18101156. POWER SUPPLY DEVICE, VEHICLE HAVING THE SAME, AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME simplified abstract (HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY)
POWER SUPPLY DEVICE, VEHICLE HAVING THE SAME, AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
JungHyeon Bae of Yongin-si (KR)
SangJae Han of Hwaseong-si (KR)
POWER SUPPLY DEVICE, VEHICLE HAVING THE SAME, AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18101156 titled 'POWER SUPPLY DEVICE, VEHICLE HAVING THE SAME, AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME
Simplified Explanation
The patent application describes a method for controlling a vehicle's battery charging using a solar generator. Here are the key points:
- The method determines if the battery needs to enter a refresh mode.
- It predicts the amount of power that can be generated by a solar generator.
- Based on the predicted power, it decides whether to perform the refresh mode.
- If the refresh mode is chosen, the battery is charged using the power from the solar generator.
- The charge amount of the battery is identified and compared to a reference charge amount.
- If the charge amount is equal to or greater than the reference amount, charging is terminated.
- When an ignition-on command is received, the charge amount is checked again.
- If the charge amount is less than the reference amount, the battery is charged using power from an alternator.
Potential applications of this technology:
- Electric vehicles: This method can be used to optimize the charging of electric vehicle batteries using solar power, reducing reliance on the grid and increasing sustainability.
- Hybrid vehicles: The method can also be applied to hybrid vehicles to efficiently charge the battery using solar power when available, reducing fuel consumption.
- Off-grid vehicles: Vehicles used in remote areas or off-grid locations can benefit from this technology by utilizing solar power to charge the battery, reducing the need for external power sources.
Problems solved by this technology:
- Efficient charging: The method ensures that the battery is charged optimally based on the predicted power from the solar generator, preventing overcharging or undercharging.
- Sustainability: By utilizing solar power, the method reduces the reliance on traditional power sources, leading to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly charging process.
- Battery maintenance: The refresh mode helps maintain the battery's health by periodically charging it to the desired reference charge amount, prolonging its lifespan.
Benefits of this technology:
- Energy efficiency: By using solar power for charging, the method reduces the vehicle's energy consumption and carbon footprint.
- Cost savings: Utilizing solar power can reduce the need for external power sources, resulting in cost savings for the vehicle owner.
- Extended battery life: The refresh mode and optimized charging help maintain the battery's health, leading to a longer lifespan and potentially reducing the need for battery replacements.
Original Abstract Submitted
A method of controlling a vehicle includes: determining whether a condition for entry into a refresh mode of a battery in the vehicle is satisfied; when the condition is satisfied, predicting an amount of power generated by a solar generator; determining whether to perform the refresh mode based on the predicted amount of power; when the refresh mode is determined to perform, charging the battery using the power generated by the solar generator; identifying a charge amount of the battery; when the identified charge amount is greater than or equal to a first reference charge amount, terminating charging the battery; when an ignition-on command is received, determining whether the charge amount of the battery is greater than or equal to the first reference charge amount; when the charge amount of the battery is less than the first reference charge amount, charging the battery using power generated by an alternator.
