Abstract: A fault diagnostic apparatus for a fuel cell electric vehicle and a method therefor are provided. The apparatus includes: a main relay connected to a fuel cell stack; a power converter connected to the main relay; a heater relay connected to the fuel cell stack and the main relay at one end and connected to a cathode oxygen depletion (COD) heater at the other end; and a fuel cell control unit (FCU) connected with the main relay, the power converter, and the heater relay. The FCU diagnoses a fault of the main relay based on an amount of change in stack voltage according to control to turn off and on the heater relay and a power of the power converter according to variable control of a voltage of the power converter, when the vehicle enters a shutdown sequence, and outputs the diagnosed result.

Abstract: A contactor module is adapted to detect a switching state of a contactor. The contactor module includes a movable element that is arranged to transmit the movement of a switching element of the contactor to the contactor module; and a deflection lever attached to the movable element. The deflection lever is arranged to indicate the switching state.

Abstract: A welding detection device includes a first circuit including a detection element, a first circuit power supply, and a second circuit. The first circuit is connected to a first line connecting a power supply and a main relay and a second line connecting a load and the main relay. The first circuit power supply supplies DC power to the first circuit. The first circuit detects welding in the main relay based on whether or not a current from the first circuit power supply has flowed to the detection element through the main relay when the main relay is controlled to be in an open state from a closed state. The second circuit cuts off the first circuit only when the voltage difference is present between the first line and the second line while the main relay is controlled to be in an open state from a closed state.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to monitoring the condition of electrical/electronic switches over time by monitoring the impedance of the switch. The condition of switches can degrade as they age, which can reduce their performance and may ultimately lead to failure. In many applications, particularly high-voltage applications, the reliable operation of switches may be very important and failures can present a safety risk and cause costly unscheduled system downtime for repairs. It has been realised that as the condition of switches change, their impedance changes, so monitoring the impedance can give a good indication of the condition of the switch, enabling potential faults/failures to be identified early and acted upon pre-emptively.

Abstract: A power supply system includes a power source, a relay, a switch, and a controller. The relay is interposed between the power source and a load. The switch is configured to be coupled to the load in a state where the switch allows or disallows for power supply from the power source to the load when the relay is in a closed state. The controller is configured to control an operation of the switch. The controller is configured to execute forced driving control at a time of a closing operation of the relay. The forced driving control causes the switch to operate independently of a request for driving the load and thereby causes power to be supplied from the power source to the load.

Abstract: A power supply system includes a power source, a relay, a switch, and a controller. The relay is interposed between the power source and a load. The switch is configured to be coupled to the load in a state where the switch allows or disallows for power supply from the power source to the load when the relay is in a closed state. The controller is configured to control an operation of the switch. The controller is configured to execute forced driving control at a time of a closing operation of the relay. The forced driving control causes the switch to operate independently of a request for driving the load and thereby causes power to be supplied from the power source to the load.

Abstract: A relay array may connect an electrical device (e.g., an inverter, power converter, etc.) to a utility grid. Based on a detection of a power interruption or fault, the relay array may disconnect the electrical device from the grid to ensure safety or reduce damage to the electrical device or grid. The relay array may include one or more electromechanical relays (e.g., latching relays). A safety catch may prevent the latching relay(s) from changing states. The electrical device may be configured to facilitate removal of the safety catch once the ability to change states is desired. The latching relay(s) may also be supplied with a power pulse for changing a state of the latching relay(s). The power pulse may be provided by a power bank that may be maintained with power in case of a power interruption or fault.

Abstract: A battery module is disclosed having a plurality of series-connected battery cells contained in, and electrically isolated from, an enclosure, with a first internal relay to control connection between cells and a positive terminal, and a second internal relay to control the connection between cells and a negative terminal. A control signal input is provided to control the relays. An embodiment is disclosed having an internal battery management system which controls the relays in response to a digital message. A modular battery pack is disclosed consisting of a plurality of modules connected in parallel, which can be individually and independently activated and deactivated. A method is provided for activating an individual module.

Abstract: A relay fault diagnosis device includes: at least one C-contact relay that has a common terminal, a normally open terminal and a normally closed terminal; a read-back circuit that is connected to the normally closed terminal of the relay; and a diagnostic section that outputs a test signal to the common terminal to diagnose a fault in the relay.

Abstract: A switch control apparatus and method to diagnose whether a plurality of switches are controllable and effectively control the plurality of switches. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to effectively maintain the states of the switches through a plurality of processors.

Abstract: A vehicle drive system includes: a primary drive motor and a secondary drive motor; a battery; a capacitor that is connected in-series with the battery; a first power line that supplies a total aggregate voltage of the battery and the capacitor; a second power line that supplies a battery voltage; and a third power line that supplies a cell voltage. The first power line, the second power line, and the third power line are configured such that the battery voltage is higher than the cell voltage and that the total voltage is higher than the battery voltage.

