Generator, control method of generator and power generation and energy storage system

Abstract

A generator comprises a starting battery module, a first control module, a power generation module, a switch module and a charging end. The charging end is used for connecting to an energy storage device so as to acquire electric energy from the energy storage device. The switch module is connected between the starting battery module and the charging end and is used for turning on or cutting off the connection between the starting battery module and the charging end. The first control module is used for controlling, when the energy storage device is connected and the power generation module is not started, the switch module to turn on the connection between the starting battery module and the charging end so as to charge the starting battery module.

Description

Generator, generator control method, and power generation and energy storage system

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on February 23, 2024, with application number 202410204298.1 and invention name “Generator, generator control method and power generation and energy storage system”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the technical field of generators, and in particular to a generator, a generator control method, and a power generation and energy storage system. Background Art

[0004] The statements herein merely provide background information related to the present application and do not necessarily constitute exemplary techniques.

[0005] When a generator uses electric starting, it uses its internal battery to drive the reverse drag module or starter motor to start the generator, which consumes battery power. After the generator starts, the motor can generate electricity and replenish the battery. However, if the generator is in standby mode for a long time, the battery needs to provide basic operating power for the generator's internal controller and other components, which will deplete the battery power and make the generator unable to start electrically. The user must manually pull the generator to start, which provides a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to various embodiments of the present application, a generator, a generator control method, and a power generation and energy storage system are provided.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present application provides a generator, which includes a starting battery module, a first control module, a power generation module, a switch module and a charging end; the charging end is configured to connect to an energy storage device to obtain electrical energy from the energy storage device; the switch module is connected between the starting battery module and the charging end, and is configured to conduct or cut off the connection between the starting battery module and the charging end; the first control module is configured to control the switch module to conduct the connection between the starting battery module and the charging end to charge the starting battery module when the energy storage device is connected and the power generation module is not started.

[0008] A second aspect of the present application provides a generator control method, which is applied to the generator as described above, and the control method includes: detecting the access status of the energy storage device; detecting the startup status of the power generation module; when the energy storage device is connected and the power generation module is not started, controlling the switch module to connect the starting battery module and the charging end to charge the starting battery module.

[0009] A third aspect of the present application provides a power generation and energy storage system, comprising an energy storage device and the generator as described above.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the present application provides an electronic device comprising: a processor; a memory storing executable instructions of the processor; wherein the processor is configured to execute the control method as described above by executing the executable instructions.

[0011] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which implements the control method described above when the computer program is executed by a processor.

[0012] The details of one or more embodiments of the present application are set forth in the following drawings and description. Other features, objects, and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or exemplary technologies of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments or exemplary technologies. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, without paying any creative work, they can also obtain drawings of other embodiments based on these drawings.

[0014] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a module of a generator provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0015] FIG2 is a module schematic diagram of a generator provided in another embodiment of the present application.

[0016] FIG3 is a module schematic diagram of a generator provided in yet another embodiment of the present application.

[0017] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a circuit module of a generator provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0018] FIG5 is a flow chart of a method for controlling a generator according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0019] FIG6 is a partial flow chart of a method for controlling a generator provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0020] FIG7 is a partial flow chart of a method for controlling a generator provided in another embodiment of the present application.

[0021] FIG8 is a module diagram of a power generation and energy storage system provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] It should be noted that the terms "first" and "second" in the description, claims and drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects, rather than to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0023] It should also be noted that the method disclosed in the embodiments of the present application or the method shown in the flowchart includes one or more steps for implementing the method. Without departing from the scope of the claims, the execution order of multiple steps can be interchanged with each other, and some steps can also be deleted.

[0024] The following will describe some embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features therein may be combined with each other.

[0025] In related technologies, when a generator uses electric starting, it must use its internal battery to drive a reverse drag module or starter motor to start the generator, which consumes battery power. After the generator starts, the motor can generate electricity and replenish the battery. However, if the generator is in standby mode for a long time, the battery needs to provide basic operating power to the controller and other components within the generator, which will deplete the battery power and make the generator unable to start electrically. The user must manually pull the generator to start, resulting in a poor user experience.

[0026] To this end, an embodiment of the present application provides a generator and a control method thereof, which can charge the starting battery module by the energy storage device when the energy storage device is connected to the generator and the power generation module of the generator is not started, thereby preventing the starting battery module from being exhausted and making the generator unable to be electrically started, reducing the need for users to start the generator by manual operation, and improving the user experience.

[0027] Please refer to Figure 1, which is a functional module diagram of a generator 10 provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 1, the generator 10 includes a starting battery module 11, a first control module 12, a power generation module 13, a switch module 14 and a charging terminal 101.

[0028] The charging terminal 101 is configured to connect to the energy storage device 20 to obtain electrical energy from the energy storage device 20. The switch module 14 is connected between the starting battery module 11 and the charging terminal 101 and is configured to open or close the connection between the starting battery module 11 and the charging terminal 101. The first control module 12 is configured to control the switch module 14 to open the connection between the starting battery module 11 and the charging terminal 101 to charge the starting battery module 11 when the energy storage device 20 is connected and the power generation module 13 is not started.

