Vehicle and control method thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a vehicle comprising: a first battery; a second battery; a solar cell; a power distributor configured to transmit power generated by the solar cell to the first battery or to transmit power generated by the solar cell to the second battery; and a controller configured to control the power distributor to transmit power generated by the solar cell to at least one of the first battery and the second battery based on a state of charge (SoC) of the first battery and a SoC of the second battery.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0167565, filed on December 16, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to a vehicle including a solar cell and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0004] Generally, a vehicle refers to a mobile device or a transportation device that travels on a road or route using a power source such as fossil fuels, electricity, etc. For example, a vehicle can travel using power generated by an engine.

[0005] A vehicle may include various electrical devices that protect the driver and provide convenience and enjoyment to the driver. A vehicle may also include a battery to supply power to the electrical devices. A vehicle may also include a generator to supply power to the electrical devices and charge the battery.

[0006] The generator converts the engine's (rotational) kinetic energy into electrical energy. When the generator is running frequently, the vehicle's fuel economy may decrease.

[0007] To improve fuel economy, vehicles have recently been developed that use energy harvesting technologies, including solar power generation, thermoelectric power generation, and vibration power generation, to charge their batteries. For example, solar cells can be mounted on the roof of a vehicle. These solar cells can generate electricity and charge the battery while the vehicle is driving or parked.

[0008] However, with solar power generation, when a vehicle frequently passes through a shadow area such as an underpass or between buildings, the power generation efficiency of the solar cell may decrease, and thus the effect of improving the fuel economy of the vehicle may decrease.

[0009] In addition, when the battery of the vehicle is fully charged, the power conversion efficiency for converting the voltage of the power generated by the solar cell decreases, which also leads to a decrease in the effect of improving the fuel economy of the vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle capable of improving energy collection efficiency through solar cells.

[0011] Additional aspects of the disclosure are set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be understood from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure.

[0012] One aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle, comprising: a first battery; a second battery; a solar cell; a power distributor configured to transmit power generated by the solar cell to the first battery or to transmit power generated by the solar cell to the second battery; and a controller configured to control the power distributor to transmit power generated by the solar cell to at least one of the first battery and the second battery based on a state of charge (SoC) of the first battery and a SoC of the second battery.

[0013] The vehicle may further include: a power conversion device configured to convert a voltage of the power generated by the solar cell.

[0014] When the amount of power generated by the solar cell is greater than or equal to a reference value, the controller may control to supply power to the power conversion device.

[0015] When the vehicle passes through the shadow area, the controller may control to supply power to the power conversion device.

[0016] When the time for which power is supplied to the power conversion device is greater than or equal to a predetermined reference time, the controller may control to stop supplying power to the power conversion device.

[0017] When the vehicle is traveling, the controller may control to transmit the power generated by the solar cell to the first battery.

[0018] When the vehicle is parked and the SoC of the first battery is less than a target SoC, the controller may control to transfer power generated by the solar cell to the first battery.

[0019] When the vehicle is parked, the SoC of the first battery is greater than or equal to the target SoC, and the second battery is chargeable, the controller may control to transfer power generated by the solar cell to the second battery.

[0020] When the vehicle is parked, the SoC of the first battery is greater than or equal to the target SoC, and the second battery is fully charged, the controller may control to transfer power generated by the solar cell to the first battery.

[0021] When the vehicle is parked, the first battery is fully charged, and the second battery is fully charged, the controller may control the power distributor to block connections between the solar cell and the first and second batteries.

[0022] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for controlling a vehicle including a first battery, a second battery, a solar cell, and a power conversion device. The method includes: generating power from the solar cell; converting the voltage of the generated power by the power conversion device; and transmitting the power generated by the solar cell to at least one of the first battery and the second battery based on a system-on-chip (SoC) of the first battery and a system-on-chip (SoC) of the second battery.

[0023] The method may further include supplying power to the power conversion device when the amount of power generated by the solar cell is greater than or equal to a reference value.

[0024] The method may further include supplying electric power to the power conversion device when the vehicle passes through the shadow area.

[0025] The method may further include stopping supplying power to the power conversion device when the time for which power is supplied to the power conversion device is greater than or equal to a predetermined reference time.

[0026] The method may further include transmitting power generated by the solar cell to the first battery when the vehicle is traveling.

[0027] The method may further include transferring power generated by the solar cell to the first battery when the vehicle is parked and the SoC of the first battery is less than a target SoC.

[0028] The method may further include transferring power generated by the solar cell to the second battery when the vehicle is parked, the SoC of the first battery is greater than or equal to the target SoC, and the second battery is chargeable.

[0029] The method may further include transferring power generated by the solar cell to the first battery when the vehicle is parked, the SoC of the first battery is greater than or equal to the target SoC, and the second battery is fully charged.

[0030] The method may further include blocking connections between the solar cell and the first and second batteries when the vehicle is parked and the first and second batteries are fully charged.

