EV Charging Relay Control for Battery Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems that use external charging for power storage devices can lead to overheating of components on the electrical charging path due to the power used for temperature adjustment being superimposed on the charging power, which is not effectively addressed in previous technologies.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle incorporates a controller that manages relay units to divert power for temperature adjustment from the main charging path, using branch paths and threshold temperature controls to reduce overheating, and can also operate the temperature adjustment device using power from the power storage device when external charging is not active, ensuring the power storage device and inlet are protected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the temperature adjustment device operates using power supplied from the external power source to the charging path, then the power storage device can be adjusted in temperature during external charging, but components on the electrical path may overheat due to superimposed power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the charging path into multiple segments by introducing branch paths. The first branch path branches at a first branch point between the inlet and first relay unit, and the second branch path branches at a second branch point between the first relay unit and power storage device. This segmentation allows selective power distribution to the temperature adjustment device without overloading the main charging path components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces relay units as intermediary components to control power flow. The first relay unit is provided on the charging path, while second and third relay units are provided on the branch paths. These relay units act as mediators to selectively connect or disconnect power supply to the temperature adjustment device, preventing direct superimposition of power on the main charging path components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If power for temperature adjustment is supplied via the main charging path, then temperature control functionality is achieved, but the reliability of the charging path components decreases due to overheating risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power path selection through controller-managed relay units. The controller selectively closes or opens relay units based on operational conditions: during external charging, the controller can close the second relay unit to supply power to the temperature adjustment device via the first branch path, while keeping the first relay unit open to protect the main charging path. This dynamic switching maintains both temperature control functionality and charging path reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the power supply path into multiple independent branches with separate relay control, the patent allows the temperature adjustment function to operate independently from the main charging path. This segmentation ensures that temperature control operations do not compromise the reliability of charging path components.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle comprises a battery, a temperature adjustment unit, an inlet, a relay unit, a relay unit, a relay unit, and an ECU. When a power charging station is connected to the inlet, the ECU controls the relay unit to assume a closed position to perform external charging to charge the battery by the power charging station. When the ECU drives the temperature adjustment unit during the external charging and a component on a charging path at an electrical path located between a branch point and a branch point is higher in temperature than a threshold temperature, the ECU controls the relay unit to assume an open position and the relay unit to assume a closed position.