Power supply system and vehicle

Abstract

The invention provides a power supply system and a vehicle. The power supply system comprises a first output end; a second output terminal; the power supply equipment comprises N groups of power supply units, and the N groups of power supply units are connected in series between the first output end and the second output end; wherein N is an integer greater than 1; the switch unit comprises N-1 first switches, and the ith first switch is connected between the ith group of power supply units and the (i + 1) th group of power supply units; wherein i is a positive integer smaller than N. Therefore, the first switch can control the connection or disconnection between the two adjacent groups of power supply units, so that the voltage of the power supply equipment can be flexibly controlled, potential safety hazards caused by over-high open-circuit voltage of the power supply equipment can be avoided, and the safety of the power supply equipment is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to circuit technology, and more particularly, to a power supply system and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] With the development of new energy technologies, more and more clean energy-based power supply devices are gaining widespread application. For example, photovoltaic panels (also known as photovoltaic panels or solar panels) utilize the photovoltaic effect of solar cells to directly convert sunlight radiation into electrical energy, thereby powering loads. However, clean energy-based power supply devices are an emerging technology, and improving their safety is a pressing issue. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above-mentioned defects or deficiencies in the prior art, it is desirable to provide a power supply system and a vehicle.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a power supply system, comprising:

[0005] a first output terminal;

[0006] a second output terminal;

[0007] A power supply device, comprising N groups of power supply units, wherein the N groups of power supply units are connected in series between the first output end and the second output end; wherein N is an integer greater than 1;

[0008] The switch unit includes N-1 first switches, the i-th first switch is connected between the i-th group of power supply units and the i+1-th group of power supply units; wherein i is a positive integer less than N.

[0009] Optionally, a load is connected between the first output terminal and the second output terminal, and the power supply system further includes:

[0010] A control unit is configured to control at least one of the first switches to be disconnected when a fault occurs in the power supply system and / or the load.

[0011] Optionally, the first switch is an SCR, the anode of the i-th SCR is connected to the positive output terminal of the i-th power supply unit, and the cathode of the i-th SCR is connected to the negative output terminal of the (i+1)-th power supply unit.

[0012] Optionally, the switch unit further includes a third switch and a first resistor, wherein a first end of the first resistor is connected to the first output end, and a second end of the first resistor is connected to the second output end;

[0013] A first end of the third switch is connected to the first end of the first resistor, and a second end of the third switch is connected to the first output end;

[0014] The control unit is configured to control at least one of the first switches to be disconnected through the third switch;

[0015] The resistance value of the first resistor is greater than a preset resistance threshold, and the preset resistance threshold is a resistance value determined according to the output voltage of the power supply device and the holding current of the SCR.

[0016] Optionally, the control unit is configured to control the third switch to be disconnected when a fault occurs in the power supply system and / or the load, so that the current flowing through the SCR is less than the holding current and the SCR is disconnected.

[0017] Optionally, the switch unit further includes a second resistor, and the second resistor and the third switch are connected in series between the first end of the first resistor and the first output end;

[0018] The control unit is further configured to obtain a current flowing through the second resistor, and control the third switch to be disconnected when the current is less than or equal to a preset current threshold.

[0019] Optionally, the switch unit further includes a fourth switch and a first capacitor, the fourth switch is connected in parallel with the second resistor, and the first capacitor is connected between the first output terminal and the second output terminal;

[0020] The control unit is further configured to obtain a voltage value across the first capacitor when the third switch is closed and the fourth switch is open; and control the fourth switch to close when the voltage value across the first capacitor is greater than or equal to a preset voltage threshold.

[0021] Optionally, the switch unit further includes an isolation coupler corresponding to each first switch, the first output end of the i-th isolation coupler is connected to the positive output end of the (i+1)-th group of power supply units, and the second output end of the i-th isolation coupler is connected to the control electrode of the i-th SCR;

[0022] The control unit is connected to the control end of the isolation coupler, and is configured to control the two output ends of the isolation coupler to be turned on, so as to control the SCR to be turned on.

[0023] Optionally, the switch unit further includes a second switch, and the second switch and the control terminals of the N-1 isolation couplers are connected in series between the power terminal and the ground terminal of the power supply system;

[0024] The control unit is connected to the control end of the second switch, and the control unit is configured to control the two output ends of the isolation coupler to be conductive through the second switch.

[0025] Optionally, the first switch is a MOSFET, an IGBT or a solid-state switch.

[0026] Optionally, the switch unit further includes a diode corresponding to each power supply unit, the anode of the diode is connected to the negative output terminal of the corresponding power supply unit, and the cathode of the diode is connected to the positive output terminal of the corresponding power supply unit.

[0027] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle is provided, comprising the power supply system according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0028] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, N groups of power supply units of the power supply equipment are connected in series between the first output end and the second output end of the power supply system through N-1 first switches. The first switch can control the conduction or disconnection between two adjacent groups of power supply units, thereby flexibly controlling the voltage of the power supply equipment, avoiding the safety hazards caused by the excessively high open-circuit voltage of the power supply equipment, and improving the safety of the power supply equipment.