[0031] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle, comprising: a first battery; a second battery; a solar cell; a power conversion device configured to convert the voltage of power generated by the solar cell; a power distributor configured to transmit the power generated by the solar cell to the first battery or to transmit the power generated by the solar cell to the second battery; and a controller configured to control the supply of power to the power conversion device when the power generation amount of the solar cell is greater than or equal to a reference value. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] These and / or other aspects of the present disclosure will become more apparent and easier to understand through the following description of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1 shows power management of a vehicle according to an embodiment;

[0034] Figure 2 shows data for power management of a vehicle according to an embodiment;

[0035] Figure 3 illustrates power management operations of a vehicle according to an embodiment;

[0036] Figure 4 shows a battery charging operation of a vehicle according to an embodiment;

[0037] Figure 5 An example of charging a first battery of a vehicle according to an embodiment is shown; and

[0038] Figure 6 An example of charging a second battery of a vehicle according to an embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The following detailed description is provided to help the reader gain a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described herein. Therefore, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described herein are suggested to those skilled in the art. The described progression of processing operations is an example; however, except for operations that must occur in a specific order, the order of operations is not limited to the order set forth herein and may be changed as known in the art. In addition, for the sake of clarity and brevity, the corresponding descriptions of well-known functions and structures may be omitted.

[0040] In addition, embodiments are now described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided to make this disclosure thorough and complete and to fully convey the embodiments to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[0041] It should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0042] It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected to” or “coupled to” another element, the element may be directly connected to or coupled to the other element, or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element, there are no intervening elements.

[0043] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the present disclosure.As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0044] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the like elements throughout.

[0045] The expression "at least one of a, b, and c" is to be understood as meaning only a, only b, only c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or all of a, b, and c.

[0046] Hereinafter, principles and embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] Figure 1 Power management of a vehicle according to an embodiment is shown.

[0048] The vehicle 1 may include a body forming an exterior of the vehicle 1 and accommodating a driver and / or luggage, a chassis including components of the vehicle 1 other than the body, and electrical devices protecting and providing convenience to the driver.

[0049] Reference Figure 1 Vehicle 1 includes an engine management system (EMS) 10, a starter motor 13, an engine 11, a generator 12, a solar cell 40, a power conversion device 50, a first battery 20, a first battery sensor 21, a first electrical load 23, a second battery 30, a second battery sensor 31, a second electrical load 33, and a power management device 100. These electrical devices can communicate with each other via a vehicle communication network (NT). For example, the electrical devices can transmit and receive data via Ethernet, Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST), Flexray, Controller Area Network (CAN), Local Interconnect Network (LIN), etc.

[0050] The engine 11 can generate power using the explosive combustion of fuel or using electricity. The power of the engine 11 can be transmitted to the wheels. In this case, a portion of the rotational force generated by the engine 11 can be provided to the generator 12. The generator 12 can generate electricity from the power of the engine 11. A portion of the electricity generated by the generator 12 can be supplied to the electrical devices of the vehicle 1. The remaining portion of the electricity can be stored in the first battery 20 of the vehicle 1.

[0051] The generator 12 may be directly connected to the power management device 100 or connected to the power management device 100 through a vehicle communication network (NT). The generator 12 may generate electric energy, ie, electricity, in response to a power generation control signal of the power management device 100.

[0052] The starter motor 13 can provide power to the engine 11 in a stationary state to start the engine 11. The starter motor 13 can receive power from the first battery 20. Since the starter motor 13 consumes a large amount of power to start the engine 11, the first battery 20 maintains a state of charge (SoC) equal to or higher than a certain level of SoC (e.g., approximately 30% or more) to operate the starter motor 13.

[0053] The engine management system 10 can control the engine 11 and manage the engine 11 in response to an acceleration command from the driver via the accelerator pedal. For example, the engine management system 10 can perform engine torque control, fuel economy control, and / or engine fault diagnosis. The engine management system 10 can also control the generator 12 that generates electricity from the rotation of the engine 11.

[0054] Solar cells 40 convert light energy into electrical energy. They typically include a PN junction semiconductor structure, where a P-type semiconductor and an N-type semiconductor are joined together. Light energy generates electron-hole pairs in the depletion layer of the PN junction. These electron-hole pairs generate an electromotive force that generates current. In other words, solar cells 40 can generate electricity (voltage and current) from light.

[0055] The power conversion device 50 can convert the voltage of the power generated by the solar cell 40 .

[0056] The output power of the solar cell 40 can vary significantly depending on the amount of sunlight. When there is more sunlight, the output power of the solar cell 40 can increase. When there is less sunlight, the output power of the solar cell 40 can decrease. In this case, the change in the output power of the solar cell 40 includes changes in output voltage and output current. Furthermore, the voltage at which the solar cell 40 outputs maximum power can vary depending on the temperature. Thus, the output voltage of the solar cell 40 can vary depending on the external weather.

[0057] The power conversion device 50 may convert the output voltage of the solar cell 40 , which varies according to external weather, into a predetermined target voltage (eg, 14.5 V).

[0058] The power conversion device 50 includes a DC-DC converter 52 for changing voltage and a conversion power supply 51 for supplying power to the DC-DC converter 52 .

[0059] The DC-DC converter 52 may convert the output voltage of the solar cell 40 into a predetermined target voltage (eg, 14.5 V). For example, the DC-DC converter 52 may output the predetermined target voltage (eg, 14.5 V) by reducing or increasing the output voltage of the solar cell 40 .