[0029] In some embodiments, a connection detection circuit can be provided at the charging terminal 101. The connection detection circuit detects the charging terminal 101 and sends a detection signal to the first control module 12 based on the detection result. The first control module 12 then determines whether the energy storage device 20 is connected based on the detection signal. The connection detection circuit can generate a corresponding detection signal by detecting the voltage or pressure value of the charging terminal 101. In other embodiments, after the energy storage device 20 is connected to the generator 10, it can establish a communication connection with the first control module 12 to send an access signal to the first control module 12. As a result, the first control module 12 can directly determine whether the energy storage device 20 is connected based on whether the access signal is received.

[0030] In other embodiments, the energy storage device 20 can be connected to the first interface of the generator 10 (not shown in FIG. 1 ) via its generator interface to access the generator 10. For example, in this case, the generator 10 can include an access detection circuit at the first interface, which detects the access of the energy storage device 20, for example, by detecting a signal pin (e.g., an access detection pin) on the first interface. Based on the detection result, the access detection circuit sends a detection signal to the first control module 12, which determines whether the energy storage device 20 is connected based on the detection signal. The access detection circuit can generate a corresponding detection signal by detecting the voltage or pressure value of the access detection pin. Correspondingly, the energy storage device 20 can also include an access detection circuit on its generator interface configured to detect whether the generator 10 is connected. In some embodiments, the energy storage device 20 can actively output a voltage signal via the access detection pin and receive a feedback signal via the feedback pin, confirming its connection to the generator 10 based on the feedback signal. Once the connection to the generator 10 is confirmed, the energy storage device 20 can actively output a voltage via the charging terminal 101 to provide electrical energy to the generator 10.

[0031] In some embodiments, the first interface can be a composite interface including a communication pin and a power supply pin. In this case, the charging terminal 101 can be, for example, one or more power supply pins on the first interface of the generator 10. In some embodiments, the first interface can also be a communication interface. In this case, the generator 10 can also include a second interface (power interface). The energy storage device 20 transmits power to the generator through this second interface. In this case, the charging terminal 101 can be one or more power supply pins on the second interface. This application does not limit the form of the charging terminal 101 or the connection method between the energy storage device 20 and the generator 10.

[0032] In some embodiments, the switch module 14 may include a controllable switch, such as a relay, a contactor, a power switch tube, etc.

[0033] In the generator 10 of the embodiment of the present application, by connecting the switch module 14 between the starting battery module 11 and the charging terminal 101, when the energy storage device 20 is connected to the generator 10 and the power generation module 13 is not started, the first control module 12 controls the switch module 14 to conduct the connection between the starting battery module 11 and the charging terminal 101, so that the energy storage device 20 can charge the starting battery module 11 through the charging terminal 101 and the switch module 14. In this way, when the energy storage device 20 is connected to the generator 10 and the power generation module 13 is not started, the energy storage device 20 can be used to charge the starting battery module 11, preventing the starting battery module 11 from running out of power when the power generation module 13 is in the standby state and being unable to achieve electric starting, reducing the need for users to manually start the generator 10, and improving the user experience.

[0034] Continuing to refer to FIG1 , in some embodiments, the first power supply terminal (VB1 as shown in FIG1 ) of the first control module 12 may also be connected to the charging terminal 101 to receive power from the energy storage device 20. The first control module 12 is configured to be activated and powered on when powered by the energy storage device 20. Thus, when the energy storage device 20 is connected and the power generation module 13 is not started, the energy storage device 20 can activate the first control module 12 with power, so that the first control module 12 is powered on, and further control the switch module 14 to conduct the connection between the starting battery module 11 and the charging terminal 101, so that the energy storage device 20 can charge the starting battery module 11.

[0035] When the energy storage device 20 is charging the starting battery module 11 , the first control module 12 also continues to be powered by the energy storage device 20 .

[0036] Of course, it is understandable that the first control module 12 can also include a second power supply end (VB2 as shown in Figure 1), which is connected to the starting battery module 11. When the energy storage device 20 is not connected to the generator 10, the first control module 12 is activated and powered on under the power supply of the starting battery module 11.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, the generator 10 may further include a starting module 15 , which is connected between the switch module 14 and the power generation module 13 .

[0038] The starting module 15 is configured to draw power from the energy storage device 20 via the charging terminal 101 and provide a starting voltage for the power generation module 13 in response to a starting instruction to start the power generation module 13 when the switch module 14 is in the on state.

[0039] Therefore, when the energy storage device 20 charges the starting battery module 11 via the switch module 14 in the on state, if the generator 10 receives a start-up instruction to start the power generation module 13, the energy storage device 20 can also supply power to the starting module 15 via the charging terminal 101 and the switch module 14 to provide a starting voltage for the power generation module 13.

