Power control device for vehicle-mounted solar panel

Abstract

A power control device (14) for a vehicle-mounted solar panel is provided with a switch unit (20) and a control unit (24). The control unit (24) switches the switch unit (20) between a supply state and a cut-off state. The control unit (24) monitors the power generated by the solar panel (13) while the battery management system (12) is stopped, and maintains the switch unit (20) in an off state when the power generated by the solar panel (13) is lower than a threshold value that is set to be equal to or greater than the power required to start the battery management system (12). When the power generated by the solar cell panel (13) is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the switching unit (20) is switched to the supply state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power control device for an in-vehicle solar panel. Background Art

[0002] A solar power generation system mounted on a vehicle is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The power generated by the solar power generation system is charged into a storage battery mounted on the vehicle.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2021-62841 Summary of the Invention

[0005] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The power generated by the solar power generation system easily varies depending on sunlight conditions. When an electrical device or the like is to be operated in a state where the power generated by the solar power generation system is low, the power generated by the solar power generation system alone is insufficient, and it may be necessary to output power from the storage battery.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of suppressing power consumption of a storage battery in a vehicle equipped with a solar panel.

[0008] Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] The power control device for an in-vehicle solar panel of the present disclosure is for a vehicle, the vehicle being equipped with a storage battery, a storage battery management system that receives power supplied from the storage battery and manages the state of the storage battery, and a solar panel that supplies power to the storage battery via a power path. The power control device for an in-vehicle solar panel includes:

[0010] a switch unit provided between the solar panel and the storage battery, which switches between a supply state in which power is supplied from the solar panel to the storage battery and a cut-off state in which power is cut off; and

[0011] a control unit that switches the switch unit between the supply state and the cut-off state,

[0012] wherein the storage battery management system operates when the switch unit is in the supply state and stops when the switch unit is in the cut-off state,

[0013] The above control unit monitors the power generated by the solar panel in a state where the battery management system is stopped. When the power generated by the solar panel is lower than a threshold value that is set to be above the power required for starting the battery management system, the switch unit is maintained in the cut-off state. When the power generated by the solar panel is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the switch unit is switched to the supply state.

[0014] Advantages of the Invention

[0015] According to the technology of the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress power consumption of a battery in a vehicle equipped with a solar panel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 FIG. is a structural diagram of a vehicle system including a power control device for an in-vehicle solar panel according to a first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 FIG. is a structural diagram of a vehicle system including a power control device for an in-vehicle solar panel according to a second embodiment.

[0018] Figure 3 FIG. is a structural diagram of a vehicle system including a power control device for an in-vehicle solar panel according to a third embodiment.

[0019] Figure 4 FIG. is a structural diagram of a vehicle system including a power control device for an in-vehicle solar panel according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0020] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure]

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and illustrated.

[0022] 〔1〕A power control device for an in-vehicle solar panel for a vehicle, the vehicle being equipped with a battery, a battery management system that receives power supplied from the battery and manages the state of the battery, and a solar panel that supplies power to the battery via a power path, the power control device for the in-vehicle solar panel includes:

[0023] a switch unit provided between the solar panel and the battery, which switches between a supply state in which power is supplied from the solar panel to the battery and a cut-off state in which power is cut off; and

[0024] a control unit that switches the switch unit between the supply state and the cut-off state,

[0025] The above battery management system operates when the above switch section is in the above supply state and stops when the above switch section is in the above cut-off state.

[0026] The above control section monitors the generated power of the above solar panel in a state where the above battery management system is stopped. When the generated power of the above solar panel is lower than a threshold value set to be above the power required for starting the above battery management system, the above switch section is maintained in the above cut-off state. When the generated power of the above solar panel is above the above threshold value, the above switch section is switched to the above supply state.

[0027] In a state where the generated power of the solar panel is lower than the threshold value, when starting the battery management system, only the generated power of the solar panel is insufficient, so the power of the battery is consumed. Regarding this point, since the above power control device maintains the switch section in the cut-off state in a state where the generated power of the solar panel is lower than the threshold value, the battery management system is maintained in the stopped state, and power consumption of the battery can be suppressed.