[0060] The conversion power supply 51 supplies power to the DC-DC converter 52. The DC-DC converter 52 can reduce or increase the input voltage by, for example, switching operation of a switch. Therefore, the conversion power supply 51 can supply power to perform the switching operation of the DC-DC converter 52.

[0061] The conversion power source 51 can supply the power supplied from the solar cell 40, that is, the power whose voltage is to be converted by the DC-DC converter 52, to the DC-DC converter 52. The conversion power source 51 can also supply the power supplied from the power management device 100 to the DC-DC converter 52. For example, when a sufficient amount of power is supplied from the solar cell 40, the conversion power source 51 can supply the power supplied from the solar cell 40 to the DC-DC converter 52. In addition, when the amount of sunlight is low and the power supplied from the solar cell 40 is insufficient, the conversion power source 51 can supply the power supplied from the power management device 100 to the DC-DC converter 52.

[0062] The first battery 20 can store electrical energy generated by the engine 11 and supply the electrical energy to the first electrical load 23. While the vehicle 1 is traveling, the generator 12 can convert the engine's rotational energy into electrical energy. The first battery 20 can receive and store electrical energy from the generator 12. When the power consumed by the first electrical load 23 exceeds the power generated by the generator 12 while the vehicle 1 is traveling, the first battery 20 can supply power to the first electrical load 23. Furthermore, the first battery 20 can supply power to the first electrical load 23 when the vehicle is parked and the engine 11 is stopped.

[0063] In addition, the first battery 20 may receive electric energy generated by the solar cell 40 through the power management apparatus 100. The first battery 20 may be charged by the electric energy generated by the solar cell 40.

[0064] The first battery sensor 21 may detect the output (output voltage, output current, etc.) of the first battery 20 , and may generate battery data based on the output voltage of the first battery 20 , the output current of the first battery 20 , and the temperature of the first battery 20 .

[0065] For example, the first battery sensor 21 can determine the SoC of the first battery 20 based on the output voltage of the first battery 20, the output current of the first battery 20, and the temperature of the first battery 20. The SoC of the first battery 20 can indicate the level of electrical energy stored in the first battery 20. The SoC value typically ranges from 0% to 100%, and the SoC indicates the charge level of the first battery 20 between a fully discharged state (0%) and a fully charged state (100%). The SoC of the first battery 20 can be calculated based on the open circuit voltage (OCV) of the first battery 20 and the input / output current of the first battery 20.

[0066] In addition, when the engine 11 is started, the first battery sensor 21 determines the internal resistance of the first battery 20 based on the output voltage of the first battery 20 and the output current of the first battery 20. Furthermore, the first battery sensor 21 can determine the state of health (SoH) of the first battery 20 based on the internal resistance of the first battery 20 and the charge / discharge time of the first battery 20. The value of the SoH is generally 0% to 100%, and the SoH represents the degree of aging of the first battery 20 between a completely aged state (0%) and a completely fresh state (100%).

[0067] In this way, the first battery sensor 21 transmits the first battery data including the SoC of the first battery 20 , the SoH of the first battery 20 , and the like to the power management apparatus 100 .

[0068] The first electrical load 23 may be a device that consumes the electric power supplied from the first battery 20 or the generator 12 to enable the vehicle 1 to travel, brake, or steer, or to provide convenience for the driver of the vehicle 1. The first electrical load 23 may include, for example, an engine management system (EMS), a transmission controller (TCU), an electronic brake control module (EBCM), an electric power steering system (MDPS), a body control module (BCM), an audio device, an air conditioning (HVAC) device, a navigation device, power seats, seat heaters, headlights, and the like.

[0069] The second battery 30 can store the electric energy supplied from the first battery 20 and / or the generator 12 via the power management device 100, and supply the electric energy to the second electrical load 33. The power management device 100 can transfer the electric energy of the first battery 20 to the second battery 30. The second battery 30 can receive the electric energy from the power management device 100 and store the received electric energy. When the electric energy consumed by the second electrical load 33 is greater than the electric energy transferred by the power management device 100, the second battery 30 can supply electric energy to the second electrical load 33.

[0070] In addition, the second battery 30 may receive electric energy generated by the solar cell 40 through the power management apparatus 100. The second battery 30 may be charged by the electric energy generated by the solar cell 40.

[0071] The second battery sensor 31 can detect the output (output voltage, output current, etc.) of the second battery 30. The second battery sensor 31 can generate battery data based on the output voltage of the second battery 30, the output current of the second battery 30, and the temperature of the second battery 30. The second battery sensor 31 provides the second battery data including the SoC of the second battery 30, the SoH of the second battery 30, etc. to the power management device 100.

[0072] The second electrical load 33 may be a device that provides convenience to the driver of the vehicle 1 by consuming the power supplied from the second battery 30 or the power management device 100. The second electrical load 33 may include, for example, an audio device, an air conditioning device (HVAC device), a navigation device, a power seat, a seat heater, a headlamp, and the like.

[0073] The power management device 100 can monitor the power status of the vehicle 1 based on the first battery data and the second battery data. Based on the power status of the vehicle 1, the power management device 100 can control the power generation of the generator 12 and the power transfer between the first battery 20 and the second battery 30. For example, the power management device 100 can control the power generation operation of the generator 12 so that the SoC of the first battery 20 remains above a certain level. The power management device 100 can also control the power transfer between the first battery 20 and the second battery 30 so that the SoC of the second battery 30 remains above a certain level.

