Boost Converter Second Switching Device for Vehicle Warm-Up
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle warm-up control systems are unable to effectively perform warm-up operations when the vehicle is stopped, as they rely on motor operation to generate heat, which is not feasible in stationary conditions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle warm-up control apparatus that includes a boost converter with a semiconductor-based second switching device capable of varying resistance, allowing for waste heat generation and distribution for warm-up purposes, independent of the vehicle's operational state, by controlling the resistance value of the second switching device to increase heat loss and supply it to components needing warm-up, even when the vehicle is stopped.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If motor operation is used to generate heat for warm-up, then warm-up can be achieved during vehicle operation, but warm-up cannot be performed when the vehicle is stopped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat generation function from the motor and places it in the boost converter by controlling the second switching device to operate in a linear amplification region. This separation allows the boost converter to independently provide heat for warm-up without requiring motor operation, enabling warm-up functionality during vehicle stop conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The boost converter is designed to perform multiple functions: voltage boosting during normal operation and heat generation during warm-up mode. By controlling the second switching device to operate in the linear amplification region, the same component serves both power conversion and thermal heating purposes, eliminating the need for separate heating systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional heating systems are added to enable warm-up during stop, then warm-up availability is improved, but device complexity and vehicle size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the boost converter multi-functional by enabling it to operate in two distinct modes: voltage boosting during normal operation and heat generation during warm-up. This eliminates the need for separate heating systems, reducing device complexity and vehicle size while maintaining warm-up availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The boost converter serves itself by generating heat during warm-up mode through controlled operation of the second switching device in the linear amplification region. The system uses its own operational characteristics to provide the heating function without requiring external or additional heating components.
3Temperature
If second switching device resistance is increased to generate heat, then warm-up capability is improved, but power loss during operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the resistance of the second switching device based on operational mode. During normal operation, the switching device operates in switching mode with low resistance to minimize power loss. During warm-up mode, it transitions to linear amplification region with higher resistance to generate heat. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between heat generation and power loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit changes the operational parameters of the second switching device by adjusting its resistance value according to the required function. In switching mode, low resistance minimizes losses; in linear amplification mode, high resistance generates heat. This parameter change enables the system to optimize performance for different operational requirements.
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 efficient warm-up of vehicle components using waste heat from the boost converter, regardless of whether the vehicle is running or stopped, eliminating the need for additional heating systems and reducing costs and vehicle size.
Implementation Method 1
supply heat generated in the second switching device by passing current through the second switching device to a device for which the warm-up is requested
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle warm-up control apparatus includes: a motor; an inverter; an electric storage device; a boost converter connected to a low-voltage-side power line and a high-voltage-side power liner; and a control unit for controlling the inverter and the boost converter, the boost converter including a first switching device as an upper arm, a second switching device as a lower arm, and a reactor. Further, the second switching device is composed of a semiconductor device variable in resistance value, and when warm-up is requested, the control unit executes warm-up control to set the resistance value of the second switching device higher than the resistance value during operation when the warm-up is not requested, and supply heat generated in the second switching device by passing current through the second switching device to a device for which the warm-up is requested.