Power generation control device, vehicle, power generation control method, and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a power generation control device, a vehicle, a power generation control method, and a storage medium. A solar ECU (12) as a power generation control device includes: a solar DCDC converter (22) having a solar panel (14) connected to an output side; a boost DCDC converter (24) having the output side of the solar DCDC converter (22) connected to an input side and having a drive storage battery (16) connected to an output side; an auxiliary equipment DCDC converter (26) having the output side of the solar DCDC converter (22) connected to an input side and having an auxiliary equipment storage battery (18) connected to an output side; and a control section (20) that controls output power of any one of the boost DCDC converter (24) and the auxiliary equipment DCDC converter (26) to make a voltage of the output side of the solar DCDC converter (22) a predetermined value.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power generation control device, a vehicle, a power generation control method, and a non-transitory storage medium storing a control program. BACKGROUND

[0002] In Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-089100, the following content point is disclosed, that is, in a vehicle-mounted solar power generation system, power generation electric power from a solar panel is supplied to any one of a drive storage battery, an auxiliary equipment storage battery, and a solar storage battery according to a state of a vehicle.

[0003] In a case where electric power generated by power generation by a solar panel is charged to a drive storage battery and an auxiliary equipment storage battery, in the system of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-089100, by implementing step-up and step-down control with a voltage of a solar storage battery as a reference voltage, stable power supply to the drive storage battery and the auxiliary equipment storage battery can be implemented. However, in a case where the solar storage battery is discarded in order to reduce costs, in order to achieve efficient charging of the drive storage battery and the auxiliary equipment storage battery on the basis of fluctuating electric power supplied from the solar panel, it is necessary to create a reference voltage between the solar panel and each storage battery. SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure provides a power generation control device, a vehicle, a power generation control method, and a non-transitory storage medium storing a control program, by which efficient power supply to a storage battery can be implemented by creating a reference voltage between a solar panel and the storage battery.

[0005] Method for solving the problem

[0006] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a power generation control device including: a first DCDC converter connected at an input side to a solar panel mounted on a vehicle; a second DCDC converter connected at an input side to an output side of the first DCDC converter and connected at an output side to a drive storage battery for driving the vehicle; a third DCDC converter connected at an input side to the output side of the first DCDC converter and connected at an output side to an auxiliary equipment storage battery for operating an auxiliary equipment of the vehicle; and a control section that controls output electric power of any one of the second DCDC converter and the third DCDC converter so that a voltage at the output side of the first DCDC converter becomes a predetermined value.

[0007] The power generation control device of the first aspect includes a first DCDC converter, a second DCDC converter, and a third DCDC converter. In the power generation control device, from the solar panel toward the drive storage battery, the order of the solar panel, the first DCDC converter, the second DCDC converter, and the drive storage battery is connected. Further, from the solar panel toward the auxiliary equipment storage battery, the order of the solar panel, the first DCDC converter, the third DCDC converter, and the auxiliary equipment storage battery is connected. Here, the control section controls the output power so that the voltage on the output side of the first DCDC converter, which is a power supply source to the drive storage battery and the auxiliary equipment storage battery, becomes a predetermined value. That is, according to the power generation control device, it is possible to implement effective power supply to each of the storage batteries by creating a reference voltage between the solar panel and each of the storage batteries.

[0008] In the power generation control device of the first aspect, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a capacitor is provided, one side of which is connected to the output side of the first DCDC converter and the other side of which is connected to the ground terminal of the vehicle.

[0009] In the above configuration, the capacitor is provided between the output side of the first DCDC converter, which is a power supply source to the drive storage battery and the auxiliary equipment storage battery, and the ground terminal. Therefore, according to the power generation control device, it is possible to suppress a variation in the reference voltage due to a variation in the power generated in the solar panel by providing the capacitor.

[0010] In the power generation control device of the first aspect, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the control section controls the output power of the third DCDC converter so that the voltage becomes a predetermined value when the vehicle is running.

[0011] According to the above configuration, it is possible to implement effective power supply to the auxiliary equipment during running of the vehicle.

[0012] In the power generation control device of the first aspect, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the control section stops control of the second DCDC converter and controls the output power of the third DCDC converter so that the voltage becomes a predetermined value when the vehicle is parked and charging based on the power from the solar panel is in preparation.

[0013] According to the above configuration, it is possible to implement effective power supply to the auxiliary equipment when the vehicle is parked and charging preparation for confirming the state of charging of the solar panel is in progress.