Abstract: Systems and methods of controlling a dispatch operation of an energy storage system are provided. In particular, a degradation value of a present dispatch state of an energy storage system can be determined. The present dispatch state can specify one or more energy storage units presently coupled to the system. The degradation value can be determined based at least in part on one or more operating parameters, such as temperature, open circuit voltage, charge or discharge current, and/or contactor life. The degradation value can then be compared against one or more degradation values associated with one or more candidate dispatch states. A dispatch state can then be selected based on the comparison. One or more energy storage units can be selectively coupled to the energy storage system based at least in part on the selected dispatch state.

Abstract: A transformer test device (10) for testing a transformer (40) has connections (12) for releasably connecting the transformer test device (10) to the transformer (40). The transformer test device (10) has a source (13) for generating a test signal for testing the transformer (40). The transformer test device (10) has a controllable switching means (15) which is connected to the connections (12) during a transformer test for the purpose of short-circuiting at least one winding (42) of the transformer (40).

Abstract: A battery management system includes a first battery pack which supplies power to a load, a first ground unit which is connected between a first relay which is connected to the first battery pack to connect and disconnect power supply of the battery pack and the first battery pack, a second battery pack which supplies power to a load, a second ground unit which is connected between a second relay which is connected to the second battery pack to connect and disconnect power supply of the battery pack and the second battery pack and a voltage measuring unit which measures voltages of both ends of the first relay and voltages of both ends of the second relay.

Abstract: This electromagnetic contactor comprises a set of controlled switches (C1, C2, C3), at least one electromagnetic field generator (L; L1, L2), for example a coil, associated with an adjustable core (P) controlling the state of the controlled switches and a unit (UC) controlling the power supply of the electromagnetic field generator. It comprises means for detecting the position of the adjustable core to detect the state of the controlled switches.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein provide systems and methods for determining the health status of a sensed switch. In general, the embodiments described herein determine a measure of a health status of the sensed switch by comparing a voltage on the sensed switch, ascertaining a first comparator state under one test condition and ascertaining a second comparator state under a second test condition. The first comparator state and the second comparator state are and then compared to determine the measure of the health status of the sensed switch.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a sensor arrangement for the contactless sensing of angles of rotation on a rotating part includes a disk-shaped target coupled to the rotating part. The disc-shaped target has at least one metal surface and generates at least one piece of information for ascertaining the instantaneous angle of rotation of the rotating part in connection with a coil arrangement. The coil arrangement has at least one flat detection coil. The arrangement further includes at least one measuring circuit that converts the inductance of a corresponding at least one flat detection coil into a measuring signal. The inductance changes due to eddy-current effects, as a function of the degree of overlap with the at least one metal surface of the rotating target. The arrangement further includes an evaluation and control unit that detects the measuring signal using measurement techniques and evaluates the signal for calculating the angle of rotation.

Abstract: An abnormal operation of a movable contact is correctly detected. The abnormal operation of the movable contact (9) to the fixed contact (10) is detected based on at least one of a separation transient response signal of a coil current passed through the excitation coil (6) during the supply of a separation pulse signal and an attraction transient response signal of the coil current during the supply of an attraction pulse signal.

Abstract: An electrical storage system includes an electrical storage device, a load, a line, a relay, a capacitor, a voltage sensor, a first insulation resistor, a second insulation resistor, a first current path, a second current path, and a controller. The capacitor has one end connected to the electrical storage device and the other end connected to a ground. The voltage sensor is configured to detect a voltage value of the capacitor. The first insulation resistor is provided between the electrical storage device and the ground. The second insulation resistor is disposed between the load and the ground. The first current path includes the first insulation resistor. The second current path includes the line and the second insulation resistor. The controller is configured to control ON and OFF of the relay.

Abstract: A load control apparatus includes: a relay control unit that outputs an open or close command; a power supply adjustment unit; a contact resistance measurement unit that measures a resistance value of the relay; and an adjustment command generation unit that outputs to the power supply adjustment unit an increase command that causes a current flowing between the contacts of the relay or a voltage applied therebetween to be a value greater than a steady-state value when the resistance value becomes greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value, and outputs to the power supply adjustment unit a release command that returns the current flowing between the contacts of the relay or the voltage applied therebetween to the steady-state value when, after the increase command is outputted, the resistance value becomes smaller than the predetermined threshold value and the close command is received from the relay control unit.

