Vehicular Battery External Power Transfer via DC-DC Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard hybrid vehicles lack a means for external energy transfer and monitoring of electrical energy generated during operation, which complicates charging auxiliary batteries and powering external devices without interfering with the vehicle's electronic control unit.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular battery system that includes a high-voltage battery, a quick disconnect, a fuse, a diode, an intelligent charge controller, and a DC-AC inverter, allowing for safe and efficient transfer of energy to an auxiliary battery, which can power external devices without communicating with the vehicle's ECU, and is remotely controlled through a user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If an external battery is connected to an electrically-driven vehicle to store generated electrical energy, then energy storage capability is improved, but the connection may interfere with the vehicle's electronic control unit and affect vehicle operation
Solution Approach 1:
A DC-DC converter is introduced as an intermediary device between the external battery and the vehicle's electrical system. The converter isolates the external battery connection from the vehicle's ECU and electrical architecture, allowing energy transfer while preventing interference with vehicle control systems. The converter acts as a buffer that manages current flow and electrical signals separately from the vehicle's native control networks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standard hybrid vehicles are used without external connection means, then vehicle simplicity is maintained, but external energy transfer and auxiliary battery charging are not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The external battery system is designed as a separate, modular unit that can be independently connected to or disconnected from the vehicle. The DC-DC converter and external battery form an independent subsystem that interfaces with the vehicle through dedicated connection points, allowing the vehicle's core systems to remain unchanged while adding external energy storage capability.
3Reliability
If external battery connection is made without quick disconnect mechanism, then connection reliability is improved, but connection and disconnection time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The quick disconnect mechanism is pre-configured with alignment features, interlocking components, and built-in electrical contacts that automatically engage when connected. The connection design includes pre-positioned terminals and guide structures that ensure proper alignment and secure attachment in a single motion, eliminating the need for manual wiring or complex fastening procedures.
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 seamless energy transfer from a hybrid vehicle to an auxiliary battery, allowing for efficient charging and powering of external devices without affecting the vehicle's operation, with remote control capabilities for user convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a diode, an intelligent charge controller
Implementation Method 2
a DC-AC inverter
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method of powering an external device with a vehicular battery system allow a user to charge electrically-powered devices with the electrical power source of his or her vehicle. The system includes an electrically-driven vehicle which includes a high-voltage battery. The system further includes a power modifier, an auxiliary battery, at least one external device, at least one on/off relay, and a user controller. The power modifier modifies the high-voltage DC drawn from the high-voltage battery to safely charge the auxiliary battery. The auxiliary battery stores electrical power. The external device may be any electrically-powered device. The on/off relay allows a user to turn the system on or off when desired. The user controller is communicably coupled to the on/off relay through a relay wireless communication module. The user controller allows a user to remotely operate the on/off relay and, thus, remotely turn the system on or off.