Electric Vehicle Load Control for Battery Conservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles face challenges in maintaining sufficient power storage capacity to travel long distances without overhead lines, especially during prolonged stops due to heavy traffic jams, which can lead to insufficient power for travel and increased wear on batteries.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus that includes a variable-voltage, variable-frequency inverter, a power storage unit, and a load control unit that adjusts the operation of air conditioners, air blowers, and ventilators based on the state of charge of the power storage unit, reducing power consumption and extending travel time without overhead lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the capacity of the power storage unit is increased to ensure sufficient power during prolonged stops, then the electric vehicle can travel longer distances without overhead lines, but the size and mass of the power storage unit increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of air conditioner operation based on real-time power storage state. The control unit adjusts the air conditioner's operating mode (high, medium, low power) or shuts it down completely based on the state of charge level, transforming a static power consumption pattern into a dynamic one that adapts to available power reserves. This allows the system to extend travel duration without requiring a larger battery by intelligently managing power consumption during stops.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the capacity of the power storage unit is increased to account for prolonged stoppage time, then the electric vehicle can remain stationary longer, but the mounting space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the air conditioner based on the power storage state. Instead of maintaining constant air conditioning operation, the system adjusts temperature setpoints, fan speeds, and compressor operation to match available power levels. This parameter adaptation allows the vehicle to extend stoppage duration with the same power storage capacity, effectively increasing the usable stoppage time without requiring additional mounting space.
3Ease of operation
If the air conditioner operates continuously during prolonged stops, then in-vehicle comfort is maintained, but the electric power becomes insufficient for travel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by providing air conditioning service at reduced capacity when power is limited. Instead of complete shutdown, the system operates the air conditioner at low power mode or reduces its operational intensity, maintaining basic comfort while conserving sufficient power for travel. This partial service approach balances comfort requirements with power conservation needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors the state of charge of the power storage unit and uses this feedback to adjust air conditioner operation in real-time. When the state of charge drops below certain thresholds, the system automatically reduces or shuts down air conditioning operation. This closed-loop feedback control ensures that power consumption is dynamically adjusted to prevent power depletion while maintaining comfort when power is available.
4Reliability
If the power storage unit capacity is increased with margin for traffic jam scenarios, then the electric vehicle can handle extended stops, but the cost and complexity of the power storage system increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than designing for worst-case scenarios with excessive power capacity, the patent implements dynamic power management that adapts to actual conditions. The control system adjusts air conditioner operation based on real-time state of charge measurements, allowing the vehicle to reliably handle varying stoppage durations including traffic jams without requiring oversized power storage. This dynamic approach achieves the same reliability outcome with a smaller, simpler power storage system.
Data Source
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AI summary
In an control apparatus for an electric vehicle according to the present invention, there are provide a first inverter (5) that drives a motor; a second inverter (10) that supplies electric power to a load; a power storage unit (7) that supplies electric power to the first and second inverters (5, 10); and a load control unit (9A) that can control a load amount, in accordance with a power storage amount in the power storage unit (7), and in accordance with a power storage amount in the power storage unit (7) or a condition amount thereof, the load control unit (9A) can perform control of an air blower (11), an air conditioner (12), and a ventilator (13), for example, stopping part or all of them.