[0028] 〔2〕The power control device for an in-vehicle solar panel according to 〔1〕, wherein

[0029] The above power control device for an in-vehicle solar panel includes a power conversion section that performs a boosting operation or a bucking operation on the input power based on the power supplied from the above solar panel and supplies the output power.

[0030] The above switch section is provided between the above power conversion section and the above battery.

[0031] When the above control section causes the above power conversion section to perform a boosting operation or a bucking operation, after switching the above switch section to the above supply state so that power can be supplied from the above power conversion section to the above battery, the above control section causes the above power conversion section to perform a boosting operation or a bucking operation.

[0032] After the above power control device switches the switch section to the supply state so that power can be supplied from the power conversion section to the battery, the power control device causes the power conversion section to perform a conversion operation. Therefore, the above power control device does not require a power storage unit such as a capacitor for storing the output power of the power conversion section between the power conversion section and the switch section.

[0033] 〔3〕The power control device for an in-vehicle solar panel according to 〔1〕 or 〔2〕, wherein

[0034] In a state where the above battery management system is operating, when the generated power of the above solar panel is greater than the power required to control the above switch section to the above supply state, the above control section controls the above switch section to the above supply state.

[0035] The above-mentioned power control device can avoid the situation where the power of the storage battery decreases instead due to the power supply from the solar panel.

[0036] 〔4〕The power control device for a vehicle-mounted solar panel according to any one of 〔1〕to 〔3〕, wherein

[0037] The above-mentioned power control device for a vehicle-mounted solar panel is provided with a power conversion unit, and the power conversion unit performs a conversion operation of stepping down or stepping up the input voltage input from the solar panel side and outputting it to the storage battery side.

[0038] The above-mentioned power path is provided between the power conversion unit and the storage battery.

[0039] The above-mentioned power control device for a vehicle-mounted solar panel has a power storage unit electrically connected to the above-mentioned power path.

[0040] In the above-mentioned power control device, the power supplied from the power conversion unit to the storage battery is easily stabilized through the charging and discharging of the power storage unit.

[0041] 〔5〕The power control device for a vehicle-mounted solar panel according to 〔4〕, wherein

[0042] In a state where the above-mentioned battery management system is operating, when the power generated by the solar panel is greater than the power required to control the above-mentioned switch unit to the above-mentioned supply state, the control unit controls the above-mentioned switch unit to the above-mentioned supply state.

[0043] The above-mentioned power control device can avoid the situation where the power of the storage battery decreases instead due to the power supply from the solar panel.

[0044] 〔6〕The power control device for a vehicle-mounted solar panel according to any one of 〔1〕to 〔5〕, wherein

[0045] The above-mentioned power control device for a vehicle-mounted solar panel includes:

[0046] A power conversion unit that performs a conversion operation of stepping down or stepping up the input voltage input from the solar panel side and outputting it to the storage battery side;

[0047] A first conduction path, different from the above-mentioned power path;

[0048] A second conduction path provided between the above-mentioned first conduction path and the above-mentioned power conversion unit;

[0049] A third conduction path provided between the above-mentioned first conduction path and the above-mentioned storage battery; and

[0050] Diode

[0051] The anode of the above diode is electrically connected to the above second conduction path.

[0052] The cathode of the above diode is electrically connected to the above first conduction path.

[0053] The above power control device can supply power to the first conductive part from both the power conversion part and the storage battery, and can prevent the reverse flow from the storage battery to the power conversion part through the diode.

[0054] [7] The power control device for an in-vehicle solar panel according to [6], wherein

[0055] The above control part controls the above power conversion part so that the voltage of the above anode is within the voltage range where current flows from the above anode to the above cathode.

[0056] The above power control device can be in a state where the power from the power conversion part is supplied to the first conduction path preferentially over the power from the storage battery. Therefore, the above power control device can more reliably suppress the power consumption of the storage battery.