[0029] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a power supply system provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of a power supply system provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 3 A schematic structural diagram of a power supply system provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a vehicle provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement of components and steps, numerical expressions and numerical values set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0036] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses.

[0037] Technologies, methods, and equipment known to ordinary technicians in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the technologies, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0038] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not limiting. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0039] It should be noted that like reference numerals and letters refer to like items in the following figures, and therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0040] With the development of new energy technologies, more and more clean energy-based power supply devices are gaining widespread application. For example, photovoltaic panels (also known as photovoltaic panels or solar panels) utilize the photovoltaic effect of solar cells to directly convert sunlight radiation into electrical energy, thereby powering loads. However, since clean energy-based power supply devices are still emerging technologies, improving their safety has become a pressing issue.

[0041] One aspect that affects the safety of the power supply equipment is that an excessively high open-circuit voltage of the power supply equipment may pose a safety hazard. Based on the safety requirements of the power supply equipment, the open-circuit voltage of the power supply equipment may be set to be less than or equal to a preset safety voltage to ensure the safety of the power supply equipment. The preset safety voltage may be determined according to design requirements or industry standards. For example, the preset safety voltage may be 60 volts. It should be noted that the open-circuit voltage of the power supply equipment may be the voltage of the power supply equipment in a non-working state. The non-working state of the power supply equipment may be a state in which no current is output to the load, such as disconnecting the current output circuit. The non-working state may also be referred to as a no-load state, a no-output state, etc., which is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0042] To improve the safety of power supply equipment, one optional implementation involves short-circuiting the power supply's ports using a contactor or relay when the device is not operating. This reduces internal energy consumption and results in a relatively safe voltage at the output. While this solution is easy to implement, prolonged short-circuiting can cause the power supply to age, weakening its output current capacity and shortening its service life.

[0043] Based on the above-mentioned defects, the present disclosure provides a power supply system. Compared with the related technology, N groups of power supply units of the power supply equipment are connected in series between the first output end and the second output end of the power supply system through N-1 first switches. The first switch can control the conduction or disconnection between two adjacent groups of power supply units, thereby being able to flexibly control the voltage of the power supply equipment, avoiding the safety hazards caused by the excessively high open-circuit voltage of the power supply equipment, improving the safety of the power supply equipment, and eliminating the need to short-circuit the power supply equipment, thereby avoiding aging of the power supply equipment caused by short-circuit and improving the service life of the power supply equipment.

[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a power supply system provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, the power supply system 1000 includes a first output terminal 1001, a second output terminal 1002, a power supply device 1100, and a switch unit 1200.

[0045] The power supply device 1100 may include N groups of power supply units, which are connected in series between the first output terminal 1001 and the second output terminal 1002. N is an integer greater than 1.

[0046] In some embodiments, the power supply device may be a power supply device based on clean energy, which may include non-polluting or renewable energy sources such as solar energy, wind energy, and thermal energy. For example, the power supply device may include a solar-based photovoltaic power supply device, where the power supply unit may be a photovoltaic panel, i.e., a plurality of photovoltaic panels connected in series may serve as the photovoltaic power supply device.

[0047] In other embodiments, the power supply device may also be a common functional device such as a battery. For example, the power supply unit in the power supply device may be a battery, that is, a plurality of batteries connected in series may serve as the power supply device.

[0048] In some embodiments, the power supply system can supply power to a load 2000 via the first output terminal 1001 and the second output terminal 1002. The load 2000 can be any electrical device or a rechargeable battery. For example, the load can be an electrical device or a power battery of a vehicle.

[0049] The switch unit 1200 may include N-1 first switches, where the i-th first switch is connected between the i-th group of power supply units and the i+1-th group of power supply units; wherein i is a positive integer less than N.

[0050] like Figure 1As shown, the N groups of power supply units of the power supply device 1100 may include power supply unit 1111, power supply unit 1112, ..., power supply unit 111M, and power supply unit 111N, where M=N-1; and the N-1 first switches of the switch unit 1200 may include first switches 1211, ..., first switch 121M, where M=N-1. First switch 1211 is connected between power supply unit 1111 and power supply unit 1112. For example, one end of first switch 1211 is connected to the positive output terminal of power supply unit 1111, and the other end is connected to the negative output terminal of power supply unit 1112. First switch 121M is connected between power supply unit 111M and power supply unit 111N. For example, one end of first switch 121M is connected to the positive output terminal of power supply unit 111M, and the other end is connected to the negative output terminal of power supply unit 111N. The positive output terminal of the Nth group of power supply units 111N and the negative output terminal of the first group of power supply units 1111 can serve as two output terminals of the power supply device, and the two output terminals of the power supply device can be connected to the above-mentioned first output terminal 1001 and second output terminal 1002 respectively.

[0051] In some embodiments, by closing all N-1 first switches, the connection between N groups of power supply units can be turned on, and the output voltage of the power supply device 1100 can be increased by connecting the N groups of power supply units in series, so as to power the load 2000 through the first output terminal 1001 and the second output terminal 1002.

[0052] In other embodiments, by disconnecting any one of the first switches, the output of the power supply device 1100 can be turned off, and power is no longer supplied to the load.

