Solar charging method, charging controller, solar charging device and vehicle

Abstract

The application provides a solar charging method, a charging controller, a solar charging device and a vehicle. The charging controller monitors power supply information of the solar charging device. If the charging controller is connected with a vehicle-mounted charger and the power supply information indicates that the electric energy output by the solar charging device is less than a preset electric energy threshold, the vehicle-mounted charger is used to deliver AC electric energy to a battery pack of the vehicle. If the charging controller is connected with the battery pack and the power supply information indicates that the electric energy output by the solar charging device is not less than the electric energy threshold, DC electric energy is delivered to the battery pack. The charging controller determines the charging mode of the battery pack according to the power supply information, the connection of the charging controller with the vehicle-mounted charger and the connection of the charging controller with the battery pack of the vehicle. The solar charging device can provide two charging modes of outputting AC electric energy and DC electric energy, and does not need to be divided into two charging devices, thereby greatly reducing the space occupation and the cost of the charging device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle technology, and more particularly to solar charging methods, charging controllers, solar charging devices, and vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Electric vehicles are a new type of green and environmentally friendly mode of transportation, and their energy-saving and emission-reduction advantages are gradually being accepted by people. Their rapid development has driven the widespread application of supporting charging infrastructure. Currently, my country's solar photovoltaic power generation has begun to show results. Charging electric vehicles with clean photovoltaic power through charging piles can reduce the capacity of thermal power plants, thereby reducing energy consumption and environmental pollution. Charging piles are generally divided into DC charging piles and AC charging piles, and these two types of charging piles have different charging efficiencies. Users will choose different charging piles for their electric vehicles under different circumstances. Therefore, both AC and DC charging piles need to be installed, which undoubtedly occupies a large amount of space and increases the cost of charging piles. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a solar charging method, a charging controller, a solar charging device, and a vehicle, which reduces the space occupied by the charging pile and lowers the cost of the charging pile.

[0004] According to a first aspect of this application, a solar charging method is provided, the method being applied to a charging controller; the method includes:

[0005] After the charging controller is connected to the solar charging device, the power supply information of the solar charging device is monitored;

[0006] If the charging controller is connected to the vehicle's on-board charger, and the power supply information indicates that the electrical energy output by the solar charging device is less than a preset electrical energy threshold, the AC power output by the charging controller is supplied to the vehicle's battery pack through the on-board charger.

[0007] If the charging controller is connected to the battery pack, and the power supply information indicates that the electrical energy output by the solar charging device is not less than the electrical energy threshold, the DC power output by the charging controller is supplied to the battery pack.

[0008] In some examples, the solar charging device is used to charge at least one vehicle; the condition that the AC power output by the charging controller is supplied to the vehicle's battery pack via the on-board charger further includes:

[0009] The number of vehicles waiting to be charged is greater than a preset threshold; and / or the vehicles waiting to be charged have first charging privileges.

[0010] The conditions for supplying the DC power output by the charging controller to the battery pack also include:

[0011] The number of vehicles waiting to be charged is less than a preset threshold; and / or the vehicles waiting to be charged have a second charging permission.

[0012] In some examples, the charging controller is connected to the on-board charger via a detachable first conductive component; or

[0013] The charging controller is installed on the vehicle and is fixedly connected to the on-board charger.

[0014] In some examples, the charging controller is connected to the vehicle's on-board charger, as determined by the following:

[0015] The on-board charger determines that the charging controller is connected to the vehicle's on-board charger based on the received first detection signal;

[0016] The first detection signal is sent by the first communication module of the first conductive component; or by the first pin of the output port of the charging controller.

[0017] In some examples, the charging controller is connected to the battery pack via a detachable second conductive component; or

[0018] The charging controller is installed on the vehicle and is fixedly connected to the battery pack.

[0019] In some examples, the vehicle includes a battery management system; the charging controller is connected to the battery pack and is determined in the following manner:

[0020] The battery management system determines that the charging controller is connected to the battery pack based on the received second detection signal;

[0021] The second detection signal is sent by the second communication module of the second conductive component; or by the second pin of the output port of the charging controller.

[0022] According to a second aspect of this application, a charging controller is provided, the charging controller comprising:

[0023] processor;

[0024] Memory used to store processor-executable instructions;

[0025] Wherein, when the processor invokes the executable instructions, it implements the operation of any of the methods described in the first aspect above.

[0026] According to a third aspect of this application, a solar charging device is provided, the solar charging device comprising:

[0027] Solar photovoltaic modules;

[0028] And a charging controller as described in the second aspect above; the charging controller is connected to the solar photovoltaic module.

[0029] According to a fourth aspect of this application, a vehicle is provided, the vehicle comprising:

[0030] Body;

[0031] Powertrain components for driving the vehicle's movement;

[0032] On-board charger;

[0033] A battery pack is used to provide electrical energy to the power unit; the battery pack is connected to the on-board charger.

[0034] And a charging controller as described in the second aspect above; the charging controller is connected to the on-board charger and the battery pack respectively.

[0035] According to a fifth aspect of this application, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method as described in any of the first aspects above.

