US 12,301,098 B2
Device for protecting converter and control method thereof
Byung Jun Sung, Gyeonggi-do (KR)
Assigned to Hyundai Motor Company, Seoul (KR); and Kia Corporation, Seoul (KR)
Filed by Hyundai Motor Company, Seoul (KR); and Kia Corporation, Seoul (KR)
Filed on Nov. 14, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/986,461.
Claims priority of application No. 10-2021-0180800 (KR), filed on Dec. 16, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2023/0198380 A1, Jun. 22, 2023
Int. Cl. H02M 1/32 (2007.01); B60L 3/00 (2019.01); H01M 8/04858 (2016.01); H01M 8/249 (2016.01); H02M 3/158 (2006.01)
CPC H02M 1/327 (2021.05) [B60L 3/0038 (2013.01); B60L 3/0069 (2013.01); H01M 8/0494 (2013.01); H01M 8/249 (2013.01); H02M 3/1582 (2013.01)] 7 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A device for protecting a boost converter included in a vehicle powered by a fuel cell and a battery, the device comprising:
a voltage detection unit configured to detect at least one of: an input-stage voltage and an output-stage voltage of the boost converter;
a switching device configured to connect an output stage of the boost converter and a load connected to the output stage, or cut off an electrical connection between the output stage of the boost converter and the load;
a controller configured to determine whether a detected input-stage voltage and the output-stage voltage are outside of a preset voltage range,
wherein when the controller determines the detected input-stage voltage and the output-stage voltage are outside of the preset voltage range, the controller directs the switching device to cut off the electrical connection between the output stage of the boost converter and the load;
a driving unit configured to control an operation of at least one of: the fuel cell and the battery such that a driving force of the vehicle is not generated by the fuel cell and the battery when the electrical connection is cut off; and
a relay configured to connect or cut off power supplied to accessories from the fuel cell,
wherein the controller is configured to direct the voltage detection unit to detect the input-stage voltage and the output-stage voltage of the boost converter after directing the switching device to cut off the electrical connection between the output stage of the boost converter and the load when the detected input-stage voltage and output-stage voltage are outside of the preset range,
wherein the controller is configured to direct an on/off function of the relay on a failed fuel cell side on the basis of the detected input-stage voltage and output-stage voltage, and
wherein the controller is configured to direct the relay on the failed fuel cell side to be turned off when a result value of subtracting the detected output-stage voltage from the detected input-stage voltage is less than a first voltage.