EV Charging Control with Periodic MCU Wake-Sleep Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle charging systems waste significant battery power due to continuous operation of the MCU in the EVCC, leading to unnecessary current consumption when not charging.
Innovation Solution
A charging control device with a first controller that periodically switches between wake-up and sleep states, minimizing power consumption, and a second controller that operates only when needed for charging control, utilizing an opto-coupler and power supplies to manage these states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the MCU of the EVCC operates continuously to detect charging sequence signals, then the reliability of charging control is improved, but the battery power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic wake-up and sleep cycles for the MCU. The MCU operates in a low-power sleep state most of the time and periodically wakes up to check for charging sequence signals. This periodic operation maintains the ability to detect charging commands while dramatically reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the operational state of the MCU based on system conditions. The controller transitions between active and sleep states, adapting its power consumption characteristics to the actual charging demand. This dynamic state management resolves the contradiction by making the system responsive when needed but energy-efficient when charging is not required.
2Speed
If the EVCC MCU operates at all times to respond to charging sequence signals, then the responsiveness to charging commands is improved, but unnecessary current is wasted when charging power is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The MCU performs periodic checks for charging sequence signals during its wake-up periods. This periodic monitoring ensures that when a charging command is issued, the MCU is likely to be in or near a wake-up state and can respond quickly. The periodic nature of this checking dramatically reduces current consumption compared to continuous operation while maintaining adequate response capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed so that the MCU wakes up at predetermined intervals before a charging command might be expected. This preliminary activation ensures the MCU is in a responsive state and ready to immediately process charging sequence signals when they arrive, rather than waiting passively from a deep sleep state, thus balancing responsiveness with energy savings.
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
Minimizes current consumption during non-charging periods and reduces battery discharge rate by optimizing the operation of the MCU, thereby conserving energy.
Implementation Method 1
an opto-coupler disposed between the charge sequence port and the first power supply and driven based on the first driving voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A charging control device of an electric vehicle can include a charge sequence port to which a charging sequence signal is input, a first controller configured to periodically operate in a wake-up state and a sleep state, and to output a wake-up signal when the charging sequence signal is input in the wake-up state, a second controller configured to operate in a wake-up state when the wake-up signal is output during maintaining of a sleep state, and a signal provider disposed between the first controller and the second controller. Also, the signal provider is configured to provide the charging sequence signal to both of the first controller and the second controller.