Vehicle Charge Controller Solar Power Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing charge systems for hybrid or electric vehicles with solar power generators suffer from low power use efficiency due to excessive power consumption by electronic devices when charging the vehicle battery, especially when the solar panel output voltage is low, leading to a situation where the amount of power consumed exceeds the generated power.
Innovation Solution
A charge controller system that includes a power converter, a first charging section, and a step-up section, where power generated by the solar panel is temporarily stored in a smaller auxiliary battery and then stepped up to charge the main battery, minimizing the need to power on electronic devices during charging and optimizing power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the battery is charged by stepping up the power generated by the solar panel, then the battery can be charged when solar panel output voltage is low, but the amount of power consumed by electronic devices exceeds the amount of power generated by the solar panel
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is divided into two independent charging paths: a first charging section for direct charging when solar panel output voltage is high, and a second charging section with step-up conversion when output voltage is low. This segmentation allows the system to select the appropriate charging mode based on solar panel output conditions, avoiding excessive power consumption by electronic devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters of the charging circuit based on solar panel output voltage levels. When output voltage is high, direct charging is performed with minimal electronic device power consumption. When output voltage is low, step-up conversion is employed to enable charging while managing power consumption through parameter adjustment.
2Productivity
If direct charging is performed when solar panel output voltage is high, then charging efficiency is improved, but the system cannot charge when output voltage is low
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system dynamically switches between two charging modes based on solar panel output voltage conditions. The first charging section handles high voltage conditions for efficient direct charging, while the second charging section with step-up conversion handles low voltage conditions, making the system adaptive to varying solar panel output.
Solution Approach 2:
The step-up conversion circuit acts as an intermediary between the solar panel and the battery when output voltage is low. This intermediary component enables charging by boosting the voltage to appropriate levels, extending the system's charging capability to low voltage conditions while maintaining overall charging efficiency.
3Speed
If a power storage device with small maximum storage capacity is used, then the system can respond quickly to charging demands, but the total energy storage capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The power storage device is nested within the existing battery system architecture. The power storage device with smaller capacity is integrated into the system to provide quick response charging, while the main battery provides the bulk energy storage capacity, creating a hierarchical storage structure that combines speed and total capacity.
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 maintains high charging efficiency by reducing power consumption during the charging process, allowing more power to be stored in the vehicle batteries while minimizing the need for additional devices and design changes, thus enhancing the use of solar power generation.
Implementation Method 1
a power converter, interposed between the solar power generator and the storage device
Implementation Method 2
a step-up section, configured to step up the power stored in the power storage device to charge the main battery
Data Source
AI summary
A charge controller is used for a vehicle equipped with a rotating machine, a main battery for storing electrical power supplied to the rotating machine, a power storage device, and a solar power generator. The charge controller includes a power converter, a first charging section, a step-up section, and a second charging section. The power converter is interposed between the solar power generator and the storage device. The first charging section controls the power converter to store electrical power generated by the solar power generator in the storage device. The step-up section steps up and outputs the power stored in the power storage device to the main battery. The second charging section controls the step-up section to charge the main battery with the power stored in the power storage device.