[0014] In the power generation control device of the first aspect, the control section can control the output power of the second DCDC converter so that the voltage becomes a predetermined value in a case where the drive battery is charged based on the electric power from the solar panel.

[0015] According to the above configuration, in a case where the drive battery is charged, the second DCDC converter can be controlled so that the voltage becomes a predetermined value, and thus the third DCDC converter can efficiently supply electric power to the auxiliary device.

[0016] A second aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle including the power generation control device of the first aspect, the solar panel provided on an exterior trim of a vehicle body, the drive battery provided on the vehicle body, and the auxiliary device battery provided on the vehicle body.

[0017] The vehicle of the second aspect can efficiently supply electric power to each of the batteries by creating a reference voltage between the solar panel and each of the batteries.

[0018] A third aspect of the present disclosure is a power generation control method for controlling each of a first DCDC converter to which a solar panel mounted on a vehicle is connected at an input side, a second DCDC converter to which an output side of the first DCDC converter is connected at an input side and to which a drive battery for driving the vehicle is connected at an output side, and a third DCDC converter to which an output side of the first DCDC converter is connected at an input side and to which an auxiliary device battery for operating an auxiliary device of the vehicle is connected at an output side, the power generation control method including a process of controlling output power of any one of the second DCDC converter and the third DCDC converter so that a voltage at the output side of the first DCDC converter becomes a predetermined value.

[0019] The third method of the power generation control method is a method of controlling the first DCDC converter, the second DCDC converter, and the third DCDC converter, respectively. In a vehicle in which this power generation control method is executed, from the solar panel to the drive storage battery, the order of the solar panel, the first DCDC converter, the second DCDC converter, and the drive storage battery is connected. Further, from the solar panel to the auxiliary equipment storage battery, the order of the solar panel, the first DCDC converter, the third DCDC converter, and the auxiliary equipment storage battery is connected. In this power generation control method, the output power is controlled by a computer so that the voltage on the output side of the first DCDC converter, which becomes a power supply source to the drive storage battery and the auxiliary equipment storage battery, becomes a predetermined value. That is, according to this power generation control method, it is possible to implement effective power supply to each of the storage batteries by creating a reference voltage between the solar panel and each of the storage batteries.

[0020] The fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a storage medium that is a non-transitory storage medium storing a program that causes a computer to execute a power generation control process of a vehicle, wherein the vehicle is provided with: a first DCDC converter having a solar panel mounted on the vehicle connected on an input side; a second DCDC converter having an output side of the first DCDC converter connected on an input side and having a drive storage battery for driving the vehicle connected on an output side; and a third DCDC converter having the output side of the first DCDC converter connected on an input side and having an auxiliary equipment storage battery for operating an auxiliary equipment of the vehicle connected on an output side, the power generation control process including a process of controlling output power of any one of the second DCDC converter and the third DCDC converter so that a voltage on an output side of the first DCDC converter becomes a predetermined value.

[0021] The fourth aspect is a non-transitory storage medium storing a program of controlling the first DCDC converter, the second DCDC converter, and the third DCDC converter, respectively. In a vehicle in which this control process is executed, from the solar panel to the drive storage battery, the order of the solar panel, the first DCDC converter, the second DCDC converter, and the drive storage battery is connected. Further, from the solar panel to the auxiliary equipment storage battery, the order of the solar panel, the first DCDC converter, the third DCDC converter, and the auxiliary equipment storage battery is connected. In this control process, the computer controls the output power so that the voltage on the output side of the first DCDC converter, which becomes a power supply source to the drive storage battery and the auxiliary equipment storage battery, becomes a predetermined value. That is, according to this control process, it is possible to implement effective power supply to each of the storage batteries by creating a reference voltage between the solar panel and each of the storage batteries.

[0022] According to this disclosure, it is possible to effectively supply power to a battery by creating a reference voltage between the solar panel and the battery. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the vehicle and power generation control system according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the ROM in the control unit of the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the condition table in the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating the functional structure of the CPU in the control unit of the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the power control process in the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the monitoring process in the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the gain correction process in the first embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] [First Implementation Method]

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the power generation control system 10 of the first embodiment is mounted on a vehicle 11. The vehicle 11 exemplifies an EV (Electric Vehicle) or an HV (Hybrid Vehicle). The vehicle 11 of this embodiment includes a solar panel 14 and is capable of supplying power to the drive unit assembly 30 and auxiliary equipment 32 of the vehicle 11 using electricity generated in the solar panel 14. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the drive battery 16 and auxiliary equipment battery 18 (described later) can be charged using the electricity generated in the solar panel 14.