[0074] For example, the power management device 100 receives the first battery data from the first battery sensor 21 via the vehicle communication network (NT). The power management device 100 transmits a power generation control message for controlling power generation of the generator 12 to the generator 12 via the vehicle communication network (NT). The generator 12 can adjust the generated power in response to the power generation control message.

[0075] In addition, the power management device 100 may receive second battery data from the second battery sensor 31 through the vehicle communication network (NT). Based on the second battery data, the power management device 100 may control power transfer between the first battery 20 and the second battery 30.

[0076] In addition, the power management device 100 can control the power to be transferred from the solar cell 40 to the first battery 20 or to the second battery 30. In other words, the power management device 100 can charge the first battery 20 or the second battery 30 by using the power generated by the solar cell 40.

[0077] The power management device 100 may include a DC-DC converter to allow or block power transmission and convert voltage when the output voltage of the first battery 20 and the output voltage of the second battery 30 are different from each other. For example, when the first battery 20 is a low-voltage battery of 60V or less but not 12V or a high-voltage battery of 400V, and the second battery 30 is a low-voltage battery of 12V, the power management device 100 may convert the power generated by the solar cell 40 to the high voltage of the first battery 20 or the low voltage of the second battery 30.

[0078] The power management device 100 may include a power switch to allow or block power transfer when the output voltage of the first battery 20 and the output voltage of the second battery 30 are approximately the same. For example, when the first battery 20 and the second battery 30 are both approximately 12V batteries, the power management device 100 may transfer power generated by the solar cell 40 to the first battery 20 or transfer power generated by the solar cell 40 to the second battery 30.

[0079] The power management device 100 may include a power distributor 150 , a power supply 140 , a communication device 130 , a storage device 120 , and a controller 110 .

[0080] The power distributor 150 may distribute power generated by the generator 12 and / or the solar cell 40 to the first battery 20 , the first electrical load 23 , the second battery 30 , and the second electrical load 33 .

[0081] The generator 12 may be electrically connected to the first battery 20 and may be selectively connected to the second battery 30 through the power distributor 150. In addition, the solar cell 40 may be selectively connected to the first battery 20 or the second battery 30 through the power distributor 150.

[0082] The power distributor 150 can electrically connect the generator 12 to the second battery 30 or disconnect the generator 12 from the second battery 30 according to the control of the controller 110. In addition, the power distributor 150 can electrically connect the solar cell 40 to the first battery 20 or disconnect the solar cell 40 from the first battery 20 according to the control of the controller 110. The power distributor 150 can also electrically connect the solar cell 40 to the second battery 30 or disconnect the solar cell 40 from the second battery 30.

[0083] The power distributor 150 may include a first switch that allows or blocks electrical connection between the generator 12 / first battery 20 and the solar cell 40 , and a second switch that allows or blocks electrical connection between the second battery 30 and the solar cell 40 .

[0084] The power supply 140 may supply power to the power conversion device 50 according to the control of the controller 110. For example, the power supply 140 may supply power from the first battery 20 or the second battery 30 to the power conversion device 50, or block the power supply to the power conversion device 50.

[0085] The communication device 130 may include a CAN transceiver that receives communication signals from other electrical devices of the vehicle 1 through the vehicle communication network (NT) and transmits communication signals to other electrical devices of the vehicle 1. The communication device 130 may also include a communication controller for controlling the operation of the CAN transceiver.

[0086] The CAN transceiver can receive the first battery data and the second battery data from the first battery sensor 21 and the second battery sensor 31 via the vehicle communication network (NT). The CAN transceiver can provide the first battery data and the second battery data to the controller 110. In addition, the CAN transceiver can receive a power generation control message from the controller 110 via the vehicle communication network (NT) and transmit the power generation control message to the generator 12. The CAN transceiver can also receive a transmission control message from the controller 110 via the vehicle communication network (NT) and transmit the received transmission control message to the engine management system 10.

[0087] In this way, the power management device 100 can communicate with the electrical devices such as the engine management system 10 , the first battery sensor 21 and the second battery sensor 31 through the communication device 130 .

[0088] The storage device 120 may include a storage medium for storing control data for controlling the power management device 100 and a storage controller for controlling storage / deletion / loading of data stored in the storage medium.

[0089] The storage medium may include a semiconductor device drive (solid state drive, SSD), a magnetic disk drive (hard disk drive, HDD), etc., and may store various data for managing the SoC of the first battery 20 and the second battery 30 .

[0090] The memory controller may store data in the storage medium in response to a store signal from the controller 110. The memory controller may output data stored in the storage medium to the controller 110 in response to a load signal of the controller 110.

[0091] The storage device 120 may store the driving state of the vehicle 1, information related to the first battery 20, information related to the second battery 30, and information related to the solar cell 40. For example, the storage device 120 may store Figure 2 The table shown.

[0092] The storage device 120 may store the driving state of the vehicle 1. The driving state of the vehicle 1 may include, for example, driving, stopping, and parking. The driving state of the vehicle 1 may be identified based on the start state of the engine 11 and information received through the communication device 130.

