Bidirectional Voltage Converter for External Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle-mounted power supply systems face challenges in managing a significant decrease in the capacity of the high-voltage power storage unit, leading to failure in starting the engine due to the inability to operate the starter without an external power source, and require a configuration to step up the output voltage from a low external power source for charging.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-mounted power supply device with a voltage conversion unit capable of step-up and step-down operations, a detection unit to ensure connection with an external power source, and a control unit to manage the voltage conversion, allowing for the flow of current from the external terminal to the power storage unit for charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the capacity of the power storage unit of the high-voltage system significantly decreases, then the starter cannot be operated and the engine fails to start, but adding a step-up circuit to charge the power storage unit from a low-voltage external power source increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the step-up circuit functionality with the existing voltage conversion unit that normally performs step-down operations. By integrating both step-up and step-down capabilities into a single bidirectional voltage conversion unit, the system avoids adding separate dedicated step-up circuitry, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to charge the power storage unit from low-voltage external sources when capacity decreases
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage conversion unit is designed to perform multiple functions: normal step-down operation during typical vehicle operation, and step-up operation when charging from external low-voltage power sources. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated circuits for different operating conditions, reducing system complexity while ensuring reliable engine starting capability even when power storage capacity decreases
2Adaptability or versatility
If a battery with a low output voltage is used as the external power source, then charging cannot be performed by merely connecting the external power source, but adding voltage step-up capability increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage conversion unit dynamically switches between step-up and step-down modes based on the operating conditions and the type of external power source connected. The control unit detects whether a step-up operation is needed and adjusts the converter's operation accordingly, enabling the system to adapt to various external power sources with different voltage levels without requiring fixed complex circuitry for each scenario
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operational parameters by switching between step-up and step-down modes of the voltage conversion unit depending on the external power source characteristics. When a low-voltage external source is detected, the control unit configures the converter for step-up operation; otherwise, it operates in normal step-down mode, thereby achieving versatility without permanent complex circuit configuration
3Device complexity
If the power storage unit of the high-voltage system is used to supply power to low-voltage loads, then the power storage unit of the low-voltage system can be omitted or downsized, but the system becomes vulnerable to capacity decrease of the high-voltage power storage unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing a charging capability that can restore the power storage unit's capacity before critical failure occurs. When the power storage unit's capacity decreases below acceptable levels, the system can detect this condition and use the external power source with the step-up circuit to recharge the unit, preventing complete operational failure and maintaining system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The step-up circuit acts as an intermediary solution between external low-voltage power sources and the high-voltage power storage unit. This intermediary charging path enables the system to recover from capacity depletion without requiring a duplicate low-voltage power storage unit, thereby maintaining operational reliability while avoiding the complexity of dual power storage systems
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable detection of external power source connection and effective charging of the power storage unit by stepping up the supply voltage, ensuring proper operation of vehicle-mounted apparatuses even when the charging voltage decreases.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage conversion unit that is connected to a first conduction path electrically connected to a vehicle-mounted power storage unit and a second conduction path, and is configured to perform a step-down operation of stepping down a voltage applied to the first conduction path and applying the stepped-down voltage to the second conduction path, and a step-up operation of stepping up a voltage applied to the second conduction path and applying the stepped-up voltage to the first conduction path
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a vehicle-mounted power supply device detecting connection with an external power source and charging a power storage unit by stepping up a supply voltage based on the external power source. A vehicle-mounted power supply device includes an external terminal to which a power supply path from an external power source is connectable, a detection unit detects that the power supply path is connected to the external terminal, and a power supply circuit unit allows for flow of a current from the external terminal side toward the second conduction path side at least when the power supply path is connected to the external terminal. The control unit controls a step-down operation and a step-up operation of the voltage conversion unit, and causes the voltage conversion unit to perform the step-up operation when connection between the external terminal and the power supply path is detected by the detection unit.