[0036] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application may include the following beneficial effects:

[0037] This application provides a solar charging method, a charging controller, a solar charging device, and a vehicle. After the charging controller is connected to the solar charging device, it can monitor the power supply information of the solar charging device. If the charging controller is connected to the on-board charger, and the power supply information indicates that the electrical energy output by the solar charging device is less than a preset electrical energy threshold, then AC power is supplied to the vehicle's battery pack through the on-board charger, i.e., the vehicle is charged via AC charging. If the charging controller is connected to the battery pack, and the power supply information indicates that the electrical energy output by the solar charging device is not less than the electrical energy threshold, then DC power is supplied to the battery pack, i.e., the vehicle is charged via DC charging. It is evident that by determining the charging method for the battery pack based on the power supply information, the connection status between the charging controller and the on-board charger, and the connection status between the charging controller and the vehicle's battery pack, the solar charging device can provide both AC and DC power outputs, eliminating the need for two separate charging devices. This significantly reduces space occupation and lowers the cost of the charging device.

[0038] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0039] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference and form part of the embodiments thereof, illustrate embodiments consistent with those described herein and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of those embodiments.

[0040] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of a solar charging system according to an embodiment of this application.

[0041] Figure 1B This is a schematic diagram of a solar charging system according to another embodiment of this application.

[0042] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a solar charging method according to an embodiment of this application.

[0043] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a solar charging system according to another embodiment of this application.

[0044] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a solar charging system according to another embodiment of this application.

[0045] Figure 5A This is a schematic diagram of a solar charging system according to another embodiment of this application.

[0046] Figure 5B This is a schematic diagram of a solar charging system according to another embodiment of this application.

[0047] Figure 5C This is a schematic diagram of a solar charging system according to another embodiment of this application.

[0048] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle according to one embodiment of this application.

[0049] Figure 7 This is a hardware structure diagram of a charging controller according to an embodiment of this application.

[0050] Figure 8 This is a structural block diagram of a solar charging device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0051] Figure 9 This is a structural block diagram of a vehicle according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0052] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with those described in this specification. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of the embodiments described in this specification as detailed in the appended claims.

[0053] The terminology used in the embodiments of this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the embodiments of this specification. The singular forms “a,” “described,” and “the” as used in the embodiments of this specification and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0054] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used to describe various information in the embodiments of this specification, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, first information may also be referred to as second information without departing from the scope of the embodiments of this specification, and similarly, second information may also be referred to as first information. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "when," "when," or "in response to a determination."

[0055] Electric vehicles are a new type of green and environmentally friendly mode of transportation, and their advantages in energy conservation and emission reduction are gradually being accepted by people. Their rapid development has driven the widespread application of supporting charging facilities. At present, my country's solar photovoltaic power generation has begun to show results. Charging electric vehicles with clean photovoltaic power through charging piles can reduce the capacity of thermal power plants, thereby reducing energy consumption and environmental pollution.

[0056] Charging stations are generally divided into DC charging stations and AC charging stations. DC charging stations charge vehicles using direct current (DC), while AC charging stations charge vehicles using alternating current (AC). AC charging has lower power and requires a longer charging time, but it causes less wear and tear on the battery. Therefore, AC charging is often referred to as slow charging. DC charging, on the other hand, has higher charging power and charges faster, but it also causes greater wear and tear on the battery. Therefore, DC charging is often referred to as fast charging. Users will choose different charging stations for their electric vehicles under different circumstances. Therefore, both AC and DC charging stations are needed, which undoubtedly occupies more space and increases the cost of charging stations.

[0057] Therefore, this application proposes a solar charging method for use in a charging controller. For example... Figures 1A-1B The solar charging system 100 shown includes a solar charging device 110, a charging controller 120, and a vehicle 130. The charging controller 120 can be connected to both the solar charging device 110 and the vehicle 130. These connections can include communication connections and / or connections for transmitting electrical energy. Communication connections include wired and wireless connections; for example, wired connections can include CAN (Controller Area Network) communication connections. Connections for transmitting electrical energy include wired connections, such as hardwired connections. The connections between the charging controller 120 and the solar charging device 110 and the vehicle 130 can be fixed or detachable. The connections of the aforementioned devices will be discussed in detail below.

[0058] The solar charging device 110 can be a solar charging pile used to charge vehicles. The solar charging device 110 can be installed in public areas, such as roadsides and parking lots; it can also be installed on the exterior of buildings, such as exterior walls and rooftops; and it can also be installed on the exterior of vehicles, such as on the roof. In some examples, such as... Figure 1A As shown, the solar charging device 110 may include a photovoltaic module 111. The photovoltaic module 111 is used to convert solar energy into direct current (DC) electricity. The charging controller 120 is connected to the solar charging device 110 and may include a connection between the charging controller 120 and the photovoltaic module 111 for transmitting electrical energy.

[0059] In other examples, such as Figure 1B As shown, the solar charging device 110 may include a photovoltaic module 111, a battery 112, and a solar controller (Controller of Photovoltaic Power Systems) 113. The battery 112 stores the electrical energy converted by the photovoltaic module 111 and releases the energy when needed. The solar controller 113 controls the charging and discharging of the battery 112. For example, the solar controller 113 may be an MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) controller. The charging controller 120 is connected to the solar charging device 110 and may include a communication connection and a connection for transmitting electrical energy between the charging controller 120 and the solar controller 113.