[0093] The storage device 120 may store a target SoC for the first battery 20. The target SoC is a value set to improve fuel economy and represents a target value for charging the first battery 20. The target SoC for the first battery 20 may be, for example, 65% to 95%. The target SoC may be set in advance by the designer of the vehicle 1 or may be set dynamically while the vehicle 1 is traveling.

[0094] The storage device 120 may store information on whether the first battery 20 has been installed. Whether the first battery 20 has been installed may be identified based on the output of the first battery sensor 21.

[0095] The storage device 120 may store information on whether the first battery 20 is chargeable. Whether the first battery 20 is chargeable is identified based on the output of the first battery sensor 21 associated with whether the first battery 20 is fully charged, high temperature, or not installed.

[0096] The storage device 120 may store the type and capacity of the first battery 20. Batteries are classified into lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries, etc., and the capacity of the first battery 20 may indicate the amount of electric energy that can be stored in the first battery 20.

[0097] The storage device 120 may store the SoC of the first battery 20. As described above, the SoC may represent a charge level of the first battery 20 between a fully discharged state (0%) and a fully charged state (100%).

[0098] The storage device 120 may store information on whether the second battery 30 has been mounted, information on whether the second battery 30 is rechargeable, the type / capacity of the second battery 30 , and the SoC of the second battery 30 .

[0099] The storage device 120 can store the power supply limit time of the power conversion device 50 for solar power generation. When the solar cell 40 is shaded, the power management device 100 can temporarily supply power to the power conversion device 50. When the vehicle 1 briefly passes through an underground road, the power conversion device 50 is reset due to the power supply interruption because the solar cell 40 is shaded. To prevent this, the power management device 100 can temporarily supply power to the power conversion device 50. On the other hand, when the vehicle 1 enters the underground parking lot, the power generation of the solar cell 40 stops for a long time. In this case, the power supply to the power conversion device 50 can be stopped to efficiently utilize energy. The power supply limit time represents a limited length of time during which the power management device 100 temporarily supplies power to the power conversion device 50.

[0100] Storage device 120 may store the power supply holding time for solar-generated power conversion device 50. This power supply holding time indicates the time during which power management device 100 temporarily supplies power to power conversion device 50. When the power supply holding time exceeds the power supply limit time, power management device 100 may stop supplying power to power conversion device 50.

[0101] The storage device 120 can store the hourly power generation of the solar cell 40. The hourly power generation indicates the amount of electricity generated per unit time by the solar cell 40. When the hourly power generation of the solar cell 40 is less than the power required to charge the batteries 20 and 30 (for example, the power consumption of the power conversion device), the power management device 100 may not charge the batteries 20 and 30 using the solar cell 40.

[0102] In this way, the storage device 120 can store the driving state of the vehicle 1 , information related to the first battery 20 , information related to the second battery 30 , and information related to the solar cell 40 .

[0103] The controller 110 may include a memory for storing a control program and / or control data for controlling the power management apparatus 100 , and a processor for generating a control signal according to the control program and control data stored in the memory.

[0104] The memory may provide a program and / or data to the processor according to a memory control signal of the processor. For example, the memory may temporarily store communication data received through the communication device 130 and / or data stored in the storage device 120.

[0105] The memory includes volatile memories such as static random access memory (S-RAM), dynamic random access memory (D-RAM), and non-volatile memories such as read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), etc.

[0106] The processor may process data according to a program provided from the memory and generate a control signal based on the processing results. For example, the processor may process communication data received via the communication device 130 and / or data stored in the storage device 120. The processor may output a power generation control signal for controlling the power generation operation of the generator 12.

[0107] The processor may include various logic circuits and operation circuits. The processor and memory may be implemented integrally as a single chip or as separate chips.

[0108] The controller 110 may control the power generation operation of the generator 12 based on the first battery data of the first battery 20. The controller 110 may control the power transmission operation of the power distributor 150 based on the second battery data of the second battery 30.

[0109] The controller 110 may recognize the driving state of the vehicle 1 based on the start state of the engine 11 and information received through the communication device 130. For example, the controller 110 may recognize that the vehicle 1 is driving, stopping, and parking.

[0110] The controller 110 can obtain the power generation amount of the solar cell 40 and determine whether the power generation amount of the solar cell 40 is equal to or greater than the minimum power amount for charging the batteries 20 and 30. When the power generation amount of the solar cell 40 is equal to or greater than the minimum power amount for charging the batteries 20 and 30, the controller 110 can control the power distributor 150 to charge the first battery 20 or the second battery 30 using the solar cell 40.

[0111] When the amount of power generated by the solar cell 40 decreases due to the vehicle 1 passing through a shadow area, the controller 110 may control the power supply 140 to supply power to the power conversion device 50 .

[0112] The controller 110 may select one of the batteries 20 and 30 to be charged using the solar cell 40 based on whether the first battery 20 is chargeable, the SoC of the first battery 20, whether the second battery 30 is chargeable, and the SoC of the second battery 30. In addition, the controller 110 may control the power distributor 150 to charge the selected one of the batteries 20 and 30 using the solar cell 40.

[0113] Hereinafter, the operation of managing the power of the vehicle 1 by the power management apparatus 100 is described in more detail.

[0114] Figure 3 A power management operation of a vehicle according to an embodiment is shown.

[0115] Reference Figure 3 The power management operation (1000) of the vehicle 1 is described.