[0053] In some other embodiments, the connection between the groups of power supply units can be disconnected by disconnecting all N-1 first switches, thereby reducing the open circuit voltage of the power supply device and improving the safety of the power supply device.

[0054] In some embodiments, the output voltage (e.g., maximum output voltage or rated output voltage) of each group of power supply units can be less than or equal to a preset safety voltage. The preset safety voltage can be determined based on design requirements or industry standards. For example, the preset safety voltage can be 60 V. Thus, by disconnecting all N-1 first switches, the open-circuit voltage of the power supply device can be made less than or equal to the preset safety voltage, further improving the safety of the power supply device to meet design requirements or industry standards.

[0055] In some embodiments, each group of power supply units may include only one power supply unit or multiple power supply units. The number of power supply units included in different groups of power supply units may be the same or different. If a group of power supply units includes multiple power supply units, the multiple power supply units in the group may be connected in series and / or in parallel. Optionally, the output voltage of the group of power supply units after the series and / or parallel connection may be less than or equal to the preset safety voltage.

[0056] Optionally, if a group of power supply units includes multiple power supply units, the multiple power supply units in the group can be connected directly or through a switch, and the type of switch used to connect the power supply units in the same group can be the same as the type of the aforementioned first switch.

[0057] By adopting the above technical solution, N groups of power supply units of the power supply equipment are connected in series between the first output end and the second output end of the power supply system through N-1 first switches. The first switch can control the conduction or disconnection between two adjacent groups of power supply units, thereby being able to flexibly control the voltage of the power supply equipment, avoiding the safety hazards caused by excessively high open-circuit voltage of the power supply equipment, improving the safety of the power supply equipment, and eliminating the need to short-circuit the power supply equipment, thereby avoiding aging of the power supply equipment due to short-circuit and increasing the service life of the power supply equipment.

[0058] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a power supply system provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 As shown, the switch unit 1200 of the power supply system may further include at least one of a third switch 1230 , a fourth switch 1240 , a second resistor R2 , and a first capacitor C1 .

[0059] In some embodiments, when the power supply system starts discharging, the third switch can be closed first, and N-1 first switches can be controlled to be closed. In this way, N power supply units are connected in series, and the power supply system is turned on. At this time, the current output by the power supply device passes through the third switch 1230 and the second resistor R2 to charge the first capacitor C1. Due to the presence of the second resistor R2, excessive current in the power supply system can be avoided. When it is detected that the voltage value across the first capacitor C1 is greater than or equal to the preset voltage threshold, the fourth switch 1240 is controlled to be closed. The current output by the power supply device no longer flows through the second resistor R2, but flows through the third switch 1230 and the fourth switch 1240. At this time, power can be supplied to the load, thereby realizing the soft start function.

[0060] In some embodiments, when the power supply device does not have the discharge capability, for example, the power supply device is a photovoltaic power supply device, and at night or on rainy days, the photovoltaic power supply device does not have the discharge capability. At this time, disconnecting the first switch or having the unidirectional conduction capability of the first switch can prevent the current of the load end or other parallel components from being backflowed into the power supply device, causing damage to the power supply device.

[0061] In some embodiments, the switch unit 1200 of the power supply system may further include a diode corresponding to each power supply unit (eg Figure 2 In the example (D1, D2, ..., Dm, Dn), the anode of the diode is connected to the negative output terminal of the corresponding power supply unit, and the cathode of the diode is connected to the positive output terminal of the corresponding power supply unit. This way, the diodes are connected in anti-parallel with the corresponding power supply units. When a power supply unit fails, the power supply system current can flow through the diode corresponding to that power supply unit, thereby bypassing the failed power supply unit and using other power supply units to continue supplying power, improving the reliability of the power supply system.

[0062] In some embodiments, when a power supply system and / or load fails, the third and fourth switches can be disconnected to stop supplying power to the load. Furthermore, all N-1 first switches can be disconnected, thereby disconnecting the connections between each group of power supply units. This reduces the open-circuit voltage of the power supply device and improves the safety of the power supply system.

[0063] In some embodiments, the first switch may be a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET), an insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT), a solid-state switch, or other fully controlled power switch. Taking the solid-state switch as an example, the control unit may turn the solid-state switch on or off by controlling a control terminal of the solid-state switch.

[0064] In some other embodiments, the first switch may be an SCR (Silicon-Controlled Rectifier).

[0065] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a power supply system provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 As shown, a load can be connected between the first output terminal and the second output terminal, and the power supply system 1000 can also include a control unit 1300. The control unit 1300 can be configured to control at least one first switch to disconnect when a failure occurs in the power supply system and / or the load.

[0066] In some embodiments, the control unit 1300 may include a control circuit, a controller, or a processor, and the control unit may be used to control the switch unit of the power supply system, for example, to control at least one first switch to be opened and / or closed.

[0067] In some embodiments, the power supply system failure may include at least one of the following:

[0068] The output current (also referred to as the discharge current) of the power supply device is less than or equal to a first current threshold. The first current threshold may be a current threshold determined based on the specifications of the power supply device, such as the rated output current of the power supply device. If the output current of the power supply device is less than or equal to the first current threshold, it indicates that the power supply capacity of the power supply device is insufficient, and it can be determined that a power supply system failure has occurred.

