Vehicle Charging Path Switching for Low-Voltage Supply Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle charging systems face compatibility issues with high-voltage energy storage devices, leading to inappropriate switching of power transmission paths, which can cause inrush currents and inefficiencies when external power supplies are not compatible.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle charging system that includes a power conversion device and relays controlled by a control device to switch between power transmission paths based on the voltage range of the external power supply, ensuring appropriate charging by disconnecting the power transmission path when the voltage is below the charging range to prevent inrush currents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the relay is switched inappropriately to enable direct charging when voltage is insufficient, then charging speed is improved, but inrush current occurs causing system instability
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs preliminary voltage detection before switching the relay to the connected state. By detecting the external power supply voltage in advance and comparing it with the voltage range required by the energy storage device, the system prevents inappropriate switching that would cause inrush current, while still enabling direct charging when voltage conditions are met, thus maintaining charging speed without compromising system stability
Solution Approach 2:
The control device continuously monitors the external power supply voltage and provides feedback to determine relay switching timing. This feedback mechanism ensures the relay is only switched to the connected state when the detected voltage falls within the acceptable range, preventing inrush current while optimizing charging performance by enabling direct charging whenever possible
2Reliability
If the relay is switched to disconnect the power transmission path when voltage is insufficient, then system stability is improved, but charging efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary use of power conversion device
Solution Approach 1:
The control device detects the external power supply voltage in advance before relay switching, comparing it with the voltage range required by the energy storage device. This preliminary detection ensures the relay is only disconnected when voltage is truly insufficient, avoiding unnecessary routing through the power conversion device and maintaining charging efficiency while ensuring system stability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by dynamically adjusting relay switching decisions based on detected voltage parameters. When the detected voltage is within the acceptable range, the system parameters are set to enable direct charging (relay connected); when voltage is outside the range, parameters are adjusted to route through the power conversion device, optimizing both stability and efficiency based on real-time voltage conditions
3Adaptability or versatility
If a power conversion device is always used to ensure compatibility with all external power supplies, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system dynamically adjusts its configuration based on detected voltage conditions. The relay can switch between two states: connected (bypassing the power conversion device) when external voltage is sufficient, and disconnected (routing through the power conversion device) when voltage is insufficient. This dynamic switching maintains adaptability to different power supplies while reducing complexity by avoiding permanent inclusion of the conversion device in the charging path
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system achieves universal compatibility with different external power supplies through a multi-functional architecture. The relay serves multiple functions: it can connect the direct charging path when voltage is sufficient, disconnect to enable power conversion when voltage is insufficient, and thus one system can handle both direct charging and converted charging scenarios, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining broad adaptability
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
The system effectively switches to the appropriate power transmission path corresponding to the external power supply voltage, preventing inrush currents and ensuring efficient charging of high-voltage energy storage devices.
Implementation Method 1
a first relay configured to switch between a first electrically connected state in which the second power line is electrically connected and a first electrically disconnected state in which the second power line is electrically disconnected
Implementation Method 2
a power conversion device configured to be connected to the inlet; an energy storage device configured to be charged with power supplied via the inlet
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes: a first power line configured to connect an inlet and an energy storage device via a power conversion device; a second power line configured to connect the inlet and the energy storage device without via the power conversion device; a first relay configured to switch between a first electrically connected state in which the second power line is electrically connected and a first electrically disconnected state in which the second power line is electrically disconnected; and a first control device. The first control device is configured to switch the first relay to the first electrically disconnected state when a voltage that can be supplied from the external power supply is lower than a voltage range in which the energy storage device can be charged.