On-Board Charger Temperature-Based Output Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slow charging methods for environmentally-friendly vehicles incur higher energy fees due to inefficiencies in on-board chargers, which are exacerbated by thermal losses, leading to increased charging costs and inconvenience as the charging output cannot be adjusted at charging stations.
Innovation Solution
An on-board charger system that detects temperature and adjusts its charging output within a predetermined range to optimize efficiency, reducing energy consumption and costs by varying the output based on temperature, typically from 6.6 kW to 4.4 kW when within an optimal temperature range of 50° C to 55° C.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the on-board charger operates at high charging output to reduce charging time, then productivity is improved, but energy loss increases due to thermal losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the charging output variable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically adjusts the charging output based on real-time temperature feedback from the on-board charger, transitioning between different power levels (e.g., 6.6 kW to 4.4 kW) to optimize both charging speed and energy efficiency throughout the charging process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the on-board charger by adjusting the charging output according to temperature conditions. When the temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, the system reduces the charging output from a higher level to a lower level, thereby changing the operational state to balance productivity and energy loss.
2Loss of time
If the on-board charger operates continuously at high output, then charging time is reduced, but charging cost increases due to energy inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the temperature of the on-board charger and using this information to adjust the charging output. The controller receives temperature feedback and automatically modulates the power output to maintain optimal efficiency, preventing excessive energy consumption while managing charging time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic adjustment of charging output based on temperature conditions. Rather than maintaining constant high output, the charger alternates between high and low power levels periodically, adjusting according to thermal conditions to achieve cost-effective charging over time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the on-board charger is designed with high power capacity to meet charging demands, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the on-board charger universal by enabling it to perform multiple power output levels (e.g., 6.6 kW and 4.4 kW) using the same hardware infrastructure. Rather than requiring separate charging systems for different power levels, a single on-board charger can adaptively provide appropriate power based on temperature conditions, reducing overall system complexity.
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 enhances charging efficiency and reduces costs by maintaining optimal charging conditions, thereby minimizing energy wastage and improving overall charging economics for environmentally-friendly vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a temperature of the on-board charger
Implementation Method 2
the efficiency deteriorates due to thermal loss of the on-board charger itself
Data Source
AI summary
A slow charging method of a vehicle and an on-board charger using the same are provided that improve charging efficiency and thus save a charging cost by adjusted charging output of the on-board charger based on temperature thereof. The method includes detecting, by a controller, a charging request and detecting temperature of the on-board charger in response to detecting the charging request. The controller is configured to determine whether the temperature of the on-board charger is within a predetermined temperature range and adjust charging an output of the on-board charger to a predetermined value when the temperature of the on-board charger is within the predetermined temperature range. The controller is then configured to charge a battery of the vehicle with the adjusted charging output of the on-board charger.