[0033] The power generation control system 10 is configured to include a solar ECU 12 as a power generation control device, a solar panel 14, a drive battery 16, and an auxiliary device battery 18. The solar ECU 12 has a function of controlling electric power generated in the solar panel 14. Details of the solar ECU 12 will be described later.

[0034] The solar panel 14 is a solar cell module that generates electric power by being irradiated with sunlight. The solar panel 14 is provided, for example, at a roof or the like as an exterior trim of the vehicle 11. The solar panel 14 is connected to a solar DCDC converter 22 described later, which is provided in the solar ECU 12.

[0035] The drive battery 16 is a high-voltage battery for operating a drive device group 30 such as a traveling motor related to driving of the vehicle 11, and is configured by a secondary battery such as a lithium battery or a nickel-hydrogen battery that can charge and discharge. The drive battery 16 is connected to a boost DCDC converter 24 described later, which is provided in the solar ECU 12, and receives supply of electric power from the boost DCDC converter 24. Further, the drive battery 16 is connected to the traveling motor via a power control unit that configures the drive device group 30, and supplies electric power to the traveling motor at the time of acceleration of the vehicle 11 or receives supply of electric power from the traveling motor at the time of deceleration.

[0036] The auxiliary device battery 18 is a battery that can operate an auxiliary device 32 other than the device related to driving of the vehicle 11, and is configured by a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery or a lead battery that can charge and discharge. The auxiliary device battery 18 is connected to an auxiliary device DCDC converter 26 described later, which is provided in the solar ECU 12, and receives supply of electric power from the auxiliary device DCDC converter 26. Further, the auxiliary device battery 18 is connected to the auxiliary device 32 of the vehicle 11, and supplies electric power to the auxiliary device 32.

[0037] The solar ECU 12 is provided between the solar panel 14 and the drive battery 16 and the auxiliary device battery 18, and has a function of supplying electric power generated in the solar panel 14 to the drive battery 16 and the auxiliary device battery 18. The solar ECU 12 is configured to include a control portion 20, the solar DCDC converter 22, the boost DCDC converter 24, the auxiliary device DCDC converter 26, and a capacitor 28. The solar DCDC converter 22 is one example of a first DCDC converter, the boost DCDC converter 24 is one example of a second DCDC converter, and the auxiliary device DCDC converter 26 is one example of a third DCDC converter.

[0038] The solar DCDC converter 22 has a function of supplying the electric power generated by the solar panel 14 to the step-up DCDC converter 24 and the auxiliary equipment DCDC converter 26. The solar DCDC converter 22 is connected with the solar panel 14 at the input side thereof, and is connected with the step-up DCDC converter 24 and the auxiliary equipment DCDC converter 26 at the output side thereof. At the time of electric power supply, the solar DCDC converter 22 converts (steps up / down) the generation voltage of the solar panel 14 as the input voltage to a predetermined voltage based on the instruction from the control section 20, and outputs to the step-up DCDC converter 24 and the auxiliary equipment DCDC converter 26.

[0039] The step-up DCDC converter 24 has a function of supplying the electric power outputted from the solar DCDC converter 22 to the driving storage battery 16. The step-up DCDC converter 24 is connected with the solar DCDC converter 22 at the input side thereof, and is connected with the driving storage battery 16 at the output side thereof. At the time of electric power supply, the step-up DCDC converter 24 converts (steps up) the output voltage of the solar DCDC converter 22 as the input voltage to a predetermined voltage based on the instruction from the control section 20, and outputs to the driving storage battery 16.

[0040] The auxiliary equipment DCDC converter 26 has a function of supplying the electric power outputted from the solar DCDC converter 22 to the auxiliary equipment storage battery 18. The auxiliary equipment DCDC converter 26 is connected with the solar DCDC converter 22 at the input side thereof, and is connected with the auxiliary equipment storage battery 18 at the output side thereof. At the time of electric power supply, the auxiliary equipment DCDC converter 26 converts (steps down) the output voltage of the solar DCDC converter 22 as the input voltage to a predetermined voltage based on the instruction from the control section 20, and outputs to the auxiliary equipment storage battery 18.

