Power control device

Abstract

To provide a power control device capable of reducing power consumption when a continuity state has to be maintained for a long time, like charging.SOLUTION: The power control device for controlling electric power transfer between a first unit and a second unit includes: multiple relays that are installed on the path connecting the first unit and the second unit; and a control unit that controls the on / off states of multiple relays. The multiple relays use both a normally-on type relay that is in a conductive state when not driven and a normally-off type relay that is in a cutoff state when not driven.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power control device for controlling the power of a battery. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a solar charging system in which, when a solar panel is in a state where it can generate power, the solar panel supplies power to an auxiliary system including an auxiliary battery, and the power actually generated by the solar panel is derived, and if this derived actual generated power is equal to or greater than a specified value, the power generated by the solar panel is used to further charge a high-voltage battery. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-083248 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] To control the charging of an auxiliary battery with power generated by a solar panel or the charging of an auxiliary battery with power from a high-voltage battery, it is common to install multiple relays on the power line through which the charging power flows. These multiple relays typically employ so-called normally-off relays that become electrically conductive when driven (ON). However, with normally-off relays, if a conductive state must be maintained for a long period of time, such as during charging, a drive current must be continuously supplied, resulting in a problem of increased power consumption.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a power control device that can reduce power consumption when a conductive state must be maintained for a long period of time, such as during charging. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the disclosed technology is a power control device that controls the exchange of power between a first device and a second device, and includes a plurality of relays provided in a path connecting the first device and the second device, and a control unit that controls the conductive and cut-off states of the plurality of relays, and the plurality of relays include both normally-on relays that are conductive when not driven and normally-off relays that are cut-off when not driven. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the power control device of the present disclosure, since both a normally-on relay and a normally-off relay are used, when electrically connecting the first device and the second device, it is only necessary to pass a drive current through the normally-off relay, thereby reducing power consumption when a conductive state must be maintained for a long period of time. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a power control device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 2] A diagram explaining the relationship between the charging operation state and the relay drive state. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a power control device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 4] 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a power control device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 5] 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a power control device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The power control device according to the present disclosure has both a normally-on relay and a normally-off relay on the line connecting two devices, and drives only the normally-off relay when the two devices are electrically connected. This reduces power consumption when the devices are connected compared to when only the normally-off relay is used. Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0010] First Embodiment [composition] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a power control device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The power control device 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a high-voltage battery 110, an auxiliary battery 120, a bidirectional DC-DC converter 130, a control unit 140, a first relay 151, and a second relay 152.

[0011] As an example, this power control device 100 is mounted on vehicles such as hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and electric vehicles (BEVs), and is configured to be able to control the transfer of power (power pumping) from a high-voltage battery 110 (first device) to an auxiliary battery 120 (second device).

[0012] The high-voltage battery 110 is a secondary battery, such as a lithium-ion battery, that is configured to be capable of being charged and discharged. This high-voltage battery 110 can supply the power required to operate a main load (not shown), such as an electric motor for driving, mounted on the vehicle. The high-voltage battery 110 is connected to the auxiliary battery 120 via a bidirectional DC-DC converter 130 so that it can supply its own stored power to the auxiliary battery 120 and can be charged by the power stored in the auxiliary battery 120. This high-voltage battery 110 is, for example, a drive battery with a higher rated voltage than the auxiliary battery 120.

[0013] The auxiliary battery 120 is a secondary battery that can be charged and discharged, such as a lithium-ion battery or a lead-acid battery. The auxiliary battery 120 can supply the power required to operate auxiliary loads (not shown), such as lighting equipment and air conditioning equipment, mounted on the vehicle. The auxiliary battery 120 is connected to the high-voltage battery 110 via a bidirectional DC-DC converter 130 so that it can be charged by the power stored in the high-voltage battery 110 and can also supply its own stored power to the high-voltage battery 110.