[0040] It is understandable that the starting module 15 can also be connected to the starting battery module 11. Therefore, when the energy storage device 20 is not connected and the generator 10 receives a starting instruction to start the power generation module 13, the starting battery module 11 can provide a starting voltage for the power generation module 13.

[0041] In the embodiment of the present application, the start-up instruction can be sent by the energy storage device 20 to the first control module 12, and the first control module 12 then sends the start-up instruction to the start-up module 15. Alternatively, the generator 10 may further include a second control module, which is configured to control the start-up of the power generation module 13. Based on this, the first control module 12 can send the start-up instruction to the second control module, and the second control module controls the start-up module 15 to provide a start-up voltage to the power generation module 13 according to the start-up instruction.

[0042] It is understood that the start-up instruction can be sent to the first control module 12 by the energy storage device 20, for example, via wireless or wired communication. For another example, the start-up instruction can be sent to the first control module 12 by another mobile terminal. In other embodiments, the generator 10 can also be provided with a physical start button or a touch screen, and the start-up instruction can be sent to the first control module 12 by pressing the physical start button or configuring the start-up on the touch screen. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the method for sending or generating the start-up instruction.

[0043] Furthermore, referring to FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, the generator 10 may further include a power supply module 16. One end of the power supply module 16 is connected to the power generation module 13, and the other end of the power supply module 16 is connected to the starting battery module 11 and the second power supply terminal VB2 of the first control module 12. When the power generation module 13 is started, the power supply module 16 is configured to convert the output voltage of the power generation module 13 to charge the starting battery module 11 and to supply power to the first control module 12.

[0044] That is, after the power generation module 13 is activated, it begins to generate electricity. The electricity generated by the power generation module 13 can be converted into a voltage by the power supply module 16 and then used to charge the starting battery module 11 and supply power to the first control module 12. Therefore, after the power generation module 13 is activated, it can stop consuming the electricity of the energy storage device 20 and can continue to replenish the power of the starting battery module 11, further preventing the starting battery module 11 from being exhausted.

[0045] In some embodiments, after the power generation module 13 is started, the first control module 12 may further send a related start signal to the energy storage device 20 , and the energy storage device 20 may stop discharging to the charging terminal 101 according to the start signal.

[0046] In some embodiments, after the power generation module 13 is started, the first control module 12 can also send a disconnect signal to the switch module 14, so that the switch module 14 cuts off the connection between the starting battery module 11 and the charging end 101, and cuts off the charging circuit of the energy storage device 20 to the starting battery module 11.

[0047] It is understood that the generator 10 also includes a discharge terminal 102, which is connected to the power generation module 13 and is configured to connect to the energy storage device 20 to charge the energy storage device 20. The power generation module 13 is also configured to charge the connected energy storage device 20 through the discharge terminal 102 in response to a charging request from the energy storage device 20 after startup. Based on this, the electric energy generated after the power generation module 13 is started can also be used to charge the energy storage device 20. It is understood that the above-mentioned discharge terminal 102 can also be connected to other load devices, so that the electric energy output by the power generation module 13 can be used to power the connected load. Furthermore, the generator 10 can also include a power conversion module 17, which is connected between the power generation module 13 and the discharge terminal 102. The electric energy output by the power generation module 13 is converted in voltage by the power conversion module 17 and then charged by the discharge terminal 102 to the energy storage device 20.

[0048] Accordingly, the generator 10 may further include a second control module 18, which is connected to the power conversion module 17 and configured to control the operation of the power conversion module 17. When the energy storage device 20 is connected and the power generation module 13 is started, the second control module 18 can control the on and off of the power switch tube within the power conversion module 17 according to the charging demand of the energy storage device 20, thereby controlling the power conversion module 17 to convert the electrical energy output by the power generation module 13 into voltage.

[0049] It can be understood that the first power supply end of the second control module 18 can be connected to the power supply module 16 . When the power generation module 13 is started, the power generation module 13 supplies power to the second control module 18 through the power supply module 16 .

[0050] In some embodiments, the second power supply end of the second control module 18 can be connected to the charging end 101. When the energy storage device 20 is connected and the power generation module 13 is not started, the second control module 18 is activated and powered on by the energy storage device 20.

[0051] It can be understood that in some embodiments, the power supply voltage provided by the energy storage device 20 via the charging terminal 101 can directly power / charge the above-mentioned modules, such as the first control module 12, the second control module 18, the starting module 15, and the starting battery module 11. In this case, the first control module 12 and the second control module 18 can be directly connected to the charging terminal 101, and the starting module 15 and the starting battery module 11 can be directly connected to the charging terminal 101 via the switch module 14. In other embodiments, if the voltage provided by the energy storage device 20 via the charging terminal 101 cannot directly power the above-mentioned modules (for example, the voltage is too high or too low), the charging terminal 101 can be converted by a DC / DC conversion unit and then provide an adapted voltage to the first control module 12, the second control module 18, the starting module 15, and the starting battery module 11. The DC / DC conversion unit can be, for example, a Buck (step-down) circuit, a Boost (step-up) circuit, or a Buck / Boost circuit, and this application does not limit this.