[0069] The output voltage of the power supply device (also referred to as the discharge voltage) is less than or equal to a first voltage threshold. The first voltage threshold may be a voltage threshold determined according to the specifications of the power supply device, such as the rated output voltage of the power supply device. If the output voltage of the power supply device is less than or equal to the first voltage threshold, it indicates that the power supply capacity of the power supply device is insufficient, and it can be determined that the power supply system has failed.

[0070] The output current of the power supply device is greater than or equal to a second current threshold, which may be a current threshold determined based on safety requirements of the power supply system. If the output current of the power supply device is greater than or equal to the second current threshold, it indicates that the power supply system has a safety risk such as a short circuit or overload, and it can be determined that the power supply system has a fault.

[0071] The output voltage of the power supply device is greater than or equal to a second voltage threshold, which may be a voltage threshold determined based on safety requirements of the power supply system. If the output voltage of the power supply device is greater than or equal to the second voltage threshold, it indicates that there is a safety risk such as component damage in the power supply system, and it can be determined that the power supply system has a fault.

[0072] A component of the power supply system fails, such as the first switch failing to close or open.

[0073] In some embodiments, the load failure may include at least one of the following: load short circuit, load current being too high or too low, load voltage being too high or too low, etc.

[0074] In some embodiments, the control unit can automatically detect parameters such as current and voltage of the power supply system and / or load to determine whether a fault occurs in the power supply system or the load.

[0075] In other embodiments, the control unit may receive a fault notification signal input from an external source, and determine whether a fault has occurred in the power supply system and / or the load based on the fault notification signal. For example, the control unit may be connected to an external controller, which detects the power supply system and / or the load. When it is determined that a fault has occurred in the power supply system and / or the load, the external controller may send a fault notification signal to the control unit, and the control unit may determine that a fault has occurred in the power supply system and / or the load based on the fault notification signal. Optionally, when the power supply system is applied to a vehicle, the external controller may be a vehicle control unit (VCU) or a battery management system (BMS).

[0076] In this way, the control unit can control at least one first switch to disconnect when the output current of the power supply device is too small / too large, the output voltage is too small / too large, a component failure of the power supply system, or a load failure, thereby improving the safety of the power supply system.

[0077] In some embodiments, the first switch may be a MOSFET, an IGBT, a solid-state switch, or other fully controlled power switch. The first switch has a control terminal, and the control unit may be connected to the control terminal of the first switch to control the opening or closing of the first switch by inputting a control signal to the control terminal.

[0078] In other embodiments, the first switch may be an SCR (Silicon-Controlled Rectifier), wherein the anode of the i-th SCR is connected to the positive output terminal of the i-th group of power supply units, and the cathode of the i-th SCR is connected to the negative output terminal of the i+1-th group of power supply units.

[0079] Optionally, the SCR can have a unidirectional conduction function, which can allow current to pass only in one direction from the anode to the cathode. Connecting the SCR in series between two adjacent groups of power supply units can effectively prevent the current backflow problem and improve the safety of the power supply system.

[0080] The SCR can have three terminals: an anode, a cathode, and a control electrode. When the anode is at a positive voltage relative to the cathode and a trigger signal (such as a trigger pulse) is applied to the control electrode, the SCR can be turned from the off state to the on state. Once the SCR is triggered to turn on, even if the trigger signal on the control electrode is removed, as long as the current flowing through the SCR is greater than the holding current of the SCR, the SCR will remain on until the current flowing through the SCR drops below the holding current, at which point the SCR can return to the off state. It should be noted that the holding current of the SCR can be determined based on the specifications of the SCR, and the holding current of different models of SCRs can be different. For example, the holding current of the SCR can be 10 mA or 5 mA.

[0081] In one implementation, the switch unit may further include a first capacitor C1, which may be connected between the first and second output terminals of the power supply system. The first capacitor C1 may provide filtering, reducing voltage fluctuations supplied by the power supply device to the load and providing a smooth voltage output. In particular, when the load current changes rapidly, the capacitor can quickly replenish or release energy, preventing sudden voltage changes and stabilizing voltage and suppressing ripple.

[0082] Based on the SCR and the first capacitor, during the normal discharge process of the power supply equipment, if the load is disconnected (that is, no load equipment is connected to the power supply system), after the first capacitor is fully charged, the current flowing through the SCR in the power supply system will be reduced to less than the maintenance current of the SCR. At this time, the SCR will be disconnected due to the current being reduced below the maintenance current, thereby realizing automatic power-off of the power supply system. In addition, after disconnecting the connection between each group of power supply units, the voltage of the power supply equipment can be reduced, thereby improving the safety of the power supply system.

[0083] In some embodiments, the control unit may directly control the control electrode of the SCR, and trigger the SCR to conduct by inputting a trigger signal into the control electrode of the SCR.

[0084] In other embodiments, the control unit can trigger the SCR to turn on via an isolation coupler. Figure 3 As shown, the switch unit 1200 may further include an isolation coupler corresponding to each first switch, for example, an isolation coupler 1251 corresponding to the first switch 1211, an isolation coupler 125M corresponding to the first switch 121M, etc. The first output terminal of the i-th isolation coupler is connected to the positive output terminal of the (i+1)-th group of power supply units, and the second output terminal of the i-th isolation coupler is connected to the control electrode of the i-th SCR.

