EV Charging Connector Lock Control for Rapid Current Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle charging systems experience issues with output current fluctuations and long follow-up times when transitioning from a locked to an unlocked state, leading to inefficient charging and the need for rapid current reduction when the charging connector is pulled out.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle and charging system with a control device that stops charging when the lock device is in the unlocked state, and restarts charging with a reduced power after a predetermined period, using feedback control to adjust output power and set upper limit power values to manage the transition effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the charging station uses feedback control to adjust output power, then the output power can follow the required power value, but the follow-up time is long causing delayed response when the vehicle transitions from locked to unlocked state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the charging control mode switchable between feedback control and forced control based on the lock state. When unlocked, the system dynamically transitions to forced control for rapid response; when locked, it uses feedback control for stable regulation. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between response speed and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from closed-loop feedback control to open-loop forced control based on the lock state detection. This parameter change allows the system to bypass the slow feedback adjustment mechanism when rapid power reduction is needed, directly setting the output power to a predetermined value for immediate response.
2Speed
If the charging station reduces output current quickly when unlocked state is detected, then the current can be reduced in short time, but output power may hunt, overshoot, or undershoot during transition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-setting the output power to a predetermined value that is lower than the current output power before the actual power reduction occurs. This preliminary设定 creates a controlled transition path that prevents overshoot and hunting, ensuring stable power reduction when the vehicle transitions to unlocked state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control mode (forced control) between the feedback control and the actual power reduction. This intermediary mode acts as a mediator that directly commands the power conversion device to output the predetermined power value, bypassing the slow feedback adjustment and preventing power fluctuations during the transition.
3Productivity
If the vehicle requests different current values based on lock state, then charging efficiency can be optimized, but the charging station requires long time to change current value from first current value to second current value
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using periodic detection of the lock state and periodic switching between control modes. The control device periodically checks the lock state and switches from feedback control to forced control when unlocked, enabling rapid current value changes that maintain charging efficiency while minimizing transition time.
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 rapid reduction of output current when the charging connector is unlocked, improving charging efficiency by minimizing follow-up time and preventing power overshoot or undershoot, thus optimizing charging operations.
Implementation Method 1
The charger may perform feedback control of the output power such that the output power approaches a required power received from the control device
Data Source
AI summary
The vehicle includes an inlet configured to be connected to a charging connector provided in a charging station, a lock device configured to switch between a locked state where the charging connector is locked to the inlet and an unlocked state where the charging connector is removable from the inlet, a power storage device configured to be charged with an electric power supplied through the charging connector, and a control device configured to control charging of the power storage device. In a state where the charging connector is connected to the inlet and the power storage device is being charged, the control device stops charging when the lock device is in the unlocked state.