[0052] Please refer to FIG. 4 , which shows a circuit module block diagram of the generator 10 according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 4 , the starting battery module 11 includes a starting battery BAT.

[0054] The first control module 12 may include a connection interface 120, a control unit 121, a communication terminal 122, a first DC / DC converter unit 123, and a voltage regulator unit 124. The control unit 121 connects to the switch module 14 via the enable terminal in the connection interface 120 to control the on and off operation of the switch module 14. The first DC / DC converter unit 123 connects to the charging terminal 101 via the first power supply terminal VB1 and to the starter battery BAT and the power supply module 16 via the second power supply terminal VB2. A first terminal of the voltage regulator unit 124 is connected to the first DC / DC converter unit 123, and a second terminal of the voltage regulator unit 124 is connected to the power supply terminal of the control unit 121. The first DC / DC converter unit 123 is configured to convert the voltage at the first power supply terminal VB1 or the second power supply terminal VB2 to obtain a first voltage and output it to the voltage regulator unit 124. The voltage regulator unit 124 is configured to convert the first voltage to obtain a second voltage and provide it to the power supply terminal of the control unit 121 to power the control unit 121.

[0055] In some embodiments, the voltage provided by the charging terminal 101 to the first power supply terminal VB1 can be 14V, and the voltage provided by the starting battery BAT or the power supply module 16 to the second power supply terminal VB2 can both be 12V. In this case, when the energy storage device 20 is connected and the charging terminal 101 provides voltage, the first DC / DC converter unit 123 will preferentially obtain power from the first power supply terminal VB1. In other words, the first control module 12 will preferentially be powered by the energy storage device 20. For example, the first voltage can be 5V, and the second voltage can be 3.3V. In other words, the first DC / DC converter unit 123 is configured to convert the 14V voltage provided by the first power supply terminal VB1 or the 12V voltage provided by the second power supply terminal VB2 to 5V, and the voltage regulator unit 124 is configured to convert the 5V voltage to 3.3V, and provide the 3.3V voltage to the power supply terminal of the control unit 121 to power the control unit 121.

[0056] It will be understood that the above voltage values ​​are only examples, and this application does not impose any restrictions on the actual voltage values.

[0057] The control unit 121 is communicatively connected to the energy storage device 20 through the communication terminal 122. When the energy storage device 20 is connected to the generator 10, the energy storage device 20 is electrically connected to the discharge terminal 102 and the charging terminal 101 of the generator 10, and the communication terminal 122 of the energy storage device 20 is communicatively connected to the communication terminal 122 of the first control module 12.

[0058] The first control module 12 may further include a first unidirectional conduction unit D1, wherein a first end of the first unidirectional conduction unit D1 is connected to a first communication terminal T1 of the communication terminal 122, and a second end of the first unidirectional conduction unit D1 is connected to a second communication terminal T2 of the communication terminal 122. When the energy storage device 20 is connected to the generator 10, the energy storage device 20 sends a first signal to the first communication terminal T1. The first signal is output as a second signal to the second communication terminal T2 via the first unidirectional conduction unit D1. The energy storage device 20 receives the second signal via the second communication terminal T2 and outputs electrical energy to the charging terminal 101 based on the second signal. The charging terminal 101 then inputs the electrical energy into the first DC / DC conversion unit 123 via the first power supply terminal VB1, and then provides the electrical energy to the power supply terminal of the control unit 121 via the voltage stabilizing unit 124, thereby powering on and activating the control unit 121. After the energy storage device 20 receives the second signal, a hardware handshake is implemented between the generator 10 and the energy storage device 20, so that the energy storage device 20 outputs electrical energy to the charging terminal 101. In this way, when the generator 10 is shut down and the energy storage device 20 is connected, the connection status can be confirmed through hardware handshake. If the hardware connection is normal, it can provide operating power to the various control modules of the generator 10 to wake up the generator 10. On the one hand, it avoids power waste in the event of a connection failure, and on the other hand, it can realize external wake-up and startup of the generator 10.

[0059] In some embodiments, the first unidirectional conductive unit D1 may include a diode, a first end of the first unidirectional conductive unit D1 is an anode of the diode, and a second end of the second unidirectional conductive unit D1 is a cathode of the diode.

[0060] After the control unit 121 is powered on and activated, it detects that the energy storage device 20 is connected and the power generation module 13 is not started, and then controls the switch module 14 to be turned on, so that the energy storage device 20 charges the starting battery BAT.

[0061] The switch module 14 includes a controllable switch Q1, such as a relay, contactor, or switch. A first terminal of the controllable switch Q1 is connected to the charging terminal 101, and a second terminal of the controllable switch Q1 is connected to the starting battery BAT. The controlled terminal of the controllable switch Q1 is connected to the control unit 121 via the enable terminal EN in the connection interface 120 to receive an enable signal output by the control unit 121.