[0041] The capacitor 28 is interposed between the output side of the solar DCDC converter 22 and the ground terminal G. When the voltage of the intermediate portion between the solar panel 14 and the driving storage battery 16 and the auxiliary equipment storage battery 18 is set to an intermediate voltage V, the capacitor 28 suppresses the variation of the intermediate voltage V due to the variation of the electric power generated in the solar panel 14. The intermediate voltage V becomes the voltage of the output side of the solar DCDC converter 22, and the input side of the step-up DCDC converter 24 and the auxiliary equipment DCDC converter 26. That is, the intermediate voltage V becomes the reference voltage at the time of charging the driving storage battery 16 and the auxiliary equipment storage battery 18.

[0042] The control section 20 is configured by, for example, a microcomputer, and has a function of controlling the solar DCDC converter 22, the step-up DCDC converter 24, and the auxiliary equipment DCDC converter 26. Thereby, the control section 20 supplies electric power (voltage, current) generated by the solar panel 14 to the driving storage battery 16 and the auxiliary equipment storage battery 18, and thereby charges the driving storage battery 16 and the auxiliary equipment storage battery 18.

[0043] The control section 20 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 20A, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 20B, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 20C, an input / output I / F (Inter Face) 20D, and a communication I / F 20E. The CPU 20A, the ROM 20B, the RAM 20C, the input / output I / F 20D, and the communication I / F 20E are connected via an internal bus 20F in a manner that enables communication with each other.

[0044] The CPU 20A is a central arithmetic processing unit that executes various programs or controls each part. That is, the CPU 20A reads a program from the ROM 20B, and executes the program using the RAM 20C as a work area.

[0045] The ROM 20B stores various programs and various data. As shown in FIG. 1, in the ROM 20B of the present embodiment, a control program 100, a condition table 110, setting data 120, and monitoring data 130 are stored. Figure 2

[0046] The control program 100 is a program for controlling the control section 20. The control section 20 controlled by the control program controls the solar DCDC converter 22, the step-up DCDC converter 24, and the auxiliary equipment DCDC converter 26.

[0047] The condition table 110 is a table in which control conditions of the solar DCDC converter 22, the step-up DCDC converter 24, and the auxiliary equipment DCDC converter 26 are stored. As shown in FIG. 2, in the condition table 110, a plurality of control conditions corresponding to the running state and the power supply state of the vehicle 11 are stored. Figure 3

[0048] ​​Specifically, the driving status includes the classification of "parked" and "driving" for vehicle 11. The power supply status is set in several ways depending on the driving status. First, as a parking power supply status, there are "charging ready," indicating that charging by the solar panel 14 is in progress, and "driving battery charging," indicating that the drive battery 16 is being charged. Furthermore, as a driving power supply status, there are "auxiliary equipment battery power supply," indicating that power supply is stopped due to lack of sunlight, and "no sunlight."

[0049] Here, the solar DC-DC converter 22 is configured to implement MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) control in various power supply states, excluding the absence of sunlight, during charging preparation, charging of the drive battery, and power supply of auxiliary equipment batteries. MPPT control involves determining the optimal current and voltage values ​​that maximize the output when the solar panel 14 is generating electricity.

[0050] Furthermore, the boost DC-DC converter 24 is configured to implement intermediate voltage maintenance control during the charging of the drive battery, while ceasing control in other power supply states. The intermediate voltage maintenance control regulates the power output from the DC-DC converter to maintain the intermediate voltage V at a predetermined voltage value. In other words, the intermediate voltage maintenance control is a feedback control that sets the input value to voltage (intermediate voltage V) and the operating value to power.

[0051] Furthermore, the auxiliary equipment DC-DC converter 26 is specified to implement intermediate voltage maintenance control during charging preparation and auxiliary equipment battery power supply, and to implement power supply maintenance control during drive battery charging, and to stop control in the absence of sunlight. The power supply maintenance control is a control that regulates the power output from the DC-DC converter in a way that keeps it constant. In other words, the power supply maintenance control is a feedback control that sets the input value and operating value as power.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, the setting data 120 stores the control parameters in the PID control used for intermediate voltage maintenance control, namely the gain values ​​of P gain (proportional gain), I gain (integral gain), and D gain (derivative gain). The setting data 120 also stores the gain values ​​of the boost DC-DC converter 24 and the auxiliary device DC-DC converter 26 that apply intermediate voltage maintenance control.

[0053] Monitoring data 130 is data that stores the intermediate voltage V that is fed back in the intermediate voltage maintenance control.

