Vehicle Solar Charging Control for Efficient Pump-Up Charge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DC-DC converters in solar charging systems are inefficient in transferring small amounts of power during a pump-up charge process when a vehicle is parked, leading to low energy conversion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A solar charging system with a control unit that supplies power from a high-voltage battery to an auxiliary system when solar power generation is insufficient, utilizing a bidirectional DC-DC converter to improve energy conversion efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a DC-DC converter is designed to transfer large amounts of power for vehicle operation, then it can handle high power demands during driving, but energy conversion efficiency becomes low when transferring small amounts of power during pump-up charge while parked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power transfer path configurable based on operational conditions. The control unit dynamically selects between two different power transfer paths: one optimized for large power transfer during vehicle operation, and another optimized for small power transfer during pump-up charge when parked. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to switch between configurations that prioritize either power capacity or conversion efficiency depending on the current operational state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the power transfer function into two distinct paths with different characteristics. The first path is designed for large-scale power transfer from the high-voltage battery to the auxiliary battery during vehicle operation, while the second path is optimized for small-scale power transfer during pump-up charge when the vehicle is parked. This segmentation allows each path to be independently optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between handling large power demands and maintaining high conversion efficiency for small power transfers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the DC-DC converter transfers small amounts of power during pump-up charge, then the auxiliary battery can be charged while parked, but the energy conversion efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically activates a specific power transfer path based on the vehicle's operational state. When the vehicle is detected to be parked and pump-up charge is required, the system dynamically switches to the second power transfer path that is optimized for small power transfers with high conversion efficiency. This dynamic behavior enables the system to maintain high efficiency during pump-up charge operations without compromising the overall charging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The power transfer system is designed with multi-functionality to handle different charging scenarios. The same DC-DC converter system can perform both large-scale power transfer during vehicle operation and small-scale pump-up charge when parked, by utilizing different configured paths. This universality allows a single system to adapt to various power transfer requirements while optimizing performance for each specific function.
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
Enhances energy conversion efficiency in the pump-up charge process by allowing large power transfer from the high-voltage battery to the auxiliary system, thereby improving the performance and longevity of the auxiliary battery.
Implementation Method 1
a power generation module including a solar panel; an auxiliary system including an auxiliary battery that stores power generated by the power generation module
Data Source
AI summary
A solar charging system mounted on a vehicle includes a power generation module using a solar panel, an auxiliary system including an auxiliary machine battery for storing electric power generated by the power generation module and an auxiliary machine load to which electric power is supplied from the auxiliary machine battery, a high-voltage battery used for driving the vehicle, and a control unit provided between the high-voltage battery and the auxiliary system and controlling power transfer between the high-voltage battery and the auxiliary system. In a case where power transfer from the high-voltage battery to the auxiliary system is requested, when the power generated by the power generation module is not supplied to the auxiliary system, the control unit supplies power of the high-voltage battery to the auxiliary system.