[0062] It is understood that the control unit 121 can determine whether the energy storage device 20 is connected by detecting the first signal of the first communication terminal T1. After the control unit 121 is powered on and runs, if the first signal of the first communication terminal T1 is detected, it is determined that the generator 10 is hardware-connected to the energy storage device 20.

[0063] It is understood that the control unit 121 can directly or indirectly detect the first signal. For example, when the first signal is a voltage signal and is higher than the detection range of the control unit 121, the first signal can be converted by a conversion circuit into a level signal adapted to the control unit 121, such as a 3.3V high-level signal.

[0064] It is understood that the first control module 12 may further include a second unidirectional conducting unit D2 and a third unidirectional conducting unit D3. A first end of the second unidirectional conducting unit D2 is connected to the first power supply terminal VB1, and a second end of the second unidirectional conducting unit D2 is connected to the input terminal of the first DC / DC conversion unit 123. A first end of the third unidirectional conducting unit D3 is connected to the second power supply terminal VB2, and a second end of the third unidirectional conducting unit D3 is connected to the input terminal of the first DC / DC conversion unit 123. The second unidirectional conducting unit D2 and the third unidirectional conducting unit D3 may be diodes, wherein the first ends of the second unidirectional conducting unit D2 and the third unidirectional conducting unit D3 serve as anodes of the diodes, and the second ends of the second unidirectional conducting unit D2 and the third unidirectional conducting unit D3 serve as cathodes of the diodes.

[0065] In some embodiments, the first control module 12 may further include a power switch Q2, which is connected between the third unidirectional conduction unit D3 and the first DC / DC conversion unit 123. When the starting battery BAT or the power generation module 13 needs to supply power to the second power supply terminal VB2 of the first control module 12, the first control module 12 controls the power switch Q2 to be turned on. For example, the power switch Q2 may be controlled to be turned on when the energy storage device 20 is not connected, and may be controlled to be turned on after the energy storage device 20 is connected and the power generation module 13 is started.

[0066] In the embodiment of the present application, the first control module 12 can be a power transmission control board of the generator 10), the connection interface 120, the control unit 121, the communication terminal 122, the first DC / DC conversion unit 123 and the voltage stabilizing unit 124 can all be integrated on the power transmission board, and the control unit 121 can be a microcontroller unit 121 (MCU).

[0067] The power generation module 13 may include a motor 130 and an engine (not shown in the figure), and the starting module 15 may include a second DC / DC conversion unit 150 and a buck-boost unit 151. The first end of the second DC / DC conversion unit 150 is connected to the starting battery BAT and the second end of the controllable switch Q1, the second end of the second DC / DC conversion unit 150 is connected to the first end of the buck-boost unit 151, and the second end of the buck-boost unit 151 is connected to the motor 130. The second DC / DC conversion unit 150 is configured to convert the electrical energy provided by the starting battery BAT or the energy storage device 20 into voltage and then supply power to the buck-boost unit 151. The buck-boost unit 151 is configured to control the starting of the motor 130. The second DC / DC conversion unit 150 may include any one of a boost circuit, a buck circuit, and / or a buck-boost circuit.

[0068] In one embodiment, the motor 130 may be an AC generator, and the reverse drag unit 151 may include a DC / AC circuit, which is configured to convert the DC voltage output by the second DC / DC conversion unit 150 into an AC voltage and then output it to the winding of the motor 130, so that the rotor of the motor 130 rotates in the reverse direction to drive the engine, thereby starting the engine to work, perform functional conversion and convert it into electrical energy through the motor 130, and output the corresponding voltage after conversion by the power conversion module 170.

[0069] When the controllable switch Q1 is on and the motor 130 is not started, the second DC / DC conversion unit 150 is powered by the energy storage device 20 through the charging terminal 101. When the controllable switch Q1 is off and the motor 130 is not started, the second DC / DC conversion unit 150 is powered by the starting battery BAT.

[0070] The power supply module 16 may be a voltage conversion circuit configured to, when the motor 130 is started, convert the voltage output by the motor 130 into a DC voltage for charging the starting battery BAT and powering the second power supply terminal VB2 of the first control module 12. In one embodiment, the motor 130 may be an AC generator, in which case the power supply module 16 may be an AC / DC circuit. In other embodiments, the motor 130 may be a DC generator, in which case the power supply module 16 may include, for example, any of a boost circuit, a buck circuit, and / or a buck-boost circuit.

[0071] In some embodiments, the power conversion module 17 may include a power conversion unit 170 and a third DC / DC conversion unit 171. A first end of the power conversion unit 170 is connected to the output end of the motor 130, a second end of the power conversion unit 170 is connected to a first end of the third DC / DC conversion unit 171, and a second end of the third DC / DC conversion unit 171 is connected to the discharge end 102. The power conversion unit 170 is configured to convert the voltage output by the motor 130 into power, wherein the second end of the power conversion unit 170 outputs direct current. The third DC / DC conversion unit 171 is configured to convert the direct current output by the power conversion unit 170 into a voltage and output it to the discharge end 102 to charge the energy storage device 20 connected to the discharge end 102.

