Vehicle Power Supply Generator Abnormality Detection
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle power supply systems fail to detect generator abnormalities, such as power generation failures, in a timely manner, which can lead to vehicle immobilization due to depletion of battery power.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle power supply apparatus with a first and second power supply system, an electrical conduction path, and switches, along with an abnormality determination unit, which monitors current flows between a lead battery and a lithium ion battery to determine if the generator is in an abnormal state by controlling power generation commands and switch states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vehicle power supply system uses a generator and battery configuration without abnormality detection, then the system structure is simple, but the system reliability deteriorates due to undetected generator failures leading to vehicle immobilization
Solution Approach 1:
The abnormality determination unit performs preliminary detection of generator abnormalities by monitoring battery currents before complete failure occurs. The system proactively identifies power generation failures through current analysis during charging operations, enabling early warning and preventing vehicle immobilization without requiring complex real-time intervention mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback mechanism where the abnormality determination unit continuously monitors battery currents and compares them against expected values during generator operation. When deviations indicate abnormality, the system provides feedback through abnormality notifications, creating a closed-loop detection system that improves reliability through continuous monitoring rather than complex preventive mechanisms
2Measurement precision
If the system implements comprehensive generator monitoring, then the abnormality detection precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing battery current sensors and control units to perform self-diagnosis of generator abnormalities. The abnormality determination unit leverages current measurement data already being collected for power management purposes, transforming existing system resources into an abnormality detection mechanism without adding dedicated sensors or complex monitoring hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The battery current sensors and control units serve dual functions: managing normal power flow between generator and batteries, and simultaneously detecting generator abnormalities. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve comprehensive monitoring capability while reusing existing components, thereby improving detection precision without proportionally increasing 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 early detection of generator abnormalities, allowing for prompt notification and potential repair, thereby preventing vehicle stoppage due to power generation failures.
Implementation Method 1
a generator and a second electrical energy accumulator. The generator is coupled to the engine. The second electrical energy accumulator is able to be coupled to the generator
Implementation Method 2
a first power supply system, a second power supply system... The first power supply system includes a first electrical energy accumulator and an electric load coupled to the first electrical energy accumulator. The second power supply system includes a generator and a second electrical energy accumulator
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle power supply apparatus includes first and second power supply systems, an electrical conduction path, first and second switches, and an abnormality determination unit. The first power supply system includes a first electrical energy accumulator and an electric load. The second power supply system includes a generator and a second electrical energy accumulator. The first switch is provided on the electrical conduction path between the first and second power supply systems. The second switch is provided in the second power supply system. The abnormality determination unit determines whether or not the generator is in an abnormal state, on the basis of a current of the first or second electrical energy accumulator, with the first switch or the second switch, or both turned on, and with a power generation command outputted to the generator.