US 8,941,264 B2Granted

Apparatus for bi-directional power switching in low voltage vehicle power distribution systems

AssigneeBAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.

InventorsMichael K. Scruggs, Serdar T. Sozusen

Life of this patent

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Abstract

A plurality of modules each including at least a pair of series connected power MOSFETs are configured between a plurality of DC voltage sources, and a plurality output terminals for connection to respective loads, are controlled for selectively applying power to the loads via time delay switching incorporating forward biased intrinsic diodes of the MOSFETs in a given current path during initial application of power to a load, whereby a predetermined period of time after turning on one of the series connected MOSFETs, the associated other MOSFET is turned on to shunt its intrinsic diode for reducing the resistance in the current path to maximize current flow. The configuration of the plurality of power MOSFETs is also controlled for selectively providing bi-directional current flow between said plurality of DC voltage sources.

Claims16

Dependent claims

A low voltage high current DC power distribution system comprising:

a first DC voltage source being a primary battery;
a second DC voltage source being a secondary battery;
switching means connected between said primary and secondary batteries;
controller means operable in a first mode in response to said primary battery voltage level being greater then said secondary battery voltage level, for controlling said switching means to allow said primary battery to charge said secondary battery;
said controller means being operable in a second mode in response to said secondary battery voltage level being greater than said primary voltage level, for controlling said switching means to allow said secondary battery to charge said primary battery;
and
said controller means being further operable to control the timing of said switching means in said first and second modes to prevent inrush current from flowing into the one of said primary battery and secondary battery being charged.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 13/134,901Filed 20 Jun 2011
Published: US 2012/0319483 A120 Dec 2012
Granted: 27 Jan 2015
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification9 codes

H02J 1/10
Circuit arrangements for DC mains or DC distribution networks: parallel operation of DC sources
B60R 16/033
For supply of electrical power to vehicle subsystems or for: characterised by the use of electrical cells or batteries
H02J 1/108
Parallel operation of DC sources: having arrangements for blocking reverse current flow, e.g. using diodes
H02J 7/34
Circuit arrangements for charging or discharging batteries or for supplying loads from batteries: parallel operation in networks using both…