[0057] [8] The power control device for an in-vehicle solar panel according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein

[0058] The above storage battery includes a first storage battery and a second storage battery different from the above first storage battery.

[0059] The power from the above solar panel is supplied to both the above first storage battery and the above second storage battery.

[0060] The above power control device can supply the power from the solar panel to both the first storage battery and the second storage battery.

[0061] [9] The power control device for an in-vehicle solar panel according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein

[0062] The above switch part is composed of semiconductors.

[0063] Compared with the case where the above power control device uses a mechanical circuit breaker as the switch part, the power consumption can be reduced.

[0064] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure]

[0065] <First Embodiment>

[0066] 1-1. Outline of the in-vehicle system

[0067] In Figure 1The in-vehicle system 1 mounted on a vehicle is shown. The in-vehicle system 1 includes: a storage battery 11, a battery management system 12, a solar panel 13, and a power control device 14 for the in-vehicle solar panel (hereinafter, also referred to as the power control device 14).

[0068] The storage battery 11 is composed of, for example, a lead storage battery, a lithium-ion storage battery, a sodium-ion storage battery, etc.

[0069] The battery management system 12 is a device that manages the state of the storage battery 11. The battery management system 12 has functions of preventing overcharging and over-discharging of the single cells constituting the storage battery 11, preventing overcurrent of the single cells, performing temperature management of the single cells, calculating the battery remaining amount, performing equalization (single cell balancing) of the single cell voltages, etc. The battery management system 12 can operate by receiving power supplied from the storage battery 11.

[0070] The solar panel 13 is constituted by, for example, connecting a plurality of solar single cells that convert light energy into electric power, and outputs the electric power generated by these plurality of solar cell single cells according to the irradiated light to the power control device 14. In Figure 1 only one solar panel 13 is described, but a plurality of such solar panels 13 are provided in the vehicle. These plurality of solar panels 13 are electrically connected to the power control device 14 respectively.

[0071] The power control device 14 can receive the supply of power from the solar panel 13 and supply the output power based on this power to the storage battery 11.

[0072] 1-2. Basic Structure of the Power Control Device

[0073] The power control device 14 includes: a switch unit 20, a first diode 21, a second diode 22, a BMS start unit 23, a control unit 24, a first power path 31, a second power path 32, a first conduction path 34, a second conduction path 35, and a third conduction path 36.

[0074] The switch unit 20 is provided between the solar panel 13 and the storage battery 11. The switch unit 20 switches between a supply state in which power is supplied from the solar panel 13 to the storage battery 11 and a cut-off state in which power is cut off. The switch unit 20 becomes an allowed state in the on state and a cut-off state in the off state. The switch unit 20 is composed of a semiconductor.

[0075] The first power path 31 is provided between the solar panel 13 and the switch unit 20. The first power path 31 is an example of a power path. The second power path 32 is provided between the switch unit 20 and the storage battery 11. Power is supplied from the solar panel 13 to the storage battery 11 via the first power path 31 and the second power path 32.

[0076] The first conductive path 34, the second conductive path 35, and the third conductive path 36 are paths different from the first power path 31 and the second power path 32. The first conductive path 34 is provided in parallel with the switch unit 20 between the solar panel 13 and the storage battery 11. The second conductive path 35 is provided between the first conductive path 34 and the first power path 31. The third conductive path 36 is provided between the first conductive path 34 and the second power path 32.

[0077] The anode of the first diode 21 is electrically connected to the second conductive path 35. The cathode of the first diode 21 is electrically connected to the first conductive path 34. The first diode 21 is an example of a diode.

[0078] The anode of the second diode 22 is electrically connected to the third conductive path 36. The cathode of the second diode 22 is electrically connected to the first conductive path 34.

