Vehicle Power Bus Layout for Cross-Battery Auxiliary Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric supply systems for vehicle systems often deplete energy storage in battery cells when powering auxiliary systems during idling, leading to the need to power down these systems even if there is sufficient energy available in other cells.
Innovation Solution
The electric supply system includes multiple energy storage devices and buses that conductively couple these devices with loads, along with a controller that manages the transfer of energy between storage devices and loads, allowing for the redistribution of energy to maintain power to auxiliary systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single battery assembly powers auxiliary systems during vehicle idling, then the auxiliary systems can be powered, but the energy storage in the battery cells becomes depleted requiring the auxiliary systems to be powered down
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the single battery assembly into multiple separate battery assemblies (first battery assembly, second battery assembly, etc.), each capable of independently powering auxiliary systems. This segmentation allows one battery to serve as backup when another is depleted, resolving the contradiction between maintaining auxiliary system operation and preserving battery energy storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically changes the operational state of individual battery assemblies by activating or deactivating specific batteries based on their charge levels. When one battery becomes depleted, the controller switches to another battery, thereby maintaining continuous auxiliary system operation while preserving overall energy availability across the multi-battery system.
2Reliability
If multiple battery assemblies are used to power auxiliary systems, then energy availability is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each battery assembly is designed with universal functionality to power auxiliary systems independently. The standardized interface and control mechanism allow any battery assembly to replace another, simplifying the overall system architecture despite having multiple components. This multi-functionality approach maintains reliability while avoiding the complexity of specialized configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller automatically manages the multi-battery system by monitoring charge levels and switching between batteries without external intervention. This self-service capability reduces the operational complexity for users while maintaining high energy supply reliability through automated battery management.
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 system effectively manages energy distribution within the vehicle system, ensuring that auxiliary loads receive power even when some battery cells are depleted, thereby optimizing energy use and extending the operational life of the vehicle system.
Implementation Method 1
two or more buses each conductively coupling an energy storage device of the two or more energy storage devices with a corresponding load
Data Source
AI summary
An electric supply system for a vehicle system includes two or more electric energy storage devices. Two or more buses each conductively couple an energy storage device with a corresponding load of plural loads. A controller controls conduction of current from one or more of the energy storage devices to one or more other buses to transfer energy to other energy storage devices or other loads. A method includes directing a first energy storage device of a first power supply assembly to supply electric current to a first bus conductively coupling the first energy storage device to one or more first loads onboard the vehicle system. The method further includes conducting the electric current from the first energy storage device to one or more second buses of one or more second power supply assemblies to recharge one or more second energy storage devices or power one or more second loads.