Dual-Charger Vehicle Charging Paths for Rush Current Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle charging systems face challenges in sufficiently suppressing rush current during precharging, especially when high charging power is supplied, as the technique described in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2014-017917 is insufficient in managing rush currents effectively.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle is equipped with multiple chargers, where the control device disconnects the second charging path before precharging the first charger, allowing only the first charging path to be connected during precharging, and then connects both paths after the first charger's precharging is complete, thereby reducing the rush current by utilizing a switching device to manage the flow of electric power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If precharging is performed for multiple chargers simultaneously, then charging power is increased, but rush current becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the charging system into multiple independent charging paths (first charging path with first charger, second charging path with second charger). During precharging, only one charging path is activated at a time, segmenting the rush current flow and preventing excessive current from occurring simultaneously across all chargers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements precharging as a preliminary action before main charging. The control device performs precharging on the first charger while keeping the second charging path disconnected, then after precharging completes, connects the second charging path. This preliminary sequential activation prevents rush current while preparing the charging system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If only one charging path is used for precharging, then rush current is suppressed, but charging efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by sequentially activating different charging paths. The first charging path is activated for precharging, then deactivated after precharging completes. Subsequently, the second charging path is activated for main charging. This periodic switching maintains rush current suppression while achieving efficient charging through multiple paths over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by seamlessly transitioning from the first charging path to the second charging path. After precharging on the first path completes, the control device connects the second charging path without interruption to the charging process, maintaining continuous power delivery to the power storage while managing rush current through path switching.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of charging a power storage mounted on a vehicle with electric power inputted to a charging port of the vehicle includes connecting a first charging path leading from the charging port via a first charger to the power storage and disconnecting a second charging path leading from the charging port via a second charger to the power storage, performing precharging of the first charger while the second charging path is disconnected and the first charging path is connected, determining whether or not the precharging of the first charger has been completed, and connecting both of the first charging path and the second charging path when it is determined that the precharging of the first charger has been completed.