Charging / discharging system and method for controlling a vehicle and vehicle

Abstract

A system and method for controlling charging / discharging of a vehicle and the vehicle, the system including: a vehicle battery; an external controller connected to the vehicle and configured to control exchange of power; a switch configured to connect / disconnect the vehicle battery and the external controller; and a charging / discharging controller configured to control the vehicle battery and the external controller to be connected to each other by closing the switch in case that the vehicle is started or a charging door is opened.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to systems and methods for controlling the charging / discharging of vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] The technology used to supply electricity from electric vehicle batteries to homes is called vehicle-to-home (V2H) technology. With V2H technology, electric vehicles function as both energy storage and power sources. Specifically, V2H technology can be used to supply electricity from electric vehicles to homes in the event of a power outage due to unforeseen circumstances. Furthermore, if power is not provided to victims due to disasters (typhoons, floods, earthquakes, etc.), V2H technology can be used to quickly supply power to temporary housing facilities.

[0003] V2H technology includes devices that convert the DC voltage of an electric vehicle battery into household AC voltage, and also includes a controller that can communicate with the vehicle.

[0004] A Vehicle Charging Management System (VCMS) is a controller that manages the charging and discharging of an electric vehicle while exchanging information with the V2H system and the high-voltage battery, and performs charging / discharging sequences, diagnostics, and other tasks. Typically, because the DC voltage of the electric vehicle (EV) battery is transmitted via V2H, V2H usually follows the Charging Mobility (CHAdeMO) standard.

[0005] In the case of V2H power supply, an inverter called an Electric Vehicle Power System (EVPS) is used to convert the power into AC power for home use, and power is typically supplied through three methods.

[0006] First, the EVPS and power distribution board can be configured independently. This refers to the situation where the EVPS connected to the electric vehicle is installed in the home and the outlet connected to the EVPS is located in the home. In this article, the outlet connected to the EVPS is placed in an independent state where the outlet is not connected to the home power distribution board. That is, unless connected via V2H technology, the outlet connected to the EVPS cannot be used because no power is supplied.

[0007] Second, the EVPS and the distribution board can be configured to be selectable. In this case, the EVPS and the distribution board are not directly connected, and the connection to the distribution board or the V2H system can be selected via switching equipment, etc.

[0008] Third, a bidirectional V2H technology configuration is possible. In this configuration, the distribution board is connected to the EVPS via a power converter, and when the power converter changes the current flow according to the intended use of electricity, the electric vehicle supplies power to the home via the EVPS, and the vehicle can also be charged via the EVPS.

[0009] V2H technology follows power supply standards after vehicle compatibility checks are completed. In this paper, the V2H system needs to be able to operate even when the power is cut off in the home. When the power is cut off in the home, the power to the V2H controller is cut off, making V2H communication with the vehicle impossible. Therefore, it is necessary to supply power not only from the vehicle but also to the V2H controller (12V).

[0010] In order to supply power to a home via a V2H system, the vehicle's VCMS and V2H controller need to communicate with each other first. This requires activating the VCMS by turning on the ignition to execute V2H technology. However, when the ignition is turned on, not only the parts required for the V2H system are activated, but power is also activated to all parts of the vehicle, thus consuming unnecessary current.

[0011] As another method for communication between the VCMS and the V2H controller, the audio, video, and navigation (AVN) settings can activate only the controller power required by the V2H system. However, this is inconvenient for users, as they need to set up the AVN while moving between indoors and outdoors.

[0012] On the other hand, as a method for supplying power from the vehicle to the V2H controller, there is a method using pin #3 of the CHAdeMO charging port, which has the advantage of being able to supply V2H power simply by connecting the V2H cable. However, this requires the addition of a protection circuit such as a fuse, and in order to supply V2H power, the vehicle's ignition system needs to be turned on and the V2H mode needs to be set.

[0013] Therefore, there is a need to develop a technology that can supply power from the vehicle battery to the V2H controller and allow V2H operation simply by connecting a cable without any special handling by the user.

[0014] It should be understood that the above description in the related art is only for the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the background of the present invention and should not be regarded as prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0015] This invention relates to systems and methods for controlling the charging / discharging of a vehicle. Specific embodiments relate to vehicle-to-home (V2H) technology for supplying battery power from a vehicle to a home, and more specifically, to systems and methods for controlling the charging / discharging of a vehicle to supply power to a V2H controller using the vehicle battery, even when power to the home is interrupted.

[0016] Therefore, embodiments of the present invention are made in view of the problems in the prior art, and embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for controlling the charging / discharging of a vehicle, the system and method being able to activate the power of the V2H system by supplying power from the vehicle battery and allow V2H operation even when the user does not start the vehicle or set the V2H mode.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a system for controlling the charging / discharging of a vehicle is provided, comprising: a vehicle battery capable of charging and discharging; an external controller connected to the vehicle to control the exchange of power; a switch for connecting / disconnecting the vehicle battery from the external controller; and a charging / discharging controller for controlling the connection between the vehicle battery and the external controller when the vehicle is started or the charging door is opened, and then closing the switch to control the connection between the vehicle battery and the external controller.