[0060] The charging controller 120 can be a solar controller, for example, an MPPT controller. The charging controller can be mounted on the solar charging device 110 or on the vehicle 130. The mounting method of the charging controller will be discussed below.

[0061] Vehicle 130 can be an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. For example... Figures 1A-1B As shown, vehicle 130 includes an on-board charger (OBC) 131 and a battery pack 132. A connection for transmitting electrical energy is provided between the on-board charger 131 and the battery pack 132. The on-board charger 131 is used to automatically charge the battery pack 132 in a safe state. The battery pack includes one or more batteries for providing electrical energy to the vehicle's power components. The charging controller 120 is connected to vehicle 130 and may include connections to the solar charging device 110, the on-board charger 131, and the battery pack 132.

[0062] This application provides a solar charging method, including as follows: Figure 2 The steps shown are as follows:

[0063] Step 210: After the charging controller is connected to the solar charging device, monitor the power supply information of the solar charging device;

[0064] Step 220: If the charging controller is connected to the vehicle's on-board charger, and the power supply information indicates that the electrical energy output by the solar charging device is less than a preset electrical energy threshold, the AC power output by the charging controller is supplied to the vehicle's battery pack through the on-board charger.

[0065] Step 230: If the charging controller is connected to the battery pack, and the power supply information indicates that the electrical energy output by the solar charging device is not less than the electrical energy threshold, the DC power output by the charging controller is supplied to the battery pack.

[0066] The monitoring of power supply information by the charging controller may include acquiring power supply information of the solar charging device according to a preset cycle.

[0067] The power supply information of a solar charging device may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: output current, output voltage, output power, and stored energy. The charging controller may have pre-stored energy thresholds.

[0068] For example, such as Figure 1A As shown, when the charging controller 120 is connected to the photovoltaic module 111, the charging controller 120 can determine the output current and / or output voltage of the photovoltaic module 111 based on the received current. The charging controller 120 can also determine the output power of the photovoltaic module 111 based on the output current and output voltage.

[0069] For example, such as Figure 1BAs shown, when the charging controller 120 is connected to the solar controller 113, the electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic module 111 and / or the electrical energy stored in the battery 112 is transmitted to the charging controller 120 through the solar controller 113. Thus, the charging controller 120 can determine one or more of the output current, output voltage, and output power of the solar charging device 110 based on the received current. A communication connection is also established between the charging controller 120 and the solar controller 113, allowing the charging controller 120 to also acquire one or more of the output current, output voltage, output power, and stored energy of the solar charging device 110 based on this communication connection.

[0070] If the power supply information includes output current, the energy threshold may include a current threshold; if the power supply information includes output voltage, the energy threshold may include a voltage threshold; if the power supply information includes output power, the energy threshold may include a power threshold; if the power supply information includes stored energy, the energy threshold may include a stored energy threshold.

[0071] The connection between the charging controller and the on-board charger includes at least a connection for transmitting electrical energy, and may also include a communication connection. The charging controller can convert the DC power output from the solar charging device into 220V AC power and supply it to the on-board charger. Subsequently, the on-board charger can convert the 220V AC power back into DC power and supply it to the battery pack for charging. This charging method is called AC charging.

[0072] The connection between the charge controller and the battery pack includes the connection for transmitting electrical energy. The charge controller can boost the DC power output from the solar charging device to 800V DC power and deliver it to the battery pack for charging. This charging method is called DC charging.

[0073] This application provides a solar charging method. After the charging controller is connected to the solar charging device, the charging controller can monitor the power supply information of the solar charging device. If the charging controller is connected to the on-board charger, and the power supply information indicates that the electrical energy output by the solar charging device is less than a preset electrical energy threshold, then AC power is supplied to the vehicle's battery pack through the on-board charger, i.e., the vehicle is charged via AC charging. If the charging controller is connected to the battery pack, and the power supply information indicates that the electrical energy output by the solar charging device is not less than the electrical energy threshold, then DC power is supplied to the battery pack, i.e., the vehicle is charged via DC charging. It is evident that by determining the charging method for the battery pack based on the power supply information, the connection status between the charging controller and the on-board charger, and the connection status between the charging controller and the vehicle's battery pack, the solar charging device can provide both AC and DC power outputs, eliminating the need for two separate charging devices. This significantly reduces space occupation and lowers the cost of the charging device.

[0074] As shown above, the charging controller determines the charging method for the battery pack based on power supply information, the connection status between the charging controller and the on-board charger, and the connection status between the charging controller and the vehicle's battery pack. In some embodiments, the charging controller can output charging method prompts based on the power supply information.

[0075] As an example, if the power supply information indicates that the solar charging device outputs less than a power threshold, the charging controller can output a prompt message indicating that AC charging is currently the most suitable method for charging the vehicle. For instance, the charging controller can be equipped with at least one indicator light to indicate the charging method. This indicator light can display different colors to indicate different charging methods; for example, the charging controller could illuminate a yellow indicator light to indicate AC charging.