[0014] The bidirectional DC-DC converter 130 is a bidirectional power converter that can convert input power into power of a predetermined voltage and output it. One end (primary side) of this bidirectional DC-DC converter 130 is connected to the auxiliary battery 120, and the other end (secondary side) is connected to the high-voltage battery 110. The bidirectional DC-DC converter 130 can supply (pumping charge) the power output from the auxiliary battery 120 connected to one end to the high-voltage battery 110 connected to the other end. During this power supply, the bidirectional DC-DC converter 130 performs a step-up operation to boost the voltage of the auxiliary battery 120 input to one end to generate an output voltage at the other end. The bidirectional DC-DC converter 130 can also supply (pumping charge) the power of the high-voltage battery 110 connected to the other end to the auxiliary battery 120 connected to one end. During this power supply, the bidirectional DC-DC converter 130 performs a step-down operation to lower the voltage of the high-voltage battery 110 input to the other end to generate an output voltage at one end. The operation of these bidirectional DC-DC converters 130 is controlled by the control unit 140.

[0015] The first relay 151 and the second relay 152 are components for controlling the power output from the high-voltage battery 110 and are provided between the high-voltage battery 110 and the bidirectional DC-DC converter 130. The first relay 151 is inserted in the positive-side power line, and the second relay 152 is inserted in the negative-side (GND) power line. The first relay 151 is a normally-on relay that is in a conductive state when not driven (OFF operation) and does not consume power, and is in a cut-off state when driven (ON operation) and does consume power. The second relay 152 is a normally-off relay that is in a cut-off state when not driven (OFF operation) and does not consume power, and is in a conductive state when driven (ON operation) and does consume power. The first relay 151 and the second relay 152 may be, for example, an excitation-type mechanical relay.

[0016] The positions on the power line where the first relay 151 and the second relay 152 are inserted may be reversed, or the first relay 151 and the second relay 152 may be inserted in series on either one of the power lines. Furthermore, the first relay 151 and the second relay 152 are not limited to those that do not consume power when not driven (OFF operation), and may consume less power when not driven (OFF operation) than when driven (ON operation).

[0017] The control unit 140 is configured by, for example, a microcomputer, and is configured to control the operation of the bidirectional DC-DC converter 130 and the conductive / cut-off states of the first relay 151 and the second relay 152. The control unit 140 can control the necessary exchange of power according to the states of the high-voltage battery 110 and the auxiliary battery 120 and the requirements of the vehicle.

[0018] [Relay operation] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of control of the first relay 151 and the second relay 152 executed by the control unit 140. As shown in FIG.

[0019] When the high-voltage battery 110 and the auxiliary battery 120 are normal and the power of the high-voltage battery 110 is not being used to charge the auxiliary battery 120 (pumping charge), the control unit 140 does not drive either the first relay 151 or the second relay 152. This makes it possible to electrically disconnect the high-voltage battery 110 from the bidirectional DC-DC converter 130 without consuming power (while keeping power consumption low).

[0020] Furthermore, when the high-voltage battery 110 and the auxiliary battery 120 are normal and the power of the high-voltage battery 110 is to be charged to the auxiliary battery 120, the control unit 140 drives the second relay 152. This allows the high-voltage battery 110 and the bidirectional DC-DC converter 130 to be electrically connected together using only the power consumption of the second relay 152. Examples of connection methods include driving the second relay 152 intermittently 24 hours a day, or driving the second relay 152 constantly 24 hours a day.

[0021] On the other hand, when at least one of the high-voltage battery 110 and the auxiliary battery 120 is abnormal, the control unit 140 drives the first relay 151. As a result, both the first relay 151 and the second relay 152 are brought into an interrupted state, and the high-voltage battery 110 can be disconnected from the bidirectional DC-DC converter 130 more safely.

[0022] <Second embodiment> [composition] 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a power control device 200 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. The power control device 200 shown in FIG. 3 includes a high-voltage battery 110, an auxiliary battery 220, a bidirectional DC-DC converter 130, a control unit 240, a first relay 251, a second relay 252, and a solar panel 260.

[0023] As an example, this power control device 200 is mounted on vehicles such as hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and electric vehicles (BEVs), and is configured to be able to control charging (solar charging) of an auxiliary battery 120 (second device) by a solar panel 260 (first device).

[0024] In the power control device 200, the same components as those in the power control device 100 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0025] Solar panel 260 is a power generation device that generates electricity by receiving irradiation from sunlight, and outputs the generated power (generated power) to auxiliary battery 120, etc. This solar panel 260 includes components such as a panel that is an assembly of solar battery cells, and an MPPT control unit (MPPT) that realizes the maximum power point of power generation in the panel by tracking control.