[0072] The power conversion unit 170 may include at least one of an AC / DC conversion circuit and a DC / DC conversion circuit. It will be appreciated that the specific circuit structure of the power conversion unit 170 may be determined based on the type of motor 130. When the motor 130 is a DC motor 130, the power conversion unit 170 may include at least a DC / DC conversion circuit. When the motor 130 is an AC motor 130, the power conversion unit 170 may include at least an AC / DC conversion circuit.

[0073] The second control module 18 may be connected to the power conversion unit 170 and the third DC / DC conversion unit 171 . The second control module 18 is configured to control the power conversion unit 170 and the third DC / DC conversion unit 171 to operate when the motor 130 is started.

[0074] In some embodiments, the generator 10 may further include a DC conversion module 19, which includes a fourth unidirectional conduction unit D4 and a fourth DC / DC conversion unit 190. A first end of the fourth unidirectional conduction unit D4 is connected to the charging terminal 101, a second end of the fourth unidirectional conduction unit D4 is connected to a first end of the fourth DC / DC conversion unit 190, and a second end of the fourth DC / DC conversion unit 190 is connected to the first power supply terminal VB1, the first end of the controllable switch Q1, and the second control module 18. The voltage provided by the energy storage device 20 to the charging terminal 101 is provided to the fourth DC / DC conversion unit 190 via the fourth unidirectional conduction unit D4 for voltage conversion. The voltage is then used to power the first control module 12 and the second control module 18, and to charge the starting battery BAT when the controllable switch Q1 is turned on.

[0075] It is understood that the fourth unidirectional conducting unit D4 may include a diode, with the anode of the diode being the first terminal of the fourth unidirectional conducting unit D4 and the cathode of the diode being the second terminal of the fourth unidirectional conducting unit D4. The fourth DC / DC converter unit 190 may be a Buck circuit to step down the voltage provided by the energy storage device 20 to the charging terminal 101. For example, the fourth DC / DC converter unit 190 may step down the voltage of the charging terminal 101 to 14V, so that the voltage received by the first power supply terminal VB1 of the first control module 12 is 14V.

[0076] In some embodiments, the communication terminal 122 may further include CAN bus terminals (CANH, CANL shown in FIG. 4 ), and the control unit 121 may communicate with the energy storage device 20 through the CAN bus terminals to exchange information with the energy storage device 20 .

[0077] It can be understood that in the embodiment of the present application, the discharge end 102, the charging end 101 and the communication end 122 of the generator 10 can be set in the same interface, and the energy storage device 20 is connected to the generator 10 through one interface to realize the connection of the energy storage device 20 to the discharge end 102, the charging end 101 and the communication end 122 of the generator 10.

[0078] Please refer to Figure 5, which is a flow chart of a generator control method provided by this application. In at least one embodiment, this control method can be configured as the generator 10 shown in Figures 1 to 4. The following description uses the generator 10 shown in Figures 1 to 4 as an example.

[0079] Specifically, the generator control method provided in the present application may include the following steps S110 to S130, each of which is described below.

[0080] S110: Detect the access status of the energy storage device.

[0081] The access status of the energy storage device 20 can be detected by detecting the voltage and pressure of the charging terminal 101 , or by detecting the signal of the communication terminal 122 where the generator 10 communicates with the energy storage device 20 .

[0082] S120: Detect the startup status of the power generation module.

[0083] In some embodiments, the power generation module 13 includes a motor 130. For example, the startup state of the power generation module 13 can be detected by detecting the rotation of the motor 130. Alternatively, the startup state of the power generation module can be confirmed by detecting the winding current of the motor 130. This application does not limit the status detection of the power generation module 13.

[0084] S130: When the energy storage device is connected and the power generation module is not started, the switch module is controlled to conduct the connection between the starting battery module and the charging end to charge the starting battery module.

[0085] In the control method of the generator 10 provided in the present application, by detecting the access status of the energy storage device 20 and the startup status of the power generation module 13, when the energy storage device 20 is connected and the power generation module 13 is not started, the switch module 14 is controlled to conduct the connection between the starting battery module 11 and the charging terminal 101, so that the energy storage device 20 can charge the starting battery module 11. In this way, when the energy storage device 20 is connected to the generator 10 and the power generation module 13 is not started, the energy storage device 20 can be used to charge the starting battery module 11, preventing the starting battery module 11 from running out of power when the power generation module 13 is in the standby state and being unable to achieve electric starting, reducing the need for users to manually start the generator 10, and improving the user experience.

[0086] It is understandable that, referring to FIG. 5 again, the control method may further include step S140 .

[0087] S140: When the switch module is in the on state and the power generation module has been started, control the switch module to cut off the connection between the starting battery module and the charging end.