[0054] like Figure 1As shown, RAM20C serves as a temporary working area for storing programs or data.

[0055] The input / output I / F20D is an interface for communicating with each of the solar DC-DC converter 22, the boost DC-DC converter 24, and the auxiliary device DC-DC converter 26 in the solar ECU 12.

[0056] The communication I / F20E is an interface for connecting to the vehicle driving control ECU 34, which controls the driving of the vehicle 11. This interface uses, for example, a communication standard based on the CAN protocol. The communication I / F20E connects to the external bus 20H. Furthermore, the vehicle driving control ECU 34 connected to the communication I / F20E is not limited to a single ECU, but can be multiple ECUs. Additionally, the communication I / F20E can also connect to communication modules using communication standards such as 5G, LTE, and Wi-Fi (registered trademark). This allows the transmission of intermediate voltage V data to external devices of the vehicle 11.

[0057] Alternatively, the control unit 20 may include a storage unit, either on or in place of the ROM 20B. This storage unit may be, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0058] like Figure 4 As shown, in the control unit 20 of this embodiment, the CPU 20A functions as the setting unit 200, the adjustment unit 210, and the correction unit 220 by executing the control program 100.

[0059] The setting unit 200 has the function of setting the control mode of the solar DC-DC converter 22, the boost DC-DC converter 24, and the auxiliary equipment DC-DC converter 26. Specifically, the setting unit 200 sets the control mode corresponding to the driving state and power supply state of the vehicle 11 obtained by referring to the condition table 110.

[0060] The regulating unit 210 has the function of regulating the outputs of the solar DC-DC converter 22, the boost DC-DC converter 24, and the auxiliary equipment DC-DC converter 26 based on the control method set by the setting unit 200. In particular, when the boost DC-DC converter 24 and the auxiliary equipment DC-DC converter 26 implement intermediate voltage maintenance control, the regulating unit 210 adjusts the intermediate voltage V based on each gain value to make the intermediate voltage V reach a predetermined target value.

[0061] The correction unit 220 has the function of correcting each gain value of P gain, I gain and D gain stored in the setting data 120. The correction unit 220 performs correction when a predetermined period has elapsed since the last correction was performed.

[0062] (Control process)

[0063] use Figures 5 to 7 The flowchart below describes the process executed in the control unit 20 of this embodiment. The processing in the control unit 20 is implemented by the CPU 20A as the setting unit 200, adjustment unit 210 and correction unit 220 described above.

[0064] First of all, Figure 5 The power control processing will be explained.

[0065] exist Figure 5 In step S100, CPU20A obtains the driving status. Specifically, CPU20A obtains the driving status of vehicle 11 from vehicle driving control ECU34.

[0066] In step S101, CPU20A determines the power supply state based on the obtained driving state. Specifically, CPU20A refers to condition table 110 to determine any one of the following power supply states: (1) "Preparing to charge" when the driving state is parked, (2) "Charging the drive battery" when the driving state is parked, (3) "Powering the auxiliary equipment battery" when the driving state is in motion, and (4) "No sunlight" when the driving state is in motion.

[0067] In step S102, CPU 20A executes control corresponding to the power supply state. That is, CPU 20A executes the respective control of the solar DC-DC converter 22, the boost DC-DC converter 24, and the auxiliary device DC-DC converter 26 according to the power supply state. Then, it returns to step S100.

[0068] Next, for Figure 6 The monitoring process is described below. In this monitoring process, the possibility of gain value correction and the processing involved in the correction are performed in the order of auxiliary device DC-DC converter 26 and boost DC-DC converter 24.

[0069] First of all, Figure 6In step S200, CPU 20A determines whether a predetermined period has elapsed since the last correction of the gain value of the auxiliary device DC-DC converter 26. If CPU 20A determines that a predetermined period has elapsed (yes in step S200), it proceeds to step S201. On the other hand, if CPU 20A determines that a predetermined period has not elapsed (no in step S200), it proceeds to step S204.

[0070] In step S201, CPU20A obtains a power supply status.

[0071] In step S202, CPU 20A determines whether the power supply state is for the auxiliary device 32 and the auxiliary device battery 18. If CPU 20A determines that the power supply state is for the auxiliary device battery (yes in step S202), it proceeds to step S203. On the other hand, if CPU 20A determines that the power supply state is not for the auxiliary device battery (no in step S202), it proceeds to step S204.

[0072] In step S203, CPU20A performs gain correction processing. Details regarding the gain correction processing will be described later.

