Vehicle Solar Charge Path Switching to Cut DC-DC Converter Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-vehicle solar charge control systems that use two DC-to-DC converters between the solar panel and the battery suffer from significant power loss due to these converters.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a solar panel, a solar DC-to-DC converter, a first DC-to-DC converter that can be switched between an operating and stopped state, a path switching unit, and a controller to bypass the first DC-to-DC converter when power loss is detected, ensuring power is directly supplied to the battery without passing through the converters when energy is sufficient or required, and storing surplus energy in a second battery when conditions allow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If power is always supplied through two DC-to-DC converters, then voltage conversion and power regulation are achieved, but power loss increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between two power supply paths: a direct connection path and a DC-to-DC converter path. The controller selectively activates the first DC-to-DC converter based on real-time power generation conditions, battery charge state, and vehicle operational state, thereby dynamically optimizing the power transmission path to minimize power loss while maintaining voltage regulation capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent paths: a direct connection path bypassing the converter, and a converter-based path for voltage conversion. This segmentation allows the system to choose the most efficient path based on conditions, reducing unnecessary power loss through converter inefficiency while preserving the ability to perform voltage conversion when required by system needs.
2Loss of energy
If the first DC-to-DC converter is always operated, then voltage conversion is maintained, but power loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors battery charge state, power generation amount, and vehicle operational state to determine the optimal operating mode. This feedback mechanism ensures the converter is activated only when voltage conversion is actually needed, minimizing power loss while maintaining power supply stability through intelligent, condition-based decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of the first DC-to-DC converter based on real-time conditions. The converter switches between operated and stopped states, providing voltage conversion capability only when necessary, thereby reducing power loss while maintaining system reliability through adaptive response to changing conditions.
3Loss of energy
If the converter is stopped, then power loss is reduced, but voltage conversion capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains adaptability through dynamic switching between operational modes. When voltage conversion is required, the controller activates the first DC-to-DC converter; when not required, it stops the converter and uses the direct connection path. This dynamic approach preserves voltage conversion capability on demand while minimizing power loss during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply system is designed with multi-functionality, supporting both direct power connection and converter-based voltage conversion through a unified architecture. The path switching unit and converter control unit enable the system to perform multiple functions (direct power transmission and voltage conversion) using the same hardware components, ensuring versatility without continuous converter operation.
4Loss of energy
If a path switching unit is added, then power loss is reduced through bypass capability, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply circuit is segmented into distinct functional paths: a direct connection path and a converter-based path. The path switching unit provides controlled connectivity between these segments, enabling selective activation of the low-loss direct path while maintaining the option to use the converter path when voltage conversion is required. This structured segmentation manages complexity through clear functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The path switching unit acts as an intermediary component that intelligently routes power flow between different paths based on system conditions. This mediator component manages the complexity of having multiple power paths by providing centralized, condition-based routing decisions, simplifying the overall system control while enabling power loss reduction through selective path activation.
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 configuration limits power loss due to DC-to-DC converters, prevents battery overcharging, and optimizes energy storage and usage by selectively engaging and disengaging the converters based on energy thresholds and vehicle state.
Implementation Method 1
power generated by a solar panel
Data Source
AI summary
An in-vehicle solar charge control system includes a path switching unit provided in parallel with the first DC-to-DC converter on an electrical circuit that connects a solar DC-to-DC converter and a first battery and through which electricity having output power flows, and a switching unit controller which switches the path switching unit between a first state in which the output power is supplied to the first battery without being input to the first DC-to-DC converter, and a second state in which the output power is allowed to be input to the first DC-to-DC converter that is switched to the first operating state by a converter control unit.