EV Charging Relay Switching Between Boost and Bypass Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically powered vehicles suffer from inefficiencies in charging due to the activation of boost devices, leading to power loss and extended charging times, especially when the inter-terminal voltage of the power storage device is lower than the reference voltage despite the external charging voltage being lower.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a boost device, a bypass path, and a controller that dynamically switches between using the boost device and the bypass path based on the comparison of the external power supply's maximum voltage and the power storage device's inter-terminal voltage, allowing charging without boost device activation when the external voltage is higher, and using the boost device when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the booster is activated to charge the power storage device, then the power storage device can be charged with boosted voltage, but power loss occurs and charging efficiency is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the charging path selectable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically switches between the booster path and bypass path based on real-time voltage conditions. When external voltage is sufficient, the bypass path is used; when boosting is needed, the booster path is activated. This dynamic adaptation eliminates unnecessary power loss while maintaining charging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different charging paths for different voltage conditions. Instead of a uniform charging approach, the system offers a booster path for low-voltage scenarios and a bypass path for sufficient-voltage scenarios. This localized optimization ensures that the booster is only activated when truly necessary, minimizing power loss in appropriate conditions.
2Power
If the booster is activated to charge the power storage device, then the power storage device can be charged with boosted voltage, but charging time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically selects the charging path based on voltage conditions. When external voltage is sufficient, the bypass path provides direct charging without the time-consuming boost conversion process. This dynamic switching optimizes charging speed by avoiding unnecessary conversion steps while maintaining the ability to boost when required.
3Device complexity
If a fixed reference voltage is used to determine charging mode, then the charging mode can be determined simply, but unnecessary booster activation occurs when inter-terminal voltage is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using the inter-terminal voltage (a dynamic parameter that varies with SOC) as the basis for mode determination instead of a fixed reference voltage. This allows the charging mode to adapt to the actual battery state, preventing unnecessary booster activation when the battery voltage is already sufficient, thereby reducing power loss.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the booster is always activated, then charging can be performed regardless of voltage conditions, but charging efficiency is consistently lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains charging adaptability through dynamic path selection. The controller continuously monitors voltage conditions and switches between the booster path and bypass path as needed. This ensures charging can proceed under any voltage condition while avoiding unnecessary booster activation, thus maintaining efficiency when the bypass path is applicable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a dual-path charging system that can handle multiple voltage scenarios. The bypass path provides direct charging for sufficient-voltage conditions, while the booster path handles low-voltage conditions. This multi-functional design maintains charging versatility while optimizing efficiency by selecting the appropriate path for each situation.
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
This approach reduces power loss and shortens charging times by avoiding unnecessary boost device activation, ensuring efficient and stable charging without compromising on the charging capacity or time.
Implementation Method 1
The boost device boosts a voltage of electric power supplied from the external power supply and supplies electric power of the boosted voltage to the power storage device
Data Source
AI summary
An output voltage obtaining unit receives information from an external charging facility and obtains a maximum output voltage of the external charging facility from that information. An upper limit voltage calculator calculates a battery voltage which is an inter-terminal voltage at the time of end of charging of a battery. A switching unit receives a result of comparison from a comparator. When relation of Vc≥VBu is satisfied in the result of comparison, the switching unit switches a charging relay to connect a DC inlet to a power line and a power line. When relation of Vc<VBu is satisfied, the switching unit switches the charging relay to connect the DC inlet to a bypass power line and a bypass power line.