Vehicle Charging Threshold Control for Component Overheating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical components in vehicles, such as relays and inlets, are prone to overheating during external charging due to Joule heat, and existing methods fail to adequately protect these components from temperature rises, especially when charging is resumed shortly after being stopped.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system that includes a temperature sensor and a control device to dynamically adjust the threshold temperature for suppressing power supply based on previous charging stops, reducing the threshold temperature initially and gradually raising it over time to prevent overheating of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the threshold temperature is kept constant before and after charging stops, then the charging process is simple and fast, but the electrical component cannot be protected from overheating when charging is resumed shortly after stopping
Solution Approach 1:
The threshold temperature is changed from a constant value to a dynamic value that varies based on charging state. Specifically, the threshold temperature is set to a first value during charging and a second value (lower than the first) after charging stops, allowing the system to adapt to different thermal conditions at different operational stages
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary cooling action by lowering the threshold temperature after charging stops. This creates a safety margin that prevents overheating when charging is resumed, as the electrical component has time to cool down before the next charging cycle begins
2Reliability
If the threshold temperature is lowered immediately after charging stops, then the electrical component is protected from overheating upon restart, but the charging time is extended due to prolonged suppression period
Solution Approach 1:
The threshold temperature is applied periodically based on charging cycles. During active charging, the threshold is set to a first value that allows normal operation. After charging stops, the threshold switches to a second value for a limited duration to prevent overheating on restart, then returns to the first value, creating a rhythmic pattern that balances protection with charging efficiency
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 protects electrical components from overheating by suppressing power supply early when needed, preventing component failure and ensuring safe charging operations.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the electrical component
Implementation Method 2
The temperature of the electrical component can rise due to Joule heat during the external charging
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes an electrical component electrically connected to a transmission path of supply electric power, a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the electrical component, a control device configured to suppress the supply electric power when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a threshold temperature, as compared with a case where the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower than the threshold temperature. The control device is configured to lower the threshold temperature when the external charging is executed again after the external charging is stopped, as compared with a case before the external charging is stopped.