[0018] In addition, the power to the charging / discharging controller can be activated when the vehicle is started or the charging door is opened. The vehicle battery and external controller can be connected through the vehicle's charging interface. When the charging cable is connected to charge the vehicle, the vehicle's charging interface can be configured to use unused pins among the multiple pins of the charging port.

[0019] In addition, the charge / discharge controller may include a microcontroller unit (MCU) and control the connection between the vehicle battery and the external controller by closing a switch, even using a signal from the MCU. The charge / discharge controller can determine whether the vehicle battery is connected to the charger or the external controller after power activation. When the vehicle battery is connected to the charger, the switch can be opened, and when the battery is connected to the external controller, the switch can be kept closed.

[0020] In addition, the charge / discharge controller can perform control to activate only the power of the system related to charging / discharging, and can disconnect the switch and switch to a power-saving mode with a removable cable when the external controller is turned off.

[0021] In addition, the external controller can use a mobile device to set a termination command or the minimum state of charge (SOC) of the battery.

[0022] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for controlling the charging / discharging of a vehicle is provided, comprising: activating power to a charging / discharging controller when the vehicle is detected to start or the charging gate is opened; closing a switch connected between a vehicle battery and an external controller by the charging / discharging controller; and activating power to the external controller by supplying power from the vehicle battery to the external controller.

[0023] When the external controller is powered on, and the charging cable is connected to charge the vehicle, power from the vehicle battery can be supplied to the external controller through an unused pin among the multiple pins of the charging port.

[0024] Closing the switch may include: the charge / discharge controller using an MCU signal to close the switch to control the connection between the vehicle battery and the external controller; the charge / discharge controller determining whether the vehicle battery is connected to the charger or the external controller; opening the switch when the vehicle battery is connected to the charger; and keeping the switch closed when the vehicle battery is connected to the external controller.

[0025] Furthermore, the charge / discharge controller can perform control to activate only the power of the system related to charging / discharging, and the method may further include setting a battery termination command or minimum state of charge (SOC) by an external controller using a mobile device. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The above and other objects, features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating V2H power supply via VCMS according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the shape and pin configuration of the CHAdeMO charging port;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a V2H power supply scenario according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a V2H power disconnection scenario according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0031] Figure 5 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating control via a mobile device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Figure 1 To illustrate a block diagram of V2H power supply via VCMS according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 A diagram illustrating the shape and pin configuration of the CHAdeMO charging port. Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a V2H power supply scenario according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided. Figure 4 To illustrate a flowchart of a V2H power disconnection scenario according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating control by a mobile device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating V2H power supply via VCMS according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] The vehicle charging management system (VCMS) may include a vehicle battery 100, a charging / discharging controller, a quick interface 400, and a switch 300, and operates by receiving power from the vehicle battery 100 and implementing V2H technology by connecting to an external controller 500.

[0035] A controller according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include: a non-volatile memory (not shown) configured to store an algorithm and data associated with software instructions for executing the algorithm, the algorithm being configured to control the operation of various components of a vehicle; and a processor (not shown) configured to perform the operations described below using the data stored in the memory. Here, the memory and processor may be implemented as separate chips. Alternatively, the memory and processor may be implemented as a single integrated chip, and the processor may include one or more processors.

[0036] The vehicle's battery 100 is a rechargeable and dischargeable battery and is typically configured as a 12V battery. The vehicle's battery 100 can be connected to the power supply of an external controller 500 via a switch 300 and a quick-connect interface 400. Here, a fuse 200 for circuit protection can be placed between the battery 100 and the quick-connect interface 400.

[0037] The fast interface 400 is a vehicle charging port and is typically used for direct connection to a high-voltage battery 100 using a high DC voltage without going through an on-board charger (OBC). As an example, a DC combination type capable of both slow and fast charging can be used via a single charging port or CHAdeMO 10. As an example, when using the charging port of CHAdeMO 10, V2H power can be supplied between the vehicle's battery 100 and the external controller 500 via pin #3 of CHAdeMO 10. Furthermore, pin #3 can also be used when power from the vehicle's battery 100 is supplied to the external controller 500. However, when connecting a charger for vehicle charging other than the external controller 500 for V2H power, pin #3 may not be used.

[0038] A switch 300 is disposed between the vehicle's battery 100 and the quick-connect interface 400 and is used to connect / disconnect the battery 100 from the external controller 500. As an example, when the switch 300 is closed, the vehicle's battery 100 is connected to the power supply of the external controller 500, and thus power is supplied to the external controller 500. Conversely, when power to the external controller 500 needs to be cut off, the switch 300 is opened.

