Vehicle Voltage Converter Control for High-Power Load Events
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In automotive power systems, sustaining high power demands on active loads for extended durations is challenging due to current limitations in power supplies, leading to potential draining of low-voltage batteries.
Innovation Solution
A controller adjusts the setpoint of a voltage converter to boost the voltage output, thereby reducing current draw and increasing available power for constant power devices without exceeding current limits or requiring additional power supplies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the voltage converter boosts the voltage output to increase power availability for constant power devices, then the current draw on the bus decreases, but the system must carefully manage the setpoint adjustments to avoid exceeding current limits of the power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage converter dynamically adjusts its output voltage setpoint based on real-time detection of load events. When a load event is detected, the controller increases the setpoint from a first level to a second level to boost power availability. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to respond to changing power demands while managing current draw effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control where the controller continuously monitors the bus and detects load events. Based on this feedback, the controller adjusts the voltage setpoint accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that voltage boosting is applied only when necessary, preventing excessive current draw while maintaining adequate power availability for constant power devices.
2Duration of action of moving object
If multiple power supplies are added to sustain high power demands for extended durations, then the battery draining issue is resolved, but the system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding more power supplies, the system changes the operating parameters of the existing voltage converter by adjusting its output voltage setpoint. When high power demand is detected, the controller increases the setpoint to a higher level, enabling the single power supply to deliver sustained high power without draining the battery excessively. This parameter adjustment approach avoids the need for additional hardware.
3Power
If the voltage setpoint is increased to boost power for loads like brushed motors, then the current draw is reduced, but the risk of exceeding power supply current limits increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller applies partial voltage boosting by adjusting the setpoint from a first level to a second level rather than maximizing the voltage increase. This controlled, partial action provides sufficient power for high-torque components like brushed motors while maintaining current draw within safe limits, thus balancing power delivery with reliability.
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 solution effectively boosts power availability for loads like brushed motors and other high-torque components without draining low-voltage batteries, thus enhancing system performance and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A voltage converter can adjust a voltage from a battery to a setpoint
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods to control voltage in a vehicle are provided. The system may include a voltage converter. The voltage converter can adjust a voltage from a battery to a first setpoint. The system can include a processor couple with memory. The processor can detect an event at one or more loads. The processor can adjust the first setpoint to a second point to power the one or more loads.