Charging system from variable energy resources

Abstract

A charging system from a variable energy resource includes a variable energy resource connected to a charging control unit, the charging control unit connected to an energy storage device, the entire process using direct current. The charging control unit is configured to adjust the electrical variable supplied to each energy storage device and control the circuit breaker and the charging control device according to the current generated by the data communication unit in real time known variable energy resources and the demand of the energy storage device unit. Energy demands and variables occurring in the operations are displayed for the user through a user interface device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Relating to engineering, especially engineering involving systems and processes for charging energy from variable energy resources. Background Art

[0002] Currently, people are studying, researching and developing various alternatives to petroleum or fossil fuels that can affect the environment in the long run. One such research and development approach is for the automobile or automotive industry as it is one of the industries that has a great impact on the environment due to its consumption of fossil fuels and gas emissions.

[0003] In order to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels, the above research methods have derived many solutions, including adjusting the performance of the engine in the car to reduce fuel consumption, redesigning the body structure to reduce the weight of the vehicle, creating efficient engine control systems to reduce fuel consumption, and developing other alternative energy sources. Therefore, electricity is mainly used for vehicle propulsion. The transition of energy resources from fossil fuels to electricity requires research and development of a large number of inventions to support the above changes.

[0004] One of the necessary inventions of the alternative energy source is a power source that provides alternative energy or electrical energy for energy storage in the vehicle. Many power sources for automobiles have been developed, which obtain electricity directly from service providers (such as power generation authorities) or, after modification, obtain current from other current supplies (such as solar cells, etc.).

[0005] Obtaining electrical energy from various sources requires the development of various inventions to meet these needs. For example, an invention has been created that uses solar cells to generate electricity and stores it in an external power storage before connecting an inverter and a charger responsible for controlling the charging from said power storage to the energy storage of the vehicle. Although the energy obtained is clean, the electricity generated has certain limitations in terms of the environment; that is, in excessive sunlight exposure, it may produce a high charge for the respective energy storage needs, which may damage the said energy storage, or charging occurs at an inapplicable electrical variable, and finally the charging to the energy storage fails due to insufficient sunlight exposure.

[0006] Another invention uses solar cells to obtain electricity from the service provider's grid and combines it with a charger to charge the power supply system, thereby successfully charging the car without relying on the climate, because the electricity can be obtained from the generator instead of the energy that may be lacking due to the climate. However, since the current generators mostly use coal fuel combustion or other similar polluting methods, their ability to reduce pollution is also relatively low. Therefore, using the current from the electricity service provider cannot effectively reduce the overall pollutant generation.

[0007] These two methods have been applied together to enhance their advantages while minimizing their disadvantages. Nevertheless, the invention still requires the use of an invention called an inverter to charge the prepared external power storage. The electrical variables required for charging can be predetermined by reversing and then charged to the required energy storage again. This will lead to operational redundancy and cause electrical losses in the above-mentioned reversal, making energy use inefficient. In addition, the production cost of the above-mentioned specific energy storage makes its supply or widespread distribution of chargers unfeasible and affects the overall use of electric vehicles.

[0008] Therefore, an invention for storing energy or charging batteries for cars with minimal electrical losses and minimizing pollutant generation in the environment at low production costs is necessary for the above industries. After searching the Thai patent database, some previous inventions with similar purposes were found. For example:

[0009] A small patent with application number 2003001122 and invention name "A set of solar panels and charging circuits for electric tractors based on solar energy" mentions installing solar cells on a vehicle and electrically connecting them to the battery through other devices (such as a voltmeter, an ammeter, a charger and a controller circuit) so as to provide the maximum current of the solar cell to the battery.

[0010] The patent application number is 1601003015, and the patent name is the invention name "Solar-based electric tricycle". The tricycle is equipped with a battery for storing electricity obtained from solar cells installed on the roof. And a charge controller is provided for the action. In addition, it can also obtain current from ordinary households and has a relay control system for optimizing the voltage of other electrical equipment in the vehicle.