[0085] The control unit may be connected to the control terminal of the isolation coupler, and the control unit is configured to control the two output terminals of the isolation coupler to be turned on, so as to control the SCR to be turned on.

[0086] In some embodiments, as Figure 3 As shown, the switch unit 1200 may further include a second switch 1220 , which is connected in series with the control terminals of N−1 isolation couplers between the power terminal V1 and the ground terminal GND of the power supply system.

[0087] The second switch 1220 may have a control terminal for controlling the second switch to be turned on or off. A control unit may be connected to the control terminal of the second switch and configured to control the two output terminals of the isolation coupler to be turned on through the second switch, thereby controlling the SCR to be turned on.

[0088] In some embodiments, the isolation coupler can be a photoelectric coupler, a magnetic coupler, or a capacitive coupler, etc. Taking the isolation coupler as an example, the control end of the isolation coupler can be the light source of the photoelectric coupler. When the control unit applies a control signal (e.g., a positive pulse) to the control end of the second switch, the second switch is turned on, and the light sources (e.g., LEDs) of the N-1 photoelectric couplers form a loop through the power supply end V1 and the ground end GND of the power supply system. The light sources of the photoelectric couplers emit light. Under the triggering of the light signal, the output end of the photoelectric coupler is turned on, and current flows from the first output end to the second output end, that is, a trigger signal is applied to the control electrode of the SCR corresponding to the photoelectric coupler, thereby triggering the SCR to turn on. In this way, a control signal applied by the control unit to the control end of the second switch can trigger the N-1 SCRs to turn on synchronously, reducing the control complexity and improving the reliability of the circuit control.

[0089] Alternatively, the second switch may be a transistor, which may include a control terminal, an anode, and a cathode, wherein the control terminal of the transistor is connected to the control unit, the anode is connected to the light source of the photocoupler, and the cathode is grounded. In this way, the second switch can be controlled based on the control unit.

[0090] In some embodiments, as Figure 3 As shown, the above-mentioned switching unit 1200 may further include a third switch 1230 and a first resistor R1, wherein the first end of the first resistor R1 is connected to the first output end, and the second end of the first resistor R1 is connected to the second output end; the first end of the third switch 1230 is connected to the first end of the first resistor R1, and the second end of the third switch 1230 is connected to the first output end; the control unit is configured to control at least one first switch to be disconnected through the third switch.

[0091] The resistance value of the first resistor is greater than a preset resistance threshold, which may be a resistance value determined based on the output voltage of the power supply device and the holding current of the SCR. For example, the preset resistance threshold may be greater than or equal to the resistance value obtained by dividing the output voltage of the power supply device by the holding current of the SCR. This allows the current flowing through the first resistor to be less than the holding current of the SCR. The output voltage of the power supply device may be the maximum output voltage or rated output voltage of the power supply device. Alternatively, the output voltage of the power supply device may be the sum of the output voltages of N groups of power supply units connected in series.

[0092] When the third switch is disconnected and N-1 first switches are all closed, the power supply device and the first resistor form a current loop. Since the resistance value of the first resistor is greater than the preset resistance threshold, the current in the loop is small, that is, the current flowing through the SCR will be reduced to less than the holding current of the SCR. At this time, the SCR will be disconnected because the current is reduced to below the holding current, thereby disconnecting the N groups of power supply units, reducing the voltage of the power supply equipment, and improving the safety of the power supply system.

[0093] Optionally, the switch unit 1200 further includes a first capacitor C1, and the first resistor R1 can also serve as a discharge resistor, forming a loop with the third switch 1230 and the first capacitor C1 to release the voltage in the first capacitor C1, so as to improve the safety of the power supply system after power failure. For example, after the third switch is disconnected and the SCR is automatically disconnected under the action of the first resistor, the power supply device no longer outputs current. At this time, the third switch can be closed so that the electric energy stored in the first capacitor C1 is released through the first resistor R1. Therefore, the voltage between the first output terminal and the second output terminal will be reduced to about 0V due to the presence of the first resistor R1. In addition, since the SCR is automatically disconnected, the connection between each power supply unit is disconnected, which also reduces the voltage of the power supply device, which can effectively prevent the hidden dangers of excessive open-circuit voltage of the power supply device to the system and personal safety, thereby improving the personal safety of transportation, installation, wiring personnel and drivers and passengers.

[0094] In one implementation, the third switch 1230 may have a control end, and the control unit 1300 may be connected to the control end of the third switch to control the third switch to be opened or closed.

[0095] For example, the control unit can be configured to, in response to receiving a power supply start instruction, control the third switch to close and control N-1 first switches to close (for example, by controlling the SCR to conduct via the second switch). In this way, N groups of power supply units connected in series can charge the first capacitor C1 and / or supply power to the load. Optionally, the power supply start instruction can be triggered by a user or by a main control unit of the vehicle, for example, a vehicle control unit VCU or a battery management system BMS.