Abstract: Circuitry for controlling relay activation timing is described. The circuitry includes voltage zero cross detection circuitry configured to produce a zero cross detection signal indicating a zero cross time of an alternating current (AC) signal. The circuitry also includes current measuring circuitry coupled to voltage zero cross detection circuitry. The current measuring circuitry is configured to produce a current flow detection signal indicating a current flow start time of the AC signal. The circuitry further includes relay circuitry coupled to the current measuring circuitry. The circuitry additionally includes a processor coupled to the voltage zero cross detection circuitry, to the current measuring circuitry, and to the relay circuitry. The processor is configured to determine a relay time error based on the zero cross time and the current flow start time. The processor is also configured to control relay activation signal timing to reduce the relay time error.

Abstract: A system for determining fixation of a relay has an electricity storage device, an electrical apparatus, a relay, a first insulation resistor, a second insulation resistor, a detection circuit, and a controller. When the relay is controlled to OFF, the controller determines, based on the voltage value detected by the detection circuit (the detected voltage value), whether or not the relay is fixed. When the detected voltage value is a voltage value that is obtained by dividing the reference voltage value by a combined resistance value and the reference resistance value, the controller determines that the relay is fixed. When the detected voltage value is a voltage value that is obtained by dividing the reference voltage value by the first resistance value and the reference resistance value, the controller determines that the relay is not fixed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlling the operation of a power conversion device including a rectifier part, an initial charging part, a DC-link part and an inverter part. The apparatus includes: a control part configured to drive a relay connected in parallel to an initial charging resistor of the initial charging part if a DC-link voltage of the DC-link part exceeds a first reference voltage during initial charging for the DC-link part; a relay monitoring part configured to monitor whether or not the relay is normally being operated when the relay is driven; and an inverter driving part configured to stop of the driving of the inverter part if it is determined that the relay is not normally being operated by referring to a result of the monitoring of the relay monitoring part.

Abstract: Provided is a vehicle lamp including an optical unit including an optical element and a solenoid that drives the optical element; and a driving circuit configured to receive a voltage from a DC power supply and apply a driving voltage to the solenoid. The driving circuit includes a signal generating circuit that generates a notification signal indicating whether or not the solenoid is open-circuited. The signal generating circuit generates a first signal as the notification signal when the solenoid is normal. The notification signal is set as a second signal that is different from the first signal when open-circuit of the solenoid is detected.

Abstract: The motor control device includes plural motor current blocking units that, in blocking operation, individually block energization between plural motor driving circuits and multi-phase motor windings of a multi-phase electric motor and an abnormality detecting unit that detects a short-circuit failure of the motor current blocking units. The abnormality detecting unit causes one or more motor current blocking units of the plural motor current blocking units to perform a blocking operation during energization between the plural motor driving circuits and the multi-phase electric motor, and, during the blocking operation, detects a short-circuit failure of the motor current blocking units caused to perform the blocking operation based on current values of currents flowing to the plural motor driving circuits.

Abstract: A method for controlled connection of a plurality of on-board power system branches is disclosed, wherein electrical power is exchanged between first and third on-board power system branches if an uncritical supply state is present and electrical power is exchanged between second and the third on-board power system branches if a critical supply state is present in the first or third on-board power system branch. In a critical supply state, the first on-board power system branch is disconnected from the third on-board power system branch by opening a first switching device, and the second on-board power system branch is then connected to the third on-board power system branch via a second switching device. A second actuation device that actuates the second switching device receives a switch state signal from the first actuation device and closes the second switching device only if the received signal signals an open first switching device.

Abstract: A method for predicting the usability of a relay or a contactor is described herein. A current flowing through the relay or the contactor and/or a voltage applied to the relay or the contactor is measured repeatedly, and the measured values are transmitted to an observation unit. The observation unit makes a prediction relating to the usability of the relay or of the contactor on the basis of the measured values and a model. Furthermore described are an observation unit and a battery which are configured to carry out the method according to the disclosure.

Abstract: A testing device for a relay includes an enclosure for containing a circuit that includes at least one electrical socket adapted for selective engagement with a connector of the relay, a power source, a testing indicator LED adapted to convey a testing results indication, a power switch, and a testing IC adapted to run a series of tests on the relay when the relay is engaged with the at least one socket. In use, with the connector of the relay engaged with the at least one socket, power may be applied to the circuit such that the testing IC runs the series of tests on the relay by alternately activating and deactivating the coil power lines and measuring the resulting state of the armature line, the normally open signal line, and if available the normally closed signal line of the relay.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating an actuator having a coil and a displaceably mounted armature driven by a magnetic field generated by the coil, in a measurement operating mode for ascertaining a time at which the armature reaches its stop position after activation of the actuator. The method includes applying to the coil an actuation voltage signal dimensioned such that the expected armature stop time falls in a time window in which a temporally constant voltage is applied to the coil, detecting an intensity profile of the current flowing through the coil within the time window, and determining the armature stop time, based on an evaluation of the detected current intensity profile. A method for operating such an actuator is also disclosed, wherein information about the stop time is obtained in a measurement operating mode and used in a series operating mode for optimized actuation of the actuator.

