Switching Control Device for Electric Bus Air Conditioning Power Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for hybrid electric vehicles struggle to enable long-distance travel using the electricity storage functional unit as a power source due to limitations in switching between power sources for air conditioning and travel, especially when the battery's electricity storage amount is insufficient.
Innovation Solution
A switching control device with a controller, prediction unit, and calculator that switches the power source of an air conditioning appliance from an electricity storage functional unit to an internal combustion engine when the battery's electricity storage amount is low, based on predicted charging times and required electricity storage amounts for travel, allowing for extended travel distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the electricity storage functional unit is used as a power source for air conditioning and traveling until a predetermined distance threshold is reached, then the traveling distance using electric power is extended, but the electricity storage amount becomes insufficient before reaching the destination
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging actions by switching the air conditioning power source to the internal combustion engine before the electricity storage amount becomes critically low. The switching determination unit predicts future electricity storage amounts based on current consumption rates and schedules power source switching to occur at optimal times, ensuring sufficient charge remains for the remaining journey without depleting the battery completely.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching determination unit continuously monitors the actual electricity storage amount and compares it against predicted values. When deviations are detected, the system adjusts the power source switching strategy in real-time, providing feedback control that optimizes the balance between extending electric travel distance and maintaining sufficient charge reserves.
2Reliability
If the internal combustion engine is switched to power source for air conditioning and traveling when electricity storage amount becomes low, then the electricity storage functional unit can be preserved, but long-distance traveling plans using electric power become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging actions by switching the air conditioning power source to the internal combustion engine before the electricity storage amount becomes critically low. The switching determination unit predicts future electricity storage amounts based on current consumption rates and schedules power source switching to occur at optimal times, ensuring sufficient charge remains for the remaining journey without depleting the battery completely.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the power source configuration based on real-time conditions. The switching determination unit continuously evaluates electricity storage amounts, consumption rates, and distance to destination, dynamically deciding when to switch between electric and engine power for air conditioning, thereby optimizing the balance between preserving battery charge and extending effective traveling distance.
3Ease of operation
If conventional power source switching methods are used based on distance or electricity storage thresholds, then simple control logic is maintained, but flexibility in long-distance travel planning is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging actions by switching the air conditioning power source to the internal combustion engine before the electricity storage amount becomes critically low. The switching determination unit predicts future electricity storage amounts based on current consumption rates and schedules power source switching to occur at optimal times, ensuring sufficient charge remains for the remaining journey without depleting the battery completely.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching determination unit continuously monitors the actual electricity storage amount and compares it against predicted values. When deviations are detected, the system adjusts the power source switching strategy in real-time, providing feedback control that optimizes the balance between extending electric travel distance and maintaining sufficient charge reserves.
Data Source
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AI summary
A switching control device according to an embodiment includes a controller, a prediction unit, and a calculator. The controller controls a switching unit that is able to switch a power source of an air conditioning appliance of an electric bus operating according to a predetermined schedule to a first electricity storage functional unit or a predetermined power source. The first electricity storage functional unit is a power source of a motor that causes the electric bus to travel. The predetermined power source is different from the first electricity storage functional unit. The prediction unit predicts a charging time during which the first electricity storage functional unit is able to be charged by a charger at a first position at which the first electricity storage functional unit is able to be charged. The calculator calculates, based on the schedule, a first electricity storage amount of the first electricity storage functional unit required for driving the motor to a second position excepting a charging amount charged to the first electricity storage functional unit at the first position corresponding to the charging time based on the schedule. When the electricity storage amount of the first electricity storage functional unit is equal to or smaller than the first electricity storage amount, the controller controls the switching unit to switch the power source of the air conditioning appliance to a predetermined power source from the first electricity storage functional unit.