical series arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the voltage parameter through active conversion rather than passive series connection. The DC/DC converter dynamically adjusts voltage levels, allowing a single capacitor operating at its maximum voltage to serve the same function as multiple capacitors in series, while simplifying the overall system architecture
2Reliability
If additional protection mechanisms are added to batteries, then safety is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The double-layer capacitor inherently provides short-circuit protection due to its low internal impedance characteristics, and the DC/DC converter incorporates integrated overvoltage and short-circuit protection functions. This self-protecting approach eliminates the need for separate protection circuits that would be required with battery systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining or improving safety
Solution Approach 2:
The protection functions are extracted from separate components and integrated into the DC/DC converter itself. The converter's control circuitry includes built-in protection mechanisms that monitor and protect the entire system, eliminating the need for additional standalone protection devices that would increase system complexity
3Reliability
If redundant energy sources are provided for safety-critical consumers, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic switching between the generator and the double-layer capacitor based on real-time operational conditions. The DC/DC converter continuously monitors system state and automatically transitions between power sources without requiring manual intervention, maintaining simple operation while ensuring continuous reliable power supply to safety-critical consumers
Solution Approach 2:
The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the operational status of both the generator and the double-layer capacitor. Based on this feedback, the system automatically determines which energy source to use, managing the redundancy transparently and maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliability through intelligent source selection
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
Ensures reliable and efficient energy supply to safety-critical components, reduces maintenance effort, and eliminates the need for series connections of double-layer capacitors, providing flexible voltage adaptation and enhanced protection mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the storage arrangement having an energy storage device, an input and an output
Implementation Method 2
at least one electrical voltage converter which is for the transport of electrical energy between the input and / or the output
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The arrangement has an electrical power supply system comprising an energy storage (2a) e.g. accumulator, an inlet and an outlet. The arrangement receives electrical energy from the electrical power supply system over the inlet for storing the energy in the storage and for delivering the energy from the storage over the outlet to a part of the electrical power supply system. An electrical voltage transformer is arranged for transferring of the energy between the inlet and/or the outlet and to the storage.