Heated Catalyst Relay Switching for Exhaust Purification Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles lack an efficient mechanism to supply power from a bidirectional power converter to two electric heating type catalysts, which are used to purify exhaust gases, due to challenges in power distribution and control.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system incorporating a bidirectional power converter with relays and a controller to selectively switch between parallel and series connections of two electric heating type catalysts, allowing efficient power distribution to both catalysts through a controller-controlled relay system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If power is supplied to two electric heating type catalysts from a bidirectional power converter, then purification efficiency of exhaust gases is improved, but power distribution control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between parallel and series connections of the two electric heating type catalysts using relays controlled by a control device. This allows the system to adaptively change the electrical connection configuration based on operating conditions, enabling flexible power distribution that optimizes heating efficiency while managing power converter complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device adjusts electrical parameters (voltage and current distribution) to the catalysts based on their respective heating requirements and operating states. By dynamically changing electrical parameters and connection topology, the system achieves efficient power utilization for exhaust purification without requiring an overly complex power distribution architecture.
2Productivity
If electric heating is applied to catalysts, then exhaust gas purification is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between parallel and series connections based on real-time operating conditions. In parallel connection, voltage is maintained while current is shared, suitable for high power demand scenarios. In series connection, voltage is doubled while current is halved, suitable for lower power consumption scenarios. This dynamic adaptation optimizes the balance between purification efficiency and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device monitors the operating state of each catalyst and adjusts electrical parameters (voltage, current, connection topology) accordingly. By changing electrical parameters to match actual heating needs, the system avoids unnecessary power consumption while ensuring adequate purification performance.
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
Enables efficient power supply to both electric heating type catalysts, ensuring optimal operation and preventing power concentration or voltage limitations, thereby enhancing the purification efficiency of exhaust gases.
Implementation Method 1
the bidirectional power converter that converts the first AC power into DC power to output the DC power to the DC port, and converts DC power supplied from the power storage device into the second AC power
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of relays, which are electrically connected, via a plurality of power lines, to a first power path, which connects the bidirectional power converter and the first AC port, and a second power path connecting the bidirectional power converter and the second AC port, that at least selects one of and switches between parallel connection and series connection of the first electric heating type catalyst and the second electric heating type catalyst
Implementation Method 3
each of which has a catalyst for purifying exhaust gas discharged from the internal combustion engine and is supplied power from the power storage device to electrically heat the catalyst
Implementation Method 4
a controller that controls ON and OFF of each of the relays
Implementation Method 5
each of which has a catalyst for purifying exhaust gas discharged from the internal combustion engine
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes: an internal combustion engine; a rotating electric machine; a power storage device; first and second electric heating type catalyst for purifying exhaust gas; a bidirectional power converter which converts first AC power into DC power, and convert DC power into a second AC power; a plurality of relays, which are electrically connected to a first power path and a second power path and which at least selects one of and switch between parallel connection and series connection of the first electric heating type catalyst and the second electric heating type catalyst; and a controller configured to control ON and OFF of each of the relays.