Vehicle Load Power Control Between Traction and Supplemental Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive power systems face challenges in efficiently managing power distribution between traction batteries and supplemental batteries, particularly when the state of charge of the supplemental battery falls below a certain threshold, leading to potential disruptions in powering loads.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a power system that includes an electrical bus, two DC/DC converters, and controllers that adjust the setpoints of these converters based on the state of charge of the supplemental battery. This ensures that loads are powered by the traction battery when the supplemental battery's state of charge is low, preventing disruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the supplemental battery is used to power loads on the electrical bus, then the traction battery can be preserved for propulsion, but when the supplemental battery's state of charge falls below the threshold, power disruptions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the state of charge of the supplemental battery and dynamically adjusts the setpoint of the second DC/DC converter based on this feedback. When the state of charge falls below a threshold, the controller reduces the setpoint to prioritize traction battery power, ensuring reliable power supply while preventing depletion of the supplemental battery
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operating parameters of the DC/DC converters based on real-time battery state of charge conditions. The setpoint of the second DC/DC converter is made variable rather than fixed, allowing the system to adapt its power distribution strategy to maintain reliability under varying energy availability
2Reliability
If the setpoint of the second DC/DC converter is reduced when supplemental battery charge is low, then power disruptions are prevented, but the complexity of power management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller acts as an intermediary that automatically manages the complex interactions between multiple batteries and DC/DC converters. By centralizing the decision-making logic in the controller, the system achieves reliable power management without requiring complex modifications to the physical architecture of the power distribution system
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple DC/DC converters are used to manage power between batteries and electrical bus, then power distribution flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power management function is segmented across two separate DC/DC converters, each handling specific battery-to-bus power transfer tasks. This segmentation allows independent optimization and control of each converter's operation, providing flexibility in power distribution while maintaining manageable complexity through functional separation
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 continuous and efficient power distribution to loads by prioritizing the use of the traction battery when the supplemental battery's state of charge is low, thereby preventing power disruptions and allowing for safe swapping or charging of the supplemental battery.
Implementation Method 1
a first DC/DC converter that transfers power between the electrical bus and a traction battery, a second DC/DC converter that transfers power between a supplemental battery and the electrical bus
Implementation Method 2
an alternator that provides power to the electrical bus
Implementation Method 3
a supplemental battery
Data Source
AI summary
While a state of charge of a supplemental battery, that provides power to an electrical bus via a first DC/DC converter, is greater than a predefined threshold and responsive to a magnitude of current associated with loads on the electrical bus exceeding a predefined value, a controller reduces a setpoint of the first DC/DC converter to equal that of a second DC/DC converter, that transfers power between the electrical bus and a traction battery, such that the loads are powered by the supplemental and traction batteries.