[0026] The auxiliary battery 220 is a secondary battery that is configured to be chargeable and dischargeable, such as a lithium-ion battery or a lead-acid battery. This auxiliary battery 220 can supply the power required for the operation of auxiliary loads (not shown), such as lighting equipment and air conditioning equipment mounted on the vehicle. The auxiliary battery 220 is connected to a solar panel 260 so as to be chargeable with power generated by the solar panel 260. The auxiliary battery 220 is also connected to the high-voltage battery 110 via a bidirectional DC-DC converter 130 so as to be chargeable with power stored in the high-voltage battery 110 and to be able to supply its own stored power to the high-voltage battery 110.

[0027] The first relay 251 and the second relay 252 are components for controlling the power output from the solar panel 260 and are provided between the solar panel 260 and the auxiliary battery 220. The first relay 251 is inserted into the positive power line, and the second relay 252 is inserted into the negative power line (GND side). The first relay 251 is a normally-on relay that is in a conductive state when not driven (OFF operation) and does not consume power, and is in a cut-off state when driven (ON operation) and consumes power. The second relay 252 is a normally-off relay that is in a cut-off state when not driven (OFF operation) and does not consume power, and is in a conductive state when driven (ON operation) and consumes power. The first relay 251 and the second relay 252 may be, for example, an excitation-type mechanical relay.

[0028] The positions on the power line where the first relay 251 and the second relay 252 are inserted may be reversed, or the first relay 251 and the second relay 252 may be inserted in series on either one of the power lines. Furthermore, the first relay 251 and the second relay 252 are not limited to those that do not consume power when not driven (OFF operation), and may consume less power when not driven (OFF operation) than when driven (ON operation).

[0029] The control unit 240 is configured by, for example, a microcomputer, and is configured to control the operation of the bidirectional DC-DC converter 130 and the conductive / cut-off states of the first relay 251 and the second relay 252. The control unit 240 can control the necessary exchange of power according to the states of the solar panel 260 and the auxiliary battery 220 and the requirements of the vehicle.

[0030] [Relay operation] When solar panel 260 and auxiliary battery 220 are normal and solar panel 260 is not generating power (not outputting power sufficient for charging), control unit 240 does not drive either first relay 251 or second relay 252. This makes it possible to electrically disconnect solar panel 260 and auxiliary battery 220 without consuming power (while keeping power consumption low).

[0031] Furthermore, when solar panel 260 and auxiliary battery 220 are normal and solar panel 260 is generating power (outputting enough power to charge), control unit 240 drives second relay 252. This allows solar panel 260 and auxiliary battery 220 to be electrically connected together only through the power consumption of second relay 252. One example of a connection method is to drive second relay 252 during a period when solar panel 260 is exposed to sunlight.

[0032] On the other hand, when at least one of solar panel 260 and auxiliary battery 220 is abnormal, control unit 240 drives first relay 251. As a result, both first relay 251 and second relay 252 are brought into an interrupted state, and solar panel 260 can be disconnected from auxiliary battery 220 more safely.

[0033] <Third embodiment> [composition] 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a power control device 300 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. The power control device 300 shown in FIG. 4 includes a high-voltage battery 310, an auxiliary battery 120, a bidirectional DC-DC converter 130, a control unit 340, a first relay 351, a second relay 352, and an external charger 370.

[0034] As an example, this power control device 300 is mounted on vehicles such as hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and electric vehicles (BEVs), and is configured to be able to control charging (external charging) of a high-voltage battery 310 (second device) by an external charger 370 (first device).

[0035] In the power control device 300, the same components as those in the power control device 100 are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0036] The external charger 370 is a charger or charging equipment connected to the vehicle, and is configured to charge the high-voltage battery 310. The external charger 370 can be attached to and detached from a charging outlet (not shown) provided in the vehicle.

[0037] The high-voltage battery 310 is a secondary battery, such as a lithium-ion battery, that is configured to be chargeable and dischargeable. The high-voltage battery 310 can supply the power required to operate a main load (not shown), such as an electric motor for driving, mounted on the vehicle. The high-voltage battery 310 is connected to the auxiliary battery 120 via the bidirectional DC-DC converter 130 so as to be able to supply the power stored in the high-voltage battery 310 to the auxiliary battery 120 and to be able to be charged by the power stored in the auxiliary battery 120. The high-voltage battery 310 is also connected to an external charger 370 so as to be able to be charged by the power supplied from the external charger 370.

