Solar-Charged Sunshade Actuator With Charging Circuit Bypass
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Solution Overview
Problem
The efficiency of the charging circuit is degraded when an electromechanical actuator is connected to a photovoltaic solar panel, leading to increased overall consumption, while maintaining the possibility of charging the rechargeable battery from a charger.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical actuator with a controller that detects a photovoltaic solar panel connection, controlling a first switch to short-circuit the charging circuit and direct current to the battery, and a protection circuit to detect overvoltages, preventing current flow to the charging circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the charging circuit is used to charge the rechargeable battery from the photovoltaic solar panel, then the battery can be charged, but the efficiency is degraded and overall consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two charging modes based on the power source detected. When a photovoltaic solar panel is detected, the system activates the first switch to create a direct charging path, bypassing the charging circuit. When a charger is detected, the system uses the charging circuit through the second switch. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing the charging path according to the power source characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical connection parameters based on the power source type. The controller detects whether the power source is a photovoltaic solar panel or a charger, and accordingly changes the state of the first and second switches to alter the circuit configuration. This parameter change allows the system to use a direct connection for solar panels (high efficiency) and a regulated connection for chargers (protected charging).
2Use of energy by moving object
If the first switch is used to directly connect the power supply bus to the battery when solar panel is detected, then consumption is reduced, but protection from overvoltages is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The controller acts as an intermediary that monitors the power source and manages the switching between charging modes. It detects the power source type and controls the state of the first and second switches accordingly. This intermediary function ensures that the direct charging path is only activated when appropriate, and that the system is protected from overvoltages by preventing direct connection when using chargers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through the controller that continuously monitors the power source connection and adjusts the switching state accordingly. The controller detects whether a photovoltaic solar panel or a charger is connected and provides feedback to the switch control logic, ensuring the appropriate charging path is activated and protecting the system from overvoltages by preventing direct connection with chargers.
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
Reduces consumption by bypassing the inefficient charging circuit when connected to a solar panel and protects the circuit from overvoltages, improving energy efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the photovoltaic solar panel produces electrical energy when exposed to solar radiation
Data Source
AI summary
An electromechanical actuator for a sun protection or a privacy device, the electromechanical actuator comprising:an electric motor (16)an electronic control unit (15),a rechargeable battery (18), anda connector (28) to a photovoltaic solar panel (37) or to a charger (44), the electronic control unit (15) comprising:a charging circuit (32) connected to the rechargeable battery (18) and electrically connected to the connector (28) via a power supply bus (34),a controller (31), anddetector (39) for detecting a connection of the photovoltaic solar panel (37) to the connector (28),a first switch (38), the first switch (38) being connected to the connector (28) via the power supply bus (34) and to the rechargeable battery (18).The controller (31) commands the first switch (38) to a closed state when a connection of a photovoltaic solar panel (37) to the connector (28) is detected, so as to electrically connect the power supply bus (34) to the connection device to the rechargeable battery (18).