Software-based vehicle dynamic power management system

A Power Management System is currently being researched and developed at the Centre for Automotive Research based at Waterford Institute of Technology, Ireland, to monitor, control and reduce the electronic power consumption of the 12/14V and 36/42V systems in modern and future vehicles. Over the last 40 years the growth in electronic power consumption in vehicles has risen due to customers' demands for built-in safety features such as Air Bags, ABS and Traction Control, and also comfort and convenience features such as Air Conditioning, Heated Seats and Navigation Systems. Now the introduction of new electronic systems such as X-By-Wire, stricter regulations for fuel emissions, as well as an increased demand for fuel economy, are stretching the capabilities of the current electrical system. Automotive manufacturers are trying to solve this problem in several ways, such as the introduction of 36/42V systems, the introduction of new power sources and the use of MOSFETs. However, these are mostly component-level solutions, and further power savings can be achieved by taking a system-level approach to power management. This paper describes an intelligent algorithm based on a Master Node that monitors and controls all other nodes (the Slave Nodes) across all networks in the vehicle. This intelligent algorithm will be built on a supply and demand model; the battery and alternator will act as the supply, and all power-consuming Slave Nodes will act as the demand for this model. In addition to the supply and demand model, the intelligent algorithm will incorporate a priority system based on the source of the demand and the vehicle conditions at the time. Benefits of the Power Management System are The consumption of less electrical power resulting in less fuel consumption and less emissions Advanced system-level diagnostics of electrical power systems Consumer advantages such as reducing or even eliminating the causes leading to a dead battery The design and implementation of the prototype Power Management System and some test results are described.