[0038] The first relay 351 and the second relay 352 are components for controlling the power supply from the external charger 370 and are provided between the external charger 370 and the high-voltage battery 310. The first relay 351 is inserted into the positive-side power line, and the second relay 352 is inserted into the negative-side (GND) power line. The first relay 351 is a normally-on relay that is in a conductive state when not driven (OFF operation) and does not consume power, and is in a cut-off state when driven (ON operation) and does consume power. The second relay 352 is a normally-off relay that is in a cut-off state when not driven (OFF operation) and does not consume power, and is in a conductive state when driven (ON operation) and does consume power. The first relay 351 and the second relay 352 may be, for example, an excitation-type mechanical relay.

[0039] The positions on the power lines where the first relay 351 and the second relay 352 are inserted may be reversed, or the first relay 351 and the second relay 352 may be inserted in series on either one of the power lines. Furthermore, the first relay 351 and the second relay 352 are not limited to those that do not consume power when not driven (OFF operation), and may consume less power when not driven (OFF operation) than when driven (ON operation).

[0040] The control unit 340 is configured by, for example, a microcomputer, and is configured to control the operation of the bidirectional DC-DC converter 130 and the conductive / cut-off states of the first relay 351 and the second relay 352. The control unit 340 can control the necessary exchange of power according to the states of the external charger 370 and the high-voltage battery 310 and the requirements of the vehicle.

[0041] [Relay operation] When the external charger 370 and the high-voltage battery 310 are normal and the external charger 370 is not connected to the vehicle (connected but not supplying power), the control unit 340 does not drive either the first relay 351 or the second relay 352. This allows the external charger 370 to be disconnected from the vehicle without consuming power (while keeping power consumption low).

[0042] Furthermore, when the external charger 370 and high-voltage battery 310 are normal and the external charger 370 is connected to the vehicle and receiving power, the control unit 340 drives the second relay 352. This allows the external charger 370 to be electrically connected to the vehicle using only the power consumption of the second relay 352. An example of a connection method is to drive the second relay 352 when charging for a long period of time from a low-output charging facility (such as a household outlet).

[0043] On the other hand, if at least one of the external charger 370 and the high-voltage battery 310 is abnormal, the control unit 340 drives the first relay 351. As a result, both the first relay 351 and the second relay 352 are brought into an interrupted state, and the external charger 370 can be disconnected from the vehicle more safely.

[0044] <Fourth embodiment> [composition] 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a power control device 400 according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. The power control device 400 shown in FIG. 5 includes a high-voltage battery 110, an auxiliary battery 420, a bidirectional DC-DC converter 130, a control unit 440, a first relay 451, a second relay 452, and an electric device 480.

[0045] As an example, this power control device 400 is mounted on vehicles such as hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and is configured to be able to control the power supply (external power supply) from an auxiliary battery 420 (first device) to an electrical device 480 (second device).

[0046] In the power control device 400, the same components as those in the power control device 100 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0047] Electrical device 480 is an electrical appliance that consumes power, such as an audio product, lighting equipment, etc. Electrical device 480 can be attached to and detached from a power outlet (not shown) provided in the vehicle.

[0048] Auxiliary battery 420 is a secondary battery that is configured to be chargeable and dischargeable, such as a lithium-ion battery or a lead-acid battery. This auxiliary battery 420 can supply electric power necessary for the operation of auxiliary loads (not shown), such as lighting equipment and air conditioning equipment mounted on the vehicle. Auxiliary battery 420 is connected to electric equipment 480 so as to be able to supply electric power stored in itself to electric equipment 480. In addition, auxiliary battery 420 is connected to high-voltage battery 110 via bidirectional DC-DC converter 130 so as to be able to be charged by electric power stored in high-voltage battery 110 and to be able to supply electric power stored in itself to high-voltage battery 110.