[0011] The application number is 9501001435 and the invention name is "Solar Cell System", which mentions the use of a circuit that prevents the voltage connected between the solar cell and the solar cell from being too high to prevent the solar cell from providing power to the battery when it reaches a predetermined value.

[0012] In addition, there are many inventions that are used in conjunction with electric vehicles. They all have different advantages and disadvantages according to different needs and designs. However, they have not been able to solve the high cost problem of chargers or power relays while maintaining efficient charging capabilities and minimizing pollution. Summary of the invention

[0013] In order to solve the above technical problems, the utility model provides the following technical solutions:

[0014] A charging system from a variable energy resource, comprising at least one of the variable energy resources connected to a charging control unit, the charging control unit being connected to an energy storage device, a circuit breaker being provided between the variable energy resource and the charging control unit, and a charging control device being provided between the charging control unit and the energy storage device;

[0015] The system is also provided with a data communication unit connected to the charging control unit, the data communication unit being connected to the charging control device and also connected to at least one measuring device connected to the energy storage device to obtain necessary real-time data from the energy storage device; the data communication unit is used to verify the demand of the energy storage device and the charging readiness of the energy storage device and send it to the charging control unit;

[0016] The charging control unit is used to adjust electrical parameters before outputting the adjusted current to the energy storage device when verifying that the energy storage device is ready to charge, taking into account the current that can be generated by the variable energy resource and the real-time demand of each energy storage device via cooperation with the circuit breaker and the charging control device to open and connect the circuit between the charging control unit and the variable energy resource or the energy storage device.

[0017] Preferably, the electrical parameter is selected from at least one parameter of electrical power, voltage and current ampere.

[0018] Preferably, the charging control unit is substantially arranged to be suitable for connecting a source of variable energy resources.

[0019] Preferably, the charging readiness of the energy storage device is provided as at least one set of data on the amount of charge stored in the energy storage device or the connection status between the energy storage device, the charging control device and the charging control unit.

[0020] Preferably, the necessary data from the energy storage device may be selected from at least one of capacity, state of charge, temperature, charging current and voltage requirements, amount of charge stored and error notification.

[0021] Preferably, the data communication unit is connected to the measuring device via the charging control device, and obtains data from the energy storage device via at least one device of the measuring device; or, the measuring device is connected to a battery management system, and the data communication unit is connected to the battery management system.

[0022] Preferably, the data communication unit is connected to a user interface device, and the user interface device is used to display part or all of the data obtained from the energy storage device to the user.

[0023] Preferably, the user interface device is used to provide additional functions when receiving commands from the user, and the additional functions include starting or stopping charging into the energy storage device, or directly obtaining the electrical variable settings from the user and forwarding them to the charging control unit for operation according to the user's requirements.

[0024] The solution claimed in the utility model has achieved the following beneficial effects:

[0025] According to the invention, the system and process for charging from variable energy sources include energy sources that may have relay variable current capabilities, such as solar cells, wind turbines or dams, which are electrically connected to a charging control unit suitable for the respective energy source, such as at least one solar charger or wind charging controller, and in the form of providing current to the device, the current passing through the charge control unit is adjusted according to at least one electrical variable, basically the voltage or ampere of the current, ensuring that it is suitable for the needs of at least one energy storage device before subsequently supplying power to the energy storage device. The energy storage demand is acquired by a data communication unit, which is basically electrically connected to all energy storages or connected through a network, and acquires energy storage demand data in the form of energy storage specific data and real-time current status of energy storage, and forwards these data to the charging control unit, and further displays them to the user through a display device.

[0026] The assembly helps to enable a variable energy source, such as a solar cell, to properly relay the generated current to the energy storage device; that is, the amount of electricity it requires is neither more than would cause damage if the solar cell is capable of generating a significant amount of current at the time, nor less than the amount of electricity that would fail to charge the energy storage device if the sunlight is insufficient to deliver the current. In addition, not using primary energy storage from variable energy sources helps to minimize power losses that would otherwise occur during the steps and processes of charging the primary energy storage, maximizes the use of electricity from the service provider's grid, thereby minimizing pollution caused by most of the service provider's power generation, and can significantly reduce the procurement cost of primary energy storage, allowing these systems and processes for charging from variable energy sources to be more produced and more widely distributed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 The operating units within a system for charging from a variable energy source are shown.