[0076] As an example, if the power supply information indicates that the solar charging device outputs electrical energy that is not less than the electrical energy threshold, the charging controller can output a prompt message indicating the DC charging mode to remind the user that the solar charging device is currently using DC charging to charge the vehicle. For example, the charging controller can be equipped with at least one indicator light to indicate the charging mode. The at least one indicator light can indicate different charging modes by displaying different colors. For example, the charging controller can light up a green indicator light to indicate the DC charging mode.

[0077] Of course, the charging controller can also provide other prompts indicating the charging method, such as text or voice. These will not be listed here.

[0078] Solar charging devices can charge vehicles using electricity generated by photovoltaic modules or stored energy in batteries. However, when sunlight intensity is insufficient or the battery's stored energy is insufficient, the solar charging device cannot charge the vehicle. Therefore, in some embodiments, the charging controller can pre-store a charging threshold, which is lower than the aforementioned energy threshold. The charging threshold is used to determine whether the solar charging device can charge the vehicle. If the power supply information indicates that the solar charging device outputs less energy than the charging threshold, it means that the solar charging device cannot provide enough energy to charge the vehicle. In this case, the charging controller can generate a charging failure message to remind the user to use another charging device to charge the vehicle. As an example, the charging controller can be equipped with at least one indicator light to indicate the charging method. The indicator light can display different colors to indicate different charging methods; for example, the charging controller can illuminate a red indicator light to indicate that the solar charging device is currently unable to charge the vehicle.

[0079] In some embodiments, after the charging controller is connected to the solar charging device, if it is detected that the charging controller is not connected to the on-board charger, and / or the charging controller is not connected to the battery pack, a connection prompt message is output. The output of the connection prompt can take various forms. For example, the charging controller can be equipped with a connection indicator light. When the indicator light is on, it indicates that the device is connected; otherwise, it indicates that the device is not connected. Another example is that the charging controller can communicate with the vehicle or a user terminal. When the aforementioned devices are not connected, the charging controller can send a prompt message to the vehicle or user terminal. Of course, the output form of the prompt message is not limited to the two forms mentioned above, and those skilled in the art can select other output forms according to actual needs.

[0080] In some embodiments, the solar charging device can charge at least one vehicle. Thus, the charging method for each vehicle can be determined based on the number of vehicles to be charged and / or the charging privileges of each vehicle.

[0081] For example, if the number of vehicles to be charged is greater than a preset threshold, that is, if the solar charging device charges more vehicles at the same time, the solar charging device needs to output more electrical energy. Therefore, it is possible to limit each vehicle to be charged to use AC charging, that is, the charging controller delivers AC power to the vehicle's battery pack through the on-board charger.

[0082] For example, if the number of vehicles to be charged is less than a preset threshold, that is, if the solar charging device charges fewer vehicles at the same time, the solar charging device can still support a certain number of vehicles to be charged using DC charging. Therefore, the charging controller can supply DC power to the battery pack.

[0083] Those skilled in the art can set the above-mentioned quantity thresholds according to actual needs, for example, based on the charging capacity and / or stored power of the solar charging device.

[0084] In addition, the charging method for each vehicle can be determined based on its charging permissions.

[0085] For example, if the vehicle to be charged has first charging permission, it is charged using AC charging, meaning the charging controller delivers AC power to the vehicle's battery pack via the onboard charger. If the vehicle to be charged has second charging permission, it is charged using DC charging, meaning the charging controller delivers DC power to the battery pack.

[0086] For example, the first charging permission may include the right to use AC charging; the second charging permission may include the right to use both DC charging and AC charging. That is, when the vehicle to be charged has the right to use both DC charging and AC charging, DC charging will be used first.

[0087] For example, the second charging permission could include priority access to DC charging. When a solar charging system is charging multiple vehicles simultaneously, vehicles with the second charging permission can use DC charging before other vehicles without it.

[0088] Regarding the connection method between the charging controller and the on-board charger, in some embodiments, the charging controller can be connected to the on-board charger via a detachable first conductive component. The detachable first conductive component includes at least two connection ports, at least a portion of which are detachably connected to the corresponding device. For example, the first conductive component may include two connection ports, one of which is detachably connected to the corresponding device, and the other is fixedly connected; or both connection ports may be detachably connected to the corresponding device. As an example, the first conductive component may be a portable AC charging gun. This portable AC charging gun may be a separate charging gun independent of the charging controller and the on-board charger. In other embodiments, the charging controller may be mounted on the vehicle and fixedly connected to the on-board charger. As an example, the charging controller may be fixedly connected to the on-board charger via a hard wire to deliver electrical energy.

[0089] When charging a vehicle via AC charging, charging will only begin if the charging controller and the on-board charger are connected. Thus, the on-board charger can determine the connection between the charging controller and the on-board charger based on a received first detection signal. This first detection signal characterizes the connection status between the charging controller and the on-board charger. For example, the first detection signal may include a CC (Connection Confirm) signal and / or a CP (Control Pilot) signal. In this embodiment, a communication connection and a power transmission connection are established between the charging controller and the on-board charger. The communication connection is used to transmit the aforementioned first detection signal.