[0073] In step S204, CPU 20A determines whether a predetermined period has elapsed since the last correction of the gain value of the boost DC-DC converter 24. If CPU 20A determines that the predetermined period has elapsed (yes in step S204), it proceeds to step S205. On the other hand, if CPU 20A determines that the predetermined period has not elapsed (no in step S204), it terminates the monitoring process.

[0074] In step S205, CPU20A obtains a power supply status.

[0075] In step S206, CPU 20A determines whether the power supply state is for charging the drive battery 16. If the CPU 20A determines that the power supply state is for charging the drive battery (yes in step S206), it proceeds to step S207. On the other hand, if the CPU 20A determines that the power supply state is not for charging the drive battery (no in step S206), it terminates the monitoring process.

[0076] In step S207, CPU20A performs gain correction processing. Details regarding the gain correction processing will be described later. Then, CPU20A terminates the monitoring process.

[0077] Next, forFigure 7 The gain correction processing of the feedback control will be described.

[0078] In Figure 7 In step S300, the CPU 20A sets the overshoot value and the voltage settling time in the current feedback control to an optimal solution.

[0079] In step S301, the CPU 20A performs the feedback control by changing the gain value in the positive direction based on the limit sensitivity method.

[0080] In step S302, the CPU 20A determines whether the overshoot value and the voltage settling time have been improved compared to the gain value stored in the ROM 20B. The CPU 20A proceeds to step S303 in the case where it is determined that the overshoot value and the voltage settling time have been improved. On the other hand, the CPU 20A proceeds to step S304 in the case where it is determined that the overshoot value and the voltage settling time have not been improved.

[0081] In step S303, the CPU 20A stores the gain value changed in step S301 as the optimal gain value in the ROM 20B.

[0082] In step S304, the CPU 20A determines whether the change of the gain value has been tried a prescribed number of times. Specifically, the CPU 20A performs a determination of whether the processing of steps S301 to S303 has been performed a prescribed number of times. The CPU 20A proceeds to step S305 in the case where it is determined that the change of the gain value has been tried a prescribed number of times. On the other hand, the CPU 20A returns to step S301 in the case where it is determined that the change of the gain value has not been tried a prescribed number of times.

[0083] In step S305, the CPU 20A performs the feedback control by changing the gain value in the negative direction based on the limit sensitivity method.

[0084] In step S306, the CPU 20A determines whether the overshoot value and the voltage settling time have been improved compared to the gain value stored in the ROM 20B. The CPU 20A proceeds to step S307 in the case where it is determined that the overshoot value and the voltage settling time have been improved. On the other hand, the CPU 20A proceeds to step S308 in the case where it is determined that the overshoot value and the voltage settling time have not been improved.

[0085] In step S307, the CPU 20A stores the gain value changed in step S305 as the optimal gain value in the ROM 20B.

[0086] In step S308, the CPU 20A determines whether or not the change of the gain value has been tried for the prescribed number of times. Specifically, the CPU 20A performs a determination as to whether or not the processing of steps S305 to S307 has been performed for the prescribed number of times. The CPU 20A ends the gain correction processing and returns to the monitoring processing in the case where it is determined that the change of the gain value has been tried for the prescribed number of times. On the other hand, the CPU 20A returns to step S305 in the case where it is determined that the change of the gain value has not been tried for the prescribed number of times.

[0087] (Summary of Embodiments)

[0088] The solar ECU 12 of the present embodiment includes the solar DCDC converter 22, the step-up DCDC converter 24, and the auxiliary equipment DCDC converter 26. In the solar ECU 12, from the solar panel 14 toward the drive storage battery 16, the solar panel 14, the solar DCDC converter 22, the step-up DCDC converter 24, and the drive storage battery 16 are connected in this order. Further, from the solar panel 14 toward the auxiliary equipment storage battery 18, the solar panel 14, the solar DCDC converter 22, the auxiliary equipment DCDC converter 26, and the auxiliary equipment storage battery 18 are connected in this order.

[0089] In the present embodiment, the control section 20 controls the intermediate voltage V on the output side of the solar DCDC converter 22 and on the input side of the step-up DCDC converter 24 and the auxiliary equipment DCDC converter 26 by performing the intermediate voltage maintenance control. That is, the control section 20 controls the output power so that the reference voltage on the output side of the solar DCDC converter 22, which becomes a power supply source to the drive storage battery 16 and the auxiliary equipment storage battery 18, becomes a predetermined target value.