[0028] Figure 2 The process of charging from a variable energy source is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The system and process for charging from a variable energy resource according to the present invention is merely an embodiment of a set of components and a system and process for charging from a variable energy resource. The variable energy resource charging system and process are designed for charging an external energy storage device, whether a general-purpose battery or a vehicle battery. The specific data of the energy storage device is used to optimize the electrical variables according to the needs of the corresponding energy storage device before charging.

[0030] Depend on Figure 1 It can be seen that the operating unit inside the system for charging from variable energy resources basically includes at least one variable energy resource 100, such as a solar cell, a wind turbine or a dam, wherein the number of variable energy resources 100 corresponds to the charging demand of the energy storage device. The variable energy resource 100 is electrically connected to the charging control unit 210 in a manner that the current that can be generated is supplied to the charging control unit 210. The variable energy resource 100 basically provides direct current to the charging control unit 210.

[0031] The charging control unit 210 is arranged to be suitable for the connection source of the variable energy resource 100, which according to this example is provided as at least one solar charger, to adjust an electric variable initially selected from at least one electric power, voltage and current ampere before outputting the adjusted current to at least one energy storage device 300 electrically connected to the charging control unit 210. The energy storage device 300 is basically provided in the form of at least one on-board battery, load removal battery or any other battery charging device. The current supplied from the charging control unit 210 to the energy storage device 300 is a direct current without reversal; that is, there is no energy storage or reversal of the current in any step, so as to avoid potential losses during the reversal of the current.

[0032] The charging control unit 210 is provided to operate in conjunction with a circuit breaker 211 and a charging control device 301, which are respectively placed between each variable energy resource 100 or energy storage device 300 and the charging control unit 210, so as to control the disconnection or connection of the circuit by controlling an electrical variable (such as the amperage of the current obtained or supplied via the electrical connection control). For example, the electrical connection between the variable energy resource 100 and the charging control unit 210 is controlled in the form of an increase or decrease in the number of variable energy resources 100 within the circuit, so as to increase or decrease the amperage of the current input into the charging control unit 210 via the control of the circuit breaker 211.

[0033] Alternatively, the electrical connection between the charging control unit 210 and the energy storage device 300 is controlled in the form of disconnection of the connection, increasing or decreasing the number of energy storage devices 300 within the circuit to increase or decrease the total electrical load within the system, thereby resulting in various electrical variables, such as a voltage high enough to charge each energy storage device 300 in the case where the variable energy resource can generate a small amount of current, or current is distributed among more than one energy storage device 300 in the case where the variable energy resource 100 can generate sufficient current by controlling the charging control device 301.

[0034] The charging control unit 210 is used to adjust an electrical parameter before outputting an adjusted current to the energy storage device 300 when verifying that the energy storage device 300 is ready for charging, taking into account the current that can be generated by the variable energy resource 100 and the real-time demand of each energy storage device 300 via cooperation with the circuit breaker 211 and the charging control device 301 to disconnect and connect the circuit between the charging control unit 210 and the variable energy resource 100 or the energy storage device 300. The electrical parameter is selected from at least one parameter of electrical power, voltage, and current ampere.

[0035] The charging control unit 210 cooperates with the above-mentioned operation of the circuit breaker 211 and the charging control device 301 to take into account the current generated by the variable energy resource 100 and the real-time demand of each energy storage device 300. For example, if one energy storage device 300 has already fully charged its demand, the circuit breaker 211 is configured to disconnect the electrical connection between the energy storage device 300 and the charging control unit 210 so that the charging control unit 210 can more efficiently charge other energy storage devices 300, and so on.

[0036] The charging control device 301 may be a device that is part of a direct charging system based on solar energy and is directly controlled by the charging control unit 210 , or may be a component that is part of the energy storage device 300 and can receive commands from the charging control unit 210 .

