Solar Vehicle Control System with Buck Boost Converters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle solar energy systems waste solar energy when the vehicle is stopping or parking, as they do not maximize the utilization of solar energy for charging.
Innovation Solution
A control system and method that includes a solar battery unit, buck DC/DC converter, boost DC/DC converter, auxiliary power module, control module, and photosensitive sensor to optimize solar energy usage by powering low-voltage and high-voltage loads and the power battery pack during vehicle operation and parking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the solar battery is only used to power the vehicle after starting, then the system structure is simple, but the solar energy is wasted when the vehicle is stopping or parking
Solution Approach 1:
The solar battery system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can power the vehicle after starting, and also power the vehicle during stopping or parking. The control module automatically switches between different power sources (solar battery, starting battery, power battery pack) based on vehicle state, enabling the solar battery to serve as a primary power source in parking mode while maintaining system simplicity through automated control.
2Productivity
If the solar battery continuously powers the vehicle during running and parking, then the solar energy utilization is maximized, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control module dynamically adjusts the power supply configuration based on real-time vehicle state (running or parking). When the vehicle is running, the control module configures the solar battery to power low-voltage loads and charge the starting battery. When the vehicle is parking, it reconfigures to power the power battery pack, thereby maximizing solar energy utilization while maintaining manageable control complexity through state-based automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module continuously monitors vehicle state and power supply conditions, automatically switching between different power configurations. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to changing conditions (vehicle running vs. parking) and optimize solar energy utilization without requiring complex manual intervention, as the system self-regulates based on detected conditions.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the solar battery powers both low-voltage and high-voltage loads simultaneously, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the electrical system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical system is segmented into distinct power supply paths: one for low-voltage loads (powered by solar battery via buck DC/DC converter) and another for high-voltage loads (powered by solar battery via boost DC/DC converter to charge power battery pack). This segmentation allows the solar battery to efficiently power both voltage levels simultaneously while maintaining clear system architecture and manageable complexity through separate conversion pathways.
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
Ensures maximum utilization of solar energy by continuously providing it to the vehicle, reducing waste and enhancing energy efficiency during both running and parking conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a solar battery unit for converting the solar energy
Data Source
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AI summary
A control system and a method for powering a vehicle with solar energy. The control system comprises a solar battery unit (1); a buck DC/DC converter (2); a boost DC/DC converter (3); an auxiliary power module (4) electrically connected with the solar battery unit (1); a control module (5) electrically connected with the solar battery unit (1), the buck DC/DC converter (2), and the boost DC/DC converter (3); a starting battery (7) electrically connected with the buck DC/DC converter (2); a power battery pack (9) electrically connected with the boost DC/DC converter (3) via a main contactor (K5); a battery manager (10) electrically connected with the control module (5), the power battery pack (9), the starting battery (7) via a third switch (K3), and the auxiliary power module (4) via a fourth switch (K4); and a photosensitive sensor (11) connected with the control module (5). The control system and the method can maximally use the solar energy to supply power to the vehicle load or charge the power battery pack.