Vehicle Load Shedding Controller for External Power Outlet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicles often have unused power capacity from DC-DC converters, and existing systems fail to efficiently manage power distribution to maintain a predetermined threshold for external loads when the engine is idle, leading to inefficiencies and potential power loss.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system with an interface, power converter, and controller that interrupts current flow to internal loads when the engine is idle, ensuring power availability at the outlet exceeds a predetermined threshold regardless of external loads, and reverses flow when the engine transitions to drive, utilizing a DC-DC converter and inverter to optimize power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If current flow to internal vehicle loads is maintained during engine idle, then internal loads receive continuous power, but power available at the outlet for external loads falls below the predetermined threshold
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts current flow based on engine state and power availability. The controller monitors engine idle status and power availability at the outlet, then dynamically interrupts or maintains current flow to internal loads accordingly. This dynamic adjustment ensures power threshold compliance while minimizing energy wastage by only shedding loads when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of internal loads by interrupting their current flow. When the engine is idle and power available at the outlet is below the predetermined threshold, the controller changes the state of internal loads from active to inactive by interrupting current flow, thereby freeing up power capacity at the outlet.
2Power
If current flow to internal vehicle loads is interrupted when engine is idle, then power available at the outlet exceeds the predetermined threshold, but internal loads lose power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service by automatically monitoring its own power availability and engine state, then autonomously making decisions about current flow interruption. The controller continuously monitors power availability at the outlet and engine idle status, and automatically interrupts or maintains current flow to internal loads without external intervention, ensuring both power threshold compliance and minimal impact on power supply reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring engine idle status and power availability at the outlet, then using this feedback information to control current flow to internal loads. The controller receives feedback about the current state and adjusts current flow accordingly, ensuring that power available at the outlet always exceeds the predetermined threshold when the engine is idle, while minimizing unnecessary interruptions to maintain reliability.
3Productivity
If the system continuously monitors power availability and engine state, then power distribution is optimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions within a single device: it monitors engine idle status, measures power availability at the outlet, determines whether current flow interruption is necessary, and executes the interruption command. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be multiple separate systems into a single controller, optimizing power distribution efficiency while minimizing the increase in system complexity.
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
Enables the vehicle to operate in an 'off-the-grid' mode by shedding non-essential loads and maintaining sufficient power for external loads, optimizing the use of available power capacity and reducing energy wastage.
Implementation Method 1
a power converter, and controller configured to, responsive to user input to the interface enabling shed mode, interrupt flow of battery current to internal vehicle loads
Implementation Method 2
A system for a vehicle includes an interface, power receptacle configured to power an external electrical load using electric energy of a power converter
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle system includes an interface, an outlet, and a converter configured to, responsive to user input to the interface enabling shed mode, interrupt flow of battery current to internal vehicle loads such that power available at the outlet exceeds a predetermined threshold regardless of whether an external load is plugged into or removed from the outlet, and otherwise, maintain the flow regardless of whether an external load is plugged into the outlet.