[0079] The first conductive path 34 is connected to the BMS activation unit 23 and a power supply circuit (not shown) etc., and functions as a path for supplying power to the BMS activation unit 23 and the power supply circuit etc. The power supply circuit generates and supplies the power required for driving the switch unit 20 and the control unit 24. Power from the solar panel 13 is supplied to the first conductive path 34 via the second conductive path 35. The flow of current from the first conductive path 34 to the second conductive path 35 is prevented by the first diode 21. Power from the storage battery 11 is supplied to the first conductive path 34 via the third conductive path 36. The flow of current from the first conductive path 34 to the third conductive path 36 is prevented by the second diode 22.

[0080] The BMS activation unit 23 is constituted by, for example, a communication circuit and a signal output circuit etc. The BMS activation unit 23 is electrically connected to the first conductive path 34. The BMS activation unit 23 activates the battery management system 12 based on the power supplied from the first conductive path 34. The BMS activation unit 23 activates the battery management system 12 when the switch unit 20 is in the supply state, and stops the battery management system 12 when the switch unit 20 is in the cut-off state. Thereby, the battery management system 12 operates when the switch unit 20 is in the supply state, and stops when the switch unit 20 is in the cut-off state. The BMS activation unit 23 may be a structure controlled by the control unit 24, or may be a structure not controlled by the control unit 24.

[0081] Whether the switch unit 20 is in the supply state can be determined based on the control state of the control unit 24 over the switch unit 20, or can be determined based on the voltage of the second power path 32 or the current flowing in the second power path 32. The determination of whether the switch unit 20 is in the supply state can be performed by the BMS activation unit 23, or can be performed by a device other than the BMS activation unit 23 (for example, the control unit 24).

[0082] The control unit 24 is composed of, for example, an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU, and memories such as a ROM and a RAM.

[0083] The control unit 24 controls the switch unit 20. The control unit 24 switches the switch unit 20 between the enabled state and the cut-off state.

[0084] 1-3. Functions and Effects of the Power Control Device

[0085] The control unit 24 monitors the generated power of the solar panel 13 in a state where the battery management system 12 is stopped. And, when the generated power of the solar panel 13 is lower than a threshold value that is set to be equal to or higher than the power required to start the battery management system 12, the control unit 24 maintains the switch unit 20 in the cut-off state. When the generated power of the solar panel 13 is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the control unit 24 switches the switch unit 20 to the supply state.

[0086] In a state where the generated power of the solar panel 13 is lower than the threshold value, when starting the battery management system 12, only the generated power of the solar panel 13 is insufficient, so the power of the battery 11 is consumed. Regarding this point, since the power control device 14 maintains the cut-off state in a state where the generated power of the solar panel 13 is lower than the threshold value, the battery management system 12 maintains the stopped state, and power consumption of the battery 11 can be suppressed.

[0087] In a state where the battery management system 12 is operating, when the generated power of the solar panel 13 is greater than the power required to control the switch unit 20 to the supply state, the control unit 24 controls the switch unit 20 to the supply state. Therefore, the power control device 14 can avoid a situation where the power of the battery 11 decreases instead due to power supply from the solar panel 13.

[0088] <Second Embodiment>

[0089] In the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same structures as those in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0090] 2-1. Outline of the Vehicle-mounted System

[0091] In Figure 2 shows a vehicle-mounted system 201 mounted on a vehicle. The vehicle-mounted system 201 includes: a battery 211, a battery management system 12, a solar panel 13, and a power control device 214 for the vehicle-mounted solar panel (hereinafter, also referred to as the power control device 214).

[0092] The storage battery 211 includes a first storage battery 211A and a second storage battery 211B. The first storage battery 211A is a high-voltage storage battery with an output voltage higher than that of the second storage battery 211B. The first storage battery 211A is configured, for example, as a lithium-ion storage battery or a sodium-ion storage battery. The output voltage of the first storage battery 211A is, for example, 400V or 800V, etc.

[0093] The second storage battery 211B is a low-voltage storage battery with an output voltage lower than that of the first storage battery 211A. The second storage battery 211B is configured, for example, as a lead storage battery or a lithium-ion storage battery. The output voltage of the second storage battery 211B is, for example, 12V or 24V, etc.

