Vehicle Battery Charge Control Using Dynamic Current Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles, the existing battery charge control systems face challenges in efficiently managing the charging of low-voltage batteries using high-voltage batteries, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for large voltage converters that occupy significant space and weight, and result in reduced fuel or electric consumption efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A battery charge control apparatus comprising a voltage converter, a current regulation circuit, and a controller that regulates the charging current based on output data from the voltage converter and the state of charge of the low-voltage battery, allowing for efficient charging and operation of onboard devices while reducing the rated output of the voltage converter, thereby minimizing space, weight, and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a large voltage converter is used to charge the low-voltage battery from the high-voltage battery, then the charging capacity is sufficient, but the device occupies significant space and increases weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the voltage converter by using a controller to regulate the charging current based on real-time monitoring of battery state of charge and voltage levels. This allows the system to use a smaller voltage converter while maintaining sufficient charging capacity through optimized operational parameters, directly resolving the contradiction between converter size and charging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters including charging current limits, voltage thresholds, and state of charge targets to enable efficient charging with reduced converter capacity. By dynamically adjusting these parameters based on battery conditions, the system achieves adequate charging performance without requiring an oversized voltage converter, thereby reducing weight
2Power
If a large voltage converter is used to charge the low-voltage battery from the high-voltage battery, then the charging capacity is sufficient, but the device occupies significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic control strategy allows the voltage converter to operate at optimal parameters throughout the charging process, extracting maximum efficiency from a smaller device. This resolves the space-capacity contradiction by showing that sufficient charging performance can be achieved through intelligent control rather than sheer converter size
Solution Approach 2:
By modifying charging parameters such as current profiles, voltage thresholds, and power delivery schedules, the system enables a compact voltage converter to deliver adequate charging capacity. The parameter adjustments ensure that the smaller converter operates within its capabilities while meeting the vehicle's charging requirements, reducing occupied space
3Productivity
If the voltage converter operates at high output current, then the charging speed is fast, but the conversion efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the voltage converter's output current and conversion efficiency, using feedback signals to adjust operating parameters in real-time. When efficiency drops at high currents, the system adjusts the charging profile to maintain optimal efficiency, resolving the contradiction between charging speed and energy loss by finding the optimal operating point
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic adjustments to charging parameters, alternating between higher current phases (for speed) and efficiency-optimized phases. This periodic modulation allows the system to achieve fast charging overall while minimizing energy losses during critical conversion periods, balancing productivity and efficiency
4Loss of energy
If the charging current is reduced to improve conversion efficiency, then energy loss decreases, but the charging speed becomes slow
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system monitors both efficiency metrics and charging progress, adjusting the charging current dynamically. When efficiency is low, the system reduces current to improve conversion; when charging progress requires faster rates, it increases current accordingly. This resolves the efficiency-speed contradiction by continuously optimizing the operating point based on real-time conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The charging process uses periodic modulation of current levels, alternating between efficiency-optimized lower current phases and speed-oriented higher current phases. This periodic action allows the system to achieve both goals over time - maintaining good conversion efficiency while progressing through the charging cycle at adequate speed
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
The solution enables efficient charging and operation of low-voltage batteries, preventing abnormal voltage drops and maintaining high conversion efficiency, even with reduced voltage converter ratings, thus enhancing fuel or electric consumption efficiency and reducing the overall weight and cost of the system.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage converter 12. The voltage converter 12 is configured to lower an output voltage of the first battery 11
Implementation Method 2
The current regulation circuit 5 is configured to be disposed between the voltage converter 12 and the second battery 15 and reduce an amount of a charging current to be delivered via the voltage converter 12 to the second battery 15
Data Source
AI summary
A battery charge control apparatus to be installed in a vehicle includes a current regulation circuit and a controller. The vehicle is provided with a first battery, a voltage converter, a second battery, and an onboard device. The voltage converter lowers an output voltage of the first battery. The second battery is electrically charged by an output from the voltage converter and outputs a voltage lower than an output voltage of the first battery. The onboard device is operated by an output from the second battery and an output from the voltage converter. The current regulation circuit is disposed between the voltage converter and the second battery and reduces an amount of a charging current to be delivered via the voltage converter to the second battery. The controller controls the current regulation circuit on the basis of an output current from the voltage converter.