Solar Charging System Controller Power Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solar charging systems for vehicles face inefficiencies and potential component deterioration when the solar panel cannot generate power equal to or greater than a specified value, leading to inadequate charging of the drive battery and unstable operation of components.

Innovation Solution

A solar charging system with a controller that determines the power generation capability of the solar panel and strategically supplies power to either an auxiliary system or the drive battery, ensuring efficient charging and preventing component deterioration by setting thresholds for power supply based on the solar panel's output.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the solar panel directly supplies power to the drive battery without a power storage device, then the system complexity is reduced, but charging efficiency deteriorates and component performance becomes unstable when power generation is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidcharging efficiency and component stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The controller dynamically changes the power supply parameters by adjusting the threshold values for power supply decisions. It monitors the actual power generation amount and compares it against predetermined thresholds to determine whether to supply power to the auxiliary system, drive battery, or both, thereby adapting the system operation to varying solar radiation conditions and ensuring stable component operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The controller acts as an intermediary between the solar panel and the power consumption devices. It intervenes in the power supply process by measuring the generated power, making intelligent routing decisions based on power availability, and controlling the power distribution to ensure that power is supplied to appropriate loads only when generation conditions are met, thus preventing instability without requiring additional power storage hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If the solar panel supplies power to both the auxiliary system and drive battery simultaneously, then power utilization is maximized, but component deterioration occurs when power generation is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower utilization efficiencyVSAvoidcomponent deterioration
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The controller implements partial power supply action by selectively supplying power to either the auxiliary system or the drive battery based on current power generation levels. When power generation is below the first threshold, it supplies power only to the auxiliary system; when power generation exceeds the threshold, it supplies power to both. This partial action approach ensures that power is not overdrawn from insufficient generation, preventing component deterioration while maximizing power utilization when conditions permit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply configuration is made dynamic rather than fixed. The controller continuously monitors power generation and dynamically adjusts the power supply routing in real-time. It can switch between different power supply modes (auxiliary only, both auxiliary and drive battery, or neither) based on the current solar radiation conditions and power generation capacity, thereby adapting to changing conditions to prevent harmful effects while optimizing energy use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Duration of action of moving object

If the controller supplies power to the drive battery when power generation is low, then charging operation continues, but unexpected deterioration of component performance occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging operation continuityVSAvoidcomponent performance stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The controller implements a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring the actual power generation amount from the solar panel and using this information to control power supply decisions. It compares the measured power generation against predetermined thresholds and adjusts the power supply routing accordingly, ensuring that power is supplied to the drive battery only when generation is sufficient, thus maintaining charging operation continuity under appropriate conditions while preventing component deterioration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 prevents unexpected component deterioration by ensuring that only sufficient power is supplied to the drive battery, optimizing power usage and extending the lifespan of system components.

Implementation Method 1

a solar panel 10 that generates power in accordance with solar radiation emitted thereto

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11628736B2Solar charging system and vehicle
Publication Date: 2023.04.18 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • US11628736B2 patent drawing
  • US11628736B2 patent drawing
  • US11628736B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The solar charging system according to the present embodiment includes a solar panel, a drive battery, an auxiliary system including one or more devices, and a controller that controls where to supply power generated by the solar panel. The controller determines whether the solar panel can generate power, and, upon determining that the solar panel can generate power, supplies the power from the solar panel to the auxiliary system to derive the power generated by the solar panel. Upon detecting a fact that the power generated by the solar panel is equal to or greater than a first power, the controller further supplies the power from the solar panel to the drive battery to charge the drive battery.