[0090] In some embodiments, when the charging controller and the on-board charger are detachably connected, i.e., the charging controller is connected to the on-board charger via a detachable first conductive component, the first detection signal can be generated by a first detection signal circuit in the first conductive component. For example, the first conductive component may include a CC circuit for generating a CC signal and / or a CP circuit for generating a CP signal. The first conductive component may also include a first communication module, through which the first detection signal generated by the first detection signal circuit can be transmitted to the on-board charger. Of course, the first conductive component may also include a hardwire for transmitting AC power output from the charging controller to the on-board charger.

[0091] In other embodiments, when the charging controller is fixedly connected to the on-board charger, the charging controller may include a first detection signal circuit for generating a first detection signal. Simultaneously, the output port of the charging controller may also include a first pin for transmitting the first detection signal. For example, the charging controller may include a CC pin and a CP pin. Thus, the first detection signal can be sent to the charging controller via the first pin.

[0092] like Figure 3 As shown, vehicle 130 also includes a Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) 133 and a Battery Management System (BMS) 134. The VCU 133 is the central control unit of the vehicle and the core of the vehicle control system. The VCU 133 is responsible for network management, driving intent analysis, power management, energy management, and charging control of vehicle 130. For example, the VCU 133 can be an LDCU (Left Domain Control Unit). The BMS 134 dynamically monitors the operating status of the battery pack 132 to ensure its normal operation and prevent overcharging and over-discharging. The VCU 133 can communicate with both the on-board charger 131 and the BMS 134. The BMS 134 and the battery pack 132 are connected for energy transfer.

[0093] When charging the vehicle using AC charging, the on-board charger 131 receives a first detection signal and confirms that the charging controller 120 is connected to the on-board charger 131. Subsequently, the on-board charger 131 can wake up the vehicle controller 133. After being woken up, the vehicle controller 133 can send a high-voltage request to the battery management system 134 and simultaneously detect whether the vehicle 130 is in a charging state. For example, the vehicle 130 is in a charging state when parked. The on-board charger 131 can also send the first detection signal to the battery management system 134 through the vehicle controller 133, so that the battery management system 134 can reconfirm the connection between the charging controller 120 and the on-board charger 131 based on the first detection signal to ensure charging safety. Afterwards, the battery management system 134 can send a confirmation signal to the vehicle controller 133 confirming the connection between the charging controller 120 and the on-board charger 131. Upon receiving the confirmation signal, the vehicle controller 133 sends a charging enable signal to the battery management system 134. The battery management system 134 then sends charging current and / or charging voltage to the on-board charger 131 via the vehicle controller 133. The on-board charger 131 converts the 220V AC power output from the charging controller 120 into DC power that matches the charging current and / or charging voltage, and delivers it to the battery pack 132.

[0094] Regarding the connection method between the charging controller and the battery pack, in some embodiments, the charging controller can be connected to the battery pack via a detachable second conductive component. The detachable second conductive component includes at least two connection ports, at least some of which are detachably connected to the corresponding device. For example, the second conductive component may include two connection ports, one of which is detachably connected to the corresponding device, and the other is fixedly connected; or both connection ports may be detachably connected to the corresponding device. As an example, the second conductive component can be a portable DC charging gun. This portable DC charging gun can be a separate charging gun independent of the charging controller and the battery pack. In other embodiments, the charging controller can be mounted on the vehicle and fixedly connected to the battery pack. As an example, the charging controller can be fixedly connected to the battery pack via a hard wire to deliver electrical energy.

[0095] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the charge controller 120 can communicate with the battery management system 134. For example, the second conductive component may include hardwired connections and a CAN bus. The charge controller 120 can be connected to the battery pack 132 via the hardwired connections of the second conductive component to deliver DC power. The charge controller 120 can also communicate with the battery management system 134 via the CAN bus of the second conductive component.

[0096] When charging a vehicle via DC charging, the charging controller and battery pack must be connected before charging can begin. Thus, the battery management system can determine the connection between the charging controller and battery pack based on the received second detection signal. This second detection signal characterizes the connection status between the charging controller and battery pack. For example, the second detection signal may include a CC1 signal and / or a CC2 signal.

[0097] In some embodiments, when the charging controller is detachably connected to the battery pack—that is, the charging controller is connected to the battery pack via a detachable second conductive component—the second detection signal can be generated by a second detection signal circuit in the second conductive component. For example, the second conductive component may include a CC1 circuit for generating a CC1 signal and / or a CC2 circuit for generating a CC2 signal. The second conductive component may also include a second communication module, such as a CAN bus. The second detection signal generated by the second detection signal circuit can be transmitted to the battery management system via the CAN bus in the second conductive component.

[0098] In other embodiments, when the charging controller is fixedly connected to the battery pack, the charging controller may include a second detection signal circuit for generating a second detection signal. Simultaneously, the output port of the charging controller may also include a second pin for transmitting the second detection signal. For example, the charging controller may include a CC1 pin and a CC2 pin. Thus, the second detection signal can be sent to the battery management system via the second pin.

