Vehicle Charging Control via Power Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing use of vehicles with only DC charging inlets leads to higher installation costs for fast charging facilities, resulting in decreased user convenience due to slower charging speeds when AC outlets are used with power converters, causing users to feel unusual about the charging speed.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system that includes a power storage device, a charging device, and an electronic control unit capable of detecting the maximum output power of a power supply unit, allowing for predetermined charging processes such as fast or normal charging, notification of charging modes, and control of timer charging and pre-air-conditioning based on the detected power, thereby improving user convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If DC charging inlet is connected to AC outlet via power converter, then charging facility installation cost is reduced, but charging speed becomes slow causing user inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts charging parameters based on detected power supply capacity. The ECU detects maximum output power and automatically switches between fast charging mode (when high power is available) and normal charging mode (when low power is available), making the charging system adaptable to different power supply conditions rather than being static
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system changes operational parameters based on detected power supply characteristics. When maximum output power is below threshold, the system changes charging current and voltage parameters to match AC power converter capabilities, preventing overheating and damage while optimizing charging speed for the available power level
2Speed
If fast charging is executed with AC power converter, then charging speed increases, but power supply unit may be overloaded causing safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by continuously detecting the maximum output power of the power supply unit and adjusting charging parameters accordingly. The ECU uses this feedback information to determine whether to execute fast charging or normal charging, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains safety while optimizing performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of power supply capacity before initiating charging. By detecting maximum output power in advance and comparing it with threshold values, the system predeterminedly selects appropriate charging mode, preventing power supply overload before it occurs
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a power storage device, a charging device configured to be supplied with an electric power from a power supply unit external to the vehicle for charging the power storage device, and an electronic control unit configured to detect information on a maximum output power of the power supply unit. The electronic control unit is configured to execute a predetermined process associated with the charging the power storage device based on the maximum output power of the power supply unit which is indicated by the detected information.