Converter Reverse Control for HEV Engine Start Pre-Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mild-Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) and Soft-HEVs require a pre-charging sequence to start the engine, which is time-consuming and necessitates a separate pre-charging device and circuit, increasing production costs and limiting power supply capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that control the engine start sequence by using a converter to step up voltage from an auxiliary battery to a main battery, allowing the engine to start without a pre-charging device or circuit, utilizing a converter controller to perform pre-charging and determine when to close the main switch, thereby reducing start time and eliminating the need for a separate pre-charging element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pre-charging operation is performed using a separate pre-charging device and circuit, then the main battery can be safely charged, but the start time increases and production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pre-charging function with the existing converter by enabling reverse control operation, eliminating the need for a separate pre-charging device and circuit. The converter performs both voltage conversion and pre-charging functions, reducing component count and start time while maintaining charging safety through controlled reverse power flow from the auxiliary battery to the main battery.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter is designed to perform multiple functions: normal power conversion from main battery to auxiliary battery, and reverse power conversion from auxiliary battery to main battery for pre-charging. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated pre-charging hardware while maintaining reliable charging control through the existing converter controller.
2Ease of operation
If a separate pre-charging device and circuit are used, then the pre-charging operation can be controlled, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pre-charging control function into the existing converter controller, eliminating the need for separate pre-charging control hardware. The converter controller manages both normal and reverse operating modes, reducing production costs by minimizing component count while maintaining full control over the pre-charging operation through software/control logic.
3Loss of time
If the converter performs reverse control operation for pre-charging, then the pre-charging time is reduced, but the converter must handle bidirectional power flow
Solution Approach 1:
The converter is designed with bidirectional power conversion capability, allowing it to operate in both normal mode (main battery to auxiliary battery) and reverse mode (auxiliary battery to main battery). The converter controller manages both operating modes through a unified control system, handling the increased complexity through integrated control logic that switches between directions based on operational requirements.
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 solution enables a faster engine start within a short time period, reduces production costs by eliminating the need for a separate pre-charging circuit, and enhances marketability by improving start-up time and noise reduction.
Implementation Method 1
a converter configured to step up a voltage of the motor by boosting reverse power through a reverse control operation
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for controlling a start sequence of an engine for a vehicle may include an engine, a motor configured to start the engine, a main switch configured to connect power to the motor or interrupt the power to be supplied to the motor, a main battery configured to supply the power to the motor through the main switch, a converter configured to step up a voltage of the motor by boosting reverse power through a reverse control operation, an auxiliary battery configured to supply the reverse power, and a converter controller configured to perform a pre-charging operation for a predetermined time through the reverse control operation when an ignition-ON signal is inputted, and close the main switch when the pre-charging operation is completed.