Vehicle High-Voltage Circuit for Fast Isolation and Short-Circuit Interruption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-voltage networks for electric vehicles rely on high-voltage relays for connecting and disconnecting electrical energy stores from the network, which are bulky, have limited dynamics, and do not efficiently manage galvanic isolation and short-circuit interruptions.
Innovation Solution
The electric circuit employs four switching units, including semiconductor components like transistors, to manage parallel and series connections of multiple energy stores, providing galvanic isolation, faster switching dynamics, and reduced load on components during idle states, allowing for efficient charging and discharging with lower losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-voltage relays are used to connect and disconnect electrical energy stores, then galvanic isolation is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and switching dynamics are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical high-voltage relays with a combination of semiconductor switching units (for fast switching) and galvanically isolating switching units (for isolation). This substitution eliminates the need for bulky mechanical relay contacts while achieving both fast switching dynamics and galvanic isolation through electronic means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the single relay function into multiple specialized switching units: semiconductor switching units handle fast switching operations, while galvanically isolating switching units handle isolation requirements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall device size while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If high-voltage relays are used for switching, then connection/disconnection is achieved, but switching speed and dynamics are slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the switching function into two types of units: semiconductor switching units that provide fast switching for normal operations, and galvanically isolating switching units that provide secure isolation when needed. This allows the system to achieve both high switching speed and reliable disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces slow mechanical relay switching with fast semiconductor switching units for routine operations, achieving significantly higher switching speeds while using galvanically isolating units only when isolation is required.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple energy stores are connected in parallel, then energy capacity is increased, but managing connections and disconnections becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a modular switching unit design where each unit can independently control connection or disconnection of individual energy stores. The control unit can selectively activate specific switching units based on system requirements, providing universal control functionality that simplifies management of multiple energy stores while maintaining the ability to configure them in various connections (parallel, series, or individual isolation).
Data Source
AI summary
An electric circuit for a high-voltage network of a vehicle. the high-voltage network includes at least two electrical energy stores. The electric circuit includes a first and second connection points, which are configured for electrical connection to a consumer (19) and/or a charger (21). A first switching unit is arranged between a first pole connector and the first connection point. A second switching unit is arranged between a second pole connector and the second connection point. A third switching unit is arranged between the first connection point and a third pole connector, and a fourth switching unit is arranged between the second connection point and a fourth pole connector. The first switching unit and/or the second switching unit are designed to be galvanically isolating in an electrically disconnecting state, and the third and fourth switching units are embodied as semiconductor components.