Low Voltage Charging Unit for Over-Discharged EV Battery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric powered vehicles face challenges in charging their high-voltage power storage units due to the need for a control signal generated by a low-voltage power storage unit, which becomes inoperable when over-discharged, preventing the activation of the power converting device and external charging.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a low voltage charging unit that can charge a secondary power storage unit independently of the control unit's operation, allowing the power converting unit to function even when the secondary power storage unit is over-discharged, using a low voltage power generating unit or voltage lowering unit to supply power for charging the secondary unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a low voltage power storage unit is used to supply power to the controller for generating control signals, then the controller can operate normally to enable power converting device activation, but when the low voltage power storage unit becomes over-discharged, the controller cannot operate and charging becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by automatically charging the low voltage power storage unit as soon as the external power supply is connected, before any other charging operations. The low voltage charging unit activates immediately upon detection of external power, restoring the low voltage power storage unit to an operational state before the controller needs to function, thereby ensuring charging reliability even when the low voltage unit was previously over-discharged.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through the low voltage charging unit that automatically activates and charges the low voltage power storage unit without requiring controller intervention. When external power is supplied, the low voltage charging unit autonomously restores the low voltage power storage unit, enabling the controller to subsequently function without manual intervention or external assistance.
2Measurement precision
If the controller is required to generate control signals for the power converting device, then precise control of charging is achieved, but the system becomes dependent on the controller's operation which fails when the low voltage power storage unit is depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the charging function into two independent units: a low voltage charging unit that operates autonomously to restore the low voltage power storage unit, and a controller that manages the main charging process. This segmentation ensures that the precise control function of the controller is preserved while eliminating the dependency issue, as the low voltage charging unit independently ensures the controller remains operational.
3Productivity
If external power supply is connected to charge the high voltage power storage unit, then charging efficiency is improved, but the system cannot initiate charging if the low voltage power storage unit cannot supply sufficient power to the controller
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing an automatic low voltage charging mechanism that activates immediately when external power is connected, before the main charging process can fail. This preliminary restoration of the low voltage power storage unit ensures that the controller remains operational throughout the high voltage charging process, maintaining both charging efficiency and initiation reliability simultaneously.
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
Ensures reliable charging of the primary power storage unit by enabling the power converting unit to operate regardless of the secondary power storage unit's state of charge, allowing for consistent charging even when the control unit is inoperable.
Implementation Method 1
a power converting unit for converting the electric power from the external power supply, supplied by the coupling of the connector unit and the connector receiving portion and for charging the first power storage unit
Implementation Method 2
a low voltage charging unit for charging the second power storage unit independent of state of operation of the control unit, when the connector unit is coupled to the connector receiving portion
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle has a low voltage power generating unit mounted thereon, which passively generates low voltage power when the vehicle is electrically connected to commercial power supply through coupling of a connector unit. A winding transformer transforms the commercial power supply input to the primary side with a prescribed ratio of transformation, and the transformation is performed without requiring any control signal from the outside. The AC power with voltage lowered, output from the secondary side of winding transformer, is rectified by a diode unit, and a low voltage power is generated. The low voltage power generated by the diode unit is supplied through a supplementary low voltage DC line to a sub battery and to a controller.