Vehicle Power Branch Control for Voltage Stabilization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle power systems face challenges in stabilizing voltage supply, particularly due to dynamic consumers causing voltage dips, which can impair vehicle operations and lead to undesirable side effects like lighting malfunctions, and previous solutions involve high costs, complex power components, and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A method and control unit that dynamically manage power between multiple on-board power system branches using switching devices and a supervisory unit to disconnect critical branches and connect backup power stores, ensuring stable voltage supply without additional power components, thus preventing overcharging and component damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a further energy store is provided besides the customary rechargeable battery to absorb voltage dips, then voltage stabilization is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to additional power components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple energy stores (capacitor and rechargeable battery) into a single on-board power system that shares common control and monitoring infrastructure. The control unit manages both energy sources, allowing them to work together as an integrated system rather than separate systems, thereby reducing overall complexity while maintaining voltage stabilization capability
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it monitors the state of charge of both the capacitor and rechargeable battery, manages power distribution, detects critical supply states, and controls switching between different power sources. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate control systems for each energy store, reducing device complexity
2Reliability
If a changeover switch is used to switch between battery and second energy store, then voltage dip backup is improved, but safety risk increases due to potential overcharging and component destruction
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the state of charge of both the capacitor and rechargeable battery, creating a feedback mechanism that prevents overcharging. When the capacitor reaches full charge, the control unit automatically prevents further charging current, and when the battery reaches critical charge levels, the system switches to the capacitor as the primary energy source, eliminating the risk of component destruction
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for potential overcharging risks by implementing preventive measures: the control unit monitors charge levels in advance and switches between energy sources before critical thresholds are reached. This proactive approach cushioning against potential damage before it can occur
3Reliability
If high capacity rechargeable batteries are used to absorb voltage spikes and dips, then voltage stabilization is improved, but weight and space requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the energy storage function into two distinct components: a capacitor for handling rapid voltage spikes and dips, and a rechargeable battery for providing sustained energy. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, enabling the use of a smaller, lighter battery while maintaining overall voltage stabilization capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by introducing a capacitor with high power density for rapid response to voltage fluctuations, complementing the battery's high energy density. This parameter diversification allows the battery to be smaller and lighter since it doesn't need to handle rapid discharge/charge cycles alone
4Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic consumers like starter motor are activated during vehicle operation, then vehicle functionality is improved, but voltage dip severity increases affecting sensitive consumers
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor acts as an intermediary energy buffer between the starter motor (dynamic consumer) and sensitive consumers. When the starter motor is activated, the capacitor absorbs the resulting voltage dip and provides immediate supplemental power to sensitive consumers, isolating them from the disturbance while allowing the starter motor to operate freely
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlled connection of a plurality of on-board power system branches is disclosed, wherein electrical power is exchanged between first and third on-board power system branches if an uncritical supply state is present and electrical power is exchanged between second and the third on-board power system branches if a critical supply state is present in the first or third on-board power system branch. In a critical supply state, the first on-board power system branch is disconnected from the third on-board power system branch by opening a first switching device, and the second on-board power system branch is then connected to the third on-board power system branch via a second switching device. A second actuation device that actuates the second switching device receives a switch state signal from the first actuation device and closes the second switching device only if the received signal signals an open first switching device.