Vehicle Solar Energy Controller for Battery and Load Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles equipped with solar cells lack an efficient method to utilize the generated electric energy for battery charging and load operation, particularly in determining optimal charging conditions and power distribution between the solar cell and engine.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a controller to manage the connection of solar cell and engine operating circuits with the battery and load, based on the state of charge, driving conditions, and load requests, to optimize battery charging and power usage, including connecting the solar cell circuit to the battery when decelerated or driving at constant speed, and the engine operating circuit when accelerated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the battery is charged using the alternator of the engine, then the battery charging is reliable, but the fuel efficiency decreases due to frequent alternator charging
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the solar cell to directly power loads and the battery to charge itself from solar energy when available, reducing dependence on engine-driven alternator charging and thereby improving fuel efficiency while maintaining charging reliability through intelligent controller management
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically changes operational parameters by monitoring battery state of charge and adjusting the charging source (solar cell or alternator) based on real-time conditions, optimizing the balance between charging reliability and fuel consumption through parameter-based decision making
2Use of energy by moving object
If the solar cell circuit is connected to the battery for charging, then solar energy utilization is maximized, but the load operation may be insufficient when solar power is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by enabling the solar cell circuit to serve dual purposes: charging the battery when solar energy is abundant and directly powering loads when solar power is sufficient, with the controller intelligently switching between modes to ensure both energy utilization and load operation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The controller implements dynamic operation by continuously monitoring solar power availability and battery state of charge, adjusting the connection configuration in real-time to optimize solar energy utilization while ensuring reliable load operation under varying conditions
3Productivity
If the engine operating circuit is used for battery charging during acceleration, then the charging speed is fast, but the fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by using the alternator for battery charging only when necessary (during acceleration or when solar power is insufficient), rather than continuously, thereby achieving sufficient charging speed only when needed while minimizing fuel consumption during normal operating conditions
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 increases fuel efficiency by reducing alternator charging frequency and allows for effective use of solar-generated power for load operation, such as air conditioning, without altering battery charge levels, providing a pleasant in-vehicle temperature.
Implementation Method 1
a solar cell module 21 configured to convert sunlight into electric energy
Implementation Method 2
an engine operating circuit 10 configured to convert mechanical energy generated by an engine operation of a vehicle into electric energy
Data Source
AI summary
A system for using a solar cell includes a solar cell module configured to convert sunlight into electric energy, an engine operating circuit configured to convert mechanical energy generated by an engine operation of a vehicle into electric energy and provide the electric energy, a solar cell circuit configured to provide the electric energy generated through the solar cell module, a battery configured to be charged by electric energy provided by the solar cell circuit or the engine operating circuit, a load, and a controller of a vehicle. The controller is configured to control a connection of the circuits to the battery or to the load depending on a measured state of charge of the battery, driving of the vehicle, and acceleration of the vehicle. A method for using a solar cell is also disclosed.