[0094] The battery management system 12 manages the state of at least one of the first storage battery 211A and the second storage battery 211B. The battery management system 12 can operate by receiving power supplied from the first storage battery 211A and can operate by receiving power supplied from the second storage battery 211B.

[0095] The power control device 214 can receive the supply of power from the solar panel 13 and supply the output power based on this power to the first storage battery 211A and the second storage battery 211B. The power control device 214 has a function of controlling the power input from the solar panel 13 and can perform a step-down operation and a step-up operation internally.

[0096] 2-2. Basic Structure of Power Control Device

[0097] Similar to the power control device 14 of the first embodiment, the power control device 214 includes: a switch unit 20, a first diode 21, a second diode 22, a BMS start unit 23, a control unit 24, a first power path 31, a second power path 32, a first conduction path 34, a second conduction path 35, and a third conduction path 36. Moreover, the power control device 214 includes: a power conversion unit 25, a charging unit 26, a step-down unit 27, a power storage unit 28, a third power path 37, and a fourth power path 38.

[0098] The switch unit 20 is provided between the solar panel 13 and the storage battery 211. The switch unit 20 switches between a supply state in which power is supplied from the solar panel 13 to the storage battery 211 and a cut-off state in which the power is cut off.

[0099] The first power path 31 is provided between the solar panel 13 and the switch unit 20. The first power path 31 corresponds to an example of a power path. The second power path 32 is provided between the switch unit 20 and the storage battery 11. The third power path 37 is provided between the second power path 32 and the first storage battery 211A. The fourth power path 38 is provided between the second power path 32 and the second storage battery 211B. Electric power is supplied from the solar panel 13 to the first storage battery 211A via the first power path 31, the second power path 32, and the third power path 37. Electric power is supplied from the solar panel 13 to the second storage battery 211B via the first power path 31, the second power path 32, and the fourth power path 38.

[0100] The power conversion units 25 are provided corresponding to the respective solar panels 13. The power conversion unit 25 is provided between the solar panel 13 and the first power path 31. The power conversion unit 25 is configured to include an MPPT circuit. The MPPT circuit is constituted by, for example, a DC-DC converter. The DC-DC converter is constituted by, for example, including semiconductor switching elements. The power conversion unit 25 performs a conversion operation of stepping down or stepping up the input voltage input from the solar panel 13 side and outputting it to the storage battery 211 side. The power conversion unit 25 supplies the output power to the first power path 31.

[0101] The charging unit 26 is provided between the first power path 31 and the switch unit 20. The charging unit 26 performs a charging operation of stepping up the voltage input from the power conversion unit 25 side and outputting it to the storage battery 211 side. The charging unit 26 is constituted by, for example, a DC-DC converter. The DC-DC converter is constituted by, for example, including semiconductor switching elements. The charging unit 26 steps up the power supplied from the first power path 31 and supplies it to the storage battery 211 side.

[0102] The step-down unit 27 is provided between the second power path 32 and the third power path 37 and the fourth power path 38 and the third conduction path 36. The step-down unit 27 performs a step-down operation of stepping down the voltage input from the second power path 32 and the third power path 37 side and outputting it to the fourth power path 38 and the third conduction path 36 side. The step-down unit 27 is constituted by, for example, a DC-DC converter. The DC-DC converter is constituted by, for example, including semiconductor switching elements. The step-down unit 27 steps down the power supplied from the second power path 32 and the third power path 37 side and supplies it to the second storage battery 211B via the fourth power path 38.

[0103] The above-described solar panel 13 supplies the generated electric power to the first storage battery 211A via the first power path 31, the second power path 32, and the third power path 37. In addition, the solar panel 13 supplies the generated electric power to the second storage battery 211B via the first power path 31, the second power path 32, and the fourth power path 38.

