Vehicle Charge Controller Step-Up Ratio Control for Overheating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle charge controllers with step-up devices face overheating issues due to heat generated during operation, which can lead to reduced efficiency and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A charge controller with an electronic control unit that adjusts the step-up ratio based on the temperature of the step-up device, reducing power loss and heat generation by modifying the step-up ratio when temperatures exceed a threshold, and optimizing current input from external power installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the step-up device operates at high power to charge the electrical storage device quickly, then charging speed is improved, but the step-up device overheats due to heat generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the step-up ratio adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically changes the step-up ratio based on the detected temperature of the step-up device. When temperature is low, a higher step-up ratio enables faster charging. When temperature exceeds thresholds, the ratio is reduced to decrease heat generation, thus adapting the charging process to thermal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameter (step-up ratio) in response to temperature changes. By adjusting the step-up ratio as a variable parameter based on thermal feedback, the system optimizes the balance between charging speed and heat generation, preventing overheating while maintaining efficient charging when conditions allow.
2Productivity
If the step-up ratio is increased to maximize output power, then charging efficiency is improved, but power loss and heat generation in the step-up device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the temperature of the step-up device and using this information to adjust the step-up ratio. The control unit detects temperature and feeds this information back to modify the operating parameters, creating a closed-loop system that balances charging efficiency with energy loss prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The step-up ratio is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system adjusts the ratio in real-time based on thermal conditions, allowing high efficiency operation when cool and reducing power loss when temperature rises, thus optimizing the trade-off between charging efficiency and energy loss.
3Loss of time
If the step-up device is operated continuously at maximum capacity, then charging time is reduced, but reliability decreases due to overheating risks
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the step-up ratio based on real-time temperature monitoring. When the device is cool, it operates at higher capacity to reduce charging time. When temperature thresholds are exceeded, the ratio is reduced to prevent overheating, thus maintaining reliability while minimizing charging time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature feedback control ensures the step-up device operates within safe thermal limits. The control unit continuously monitors temperature and adjusts the step-up ratio accordingly, preventing conditions that would compromise reliability while maximizing charging speed when thermal conditions permit.
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
Effectively prevents overheating of the step-up device, enhances charging efficiency by maximizing output power, and improves user convenience by reflecting user intentions in power loss management.
Implementation Method 1
The step-up device is configured to step up an input voltage that is a voltage of electric power input to the step-up device through the power receiving unit from the power installation and output a step-up voltage that is the stepped-up voltage to the electrical storage device
Implementation Method 2
the thus configured step-up device can overheat by heat generated during operation
Data Source
AI summary
An ECU controls external charging for charging a battery of a vehicle with electric power from an electric power station. A step-up converter steps up an input voltage that is a voltage of electric power input to the step-up converter through an inlet from the electric power station and outputs a step-up voltage that is the stepped-up voltage to the battery. The step-up converter is configured to charge the battery. A processor of the ECU is configured to execute drive control over the step-up converter. The processor is configured to set a step-up ratio that is a ratio between the input voltage and the step-up voltage in accordance with a temperature of the step-up converter.