[0096] For another example, the control unit can be configured to control the third switch to disconnect when a fault occurs in the power supply system and / or the load, so that the current flowing through the SCR is less than the holding current and the SCR is disconnected, thereby disconnecting the N groups of power supply units, reducing the voltage of the power supply equipment, and improving the safety of the power supply system.

[0097] It should be noted that the specific implementation manner in which the control unit determines whether a power supply system and / or load fails can be referred to the description in the aforementioned embodiments of the present disclosure and will not be repeated here.

[0098] In some embodiments, as Figure 3 As shown, the switch unit may further include a second resistor R2, wherein the second resistor R2 and the third switch 1230 are connected in series between the first end of the first resistor and the first output end of the power supply system.

[0099] Optionally, the control unit may be further configured to obtain a current flowing through the second resistor when the third switch is closed, and control the third switch to be opened when the current is less than or equal to a preset current threshold.

[0100] Among them, the current flowing through the second resistor can be used to indicate the discharge capacity of the power supply equipment, that is, whether the power supply equipment has the load capacity (whether it can supply power to the load). If the current flowing through the second resistor is less than or equal to the preset current threshold, it indicates that the discharge capacity of the power supply equipment is weak. At this time, the third switch can be controlled to disconnect and no longer supply power to the load.

[0101] An optional embodiment of the control unit obtaining the current flowing through the second resistor may include: the control unit detecting a voltage across the second resistor and calculating the current flowing through the second resistor based on the voltage and the resistance value of the second resistor. In this case, the current flowing through the second resistor may indicate a discharge current of the power supply device.

[0102] In other embodiments, Figure 3 As shown, the above-mentioned switching unit may further include a fourth switch 1240 and a second resistor R2, the second resistor R2 and the third switch 1230 are connected in series between the first end of the first resistor and the first output end of the power supply system, and the fourth switch 1240 is connected in parallel with the second resistor R2.

[0103] In one implementation, the fourth switch 1240 may have a control end, and the control unit 1300 may be connected to the control end of the fourth switch 1240 to control the fourth switch 1240 to be opened or closed.

[0104] For example, the control unit may be further configured to obtain a current flowing through the second resistor when the third switch is closed and the fourth switch is open, and control the third switch to open when the current is less than or equal to a preset current threshold.

[0105] In one implementation, when the power supply system starts, the control unit can control the third switch to close, the fourth switch to open, and the first switch to close (SCR is turned on). At this time, the current output by the power supply device passes through the third switch 1230 and the second resistor R2 to charge the first capacitor C1. The control unit can obtain the current flowing through the second resistor. If the current is less than or equal to the preset current threshold (that is, the power supply device does not have the load capacity), the third switch is controlled to open and no longer supply power to the load. The current flowing through the SCR is less than the holding current, and the SCR automatically disconnects. Conversely, if the current flowing through the second resistor is greater than the preset current threshold, the third switch can be kept closed to continue charging the first capacitor C1.

[0106] Based on the above embodiment, when the power supply device is a photovoltaic power supply device based on solar energy, after starting the power supply device in situations where there is insufficient sunlight (for example, early in the morning or on a rainy day), by detecting the discharge current, it is possible to avoid unreliable current being provided to the load due to insufficient power generation capacity of the photovoltaic power supply device, thereby affecting the normal operation of the load. Optionally, other backup energy sources can be used to power the load at this time. For example, the vehicle's load can also be connected to the vehicle's backup battery, and the backup battery can be used to power the load.

[0107] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, after the control unit controls the third switch to be disconnected, the third switch can be periodically controlled to be closed and the current flowing through the second resistor can be detected to determine whether the power supply device has the load capacity. After the power supply device has the load capacity, the load is powered by the power supply device in a timely manner.

[0108] Furthermore, after the third switch is controlled to be disconnected, the current flowing through the SCR is less than the holding current of the SCR, and the SCR is automatically disconnected, thereby reducing the voltage of the power supply device.

[0109] In some embodiments, as Figure 3 As shown, the switch unit 1200 may further include a fourth switch 1240 and a first capacitor C1. The fourth switch 1240 is connected in parallel with the second resistor R2. The first capacitor C1 may be connected between the first output terminal and the second output terminal.

[0110] The above-mentioned control unit can also be configured to obtain the voltage value across the first capacitor when the third switch is closed and the fourth switch is open, and control the fourth switch to be closed when the voltage value across the first capacitor is greater than or equal to a preset voltage threshold.

[0111] Optionally, the preset voltage threshold may be a preset rated operating voltage. If the voltage across the first capacitor is greater than or equal to the preset voltage threshold, it may indicate that the power supply system voltage is substantially stable and can enter a stable operating state.

[0112] For example, when the power supply system starts, the control unit can control the third switch to close, the fourth switch to open, and the first switch to close (SCR is turned on). At this time, the current output by the power supply device passes through the third switch 1230 and the second resistor R2 to charge the first capacitor C1. Due to the presence of the second resistor R2, excessive current can be avoided. If the current flowing through the second resistor is greater than the preset current threshold, the third switch can be kept closed to continue charging the first capacitor C1, and the voltage value across the first capacitor C1 is detected. When the voltage value across the first capacitor is greater than or equal to the preset voltage threshold, the fourth switch is controlled to close, and the current output by the power supply device no longer flows through the second resistor R2, but flows through the third switch 1230 and the fourth switch 1240, thereby realizing the soft start function.