[0090] Here, whether or not the control section 20 performs the intermediate voltage maintenance control with respect to either one of the step-up DCDC converter 24 and the auxiliary equipment DCDC converter 26 is determined in accordance with the power supply state based on the condition table 110. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to create a reference voltage between the solar panel 14 and each of the storage batteries. Thereby, in the step-up DCDC converter 24, it is possible to keep the step-up ratio of the voltage fixed, and thus it is possible to achieve efficient power supply toward the drive storage battery 16. Further, in the auxiliary equipment DCDC converter 26, it is possible to keep the high-voltage ratio of the voltage fixed, and thus it is possible to achieve efficient power supply toward the auxiliary equipment storage battery 18.

[0091] In particular, according to the present embodiment, in the running of the vehicle 11, by implementing the intermediate voltage maintenance control on the auxiliary device DCDC converter 26, it is possible to implement efficient power supply toward the auxiliary device 32. Further, in the case where the vehicle 11 is parked and in the charging preparation of confirming the charging state of the solar panel 14, by implementing the intermediate voltage maintenance control on the auxiliary device DCDC converter 26, it is possible to implement efficient power supply toward the auxiliary device 32.

[0092] On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, in the case where the drive battery 16 is being charged, by implementing the intermediate voltage maintenance control on the step-up DCDC converter 24, it is possible to implement efficient power supply toward the auxiliary device 32 from the auxiliary device DCDC converter 26.

[0093] Further, according to the present embodiment, in the transient state occurring in conjunction with the variation of the power supplied from the solar panel 14, it is possible to cope with the overshoot and oscillation of the intermediate voltage V without mounting a solar battery.

[0094] Further, the regulation section 210 of the solar ECU 12 of the present embodiment performs PID control as the intermediate voltage maintenance control. Specifically, the regulation section 210 regulates the step-up DCDC converter 24 or the auxiliary device DCDC converter 26 by feedback control implemented based on each gain value in the PID control, so as to maintain the intermediate voltage V constant. Further, according to the present embodiment, by causing the correction section 220 to correct the gain value as the control parameter for each DCDC converter, it is possible to suppress the power loss at the time of charging for each battery.

[0095] There is a case where the gain value becomes inappropriate due to the decrease in capacitance of the capacitor 28 with the passage of time, individual differences, deterioration of the solar panel 14, deterioration of other circuit elements with the passage of time, and the like. In this regard, according to the present embodiment, by performing the correction of the gain value every predetermined period, it is possible to ensure the quality in the charging operation of the battery.

[0096] [Second Embodiment]

[0097] Although the correction of the gain value as the control parameter is performed with the passage of a predetermined period as the trigger in the first embodiment, the trigger of the performance of the correction is not limited thereto. In the second embodiment, the correction section 220 performs the correction with the case where the waveform of the intermediate voltage V at the time of feedback control deviates from the appropriate state as the trigger.

[0098] Specifically, the CPU 20A of the control portion 20 monitors the waveform of the intermediate voltage V at the time of feedback control, and performs gain correction processing in a case where the waveform deviates from an appropriate state. Here, the appropriate state of the waveform refers to a state in which, for example, the overshoot value and the voltage settling time satisfy values set in advance. That is, in the present embodiment, in the feedback control in the intermediate voltage maintenance control, in a case where the intermediate voltage V excessively overshoots with respect to the target value, that is, in a case where the target value is not converged, correction of the gain value is performed.

[0099] According to the present embodiment, by performing correction of the gain value in a case where the waveform of the intermediate voltage V at the time of feedback control deviates from an appropriate state, it is possible to ensure the quality in the charging operation of the battery.

[0100] (Alteration)

[0101] Further, as an alteration of the second embodiment, there is a method of determining whether or not correction of the parameter is required by a device outside the vehicle 11. In the present alteration, by connecting a DCM (Data Communication Module) as a communication module directly or via other ECUs to the communication I / F 20E, it is possible to transmit the waveform of the intermediate voltage V to a server outside the vehicle 11. For example, in a case where the waveform of the intermediate voltage V of the vehicle 11 is acquired by a server managed by a dealer, it is possible to determine whether or not correction of the gain value is required on the dealer side. Then, in a case where it is determined that correction is required, by guiding the user of the vehicle 11 to the entry of the dealer, it is possible to perform correction of the gain value on the dealer side.

