Charger Dynamic Current Adjustment for Shared Circuit Overload
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) face challenges in charging their batteries when other appliances are connected to the same circuit, as this can exceed the circuit's maximum current draw, potentially causing the circuit breaker to open and preventing battery charging.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes a charger coupled to a power supply circuit, equipped with an instrument to measure circuit variables, allowing the charger to adjust its charging rate based on the presence of other current-drawing appliances, ensuring the battery is charged at a safe rate that does not exceed the circuit's capacity, thereby preventing circuit breaker tripping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the charger draws maximum continuous current to charge the battery quickly, then the charging speed is improved, but the circuit breaker may open due to excessive current draw when other appliances are connected
Solution Approach 1:
The charger dynamically adjusts its current draw based on real-time monitoring of circuit conditions. The control system continuously monitors the circuit and modifies the charging current accordingly, transitioning from a fixed maximum current mode to a variable current mode that adapts to the presence of other appliances, thus preventing circuit breaker tripping while optimizing charging speed when possible
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by monitoring circuit current conditions and using this information to control the charger's output. The control system receives feedback about the total circuit load and adjusts the charging current to maintain circuit stability, creating a closed-loop control system that balances charging performance with circuit safety
2Reliability
If the charger reduces its current draw to accommodate other appliances, then the circuit stability is maintained, but the charging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charger employs dynamic current adjustment rather than a fixed reduced current mode. When other appliances are detected, the system calculates the available headroom in the circuit and adjusts the charging current accordingly, maximizing the charging rate within the remaining circuit capacity rather than using a conservative fixed rate, thus minimizing charging time while maintaining circuit stability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters of the charger based on circuit conditions. By monitoring the total circuit load and adjusting the charging current parameter in real-time, the system optimizes the balance between charging speed and circuit safety, allowing higher currents when circuit headroom permits and reducing currents only when necessary to prevent breaker tripping
Data Source
AI summary
A method for charging an electric storage battery in a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle through a power supply circuit, includes coupling the charger to the circuit, determining whether another appliance in the circuit other than the charger is drawing current, determining a maximum charge rate at which the battery can be charged using the charger, charging the battery at the maximum charge rate if no other appliance in the circuit is drawing current, and charging the battery at less than the maximum charge rate if another appliance in the circuit is drawing current.