High-Voltage Relay Coil Current Control for Energy Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-voltage relays in eco-friendly vehicles consume excessive energy due to constant power exhaustion from low-voltage batteries, leading to increased energy consumption and reduced durability.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that adjust the current flowing through the relay coil based on the conduction current load of the high-voltage relay, using a load determiner and controller to apply appropriate current levels, thereby optimizing energy usage and improving durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the exciting coil always exhausts driving force with power supplied from the low-voltage battery, then the high-voltage relay can be operated, but the entire energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the relay coil current adjustable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically changes the coil current based on conduction current load conditions, switching between first current (high load) and second current (low load). This dynamic adjustment allows the relay to maintain reliable operation when needed while reducing energy consumption during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameter (coil current) based on operating conditions. By detecting conduction current load and adjusting the coil current accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between relay operation reliability and energy consumption. The parameter change is implemented through the controller which supplies different current levels to the relay coil.
2Device complexity
If a fixed amount of current is applied to the relay coil, then the relay operation is simple, but the durability of the high-voltage relay decreases due to excessive energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static fixed current to dynamic adjustable current. The controller dynamically modifies the coil current based on real-time conduction load detection, extending the relay's operational life by reducing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay system performs self-adjustment through the controller that automatically detects conduction current load and modifies coil current accordingly. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention while optimizing both durability and energy efficiency.
3Device complexity
If the relay coil consumes constant power, then the control system is simple, but heat generation increases reducing relay durability
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts coil current based on conduction load, reducing power consumption and heat generation during low-load conditions. This dynamic control maintains system simplicity through automated detection and adjustment while effectively managing thermal effects that would otherwise reduce relay durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameter (coil current) based on operating conditions to optimize thermal performance. By adjusting current levels according to conduction load, the system reduces heat generation during normal operation while maintaining the ability to provide full power when required.
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
This approach minimizes energy consumption and enhances the durability of high-voltage relays by adjusting current flow according to load conditions, reducing heat generation and conduction resistance.
Implementation Method 1
the high-voltage relay may be driven by an exciting coil, which generates a magnetic force based on the flow of current
Implementation Method 2
the electromagnet, when the high-voltage relay is driven due to generation of a magnetic force in the relay coil based on the current flow through the relay coil, may be attached to a first contact of the high-voltage battery and a second contact of the driving devices
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling a high-voltage relay of an eco-friendly vehicle includes a high-voltage battery, a plurality of driving devices driven with power supplied from the high-voltage battery, a relay unit including the high-voltage relay and a relay coil, the high-voltage relay being driven based on an amount of current flowing through the relay coil to interconnect the high-voltage battery and the driving devices, a load determiner for determining whether a conduction current load of the high-voltage relay is high or low, and a controller for changing the amount of current flowing through the relay coil based on a result of the determination of the load determiner.