[0104] The power conversion unit 25 performs a conversion operation, the charging unit 26 performs a charging operation, and the switching unit 20 becomes an enabled state, so that power is supplied from the solar panel 13 to the first storage battery 211A. In addition, the power conversion unit 25 performs a conversion operation, the charging unit 26 performs a charging operation, the step-down unit 27 performs a step-down operation, and the switching unit 20 becomes an enabled state, so that power is supplied from the solar panel 13 to the second storage battery 211B.

[0105] The power storage unit 28 is constituted by a capacitor, for example. One end of the power storage unit 28 is electrically connected to the first power path 31. The other end of the power storage unit 28 is electrically connected to the ground. The power storage unit 28 functions as a smoothing capacitor that smooths the output voltage of the power conversion unit 25.

[0106] The first conduction path 34, the second conduction path 35, and the third conduction path 36 are paths different from the first power path 31, the second power path 32, the third power path 37, and the fourth power path 38. The first conduction path 34 is provided in parallel with the switching unit 20 between the solar panel 13 and the storage battery 211. The second conduction path 35 is provided between the first conduction path 34 and the first power path 31. The third conduction path 36 is provided between the first conduction path 34 and the second power path 32 and the step-down unit 27. The third conduction path 36 is provided between the first conduction path 34 and the fourth power path 38.

[0107] The control unit 24 controls the power conversion unit 25. The control unit 24 performs maximum power point tracking control on the power conversion unit 25. The maximum power point tracking control is a control that varies the operating point of the solar panel 13 so that the input power from the solar panel 13 becomes the maximum power point.

[0108] The control unit 24 controls the charging unit 26. The control unit 24 performs charging control to cause the charging unit 26 to perform a charging operation.

[0109] The control unit 24 controls the step-down unit 27. The control unit 24 performs step-down control to cause the step-down unit 27 to perform a step-down operation.

[0110] The control unit 24 performs maximum power point tracking control on the power conversion unit 25, performs charging control on the charging unit 26, and controls the switching unit 20 to a supply state, so that power is supplied from the solar panel 13 to the first storage battery 211A.

[0111] The control unit 24 performs maximum power point tracking control on the power conversion unit 25, performs charging control on the charging unit 26, performs step-down control on the step-down unit 27, and controls the switching unit 20 to a supply state, so that power is supplied from the solar panel 13 to the second storage battery 211B.

[0112] 2-3. Functions and Effects of Power Control Device

[0113] The control unit 24 monitors the generated power of the solar panel 13 in a state where the battery management system 12 is stopped. And, when the generated power of the solar panel 13 is lower than a threshold value set to be above the power required for starting the battery management system 12, the control unit 24 maintains the switch unit 20 in the cut-off state. When the generated power of the solar panel 13 is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the control unit 24 switches the switch unit 20 to the supply state. Specifically, when the generated power of the solar panel 13 is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the control unit 24 switches the switch unit 20 to the supply state, performs maximum power point tracking control on the power conversion unit 25, performs charging control on the charging unit 26, and performs step-down control on the step-down unit 27.

[0114] In a state where the generated power of the solar panel 13 is lower than the threshold value, when starting the battery management system 12, only the generated power of the solar panel 13 is insufficient, so the power of the battery 211 is consumed. Regarding this point, since the power control device 214 maintains the switch unit 20 in the cut-off state in a state where the generated power of the solar panel 13 is lower than the threshold value, the battery management system 12 is maintained in the stopped state, and the power consumption of the battery 211 can be suppressed.

[0115] In addition, when the control unit 24 causes the power conversion unit 25 to perform a boosting operation or a step-down operation, after switching the switch unit 20 to the supply state and being able to supply power from the power conversion unit 25 to the battery 211, the control unit 24 causes the power conversion unit 25 to perform a boosting operation or a step-down operation. That is, after switching the switch unit 20 to the supply state and being able to supply power from the power conversion unit 25 to the battery 211, the power control device 214 causes the power conversion unit 25 to perform a conversion operation. Therefore, the power control device 214 does not require a power storage unit such as a capacitor for storing the output power of the power conversion unit 25 between the power conversion unit 25 and the switch unit 20.