[0116] The vehicle 1 determines the driving state ( 1010 ).

[0117] The power management device 100 can identify the driving state of the vehicle 1 based on the startup state of the engine 11 and the information received through the communication device 130. In addition, the power management device 100 can identify the driving state of the vehicle 1 based on the data of the item "driving state" in the table stored in the storage device 120. The driving state of the vehicle 1 can include, for example, driving, stopping, and parking.

[0118] The vehicle 1 determines the amount of solar power generation ( 1020 ).

[0119] The power management device 100 can determine whether the solar cell 40 is performing solar power generation while the vehicle 1 is parked. If solar power generation is determined to be performed, the power management device 100 can receive information about the power generation amount of the solar cell 40 from the power conversion device 50 and determine the power generation amount of the solar cell 40. Furthermore, the power management device 100 can determine the power generation amount while the vehicle 1 is traveling based on the data for the item "hourly power generation amount" in the table stored in the storage device 120.

[0120] The vehicle 1 determines whether the solar power generation amount is greater than or equal to the minimum power amount ( 1030 ).

[0121] The power management device 100 can determine whether the amount of power generated by the solar cell 40 is greater than or equal to the minimum amount of power required to charge the batteries 20 and 30. When the amount of power generated by the solar cell 40 is less than the minimum amount of power, the power management device 100 may not use the solar cell 40 to charge the batteries 20 and 30, thereby efficiently utilizing energy.

[0122] When the solar power generation amount is greater than or equal to the minimum power amount, the vehicle 1 supplies power to the power conversion device 50 ( 1040 ).

[0123] The power conversion device 50 can receive power from the solar cell 40, but when the power generation of the solar cell 40 decreases even for a short period of time (for example, when the vehicle passes through a shaded area), the operation of the power conversion device 50 may stop and be reset. To prevent this, the power management device 100 can supply power to the power conversion device 50 from the first battery 20 or the second battery 30 in an auxiliary manner.

[0124] The vehicle 1 selects one of the first battery 20 and the second battery 30 to be charged using the solar cell 40 ( 1050 ).

[0125] The power management device 100 may select one of the first battery 20 and the second battery 30 to be charged using the solar cell 40 based on whether the first battery 20 is chargeable, the SoC of the first battery 20 , whether the second battery 30 is chargeable, and the SoC of the second battery 30 .

[0126] The power management device 100 can determine whether the first battery 20 is chargeable, the SoC of the first battery 20, whether the second battery 30 is chargeable, and the SoC of the second battery 30 based on the first battery data and the second battery data received from the first battery sensor 21 and the second battery sensor 31, respectively. In addition, the power management device 100 can determine whether the first battery 20 and the second battery 30 are chargeable and the SoC based on the data of the items "Whether Chargeable" and "SoC" of the first battery 20 and the items "Whether Chargeable" and "SoC" of the second battery 30 in the table stored in the storage device 120.

[0127] For example, the power management device 100 may select a battery to be charged using the solar cell 40 based on whether the first battery 20 is rechargeable and whether the second battery 30 is rechargeable. When both the first battery 20 and the second battery 30 are rechargeable, the power management device 100 may select one of the first battery 20 and the second battery to be charged using the solar cell 40 based on the SoC of the first battery 20 and the SoC of the second battery 30.

[0128] The vehicle 1 charges the selected one of the batteries 20 and 30 using the solar cell 40 ( 1060 ).

[0129] The power management device 100 can electrically connect the solar cell 40 to a selected one of the batteries 20 and 30. For example, the power management device 100 can control the power distributor 150 to transmit power from the power conversion device 50 connected to the solar cell 40 to the first battery 20, or control the power distributor 150 to transmit power from the power conversion device 50 to the second battery 30.

[0130] Figure 4A battery charging operation of the vehicle 1 according to the embodiment is shown. Figure 5 An example of charging the first battery 20 of the vehicle 1 according to the embodiment is shown. Figure 6 An example of charging the second battery 30 of the vehicle 1 according to the embodiment is shown.

[0131] Reference Figures 4 to 6 The battery charging operation (1100) of the vehicle 1 is described.

[0132] The vehicle 1 determines whether the vehicle 1 is traveling ( 1110 ).

[0133] The power management device 100 can identify the driving state of the vehicle 1 based on the startup state of the engine 11 and the information received via the communication device 130. The power management device 100 can also determine whether the vehicle 1 is driving. In addition, the power management device 100 can identify the driving state of the vehicle 1 based on the data of the item "driving state" in the table stored in the storage device 120.

[0134] When the vehicle 1 is traveling (YES in Operation 1110 ), the vehicle 1 charges the first battery 20 through the solar cell 40 ( 1115 ).

[0135] As described above, major electrical devices such as the engine management system (EMS), transmission controller (TCU), electronic brake control module (EBCM), and electric power steering system (MDPS) that are involved in the travel of the vehicle 1 and consume a large amount of power are connected to the generator 12 and the first battery 20. Therefore, the first battery 20 may be discharged while the generator 12 may be operated. As a result, the fuel economy of the vehicle 1 may be reduced.

[0136] The power management device 100 can supply the power generated by the solar cell 40 to the first battery 20 and the first electrical load 23 to prevent the fuel economy from being reduced during driving. The power management device 100 can control the power distributor 150 so that the power conversion device 50 connected to the solar cell 40 is connected to the first battery 20.