[0037] The data communication unit 220 is connected to the measuring device 302 via the charging control device 301 and obtains data from the energy storage device 300 via at least one device of the measuring device 302; or, the measuring device 302 is connected to the battery management system, and the data communication unit 220 is connected to the battery management system.

[0038] The requirements of the energy storage device 300 are verified by the charging control device 301 and sent to the charging control unit 210 via the data communication unit 220, which is connected to at least one energy storage device 300 and obtains various necessary data from the energy storage device 300. The necessary data can basically be selected from at least one group of specific data, such as capacity, charging state, temperature, charging current and voltage requirements, stored charge amount and error notification. The data can be verified by the measuring device 302 and communicated with the battery management system (BMS) of the respective energy storage or any other appropriate channel.

[0039] The charging readiness of the energy storage device 300 is provided as at least one set of data on the amount of charge stored in the energy storage device 300 or the connection status between the energy storage device 300 , the charging control device 301 , and the charging control unit 210 .

[0040] A charging control device 301 is provided, and its role is to verify that the energy storage device 300 is ready for charging before starting charging, and to send the data to the data communication unit 220. For example, at least one set of data of the charge inside the energy storage device 300 or the connection status between the energy storage device 300, the charging control device 301 and the charging control unit 210 is verified, and the data is sent to the data communication unit 220 to confirm that the energy storage device 300 is ready for charging.

[0041] Data other than the ready state is obtained by the data communication unit 220 from the charging control device 301 and forwarded to the charging control unit 210 in real time. The charging control unit 210 uses all of the above data when controlling the electrical variables of the current transmitted to each energy storage device 300 or when controlling the circuit breaker 211. The charging control unit 210 starts charging only when the data communication unit 220 is able to check the charging readiness of the energy storage device 300 and finds that the energy storage device 300 is ready to be charged, so as to prevent the energy storage device 300 from being charged under inappropriate conditions (such as improper connection or overcharging, which may harm the user and all components inside the utility model).

[0042] The data communication unit 220 is used to verify and send data to the charging control unit 210 before starting charging, in order to enable the charging control unit 210 to evaluate the implementation plan in the form of appropriate charging into the energy storage devices 300. For example, charging should be distributed among all energy storage devices 300 at the same time, or charging is selected for energy storage devices 300 that require a high charging voltage, and then proceed to other energy storage devices 300 after the first energy storage device 300 has been fully charged, or priority is distinguished by referring to other data.

[0043] In addition, the data communication unit 220 is connected to a user interface device 222 so as to further operate by displaying part or all of the data obtained from the energy storage device 300 to the user through the user interface device 222, which is basically provided as a touch monitor, and the user interface device 222 is used to display part or all of the data obtained from the energy storage device 300 to the user. The user interface device 222 also has an additional function of receiving commands from the user, such as starting or stopping charging the energy storage device 300, or obtaining electrical variable settings directly from the user so as to forward them to the charging control unit 210 for operation as required by the user.

[0044] The use procedure requires the user to connect at least one energy storage device 300 with the charging control unit 210 and the data communication unit 220 through the charging control device 301. The data communication unit 200 obtains necessary data from the energy storage device 300, forwards it to the charging control unit 210 for formulating an implementation plan, and displays it to the user through the user interface device 222 so that the user can understand the data of the energy storage device 300 in real time. When the user inputs a command to start the operation through the user interface device 222, once the data from the charging control device 301 that the energy storage device 300 is ready is obtained, the current that has been appropriately adjusted by the electrical variable is released to the energy storage device 300 to start charging, and the operation of the circuit breaker 211 is controlled according to the processed implementation plan. At the same time, the charging control device 301 and the measuring device 302 continue to verify the necessary data from the energy storage device 300 and send them to the charging control unit 210 in real time for modifying the implementation plan, controlling the circuit breaker 211 or stopping charging appropriately.

[0045] Figure 2 The process of charging from a variable energy resource using a suitable method is shown, essentially comprising the connection of an energy storage device to a charging control unit and a data communication unit 401. This step of connecting 401 can be performed simultaneously with a plurality of energy storage devices.