[0099] like Figure 3 As shown, when charging the vehicle using DC charging, the battery management system 134 receives a second detection signal and confirms that the charging controller 120 is connected to the battery pack 132. Subsequently, the battery management system 134 can wake up the vehicle controller 133. After being woken up, the vehicle controller 133 can send a high-voltage request to the battery management system 134 and simultaneously detect whether the vehicle 130 is in a charging state. For example, when the vehicle 130 is parked, it is in a charging state. After receiving the high-voltage request, the battery management system 134 can reconfirm the connection between the charging controller 120 and the battery pack 132 based on the second detection signal to ensure charging safety. Afterward, the battery management system 134 can send a confirmation signal to the vehicle controller 133 confirming the connection between the charging controller 120 and the battery pack 132. Upon receiving the confirmation signal, the vehicle controller 133 sends a charging enable signal to the battery management system 134. Subsequently, the battery management system 134 sends charging current and / or charging voltage to the charging controller 120. The charging controller 120 supplies DC power to the battery pack 132 that matches the charging current and / or charging voltage.

[0100] In some scenarios, such as Figure 4As shown, the charging controller 411 can be mounted on the solar charging device 410. As a component of the solar charging device 410, the charging controller 411 can be located inside the solar charging device 410, or it can be independent of and connected to the solar charging device 410. Thus, when a user uses the solar charging device 410 to charge the vehicle 430, the solar charging device 410 and the vehicle 430 can be connected via a detachable first conductive component 421 and / or a detachable second conductive component 422. Specifically, the first conductive component 421 is used to connect the charging controller 411 to the on-board charger 431, and / or the second conductive component 422 is used to connect the charging controller 411 to the battery pack 432 and the battery management system 434.

[0101] In some embodiments, the charging controller can output charging mode prompts based on the power supply information of the solar charging device, prompting the user to use a suitable conductive component to connect the solar charging device to the vehicle. For example, the charging controller can be equipped with at least one indicator light for indicating the charging mode, and the at least one indicator light can display different colors to indicate different charging modes. The user can select the corresponding conductive component based on the color of the indicator light. Of course, the user can also use a first conductive component and a second conductive component simultaneously to connect the solar charging device to the vehicle. Thus, during the charging process, the charging controller can switch the charging mode based on changes in the power supply information of the solar charging device. For example, during vehicle charging, if the electrical energy output by the solar charging device gradually decreases from not lower than a certain threshold to lower than the threshold, the charging controller can automatically switch from DC charging mode to AC charging mode when the electrical energy is lower than the threshold.

[0102] In some embodiments, after the charging controller determines the appropriate charging method based on the power supply information, if it detects that the corresponding conductive component is not being used for connection, it outputs a connection prompt message to prompt the user to use the corresponding conductive component for connection.

[0103] In some embodiments, in order to enable the charging controller to freely switch the charging mode according to the power supply information during the charging process, if it is detected that either the first conductive component or the second conductive component is not connected, a connection prompt message is output to prompt the user to connect the first conductive component and the second conductive component simultaneously.

[0104] The connection indication output can take several forms. For example, the charging controller can be equipped with a connection indicator light. When the indicator light is on, it means the device is connected; otherwise, it means the device is not connected. Another example is that the charging controller can communicate with the vehicle or user terminal. When the aforementioned device is not connected, the charging controller can send a prompt message to the vehicle or user terminal. Of course, the output form of the prompt message is not limited to the two mentioned above; those skilled in the art can choose other output forms according to actual needs.

[0105] In some scenarios, such as Figures 5A-5C As shown, the charging controller 531 can be mounted on the vehicle 530. Thus, when a user charges the vehicle 530 using the solar charging device 510, the solar charging device 510 and the vehicle 530 can be connected via a detachable third conductive component 520. Specifically, the charging controller 531 and the solar charging device 510 are connected using the third conductive component 520.

[0106] As a component of the vehicle 530, the charging controller 531, in some embodiments, such as Figure 5A As shown, the charging controller 531 can be connected to the on-board charger 533 via a detachable first conductive component 5321, and to the battery pack 534 and battery management system 536 via a detachable second conductive component 5322. After the charging controller 531 is connected to the solar charging device 510, the charging controller 531 can output charging mode prompts based on the power supply information of the solar charging device 510, prompting the user to use a suitable conductive component to connect the solar charging device and the vehicle. The output format of the prompts is the same as in the embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here. Of course, the user can also use both the first and second conductive components simultaneously to connect the solar charging device and the vehicle. Thus, during the charging process, the charging controller can switch the charging mode according to changes in the power supply information of the solar charging device.

[0107] Furthermore, after the charging controller determines the appropriate charging method based on the power supply information, if it detects that the corresponding conductive component is not connected, it outputs a connection prompt message to remind the user to connect the corresponding conductive component. Alternatively, to enable the charging controller to freely switch charging methods based on power supply information during charging, if it detects that either the first or second conductive component is not connected, it outputs a connection prompt message to remind the user to connect both the first and second conductive components simultaneously. The output format of the connection prompt is similar to the embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0108] As a component of the vehicle 530, the charging controller 531, in some embodiments, such as Figure 5BAs shown, the charging controller 531 can be connected to the on-board charger 533 via a detachable first conductive component 5321; simultaneously, the charging controller 531 is fixedly connected to the battery pack 534 and the battery management system 536. The charging controller 531 includes a second detection signal circuit for generating a second detection signal, and the output port of the charging controller 531 includes a second pin for transmitting the second detection signal, so that the battery management system 536 controls the battery pack 534 to charge via DC charging according to the second detection signal.