[0137] like Figure 5 As shown, when the power conversion device 50 is connected to the first battery 20 , the first battery 20 can be charged by the solar cell 40 .

[0138] When the vehicle 1 is not traveling (No in Operation 1110 ), the vehicle 1 determines whether the SoC of the first battery 20 is greater than or equal to a target SoC ( 1120 ).

[0139] When the vehicle 1 is not traveling, the vehicle 1 may be determined to be stopped or parked.

[0140] When the vehicle 1 is stopped or parked, the generator 12 does not generate electricity, but a portion of the first electrical load 23 may still consume power from the first battery 20. Therefore, the power management device 100 can manage the SoC of the first battery 20 so that the SoC of the first battery 20 remains greater than or equal to the target SoC to start the vehicle 1.

[0141] The power management device 100 may obtain the SoC of the first battery 20 from the first battery sensor 21 or may determine the SoC of the first battery 20 based on data of the item “SoC” of the first battery 20 in the table stored in the storage device 120 .

[0142] When the SoC of the first battery 20 is not greater than or equal to the target SoC (No in Operation 1120 ), the vehicle 1 charges the first battery 20 using the solar cell 40 ( 1125 ).

[0143] First battery 20 is used to start vehicle 1, and when the SoC of first battery 20 is less than a target SoC, vehicle 1 cannot start. Therefore, power management device 100 can charge first battery 20 using solar cell 40 while vehicle 1 is traveling. Power management device 100 can control power distributor 150 so that power conversion device 50 connected to solar cell 40 is connected to first battery 20.

[0144] like Figure 5 As shown, when the power conversion device 50 is connected to the first battery 20 , the first battery 20 can be charged by the solar cell 40 .

[0145] When the SoC of the first battery 20 is greater than or equal to the target SoC (YES in Operation 1120 ), the vehicle 1 determines whether the second battery 30 is in a fully charged state ( 1130 ).

[0146] When the SoC of the first battery 20 is greater than or equal to the target SoC, the power management apparatus 100 determines whether the second battery 30 is in a fully charged state, and thus determines whether to charge the second battery 30 .

[0147] The power management device 100 can determine whether the second battery 30 is in a fully charged state based on the second battery data received from the second battery sensor 31 or based on the data of the items “Rechargeable” and “SoC” of the second battery 30 in the table stored in the storage device 120 .

[0148] When the second battery 30 is not in a fully charged state (No in Operation 1130 ), the vehicle 1 charges the second battery 30 using the solar cell 40 ( 1135 ).

[0149] When the SoC of the first battery 20 is greater than or equal to the target SoC and the second battery 30 is chargeable, the power management device 100 may charge the second battery 30 using the solar cell 40. The power management device 100 may control the power distributor 150 so that the power conversion device 50 connected to the solar cell 40 is connected to the second battery 30.

[0150] like Figure 6 As shown, when the power conversion device 50 is connected to the second battery 30 , the second battery 30 can be charged by the solar cell 40 .

[0151] When the second battery 30 is in a fully charged state (YES in Operation 1130 ), the vehicle 1 determines whether the first battery 20 is in a fully charged state ( 1140 ).

[0152] When the second battery 30 is not rechargeable, the power management device 100 may determine whether the first battery 20 is in a fully charged state, thereby determining whether to charge the first battery 20 .

[0153] The power management device 100 can determine whether the first battery 20 is in a fully charged state based on the first battery data received from the first battery sensor 21 or based on the data of the items “Rechargeable” and “SoC” of the first battery 20 in the table stored in the storage device 120 .

[0154] When the first battery 20 is not in a fully charged state (No in Operation 1140 ), the vehicle 1 charges the first battery 20 using the solar cell 40 ( 1145 ).

[0155] When the second battery 30 is not rechargeable but the first battery 20 is rechargeable, the power management device 100 can charge the first battery 20 using the solar cell 40. The power management device 100 can control the power distributor 150 so that the power conversion device 50 connected to the solar cell 40 is connected to the first battery 20.

[0156] like Figure 5 As shown, when the power conversion device 50 is connected to the first battery 20 , the first battery 20 can be charged by the solar cell 40 .

[0157] When the first battery 20 is in a fully charged state (YES in Operation 1140 ), the vehicle 1 charges the batteries 20 , 30 without using the solar cell 40 ( 1150 ).

[0158] When both the first battery 20 and the second battery 30 are fully charged, the power management device 100 does not use the solar cell 40 to charge the batteries 20 and 30 to prevent overcharging of the batteries 20 and 30. The power management device 100 can control the power distributor 150 to disconnect the power conversion device 50 from both the first battery 20 and the second battery 30. In addition, the power management device 100 can control the power supply 140 to stop supplying power to the power conversion device 50.

[0159] As is apparent from the above, it is possible to provide a vehicle capable of improving energy collection efficiency through solar cells.

[0160] The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above. In the above embodiments, some components may be implemented as "modules". The term "module" refers to, but is not limited to, software and / or hardware components such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) that perform certain tasks. The modules may advantageously be configured to reside on an addressable storage medium and to run on one or more processors.