[0088] When the power generation module 13 is started, the power generation module 13 can generate electrical energy, and the starting battery module 11 can be charged by the power generation module 13. There is no need for the energy storage device 20 to charge the starting battery module 11. Therefore, the switch module 14 can be controlled to cut off the connection between the starting battery module 11 and the charging terminal 101.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 6 , in some embodiments, the control method of the generator 10 may further include:

[0090] S210 , in response to a start-up instruction for starting the power generation module, controlling the switch module to remain turned on.

[0091] The start-up instruction may be sent by the energy storage device 20 to the first control module 12 via wireless communication or wired communication (eg, via a CAN bus terminal of the communication terminal 122 ).

[0092] S220 , controlling the starting module to obtain power from the energy storage device via the charging terminal and provide a starting voltage for the power generation module.

[0093] In this way, when the energy storage device 20 charges the starting battery module 11 via the switch module 14 in the on state, if the generator 10 receives a start instruction from the power generation module 13, the energy storage device 20 can also power the starting module 15 via the charging terminal 101 and the switch module 14 to provide a starting voltage for the power generation module 13.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 7 , in some embodiments, the control method of the generator 10 may further include:

[0095] S101. Detect a first signal sent by an energy storage device, where the first signal is output by the energy storage device when connected to a generator.

[0096] In the generator 10 shown in FIG. 4 , after the energy storage device 20 is connected to the generator 10 , the energy storage device 20 is connected to the communication terminal 122 of the first control module 12 and sends a first signal to the first communication terminal T1 of the communication terminal 122 .

[0097] S102: When the first signal is received, a second signal is output via the first unidirectional conduction module and sent to the energy storage device, where the second signal is configured to control the energy storage device to output electric energy to the charging terminal.

[0098] The first signal outputs a second signal to the second communication terminal T2 of the communication terminal 122 through the first unidirectional conduction unit D1. The energy storage device 20 receives the second signal through the second communication terminal T2, so that the energy storage device 20 confirms the hardware handshake with the generator 10 and then outputs electric energy to the charging terminal 101 according to the second signal.

[0099] The control method of the generator 10 of the present application is described in detail below using FIG. 4 as an example:

[0100] When the energy storage device 20 is connected to the generator 10, the energy storage device 20 sends a first signal to the first communication terminal T1. The first signal outputs a second signal to the second communication terminal T2 via the first unidirectional conduction module. The energy storage device 20 receives the second signal through the second communication terminal T2 and outputs DC power to the charging terminal 101 according to the second signal.

[0101] The fourth DC / DC conversion unit 190 converts the DC power output by the energy storage device 20 to the charging terminal 101 into a 14V voltage, which is then supplied to the first power supply terminal VB1 of the first control module 12 and the second control module 18 to power the first control module 12 and the second control module 18, and charges the starting battery BAT through the controllable switch Q1.

[0102] The first DC / DC conversion unit 123 converts the 14V voltage input from the first power supply terminal VB1 into a 5V voltage and outputs it to the voltage stabilizing unit 124. The voltage stabilizing unit 124 converts the 5V voltage into a 3.3V voltage and provides it to the power supply unit of the control unit 121 to power on and activate the control unit 121 and start operation.

[0103] The control unit 121 detects the status of the motor 130 and the connection status of the energy storage device 20. When it is detected that the motor 130 is not started and the energy storage device 20 is connected, the controllable switch Q1 is controlled to be turned on, so that the fourth DC / DC conversion unit 190 can transmit the electric energy provided by the energy storage device 20 to the starting battery BAT to charge the starting battery BAT.

[0104] When the energy storage device 20 needs to be charged, the user can send a startup instruction to the energy storage device 20 through the APP (Application) of the energy storage device 20. The energy storage device 20 sends the startup instruction to the control unit 121 via wired communication (communication interface) or wireless communication. The control unit 121 then sends it to the second control module 18. The second control module 18 controls the startup module 15 to start working. The startup module 15 converts the 14V voltage provided by the fourth DC / DC conversion module and provides the startup voltage to the motor 130 to start the motor 130. The electrical energy generated by the startup of the motor 130 can be converted by the power conversion module 17 and output to the discharge terminal 102 to charge the energy storage device 20.

[0105] After the motor 130 starts, the control unit 121 controls the controllable switch Q1 to be turned off, and the electric energy generated by the motor 130 supplies power to the starting battery BAT, the second power supply terminal VB2 of the first control module 12 and the second control module 18 through the power supply module 16 .

[0106] In some embodiments, the control unit 121 may further send a related signal to the energy storage device 20 to cause the energy storage device 20 to stop outputting electrical energy to the charging terminal 101 .

[0107] 8 , the present invention also provides a power generation and energy storage system 100, including an energy storage device 20 and the aforementioned generator 10. The generator 10 is electrically connected to the energy storage device 20, and the electricity generated by the generator 10 can be used to charge the energy storage device 20.

[0108] When the generator 10 is in a standby state, the energy storage device 20 can charge the starting battery module 11 inside the generator 10 .