[0049] First relay 451 and second relay 452 are components for controlling the power supply from auxiliary battery 420, and are provided between auxiliary battery 420 and electrical device 480. First relay 451 is inserted into a positive-side power line, and second relay 452 is inserted into a negative-side (GND) power line. First relay 451 is a normally-on relay that is in a conductive state when not driven (OFF operation) and does not consume power, and is in a cut-off state when driven (ON operation) and consumes power. Second relay 452 is a normally-off relay that is in a cut-off state when not driven (OFF operation) and does not consume power, and is in a conductive state when driven (ON operation) and consumes power. First relay 451 and second relay 452 may be, for example, excitation-type mechanical relays.

[0050] The positions on the power line where the first relay 451 and the second relay 452 are inserted may be reversed, or the first relay 451 and the second relay 452 may be inserted in series on either one of the power lines. Furthermore, the first relay 451 and the second relay 452 are not limited to those that do not consume power when not driven (OFF operation), and may consume less power when not driven (OFF operation) than when driven (ON operation).

[0051] The control unit 440 is configured by, for example, a microcomputer, and is configured to control the operation of the bidirectional DC-DC converter 130 and the conductive / cut-off states of the first relay 451 and the second relay 452. The control unit 440 can control the necessary exchange of power according to the states of the auxiliary battery 420 and the electrical device 480 and the requirements of the vehicle.

[0052] [Relay operation] When auxiliary battery 420 and electrical device 480 are normal and electrical device 480 is not connected to the vehicle (connected but not demanding power), control unit 440 does not drive either first relay 451 or second relay 452. This makes it possible to stop output from the power supply outlet.

[0053] Furthermore, when auxiliary battery 420 and electrical device 480 are normal, and electrical device 480 is connected to the vehicle and there is a demand for power, control unit 440 drives second relay 452. This allows electrical device 480 to be electrically connected to the vehicle and power to be supplied using only the power consumption of second relay 452. An example of a connection method is to drive second relay 452 when supplying small amounts of power (such as lighting a camping lantern) for a long period of time.

[0054] On the other hand, when at least one of auxiliary battery 420 and electrical device 480 is abnormal, control unit 440 drives first relay 451. As a result, both first relay 451 and second relay 452 are brought into an interrupted state, and electrical device 480 can be more safely isolated from the vehicle for protection.

[0055] <Actions and Effects> As described above, according to the power control device of one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the first device and the second device are connected via multiple relays, the multiple relays are configured to include both normally-on type relays and normally-off type relays.

[0056] With this configuration, when connecting the first device and the second device, it is sufficient to drive only the normally-off relay. Therefore, when the relay must be kept conductive for a long period of time (the relay is on for a long period of time), power consumption can be reduced while ensuring safety performance compared to a circuit configured with only normally-off relays. [Industrial Applicability]

[0057] The power control device of the present disclosure can be used in vehicles and the like to control the power of their batteries. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 100, 200, 300, 400 Power control device 110, 310 high voltage battery 120, 220, 420 auxiliary battery 130 Bidirectional DC / DC converter 140, 240, 340, 440 control unit 151, 251, 351, 451 First relay (normally on type) 152, 252, 352, 452 Second relay (normally off type) 260 solar panels 370 external charger 480 Electrical Equipment

Claims

1. A power control device that controls power exchange between a first device and a second device, a plurality of relays provided on a path connecting the first device and the second device; a control unit that controls the conductive and cut-off states of the plurality of relays, The plurality of relays include both normally-on relays that are in a conductive state when not driven and normally-off relays that are in a cut-off state when not driven. Power control device.

2. It is mounted on a vehicle, the first device is a high voltage battery; the second device is an auxiliary battery, the plurality of relays are provided on a power line for charging the auxiliary battery with power from the high-voltage battery; The power control device according to claim 1 .

3. It is mounted on a vehicle, the first device is a solar panel; the second device is an auxiliary battery, the plurality of relays are provided on a power line for charging the auxiliary battery with power generated by the solar panel; The power control device according to claim 1 .

4. It is mounted on a vehicle, the first device is an external charger; the second device is a high voltage battery; the plurality of relays are provided on a power line for charging the high-voltage battery with power from the external charger; The power control device according to claim 1 .

5. It is mounted on a vehicle, the first device is an auxiliary battery, the second device is an electrical device, the plurality of relays are provided on a power line for supplying power from the auxiliary battery to the electrical device; The power control device according to claim 1 .

6. the control unit drives the normally-off relay during a period in which the first device is charging or supplying power to the second device. The power control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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