[0161] Thus, by way of example, modules may include components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, procedures, functions, properties, processes, subroutines, program code segments, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. The operations provided in the components and modules may be combined into fewer components and modules, or further separated into other components and modules. In addition, the components and modules may be implemented so that they run on one or more CPUs in a device.

[0162] Therefore, in addition to the above-described embodiments, the embodiments may be implemented by computer-readable code / instructions in / on a medium such as a computer-readable medium to control at least one processing element to implement any of the above-described embodiments. The medium may correspond to any medium that allows the storage and / or transmission of computer-readable code.

[0163] The computer readable code may be recorded on a medium or transmitted via the Internet. The medium may include a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, and an optical recording medium. Furthermore, the medium may be a non-transitory computer readable medium. The medium may also be a distributed network, thereby storing or transmitting and executing the computer readable code in a distributed manner. Furthermore, by way of example only, the processing element may include at least one processor or at least one computer processor, and the processing element may be distributed and / or included in a single device.

[0164] While embodiments have been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments can be devised which do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the scope should be limited only by the claims appended hereto.

[0165] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure are described for illustrative purposes, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications, additions and substitutions may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not described for limiting purposes.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising: First battery; Second battery; Solar cells; a power conversion device for converting the voltage of the power generated by the solar cell; a power supply configured to supply power from the first battery or the second battery to the power conversion device or to block the power supply to the power conversion device; a power distributor for transmitting the power generated by the solar cell to the first battery or transmitting the power generated by the solar cell to the second battery; as well as a controller that controls the power distributor to transmit the power generated by the solar cell to at least one of the first battery and the second battery based on the state of charge (SoC) of the first battery and the SoC of the second battery, In which, when the power supply holding time is greater than the power supply limit time, the controller controls the power supply to stop supplying power to the power conversion device, the power supply holding time indicates the time during which the power supply temporarily supplies power to the power conversion device, and the power supply limit time indicates the limited length of time during which the power supply temporarily supplies power to the power conversion device.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein The controller controls to supply electric power to the power conversion device when the amount of electric power generated by the solar cell is greater than or equal to a reference value.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: When the vehicle passes through a shadow area, the controller controls to supply electric power to the power conversion device.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein When the vehicle is traveling, the controller controls to transmit the power generated by the solar cell to the first battery.

5. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein When the vehicle is parked and the SoC of the first battery is less than a target SoC, the controller controls to transfer power generated by the solar cell to the first battery.

6. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein When the vehicle is parked, the SoC of the first battery is greater than or equal to a target SoC, and the second battery is chargeable, the controller controls to transfer power generated by the solar cell to the second battery.

7. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein When the vehicle is parked, the SoC of the first battery is greater than or equal to a target SoC, and the second battery is fully charged, the controller controls to transfer power generated by the solar cell to the first battery.

8. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein When the vehicle is parked, the first battery is fully charged, and the second battery is fully charged, the controller controls the power distributor to block connections between the solar cell and the first battery and the second battery.

9. A method for controlling a vehicle, the vehicle comprising a first battery, a second battery, a solar cell, a power conversion device, and a power supply, the method comprising: The solar cell generates electricity; The power conversion device converts the voltage of the generated power; as well as transmitting the power generated by the solar cell to at least one of the first battery and the second battery based on the state of charge (SoC) of the first battery and the SoC of the second battery, In which, when the power supply holding time is greater than the power supply limit time, the power supply stops supplying power to the power conversion device, the power supply holding time indicates the time during which the power supply temporarily supplies power to the power conversion device, and the power supply limit time indicates the limited length of time during which the power supply temporarily supplies power to the power conversion device.

10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: When the amount of power generated by the solar cell is greater than or equal to a reference value, power is supplied to the power conversion device.

11. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: When the vehicle passes through a shadow area, electric power is supplied to the power conversion device.

12. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: When the vehicle is running, the power generated by the solar cell is transmitted to the first battery.

13. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: When the vehicle is parked and the SoC of the first battery is less than a target SoC, the power generated by the solar cell is transferred to the first battery.

14. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: When the vehicle is parked, the SoC of the first battery is greater than or equal to a target SoC, and the second battery is chargeable, the power generated by the solar cell is transferred to the second battery.

15. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: When the vehicle is parked, the SoC of the first battery is greater than or equal to a target SoC, and the second battery is fully charged, the power generated by the solar cell is transferred to the first battery.

16. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: When the vehicle is parked and the first battery and the second battery are fully charged, connections between the solar cell and the first battery and the second battery are blocked.

17. A vehicle comprising: First battery; Second battery; Solar cells; a power conversion device for converting the voltage of the power generated by the solar cell; a power supply configured to supply power from the first battery or the second battery to the power conversion device or to block the power supply to the power conversion device; a power distributor for transmitting the power generated by the solar cell to the first battery or transmitting the power generated by the solar cell to the second battery; as well as a controller configured to control the power conversion device to supply power when the amount of power generated by the solar cell is greater than or equal to a reference value, In which, when the power supply holding time is greater than the power supply limit time, the controller controls the power supply to stop supplying power to the power conversion device, the power supply holding time indicates the time during which the power supply temporarily supplies power to the power conversion device, and the power supply limit time indicates the limited length of time during which the power supply temporarily supplies power to the power conversion device.

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