[0046] Next is obtaining data on demand from the energy storage devices in the form of real-time demand for each energy storage device 402. These data basically include at least one set of specific data, capacity, state of charge, temperature, ampere demand and current current for current and voltage.

[0047] Then charging 403 is performed into the energy storage means, taking into account the electrical variables that can be supplied to the energy storage means as obtained from the variable energy resource and the demand of the energy storage means; that is, said charging 403 is adjusted according to the electrical variables supplied to the energy storage means so that they are closest to the real-time demand of the energy storage means obtained from the step of obtaining data 402. Alternatively, in the case where the electrical variables that can be supplied to the energy storage means are already adapted to the demand of the energy storage means, charging 403 can be performed without having to adjust any electrical variables etc. This charging 403 is continued until all said energy storage means are charged according to their demand obtained in the step of obtaining data 402.

[0048] Additional operations provide for the step of developing an implementation plan 404 based on the electrical variables that can be supplied to the energy storage devices (such as obtained from variable energy resources) and the needs of the energy storage devices before charging 403. For example, setting the charge for the energy storage device that needs the highest voltage first by holding the charge to other energy storage devices, or distributing the charge among all energy storage devices at the same time, etc. This helps to be able to more effectively control and adjust the electrical variables used to charge each energy storage device.

[0049] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand and implement any modifications according to the present invention, which may fall within the scope and intent of the present invention as presented in the appended claims.

[0050] As described in the specific embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A charging system from a variable energy resource, comprising at least one of the variable energy resources (100) connected to a charging control unit (210), the charging control unit (210) being connected to an energy storage device (300), characterized in that A circuit breaker (211) is provided between the variable energy resource (100) and the charging control unit (210), and a charging control device (301) is provided between the charging control unit (210) and the energy storage device (300); The system is further provided with a data communication unit (220) connected to the charging control unit (210), the data communication unit (220) being connected to the charging control device (301) and also connected to at least one measuring device (302) connected to the energy storage device (300) to obtain necessary real-time data from the energy storage device (300); the data communication unit (220) is used to verify the demand of the energy storage device (300) and the charging readiness of the energy storage device (300) and send them to the charging control unit (210); The charging control unit (210) is used to adjust electrical parameters before outputting an adjusted current to the energy storage device (300) when verifying that the energy storage device (300) is ready for charging, taking into account the current that can be generated by the variable energy resource (100) and the real-time demand of each energy storage device (300) via cooperation with the circuit breaker (211) and the charging control device (301) to disconnect and connect the circuit between the charging control unit (210) and the variable energy resource (100) or the energy storage device (300).

2. The charging system from variable energy resources according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrical parameter is selected from at least one parameter of electrical power, voltage and current ampere.

3. The charging system from variable energy resources according to claim 1, characterized in that: The charging control unit (210) is arranged to be suitable for connecting a source of variable energy resources (100).

4. The charging system from variable energy resources according to claim 1, characterized in that: The charging readiness of the energy storage device (300) is provided as at least one set of data on the amount of charge stored in the energy storage device (300) or the connection status between the energy storage device (300), a charging control device (301) and a charging control unit (210).

5. The charging system from variable energy resources according to claim 1, characterized in that: The necessary data from the energy storage device (300) may be selected from at least one of capacity, state of charge, temperature, charging current and voltage requirements, stored charge, and error notification.

6. The charging system from variable energy resources according to claim 1, characterized in that: The data communication unit (220) is connected to the measuring device (302) via the charging control device (301), and obtains data from the energy storage device (300) via at least one device of the measuring device (302); or, the measuring device (302) is connected to a battery management system, and the data communication unit (220) is connected to the battery management system.

7. The charging system from variable energy resources according to claim 1, characterized in that: The data communication unit (220) is connected to a user interface device (222), and the user interface device (222) is used to display part or all of the data obtained from the energy storage device (300) to the user.

8. The charging system from variable energy resources according to claim 7, characterized in that: The user interface device (222) is used to provide additional functions when receiving commands from the user, the additional functions including starting or stopping charging into the energy storage device (300), or directly obtaining the electrical variable settings from the user and forwarding them to the charging control unit (210) so as to operate according to the user's requirements.

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