[0109] Since the input port of the on-board charger 533 is located on the vehicle body, if the detachable first conductive component 5321 is used to connect the on-board charger 533 and the charging controller 531, the original input port can be used without changing the structure of the on-board charger 533.

[0110] Since the charging controller 531 is fixedly connected to the battery pack 534 and the battery management system 536, when the user uses the solar charging device 510 to charge the vehicle 530, if the electrical energy output by the solar charging device 510 is not lower than the electrical energy threshold, DC charging can be used directly. In this case, the user only needs to connect the solar charging device 510 and the vehicle 530 using the third conductive component 520 to start charging using DC charging, without any additional operation. If the electrical energy output by the solar charging device 510 is not lower than the electrical energy threshold, a connection prompt message can be output to prompt the user to connect the on-board charger 533 and the charging controller 531 using the first conductive component 532.

[0111] As a component of the vehicle 530, the charging controller 531, in some embodiments, such as Figure 5C As shown, the charging controller 531 is fixedly connected to the on-board charger 533, and also fixedly connected to the battery pack 534 and the battery management system 536. The charging controller 531 includes a first detection signal circuit for generating a first detection signal and a second detection signal circuit for generating a second detection signal. The output port of the charging controller 531 includes a first pin for transmitting the first detection signal and a second pin for transmitting the second detection signal, so that the on-board charger 533 controls the battery pack 534 to charge via AC charging according to the first detection signal, and the battery management system 536 controls the battery pack 534 to charge via DC charging according to the second detection signal.

[0112] Thus, when a user uses the solar charging device 510 to charge the vehicle 530, the charging controller 531 can select the appropriate charging method based on the power supply information. Simultaneously, during the charging process, it can switch to the appropriate charging method based on changes in the power supply information. Throughout the entire charging process, the user only needs to connect the solar charging device 510 to the vehicle 530 using the third conductive component 520; no additional operations are required, greatly simplifying the user's operation.

[0113] In some scenarios, such as Figure 6 As shown, the solar charging device 610 and the charging controller 620 can be mounted on the vehicle 600. The charging controller 620 can be connected to the solar charging device 610 via a detachable third conductive component (not shown), or it can be fixedly connected to the solar charging device 610. The charging controller 620 can be connected to the on-board charger 630 via a detachable first conductive component (not shown), or it can be fixedly connected to the on-board charger 630. The charging controller 620 can be connected to the battery pack 640 and the battery management system 660 via a detachable second conductive component (not shown), or it can be fixedly connected to the battery pack 640 and the battery management system 660. Thus, the vehicle 600 integrates the solar charging device and the charging controller 620 into one unit, and vehicle charging is not limited by the location of the solar charging device. Users can charge the vehicle anytime and anywhere, greatly improving the convenience of charging.

[0114] In addition, this application also provides, as Figure 7 The diagram shows the structure of a charging controller. Figure 7 At the hardware level, the charging controller includes a processor, an internal bus, a network interface, memory, and non-volatile memory, and may also include other hardware required for business operations. The processor reads the corresponding computer program from the non-volatile memory into memory and then runs it to implement a solar charging method as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0115] In addition, this application also provides, as Figure 8 The diagram shows a structural block diagram of a solar charging device. Figure 8 The solar charging device includes solar photovoltaic modules, and such as Figure 7 The charging controller shown is connected to the solar photovoltaic module. Figure 7 At the hardware level, the charging controller includes a processor, internal bus, network interface, memory, and non-volatile memory, and may also include other hardware required for other operations. The processor reads the corresponding computer program from the non-volatile memory into memory and then executes it. The processor is configured as follows:

[0116] After the charging controller is connected to the solar charging device, the power supply information of the solar charging device is monitored;

[0117] If the charging controller is connected to the vehicle's on-board charger, and the power supply information indicates that the electrical energy output by the solar charging device is less than a preset electrical energy threshold, the AC power output by the charging controller is supplied to the vehicle's battery pack through the on-board charger.

[0118] If the charging controller is connected to the battery pack, and the power supply information indicates that the electrical energy output by the solar charging device is not less than the electrical energy threshold, the DC power output by the charging controller is supplied to the battery pack.

[0119] In some examples, the power supply information includes one or more of the following: output current, output voltage, output power, and stored energy of the solar charging device.

[0120] In some examples, the processor is also configured to generate charging failure information if the power supply information indicates that the electrical energy output by the solar charging device is less than a preset charging threshold; the charging threshold is less than the electrical energy threshold.

[0121] In some examples, the solar charging device is used to charge at least one vehicle; the condition that the AC power output by the charging controller is supplied to the vehicle's battery pack via the on-board charger further includes:

[0122] The number of vehicles waiting to be charged exceeds a preset threshold; and / or

[0123] The charging permission for the vehicle to be charged meets the first permission condition.

