Solar Battery System Cabin Temperature Charging Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing solar battery systems face challenges in managing temperature rises in electronic control units (ECUs) during pumping charging, especially when the vehicle cabin temperature increases, which can lead to heat generation and deterioration in ECU operation performance.
Innovation Solution
A solar battery system that includes a first electronic control unit in the vehicle cabin, which intermittently charges the electric storage device with generated power from solar batteries, adjusting the length of charging periods based on cabin temperature, and optionally using a temperature sensor or clock to estimate temperatures, thereby reducing heat generation and maintaining ECU performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pumping charging is performed on a day with high solar radiation, then the electric storage device can be charged with generated electric power, but the temperature in the vehicle cabin rises causing heat generation and deterioration in ECU operation performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic charging cycles with alternating charging periods and stop periods. During charging periods, the ECU operates to charge the electric storage device; during stop periods, the ECU enters sleep mode to reduce heat generation. This periodic operation allows the system to accumulate charging progress while providing thermal relief to the ECU, resolving the contradiction between charging efficiency and temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the charging control strategy based on real-time temperature conditions. When the vehicle cabin temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, the system switches from continuous charging to periodic charging with extended stop periods, allowing the ECU to cool down. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to maintain optimal operating temperature while continuing to charge the electric storage device over time.
2Reliability
If the ECU is maintained in wake state to monitor electric storage device during charging, then charging control can be performed, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic monitoring cycles where the ECU alternates between wake state and sleep state. During charging periods, the ECU is in wake state to monitor the electric storage device and control charging operations. During stop periods, the ECU transitions to sleep state to conserve power, accepting that monitoring is temporarily suspended. This periodic wake-sleep cycle resolves the contradiction between maintaining monitoring accuracy and reducing power consumption.
3Productivity
If charging period is extended to increase charging amount, then more electric power is generated, but heat generation increases causing ECU temperature rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the charging process into periodic cycles comprising charging periods and stop periods. During charging periods, electric power is generated and the ECU operates, producing heat. During stop periods, charging is paused and the ECU enters sleep mode, allowing heat dissipation. This periodic structure enables the system to accumulate significant charging amounts over time while preventing excessive temperature rise through regular thermal relief intervals.
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
The system effectively suppresses temperature rises in ECUs by shortening charging periods as cabin temperatures increase, reducing heat generation and maintaining ECU performance, and simplifies configuration by potentially omitting temperature sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a solar battery system including solar batteries capable of supplying generated electric power to an electric storage device
Data Source
AI summary
A solar battery system includes a first electronic control unit disposed in a vehicle cabin of a vehicle, the first electronic control unit including a control unit repeating a charging period and a stop period during a period of time from ignition-off to ignition-on of the vehicle, the charging period being a period of charging the electric storage device with generated electric power of a solar battery, the stop period being a period of stopping the charging of the electric storage device with the generated electric power of the solar battery. The control unit sets a length of each of the charging periods shorter as the temperature in the vehicle cabin is higher at the time of starting each of the charging periods.