18101156. POWER SUPPLY DEVICE, VEHICLE HAVING THE SAME, AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME simplified abstract (KIA CORPORATION)
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 solar power. 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 activated, the battery is charged using 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, it checks if the charge amount is below the reference amount.
- If it is, the battery is charged using power from an alternator.
Potential applications of this technology:
- Electric vehicles: The method can be used to optimize the charging of electric vehicle batteries using solar power, reducing reliance on the grid and increasing efficiency.
- Hybrid vehicles: The method can be applied to hybrid vehicles to intelligently manage battery charging using both solar power and power from the alternator.
- Off-grid vehicles: Vehicles used in remote areas or off-grid locations can benefit from this method by utilizing solar power for battery charging.
Problems solved by this technology:
- Efficient battery charging: The method ensures that the battery is charged optimally, taking into account the predicted solar power generation and the battery's charge level.
- Energy management: By intelligently switching between solar power and alternator power, the method optimizes energy usage and reduces reliance on traditional charging methods.
- Environmental impact: The use of solar power for battery charging reduces the carbon footprint of the vehicle and promotes sustainable energy practices.
Benefits of this technology:
- Increased efficiency: The method optimizes battery charging, ensuring that the battery is not overcharged or undercharged, leading to improved overall efficiency.
- Cost savings: By utilizing solar power, the method reduces the reliance on traditional charging methods, potentially saving on fuel or electricity costs.
- Environmental sustainability: The use of solar power reduces greenhouse gas emissions and promotes the adoption of renewable energy sources in transportation.
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.
