Solar panel power point tracker integrated with vehicle electrical system
US10220709B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 13, 2017 |
| Grant date | Mar 5, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 15, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T90/12
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A voltage quality module (VQM) function and a solar power generation function are integrated by sharing a single voltage converter (VC) within the electrical system of an automotive vehicle with an electric-start internal combustion engine. The cost of adding solar power generating capabilities to vehicles, the packaging complexities of the systems, and the number of added components are all decreased. The VC can be a DC-DC converter in a boost mode or a buck mode. A switching circuit selectably couples the VC between a main battery and an accessory bus or to between a solar panel and an auxiliary battery. A VC controller regulating a VC output using the main battery to stabilize an accessory bus voltage when in an engine crank mode and otherwise regulating the VC output to match an auxiliary battery voltage using the solar panel output.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.