Vehicle Electrical System Storage Capacitor Load Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The electrical system of motor vehicles faces overloading issues due to increasing electrical loads, particularly during low generator speeds, where the generator is 100% loaded, and the battery may not be able to supply all loads, leading to potential power interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A method that controls the electrical system by charging a storage capacitor during excess power generation and using it to supply loads when the generator is insufficient, thereby reducing the battery's load cycles and preventing overloading, allowing the battery to be charged only when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the generator is designed to supply all electrical loads at 100% capacity, then power supply reliability is improved, but the generator size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into multiple components: the generator handles base load power supply, the storage capacitor covers peak power demands, and the battery provides auxiliary power. This segmentation allows each component to be sized appropriately for its specific function rather than requiring the generator to handle all loads alone, reducing generator weight while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A storage capacitor is introduced as an intermediary component between the generator and the electrical loads. The capacitor acts as a buffer that can rapidly discharge to cover peak power demands, preventing the generator from needing to be oversized for transient loads, thus reducing generator size and weight.
2Reliability
If the battery is used to supply all loads when generator power is insufficient, then power supply continuity is improved, but the battery undergoes excessive charging/discharge cycles reducing its lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The storage capacitor serves as an intermediary that absorbs peak power demands and transient loads, preventing these fluctuations from being transferred to the battery. The capacitor's rapid charge/discharge capability allows it to handle transient demands that would otherwise cause excessive cycling of the battery, thereby extending battery lifetime while maintaining power supply continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage capacitor provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-charged during periods of excess generator power and then discharging during peak demand periods. This cushioning effect protects the battery from excessive cycling by absorbing power fluctuations before they reach the battery.
3Power
If the generator and battery are designed larger to handle all loads, then power supply capacity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is divided into specialized components with specific functions: the generator for base load, the storage capacitor for peak power, and the battery for auxiliary support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific role, reducing the overall system complexity compared to a single oversized generator-battery system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the different temporal characteristics of power delivery from each component. The storage capacitor provides high power for brief periods (milliseconds to seconds), the generator provides steady-state power, and the battery provides sustained auxiliary power. By matching component parameters to their intended functions, the system achieves high power capacity without excessive complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If additional electrical loads are added to the vehicle, then vehicle functionality is improved, but the electrical system becomes overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The storage capacitor acts as an intermediary power source that enables additional electrical loads to be added to the vehicle without overloading the generator. The capacitor absorbs transient power demands from new loads, allowing the generator to maintain its original sizing while the vehicle gains additional functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage capacitor is pre-charged during periods when generator power exceeds immediate load requirements. This preliminary energy storage allows the system to handle additional loads that may be switched on later without requiring the generator to be continuously oversized, thus enabling increased vehicle functionality with the same power generation capacity.
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 method improves charge balance, increases battery lifetime by reducing charging/discharge cycles, and allows for a reduction in generator and battery size, ensuring consistent power supply while minimizing the need for load switching off.
Implementation Method 1
a storage capacitance for brief furnishing of electrical power on demand
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling the electrical system of a motor vehicle with a generator, a battery to supply the electrical system, at least one load and a storage capacitor for brief supply of electrical power on demand, during which the battery is charged when the generator produces excess electrical power is provided. The load is supplied and the battery and the storage capacitor are charged by the generator in load operation or fuel cutoff. The load is additionally supplied by the battery and/or the storage capacitor when the instantaneous generator power is not sufficient. An instantaneously required electrical load power in load operation or fuel cutoff is recorded the load power is compared with an idle power of the generator, and the storage capacitor is charged by the generator when the idle power of the generator is less than the load power in load operation or fuel cutoff.