[0039] The charge / discharge controller 700 controls the power activation of the VCMS and controls the connection or disconnection of the switch 300. Specifically, the VCMS power is activated when the vehicle's power is activated or when the charging door 630 of the vehicle's charging port is opened. In this case, the vehicle's power can be the IG3 power supply 610, which is a charge / discharge related power supply used only when charging the electric vehicle.

[0040] In one embodiment, the VCMS power determination unit 730 activates the VCMS power supply 750 when the IG3 power supply 610 is activated or when the opening of the charging gate 630 is detected. When the VCMS power supply 750 is activated, the power of the microcontroller unit (MCU) 710 can also be activated to control the switch 300 and the charge / discharge related controller 800. Thus, only the power of the controllers required for V2H operation can be activated.

[0041] As another embodiment, the VCMS power supply 750 can be activated by a signal from the MCU 710. More specifically, after the VCMS power supply 750 is activated and therefore the MCU 710 is also activated, the power to the VCMS may suddenly be cut off. In this case, the power to the VCMS needs to be reactivated in order to stably terminate the V2H system.

[0042] The charge / discharge controller 700 controls a switch 300 located between the vehicle's battery 100 and the external controller 500 via an MCU 710. In this configuration, when power to the VCMS is activated, the switch 300 closes to activate power to the external controller 500 for V2H operation. Then, it is determined whether the VCMS is connected to the charger or to the external controller 500 for V2H operation. Here, when it is determined that the VCMS is connected to the charger, the switch 300 opens, and when it is determined that the VCMS is connected to the external controller 500, the switch 300 remains closed.

[0043] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the shape and pin configuration of the CHAdeMO fast charging port 10. CHAdeMO uses a 10-pin connector, such as... Figure 2 As shown, pin #1 is used for GND, pin #2 is used for CSS1 (charging sequence signal 1), pin #3 is unused, pin #4 is used for vehicle charging permission, pin #5 is used for DC output N, pin #6 is used for DC output P, ​​pin #7 is used for connector proximity detection, pins #8 and #9 are used for CAN, and pin #10 is used for CCS2 (charging sequence signal 2).

[0044] Pin #3 is not used when the charging cable is connected to charge the vehicle. However, when performing V2H operation, power can be supplied through pin #3 of the CHAdeMO10, which allows power to be supplied by simply connecting the V2H cable without the need for additional cables.

[0045] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a V2H power supply scenario according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] First, when the vehicle's IG3 power supply 610 is activated or the opening of the charging gate 630 is detected, the power of the VCMS and MCU 710 is activated (S101 and S102). When the VCMS is activated, the MCU 710 activates the Battery Management System (BMS), Bidirectional OBC, Low-Voltage DC-DC Converter (LDC), etc. (S103), which are the charging / discharging related systems within the VCMS. Furthermore, the switch 300, which connects the vehicle's battery 100 and the external controller 500, is closed (S104), activating the power of the external controller 500 (S105). At this time, for safety, a process for checking whether the charging connector is properly locked can be included (S106). When the external controller 500 is activated, V2H operation can be performed, and the connection status of the VCMS and cable and the compatibility of the battery 100 are checked (S107). This can be performed via Controller Area Network (CAN) communication. Then, the VCMS determines whether the vehicle is connected to the charger or to the external controller 500 for V2H operation (S108). At this time, when it is determined that the vehicle is connected to the charger, the switch 300 is opened (S109), and when it is determined that the vehicle is connected to the external controller 500, the switch 300 remains closed (S110). Then, after checking the insulation of the high-voltage components (S111), charging or discharging begins (S112).

[0047] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a V2H power disconnection scenario according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] When the VCMS receives a power disconnect command, it begins to cut off the power supply from the V2H operation (S201). After confirming that the output voltage is sufficiently low (e.g., less than 10V) (S202), the external controller 500 releases the locking connector for the V2H connection (S203). Thereafter, the external controller 500 terminates V2H control (S204), and thus the VCMS disconnects switch 300 (S205). When switch 300 is open, the power supply from the vehicle's battery 100 to the external controller 500 is cut off, preventing the battery 100 from discharging. After switch 300 is open, the VCMS is switched to a power-saving mode, consuming only the minimum power required for the complete termination of the VCMS (S206). Subsequently, when the cable connected to the charging interface 400 is removed (S207), the power to the VCMS is also disconnected (S208).

[0049] Figure 5 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating control via a mobile device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] The V2H system can be remotely controlled using mobile device 30. Mobile device 30 can wirelessly communicate with Audio Video Navigation Telematics Center (AVNT) 50, and AVNT 50 can communicate with the VCMS and BMS using the vehicle's CAN communication. Therefore, when the mobile device sends a command, AVNT 50 receives the command and forwards it to the VCMS and BMS.