[0124] In some examples, the solar charging device is used to charge at least one vehicle; the condition for supplying the DC power output from the charging controller to the battery pack further includes:

[0125] The number of vehicles waiting to be charged is less than a preset threshold; and / or

[0126] The charging permission for the vehicle to be charged meets the second permission condition.

[0127] In some examples, the charging controller is connected to the on-board charger via a detachable first conductive component.

[0128] In some examples, the charging controller is connected to the vehicle's on-board charger, as determined by the following:

[0129] The on-board charger determines that the charging controller is connected to the vehicle's on-board charger based on the received first detection signal;

[0130] The first detection signal is sent by the first communication module of the first conductive component.

[0131] In some examples, the charging controller is connected to the battery pack via a detachable second conductive component;

[0132] In some examples, the vehicle includes a battery management system; the charging controller is connected to the battery pack and is determined in the following manner:

[0133] The battery management system determines that the charging controller is connected to the battery pack based on the received second detection signal;

[0134] The second detection signal is sent by the second communication module of the second conductive component.

[0135] In some examples, the processor is also configured to output a connection prompt message if, after the charging controller is connected to the solar charging device, it detects that the charging controller is not connected to the on-board charger, and / or the charging controller is not connected to the battery pack.

[0136] In addition, this application also provides, as Figure 9 The diagram shows a structural block diagram of a vehicle. Figure 9 The vehicle includes a body; a powertrain for driving the vehicle; an on-board charger; a battery pack for providing electrical power to the powertrain; and as such Figure 7 The charging controller shown is configured to connect the battery pack to the on-board charger. The charging controller connects both the on-board charger and the battery pack. Figure 7 At the hardware level, the charging controller includes a processor, an internal bus, a network interface, memory, and non-volatile memory, and may also include other hardware required for business operations. The processor reads the corresponding computer program from the non-volatile memory into memory and then runs it to implement a solar charging method as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0137] Based on the solar charging method described in any of the above embodiments, this application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, can be used to execute the solar charging method described in any of the above embodiments.

[0138] Based on the solar charging method described in any of the above embodiments, this application also provides a computer storage medium storing a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, can be used to execute the solar charging method described in any of the above embodiments.

[0139] The foregoing has described specific embodiments of this application. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the actions or steps recited in the claims may be performed in a different order than that shown in the embodiments and may still achieve the desired results. Furthermore, the processes depicted in the drawings do not necessarily require the specific or sequential order shown to achieve the desired results. In some embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing are also possible or may be advantageous.

[0140] Other embodiments of this application will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention filed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this application that follow the general principles of this application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not claimed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this application are indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A solar charging method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a charging controller; the method includes: After the charging controller is connected to the solar charging device, the power supply information of the solar charging device is monitored; the solar charging device is used to charge at least one vehicle. If the charging controller is connected to the vehicle's on-board charger, and the power supply information indicates that the electrical energy output by the solar charging device is less than a preset electrical energy threshold, the number of vehicles to be charged is greater than a preset number threshold, and the vehicles to be charged have first charging permission, the on-board charger delivers the AC power output by the charging controller to the vehicle's battery pack; the first charging permission includes the permission to use AC charging mode. If the charging controller is connected to the battery pack, and the power supply information indicates that the electrical energy output by the solar charging device is not less than the electrical energy threshold, the number of vehicles to be charged is less than a preset number threshold, and the vehicles to be charged have second charging permissions, the DC power output by the charging controller is supplied to the battery pack; the second charging permissions include the right to use DC charging mode and AC charging mode. The charging controller is connected to the on-board charger via a detachable first conductive component; or, the charging controller is mounted on the vehicle and is fixedly connected to the on-board charger. When the charging controller is connected to the on-board charger via a detachable first conductive component, the on-board charger determines that the charging controller is connected to the vehicle's on-board charger based on a received first detection signal, wherein the first detection signal is sent by the first communication module of the first conductive component. When the charging controller is fixedly connected to the on-board charger, the first detection signal is sent by the first pin of the output port of the charging controller. The vehicle includes a battery management system; the charging controller is connected to the battery pack via a detachable second conductive component; or, the charging controller is disposed on the vehicle and is fixedly connected to the battery pack. When the charging controller is connected to the battery pack via a detachable second conductive component, the battery management system determines that the charging controller is connected to the battery pack based on a received second detection signal, which is sent by the second communication module of the second conductive component. When the charging controller is fixedly connected to the battery pack, the first detection signal is sent by the second pin of the output port of the charging controller.

2. A charging controller, characterized in that, The charging controller includes: processor; Memory used to store processor-executable instructions; The processor implements the operation of the method described in claim 1 when it invokes the executable instructions.

3. A solar charging device, characterized in that, The solar charging device includes: Solar photovoltaic modules; And the charging controller as described in claim 2; the charging controller is connected to the solar photovoltaic module.

4. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicles include: Body; Powertrain components for driving the vehicle's movement; On-board charger; A battery pack is used to provide electrical energy to the power assembly; the battery pack is connected to the on-board charger. And the charging controller as described in claim 2; the charging controller is connected to the on-board charger and the battery pack respectively.

5. A computer program product comprising a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method as claimed in claim 1.

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