[0116] A power storage unit 28 is electrically connected to the first power path 31. Therefore, the power supplied from the power conversion unit 25 to the battery 211 is easily stabilized by the charging and discharging of the power storage unit 28.

[0117] In a state where the battery management system 12 is operating, the control unit 24 controls the switch unit 20 to the supply state, performs maximum power point tracking control on the power conversion unit 25, performs charging control on the charging unit 26, and when the generated power of the solar panel 13 is greater than the power required for step-down control of the step-down unit 27, controls the switch unit 20 to the supply state, performs maximum power point tracking control on the power conversion unit 25, performs charging control on the charging unit 26, and performs step-down control on the step-down unit 27. Therefore, the power control device 214 can avoid the situation where the power of the battery 211 decreases instead due to the power supply from the solar panel 13.

[0118] The control unit 24 controls the power conversion unit 25 so that the voltage at the anode of the first diode 21 is within the voltage range in which current flows from the anode to the cathode of the first diode 21. Specifically, the power conversion unit 25 is controlled so that the output voltage of the power conversion unit 25 is greater than the voltage VA obtained by the following formula (1).

[0119] VA = VB - VT2 + VT1 ··· Formula (1)

[0120] VB is the voltage of the third conduction path 36.

[0121] VT1 is the voltage drop of the first diode 21.

[0122] VT2 is the voltage drop of the second diode 22.

[0123] Thereby, the power from the power conversion unit 25 is supplied to the first conduction path 34 prior to the power from the battery 211. Therefore, the power control device 214 can more reliably suppress the power consumption of the battery 211.

[0124] <Third Embodiment>

[0125] In the third embodiment, an example in which the second battery 211B described in the second embodiment is not mounted will be described. In addition, in the third embodiment, the same structural components as those in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0126] As Figure 3 shown, the vehicle-mounted system 301 of the third embodiment includes: a battery 311, a battery management system 12, a solar panel 13, and a power control device 314 for vehicle-mounted solar panels (hereinafter, also referred to as the power control device 314). The battery 311 has the same structure as the first battery 211A described in the second embodiment.

[0127] The power control device 314 is different from the power control device 214 of the second embodiment in that it is not connected to the second battery 211B described in the second embodiment, and is common in other respects. The operation of the power control device 314 is the same as that of the power control device 214 in the second embodiment example.

[0128] <Fourth Embodiment>

[0129] In the fourth embodiment, an example in which the first battery 211A described in the second embodiment is not mounted is described. In addition, in the fourth embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same structures as those in the second embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0130] As Figure 4 shown, the vehicle-mounted system 401 of the fourth embodiment includes: a battery 411, a battery management system 12, a solar panel 13, and a power control device 414 for the vehicle-mounted solar panel (hereinafter, also referred to as the power control device 414). The battery 411 has the same structure as the second battery 211B described in the second embodiment.

[0131] The power control device 414 is different from the power control device 214 of the second embodiment in that it is not connected to the first battery 211A described in the second embodiment, and is common in other respects. The operation of the power control device 414 is the same as that of the power control device 214 in the second embodiment.

[0132] <Other Embodiments>

[0133] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described by the above description and the drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. In addition, various features of the above embodiments and the embodiments described later can be arbitrarily combined as long as they are not contradictory combinations.

[0134] In the above fourth embodiment, at least one of the charging unit 26 or the step-down unit 27 may not be provided.

[0135] In addition, it should be considered that the embodiments disclosed this time are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed this time, and is intended to include all changes within the scope shown in the claims or within the scope equivalent to the claims.