[0102] According to the present alteration, by monitoring the state of feedback of the intermediate voltage V in an external server, it is possible to discover the inappropriate gain value caused by degradation of the circuit element over time in a remote manner. Further, by having a function of notifying the user of the vehicle 11, it is possible to perform inspection of a failure of hardware other than the inappropriate gain value at the dealer.

[0103] In addition, various processes performed by the CPU 20A in the above-described embodiments can also be performed by various processors other than the CPU. As the processor in this case, a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) that can change the circuit structure after manufacture, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) having a circuit structure designed specifically to perform a certain process, and the like, i.e., a dedicated circuit, can be exemplified. Furthermore, each of the above-described processes can be performed by one of these various processors, or can be performed by a combination of two or more processors of the same kind or different kinds (for example, a combination of a plurality of FPGAs, a combination of a CPU and an FPGA, and the like). Furthermore, the hardware structure of these various processors is more specifically a circuit in which circuit elements such as semiconductor elements are combined.

[0104] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, the processes have been described in a form in which each program is stored (installed) in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium in advance. For example, the control program 100 in the control section 20 is stored in the ROM 20B in advance. However, this is not limiting, and each program can also be provided in a form in which it is stored in a non-transitory storage medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. Furthermore, the program can also be provided in a form in which it is downloaded from an external device via a network.

[0105] The flow of the processes described in the above-described embodiments is also one example, and unnecessary steps can be deleted, new steps can be added, or the order of the processes can be changed, without departing from the scope of the gist.

Claims

1. A power generation control device, comprising: The first DC-DC converter has a solar panel mounted on the vehicle connected to its input side; The second DC-DC converter is connected to the output side of the first DC-DC converter at its input side, and a drive battery for driving the vehicle is connected to its output side. A third DC-DC converter is connected to the output side of the first DC-DC converter on its input side, and an auxiliary device battery for enabling the auxiliary devices of the vehicle to operate is connected to its output side. Memory; The processor, which is connected to the memory, The processor is configured such that, The output power of either the second or third DC-DC converter is controlled to ensure that the voltage on the output side of the first DC-DC converter reaches a predetermined value. While the vehicle is in motion, the output power of the third DC-DC converter is controlled to make the voltage a predetermined value.

2. The power generation control device as described in claim 1, wherein, It also includes a capacitor, one side of which is connected to the output side of the first DC-DC converter and the other side is connected to the ground terminal of the vehicle.

3. The power generation control device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The processor is configured to, when the vehicle is parked and charging based on power from the solar panels is in progress, stop the control of the second DC-DC converter and control the output power of the third DC-DC converter to make the voltage a predetermined value.

4. The power generation control device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The processor is configured to control the output power of the second DC-DC converter to make the voltage a predetermined value when the drive battery is being charged based on power from the solar panel.

5. A vehicle, comprising: The power generation control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4; The solar panels are mounted on the exterior trim of the vehicle body; The drive battery is installed on the vehicle body; The auxiliary equipment battery is installed on the vehicle body.

6. A power generation control method, which controls the following components respectively: The first DC-DC converter has a solar panel mounted on the vehicle connected to its input side; The second DC-DC converter is connected to the output side of the first DC-DC converter at its input side, and a drive battery for driving the vehicle is connected to its output side. A third DC-DC converter is connected to the output side of the first DC-DC converter at its input side, and an auxiliary device battery for enabling the vehicle's auxiliary devices is connected to its output side. in, The power generation control method includes the following processing: The output power of either the second or the third DC-DC converter is controlled to ensure that the voltage on the output side of the first DC-DC converter reaches a predetermined value. While the vehicle is in motion, the output power of the third DC-DC converter is controlled to make the voltage a predetermined value.

7. A storage medium that is a non-transitory storage medium storing a program that causes a computer to execute power generation control processing of a vehicle, wherein, The vehicle has the following features: The first DC-DC converter has a solar panel mounted on the vehicle connected to its input side; The second DC-DC converter is connected to the output side of the first DC-DC converter at its input side, and a drive battery for driving the vehicle is connected to its output side. A third DC-DC converter is connected to the output side of the first DC-DC converter at its input side, and an auxiliary device battery for enabling the vehicle's auxiliary devices is connected to its output side. The power generation control process includes the following processes: The output power of either the second or the third DC-DC converter is controlled to ensure that the voltage on the output side of the first DC-DC converter reaches a predetermined value. While the vehicle is in motion, the output power of the third DC-DC converter is controlled to make the voltage a predetermined value.

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