[0109] The present application also provides an electronic device, comprising a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores executable instructions of the processor, and the processor is configured to perform the above control method by executing the executable instructions.

[0110] The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the above control method is implemented.

[0111] The processor may be a central processing unit (CPU), other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc.

[0112] The memory can be used to store computer programs and / or modules. The processor implements the various functions of generator 10 by running or accessing the computer programs and / or modules stored in the memory, as well as accessing data stored in the memory. The memory can primarily include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area can store an operating system and at least one application required for a function (such as power on / off functions, key processing functions, etc.); the data storage area can store data generated based on the use of generator 10. Furthermore, the memory can include non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk, internal memory, a plug-in hard disk, a Smart Media Card (SMC), a Secure Digital (SD) card, a flash card, at least one disk storage device, a flash memory device, or other non-volatile solid-state storage devices.

[0113] The memory may be an external memory and / or an internal memory of the generator 10. Furthermore, the memory may be a physical memory such as a memory stick, a TF card (Trans-flash Card), and the like.

[0114] If the program code and various data in the memory are implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the present application implements all or part of the processes in the above-mentioned embodiment method, such as the control method of the generator 10, which can also be completed by instructing the relevant hardware through a computer program. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. When the computer program is executed by the processor, it can implement the steps of the above-mentioned various method embodiments. Among them, the computer program includes computer program code, which can be in the form of source code, object code, executable file or some intermediate form. Computer-readable media can include: any entity or device that can carry computer program code, recording medium, USB flash drive, mobile hard disk, magnetic disk, optical disk, computer memory, read-only memory (ROM, Read-Only Memory), etc.

[0115] The embodiments of the present application are described in detail above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but the present application is not limited to the above embodiments. Various changes can be made within the scope of knowledge possessed by ordinary technicians in the relevant technical field without departing from the purpose of the present application.

Claims

1. A generator comprising a starting battery module, a first control module, a power generation module, a switch module, and a charging terminal; The charging terminal is configured to be connected to an energy storage device to obtain electrical energy from the energy storage device; The switch module is connected between the starting battery module and the charging end, and is configured to open or close the connection between the starting battery module and the charging end; The first control module is configured to control the switch module to conduct the connection between the starting battery module and the charging end to charge the starting battery module when the energy storage device is connected and the power generation module is not started.

2. The generator according to claim 1, wherein The first power supply terminal of the first control module is connected to the charging terminal to receive power from the energy storage device; the first control module is configured to be activated and powered on under the power supply of the energy storage device.

3. The generator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The generator further includes a starting module connected between the switch module and the power generation module; The starting module is configured to, when the switch module is in the on state, respond to a starting instruction to start the power generation module, draw power from the energy storage device via the charging terminal and provide a starting voltage for the power generation module.

4. The generator according to claim 3, wherein: The generator further comprises a power supply module, one end of which is connected to the power generation module, and the other end of which is connected to the starting battery module and the second power supply end of the first control module; The power supply module is configured to charge the starting battery module and supply power to the first control module after performing voltage conversion on the output voltage of the power generation module when the power generation module is started.

5. The generator according to claim 1, wherein the generator further comprises a discharge terminal, the discharge terminal being connected to the power generation module, and the discharge terminal being used to connect to the energy storage device to charge the energy storage device; The power generation module is configured to charge the connected energy storage device through the discharge end after startup.

6. The generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The first control module further includes a first unidirectional conduction unit, and the first control module is further configured to: detecting a first signal sent by the energy storage device, the first signal being output by the energy storage device when connected to the generator; When the first signal is received, a second signal is outputted via the first unidirectional conduction unit and sent to the energy storage device, wherein the second signal is configured to control the energy storage device to output electric energy to the charging terminal.

7. A method for controlling a generator, applied to the generator according to claim 1, the method comprising: Detecting the access status of the energy storage device; detecting a startup state of the power generation module; When the energy storage device is connected and the power generation module is not started, the switch module is controlled to conduct the connection between the starting battery module and the charging end to charge the starting battery module.

8. The control method according to claim 7, wherein: The control method further includes: when the switch module is in a conducting state and the power generation module has been started, controlling the switch module to cut off the connection between the starting battery module and the charging end.

9. The control method according to claim 7, wherein: The generator further includes a starting module connected between the switch module and the power generation module; The control method further includes: In response to a start-up instruction for starting the power generation module, the switch module is controlled to remain turned on, and the start-up module is controlled to draw power from the energy storage device via the charging terminal and provide a start-up voltage for the power generation module.

10. The control method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein: The first control module further includes a first unidirectional conduction unit, and the control method further includes: detecting a first signal sent by the energy storage device, the first signal being output by the energy storage device when connected to the generator; When the first signal is received, a second signal is outputted via the first unidirectional conduction unit and sent to the energy storage device, wherein the second signal is configured to control the energy storage device to output electric energy to the charging terminal.

11. A power generation and energy storage system, comprising an energy storage device and the generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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