[0136] Description of Reference Numerals

[0137] 1... Vehicle-mounted system

[0138] 11... Battery

[0139] 12... Battery management system

[0140] 13…Solar panel

[0141] 14…Power control device

[0142] 20…Switching section

[0143] 21…First diode

[0144] 22…Second diode

[0145] 23…BMS startup unit

[0146] 24…Control section

[0147] 25…Power conversion section

[0148] 26…Charging section

[0149] 27…Step-down section

[0150] 28…Power storage section

[0151] 31…First power path

[0152] 32…Second power path

[0153] 34…First conduction path

[0154] 35…Second conduction path

[0155] 36…Third conduction path

[0156] 37…Third power path

[0157] 38…Fourth power path

[0158] 201…Vehicle-mounted system

[0159] 211…Storage battery

[0160] 211A…First storage battery

[0161] 211B…Second storage battery

[0162] 214…Power control device

[0163] 301…Vehicle-mounted system

[0164] 311…Storage battery

[0165] 314…Power control device

[0166] 401…Vehicle-mounted system

[0167] 411…Storage battery

[0168] 414…Power control device.

Claims

1. A power control device for a vehicle-mounted solar panel, which is used for a vehicle. The vehicle is equipped with a storage battery, a battery management system that receives the power supplied from the storage battery and manages the state of the storage battery, and a solar panel that supplies power to the storage battery via a power path. The power control device for the vehicle-mounted solar panel includes: a switch unit, which is provided between the solar panel and the storage battery and switches between a supply state of supplying power from the solar panel to the storage battery and a cut-off state of cutting off the power; and a control unit, which switches the switch unit between the supply state and the cut-off state, the battery management system operates when the switch unit is in the supply state and stops when the switch unit is in the cut-off state, the control unit monitors the generated power of the solar panel in a state where the battery management system stops. When the generated power of the solar panel is lower than a threshold value that is set to be higher than the power required for starting the battery management system, the control unit maintains the switch unit in the cut-off state. When the generated power of the solar panel is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the control unit switches the switch unit to the supply state.

2. The power control device for the vehicle-mounted solar panel according to claim 1, wherein the power control device for the vehicle-mounted solar panel includes a power conversion unit, and the power conversion unit performs a boosting operation or a bucking operation on the input power based on the power supplied from the solar panel and supplies the output power, the switch unit is provided between the power conversion unit and the storage battery, when the control unit causes the power conversion unit to perform a boosting operation or a bucking operation, after switching the switch unit to the supply state so that power can be supplied from the power conversion unit to the storage battery, the control unit causes the power conversion unit to perform a boosting operation or a bucking operation.

3. The power control device for the vehicle-mounted solar panel according to claim 1, wherein in a state where the battery management system operates, when the generated power of the solar panel is greater than the power required to control the switch unit to the supply state, the control unit controls the switch unit to the supply state.

4. The power control device for the vehicle-mounted solar panel according to claim 1, wherein the power control device for the vehicle-mounted solar panel includes a power conversion unit, and the power conversion unit performs a conversion operation of stepping down or stepping up the input voltage input from the solar panel side and outputting it to the storage battery side, the power path is provided between the power conversion unit and the storage battery, the power control device for the vehicle-mounted solar panel has a power storage unit electrically connected to the power path.

5. The power control device for the vehicle-mounted solar panel according to claim 4, wherein When the battery management system is in operation, if the power generated by the solar panel is greater than the power required to control the switch unit to the supply state, the control unit controls the switch unit to the supply state.

6. The power control device for an in-vehicle solar panel according to claim 1 or 4, wherein the power control device for an in-vehicle solar panel includes: a power conversion unit that performs a conversion operation of stepping down or stepping up an input voltage input from the solar panel side and outputting it to the battery side; a first conduction path that is different from the power path; a second conduction path provided between the first conduction path and the power conversion unit; a third conduction path provided between the first conduction path and the battery; and a diode, wherein an anode of the diode is electrically connected to the second conduction path, and a cathode of the diode is electrically connected to the first conduction path.

7. The power control device for an in-vehicle solar panel according to claim 6, wherein the control unit controls the power conversion unit so that the voltage of the anode is within a voltage range in which current flows from the anode to the cathode.

8. The power control device for an in-vehicle solar panel according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the battery includes a first battery and a second battery different from the first battery, and power from the solar panel is supplied to both the first battery and the second battery.

9. The power control device for an in-vehicle solar panel according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the switch unit is formed of a semiconductor.

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