[0113] In this way, the first capacitor, the second resistor, the third switch and the fourth switch realize a soft start function of the power supply system, thereby preventing damage to components caused by a large current when the power supply system is initially turned on.

[0114] In one implementation, the third switch may be a MOSFET or other fully-controlled power switch, and the fourth switch may also be a MOSFET or other fully-controlled power switch. The MOSFET or other fully-controlled power switch can reduce the loss of the power supply system.

[0115] In some embodiments, as Figure 3 As shown, the above-mentioned switching unit 1200 may further include a diode corresponding to each power supply unit, the anode of the diode being connected to the negative output terminal of the corresponding power supply unit, and the cathode of the diode being connected to the positive output terminal of the corresponding power supply unit.

[0116] In this way, the diode is connected in anti-parallel with the corresponding power supply unit. When a power supply unit fails, the current of the power supply system can flow through the diode corresponding to the power supply unit, thereby bypassing the failed power supply unit and using other power supply units to continue supplying power, thereby improving the reliability of the power supply system.

[0117] Figure 3 Taking each group of power supply units including one power supply unit as an example, diode D1 is connected in anti-parallel with power supply unit 1111, diode D2 is connected in anti-parallel with power supply unit 1112, and so on. Optionally, each group of power supply units may include multiple power supply units connected in series or in parallel. If each group of power supply units includes multiple power supply units, in order to improve reliability, each power supply unit may be connected to a corresponding diode.

[0118] It should be noted that Figure 3 Each unit or device in the embodiment is an optional unit or device. Based on the description of the above optional embodiments, those skilled in the art can arbitrarily combine the relevant optional units or devices to implement the above technical solution.

[0119] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 3 The working process of the power supply system shown may include the following steps:

[0120] S11 . The control unit controls the third switch to be closed, the fourth switch to be opened, and controls N−1 first switches to be closed.

[0121] Optionally, the second switch is an SCR, and the control unit can control the first switch to be closed through the second switch. For example, a control signal can be applied to the control terminal of the second switch to control the SCR to be turned on.

[0122] In some embodiments, step S11 may be performed when the power supply system is started.

[0123] For example, the control unit may execute step S11 in response to receiving a power start instruction. Optionally, the power start instruction may be triggered by a user or by a main control unit of the vehicle, such as a vehicle control unit VCU or a battery management system BMS.

[0124] For another example, the control unit may automatically execute step S11 according to a configuration parameter, wherein the configuration parameter may include a time parameter. For example, the control unit may execute step S11 at a fixed time every day according to the configuration parameter.

[0125] After executing step S11, N groups of power supply units are connected in series, the discharge circuit is turned on, and the output current of the power supply device flows through the third switch and the second resistor to charge the first capacitor.

[0126] S12. The control unit obtains the current flowing through the second resistor.

[0127] For example, the control unit can detect the voltage across the second resistor and calculate the current flowing through the second resistor based on the voltage and the resistance value of the second resistor. In this case, the current flowing through the second resistor can indicate the discharge current of the power supply device.

[0128] The control unit can determine subsequent steps based on the current flowing through the second resistor. For example, if the current flowing through the second resistor is less than or equal to the preset current threshold, the control unit can continue to execute steps S13 and / or S14; if the current flowing through the second resistor is greater than the preset current threshold, the control unit can continue to execute steps S15 and / or S16.

[0129] S13: If the current flowing through the second resistor is less than or equal to the preset current threshold, the third switch is controlled to be disconnected, so that the current flowing through the SCR is less than the holding current and the SCR is disconnected.

[0130] In this way, when the third switch is disconnected and N-1 first switches (SCRs) are all closed, the power supply device and the first resistor form a current loop. Since the resistance value of the first resistor is greater than the preset resistance threshold, the current in the loop is small, that is, the current flowing through the SCR will be reduced to less than the maintenance current of the SCR, and the SCR will automatically disconnect, thereby disconnecting the N groups of power supply units, reducing the voltage of the power supply device, and improving the safety of the power supply system.

[0131] S14. After the third switch is controlled to be disconnected in step S13, the third switch can be periodically controlled to be closed and the current flowing through the second resistor can be detected to determine whether the power supply device has the load capacity. After the power supply device has the load capacity, the load is powered by the power supply device in a timely manner.

[0132] S15. If the current flowing through the second resistor is greater than the preset current threshold, the third switch may be kept closed to continue charging the first capacitor and detecting the voltage across the first capacitor. If the voltage across the first capacitor is greater than or equal to the preset voltage threshold, the fourth switch is controlled to close, and the current output by the power supply device no longer flows through the second resistor, but flows through the third and fourth switches, thereby achieving a soft-start function.

[0133] S16. In the event of a fault in the power supply system and / or the load, the control unit controls the third switch to be disconnected, so that the current flowing through the SCR is less than the holding current and the SCR is disconnected.

[0134] In this way, N groups of power supply units can be disconnected through the SCR, thereby reducing the voltage of the power supply equipment and improving the safety of the power supply system.