[0051] As an example, a user can use a mobile device to remotely control the setting of the minimum state of charge (SOC) of the battery 100 and the termination of V2H operation.

[0052] Specifically, because V2H operation uses the vehicle's battery 100, a minimum amount of battery 100 is required for the vehicle to operate. Therefore, the user can remotely set the minimum state of charge (SOC) of the battery 100 using a mobile device. In this case, when the SOC of the battery 100 set by the user is reached while the power is being consumed during V2H operation, the operation automatically enters the V2H termination sequence.

[0053] In addition, if a user wants to stop V2H operation during household electricity use, he or she can remotely terminate the V2H system using a mobile device.

[0054] The system and method for controlling the charging / discharging of a vehicle according to embodiments of the present invention can activate the power of the V2H system and allow V2H operation even when the user does not start the vehicle or set the V2H mode, by supplying power from the vehicle battery.

[0055] In addition, in V2H mode, only the power of the charging / discharging related systems is activated to minimize vehicle power consumption, and V2H operation can be terminated using a mobile device or the minimum SOC can be set remotely.

[0056] Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications, additions, and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for controlling the charging / discharging of a vehicle, the system comprising: Vehicle battery; An external controller is connected to the vehicle and configured to control the switching of power. A switch is configured to connect or disconnect the vehicle battery from the external controller; as well as A charge / discharge controller is configured to, when the vehicle is started or the charging door is opened, control the connection between the vehicle battery and the external controller by closing the switch. The charging / discharging controller is configured to determine whether the vehicle battery is connected to a charger or an external controller after the power is activated, to disconnect the switch in response to determining that the vehicle battery is connected to the charger, and to keep the switch closed in response to determining that the vehicle battery is connected to the external controller.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The charging / discharging controller is configured to activate its power upon detecting that the vehicle is started or the charging door is opened.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The vehicle battery and the external controller are connected via the vehicle's charging interface.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein, The charging interface of the vehicle is configured to use an unused pin among a plurality of pins of the charging port when a charging cable is connected to charge the vehicle.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The charge / discharge controller includes a microcontroller unit (MCU) and is configured to control the connection between the vehicle battery and the external controller by closing the switch using a signal from the MCU.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The charge / discharge controller is configured to perform control such that only the power of the system related to charging / discharging is activated.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The charge / discharge controller is configured to disconnect the switch in response to shutting down the external controller and switch to a power-saving mode that allows the cable to be removed.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The external controller is configured to use a mobile device to set a termination command or the minimum state of charge (SOC) of the vehicle battery.

9. A method for controlling the charging / discharging of a vehicle, the method comprising: The power to activate the charging / discharging controller is activated when the vehicle is detected to start or the charging door is opened; The switch connecting the vehicle battery and the external controller is closed by the charging / discharging controller. as well as The external controller is activated by supplying power from the vehicle battery to it. Closing the switch includes: The charging / discharging controller determines whether the vehicle battery is connected to the charger or to the external controller; In response to determining that the vehicle battery is connected to the charger, the switch is disconnected; and The switch is kept closed in response to determining that the vehicle battery is connected to the external controller.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, Activating the power supply to the external controller includes supplying power from the vehicle battery to the external controller via an unused pin of a plurality of pins of the charging port in response to a charging cable being connected to charge the vehicle.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein, Closing the switch includes the charge / discharge controller using a signal from the microcontroller unit to control the connection between the vehicle battery and the external controller.

12. The method of claim 9, further comprising: The charge / discharge controller performs control to activate only the power of the system related to charging / discharging.

13. The method of claim 9, further comprising: The external controller uses a mobile device to set a termination command or the minimum charge state of the vehicle battery.

14. A vehicle comprising: Body; The vehicle battery is located within the vehicle body. The charging port is configured to be coupled to an external controller; A switch is configured to connect or disconnect the vehicle battery from the external controller; as well as A charge / discharge controller is configured to control the connection between the vehicle battery and the charging interface by closing a switch when the vehicle is started or the charging door is opened. The charging / discharging controller is configured to determine whether the vehicle battery is connected to a charger or an external controller after power is activated, to disconnect the switch in response to determining that the vehicle battery is connected to the charger, and to keep the switch closed in response to determining that the vehicle battery is connected to the external controller.

15. The vehicle according to claim 14, wherein, The charging interface of the vehicle is configured to use an unused pin among a plurality of pins of the charging port when a charging cable is connected to charge the vehicle.

16. The vehicle according to claim 14, wherein, The charge / discharge controller includes a microcontroller unit (MCU) and is configured to control the vehicle battery and the external controller to connect to each other via the charging interface by closing the switch using a signal from the MCU.

17. The vehicle according to claim 14, wherein, The external controller is configured to use a mobile device to set a termination command or the minimum charge state of the vehicle battery.

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