Solar Charge Control Device with Power-Based Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar power generation systems activate charging even when sunlight intensity is low, leading to inefficient energy consumption and reduced durability due to frequent system activations and insufficient power generation.
Innovation Solution
A charge control device that acquires an electric power generation index at set intervals, activates charging only when the index meets specific conditions, and adjusts the interval based on consecutive prohibitions to optimize energy capture and reduce consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the charge control device activates charging when the solar cell generates electric power based on open circuit voltage, then charging can start when sunlight is available, but the system activates even when sunlight intensity is low and generated electric power is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the activation parameter from open circuit voltage to electric power (product of voltage and current). This ensures the system only activates when sufficient electric power is actually generated, not just when voltage threshold is met under low light conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the microcomputer continuously monitors electric power generation and compares it against a threshold value. The system adjusts its operation based on real-time feedback about actual power generation conditions, preventing activation when power is insufficient.
2Productivity
If the system activates frequently when power generation is insufficient, then charging opportunities are increased, but the number of generations increases and energy consumption by the system itself increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from voltage-based to power-based activation. By using electric power (voltage × current) as the activation criterion, the system ensures that charging only starts when sufficient power is available, reducing unnecessary activations and associated energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a threshold-based approach where the system requires electric power to exceed a predetermined threshold before activation. This prevents partial or excessive activations that would occur with voltage-only control, ensuring each activation represents a meaningful charging opportunity.
3Speed
If the system activates when voltage threshold is exceeded, then charging can begin promptly, but durability of the solar power generation system is reduced due to frequent activations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the activation criterion from voltage threshold to electric power threshold. This ensures the system only activates when sufficient power is generated, reducing the frequency of activations and thereby improving system durability while maintaining responsive charging when conditions are appropriate.
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
Effectively captures charge opportunities while improving the durability and reducing energy consumption of the charge control device by ensuring charging occurs only when sufficient solar power is generated, thus appropriately charging electric storage devices.
Implementation Method 1
a solar cell (10) and a charge control unit (20). The solar cell (10) is an electric power generating device that generates electric power
Data Source
AI summary
When a microcomputer does not charge an electric storage device, the microcomputer activates at an interval set based on a timer set value and determines whether an electric power voltage generated by a solar cell is equal to or higher than an electric power generation determination threshold. When the generated electric power voltage is lower than the electric power generation determination threshold, the microcomputer turns to a sleep state after increasing the timer set value by an addition set value while prohibiting charging the electric storage device. When the generated electric power voltage is equal to or higher than the electric power generation determination threshold and a generated electric power amount is equal to or larger than an electric power generation determination threshold, the microcomputer starts charging the electric storage device so the electric power device can be appropriately charged with an electric power generated by the solar cell.