[0135] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a vehicle provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 As shown, the vehicle 4000 may include the power supply system 1000 described in any of the aforementioned optional embodiments.

[0136] In some embodiments, the load in the aforementioned embodiment may be a power battery of the vehicle, and the power battery may be charged through the power supply system.

[0137] In some embodiments, the load in the aforementioned embodiments may be an electrical device of the vehicle, and the power supply system may provide energy to the electrical device of the vehicle.

[0138] In some embodiments, the vehicle may also have at least one of other hardware structures such as a processor, a processor engine, a motor controller, a sensing device, an input device, an interface device, an output device, a motor, a power battery, etc., which are not limited here.

[0139] The rear end of the engine (the end connected to the flywheel) can be connected to the input end of the speed reducer through a clutch, and the output end of the speed reducer is connected to the wheel shaft so that the wheel can be driven to rotate by the engine.

[0140] The motor controller is used to control the motor action according to the control instructions sent by the processor. For example, it controls the motor output torque to drive the wheel shaft to rotate; for example, it controls the motor to feed electrical energy back to the power battery.

[0141] The sensing device may include various sensors, for example, at least one of a rotation speed sensor, a posture sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, etc.

[0142] The input device may include a key circuit, a touch screen, a microphone, a knob circuit, an accelerator control device with an accelerator pedal, a brake control device with a brake pedal, and the like.

[0143] The interface device may include a headphone jack, an on-board diagnostics (OBD) system diagnostic interface, a charging interface, a USB interface, and the like.

[0144] Output devices may include display screens, speakers, various indicator lights, etc.

[0145] When the motor is used as an electric motor, the power battery can be used to provide electrical energy to the motor.

[0146] Although some specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail through examples, those skilled in the art will understand that the above examples are for illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments may be modified without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A power supply system, characterized in that: The power supply system includes: a first output terminal; a second output terminal; A power supply device, comprising N groups of power supply units, wherein the N groups of power supply units are connected in series between the first output end and the second output end; wherein N is an integer greater than 1; The switch unit includes N-1 first switches, the i-th first switch is connected between the i-th group of power supply units and the i+1-th group of power supply units; wherein i is a positive integer less than N.

2. The power supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A load is suitable for being connected between the first output terminal and the second output terminal, and the power supply system further comprises: A control unit is configured to control at least one of the first switches to be disconnected when a fault occurs in the power supply system and / or the load.

3. The power supply system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first switch is an SCR, the anode of the i-th SCR is connected to the positive output terminal of the i-th power supply unit, and the cathode of the i-th SCR is connected to the negative output terminal of the (i+1)-th power supply unit.

4. The power supply system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The switch unit further includes a third switch and a first resistor, wherein a first end of the first resistor is connected to the first output end, and a second end of the first resistor is connected to the second output end; A first end of the third switch is connected to the first end of the first resistor, and a second end of the third switch is connected to the first output end; The control unit is configured to control at least one of the first switches to be disconnected through the third switch; The resistance value of the first resistor is greater than a preset resistance threshold, and the preset resistance threshold is a resistance value determined according to the output voltage of the power supply device and the holding current of the SCR.

5. The power supply system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The control unit is configured to control the third switch to be disconnected when a fault occurs in the power supply system and / or the load, so that the current flowing through the SCR is less than the holding current and the SCR is disconnected.

6. The power supply system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The switch unit further includes a second resistor, wherein the second resistor and the third switch are connected in series between the first end of the first resistor and the first output end; The control unit is further configured to obtain a current flowing through the second resistor, and control the third switch to be disconnected when the current is less than or equal to a preset current threshold.

7. The power supply system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The switch unit further includes a fourth switch and a first capacitor, the fourth switch is connected in parallel with the second resistor, and the first capacitor is connected between the first output terminal and the second output terminal; The control unit is further configured to obtain a voltage value across the first capacitor when the third switch is closed and the fourth switch is open; and control the fourth switch to close when the voltage value across the first capacitor is greater than or equal to a preset voltage threshold.

8. The power supply system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The switch unit further includes an isolation coupler corresponding to each first switch, wherein the first output end of the i-th isolation coupler is connected to the positive output end of the i+1-th group of power supply units, and the second output end of the i-th isolation coupler is connected to the control electrode of the i-th SCR; The control unit is connected to the control end of the isolation coupler, and is configured to control the two output ends of the isolation coupler to be turned on, so as to control the SCR to be turned on.

9. The power supply system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The switch unit further includes a second switch, wherein the second switch and the control terminals of the N-1 isolation couplers are connected in series between the power terminal and the ground terminal of the power supply system; The control unit is connected to the control end of the second switch, and the control unit is configured to control the two output ends of the isolation coupler to be conductive through the second switch.

10. The power supply system according to claim 2, wherein: The first switch is a MOSFET, an IGBT or a solid-state switch.

11. The power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The switch unit further includes a diode corresponding to each power supply unit one by one, wherein the anode of the diode is connected to the negative output terminal of the corresponding power supply unit, and the cathode of the diode is connected to the positive output terminal of the corresponding power supply unit.

12. A vehicle, characterized in that: The invention comprises a power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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