Vehicle Power Allocation Controller for Heating Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle assemblies inefficiently allocate power between heating zones, leading to excessive power consumption and inadequate comfort in electric vehicles with limited electrical power, failing to manage overall power consumption effectively.
Innovation Solution
A controller system that receives heat demand information and dynamically allocates power between activated heating components to ensure actual power consumption does not exceed available power, optimizing power management and reducing consumption in electric vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional vehicle assemblies provide manual control or simple switches for heating zones, then ease of operation is improved, but power management efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power distribution to heating zones based on real-time vehicle conditions (battery state of charge, ambient temperature, occupant presence) rather than using fixed manual switches. The controller continuously monitors and reallocates power to optimize energy efficiency while maintaining heating functionality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the controller receives information about vehicle power availability and heating zone requirements, then adjusts power allocation accordingly. This closed-loop control enables the system to respond to changing conditions and optimize power consumption automatically.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electric vehicles activate multiple heating zones simultaneously, then occupant comfort is improved, but available electrical power is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The system selectively activates only the necessary heating zones based on vehicle conditions and occupancy detection, rather than activating all available heating zones. When power is limited, the controller prioritizes critical heating areas and reduces or eliminates power to non-essential zones, ensuring reliable operation within available power constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different power allocation strategies to different heating zones based on their specific requirements and current conditions. Each heating zone receives power according to its local needs (occupant presence, temperature differential, zone priority) rather than uniform power distribution, optimizing both comfort and power efficiency.
3Device complexity
If conventional vehicle assemblies allocate equal power to all heating zones, then simplicity of control is improved, but heating efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes power allocation parameters for different heating zones based on real-time conditions such as ambient temperature, battery state of charge, and detected occupancy. The controller adjusts power distribution ratios, voltage levels, or current limits to each heating zone to optimize heating efficiency while responding to changing operational parameters.
4Loss of energy
If electric vehicles limit power consumption to manage battery life, then energy conservation is improved, but heating comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic monitoring of battery state of charge and vehicle conditions to adjust heating operations. When battery charge is sufficient, heating zones operate at full capacity for optimal comfort. When battery charge drops below thresholds, the controller periodically reduces or suspends heating operations to conserve energy, balancing comfort and energy conservation based on real-time battery status.
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
The solution enables efficient power management, improves heating response times, and enhances control over power consumption, effectively reducing overall power usage in electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The heating zones include a heating source disposed therein for emitting heat in the respective seat cushions and/or seat backs when the heating zones are activated
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for controlling a plurality of components of a vehicle that are configured to emit heat when activated. A controller receives heat demand information about the activated components and determines from the heat demand information, an amount of power available for consumption by all of the activated components. The controller actively allocates power between the activated components according to the determined amount of power available such that an actual amount of power consumed by all of the activated components does not exceed the determined amount of power available.