Abstract: A high-voltage relay system for a vehicle. The system includes a high-voltage bus, a parallel relay set and a controller. The parallel relay set includes two or more relays wired in parallel and that are electrically coupled to the high-voltage bus. The controller is programmed to adjust the power flowing through the parallel relay set when a malfunction is detected in one of the relays in the set. The system can include a high-voltage power source electrically coupled to the high voltage bus through the parallel relay set, where the controller reduces the power flowing through the parallel relay by reducing output of the high-voltage power source. The system can include a high-voltage motor electrically coupled to the high voltage bus through the parallel relay set, where the controller reduces the power flowing through the parallel relay set by reducing the motor's power demands.

Abstract: Systems and methods for pre-charging a bus capacitance in vehicles that receive at least a portion of their motive power from electricity generated from a battery are provided. By way of example, an embodiment includes a vehicle control unit (VCU) that receives battery pack data from a battery management unit (BMU) of each of a plurality of battery packs and determines, based on the battery pack data, which battery packs may be used to pre-charge the bus capacitance in parallel. The VCU issues commands to each of the BMUs to connect pre-charge circuits between each of the plurality of battery packs and the bus capacitance and receives status information from each of the BMUs to determine whether or not the bus capacitance was successfully pre-charged by the battery packs.

Abstract: An example contactor weld detection method for an electric vehicle includes detecting that a contactor is welded closed when the contactor is commanded closed.

Abstract: The present invention allows a technician a quick reference diagnostics of an automotive individual electrical circuit by replacement of the OEM relay with a diagnostics relay incorporating a series of LED bulbs designed to illuminate individually upon completion of each internal switching function. Adjacent to an LED is a voltage portal which allows measurement of voltage during each function stage of relay switching.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a device comprises a circuit with at least one circuit element; measurement circuitry capable to test a state of the at least one circuit element during an operation of the circuit, the measurement circuitry comprising a first terminal configured to be coupled to a first node of the circuit via a first capacitor, a second terminal configured to be coupled to a second node of the circuit, wherein the measurement circuitry is configured to determine in situ an operating state of the at least one circuit element based on signals applied by the measurement circuitry to the circuit during the operation of the circuit.

Abstract: A relay detection apparatus includes at least one relay, a voltage detection module, and a voltage comparison unit. The relay has an input contact, an output normally-open contact, and an output normally-close contact. The voltage detection module has a first voltage detection unit and a second voltage detection unit. The first voltage detection unit receives a voltage of the input contact and produces a first output voltage. The second voltage detection unit receives a voltage of the output normally-close contact and produces a second output voltage. The voltage comparison unit receives the first output voltage and the second output voltage and then compares the two voltages, thus detecting normal and/or abnormal contact statuses of the input contact, the output normally-open contact, and the output normally-close contact of the relay.

Abstract: A relay welding detector is adapted for detecting welding fault of a relay. The relay has a first electrical contact coupled to a neutral terminal of an alternating current (AC) power source through a first power line, and a second electrical contact coupled to a load through a second power line. The relay welding detector includes a signal generator generating a test signal, a current transformer wound with a portion of one of the power lines and generating an induced signal based on the test signal, and a determining unit determining, based on the induced signal, whether the electrical contacts of the relay are welded to each other.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for monitoring at least one relay contact. The system may include an emitter adapted for communication with a relay contact and configured to emit a signal, and a receiver adapted for communication with the relay contact and configured to detect a signal emitted by the emitter. The system may further include a controller adapted for communication with the emitter and receiver, and configured to determine an open or closed state of the relay contact. The controller may control the emitter to emit a signal, may determine a closed state of the relay contact if the receiver detects the signal, and may determine an open state of the relay contact if the receiver fails to detect the signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric switch, in particular a rocker switch, comprising a contact system and comprising a movable actuating element for switching over the contact system between two switch positions, in particular an on position and an off position. The switch has a drivable actuator, which is operatively connected to the actuating element in such a way that the actuating element in at least one of the two switch positions is moved, on driving of the actuator, into the other switch position by the actuator for switching the contact system. In particular, the actuating element is moved by the actuator from the on position to the off position of the contact system.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, provided is an electric vehicle supply equipment having a line power contactor including a first line power input and a second line power input and a first line power output and a second line power output. It further has a welded contactor detector with a contactor sense circuit, the sense circuit having a first line shunt resistor network connected from the first line power contactor output to ground and a second line shunt resistor network connected from the first line power contactor output to ground. In another embodiment provided is an EVSE including a welded contactor detector with a contactor sense circuit having a bias resistor connected between the hot line relay input and the neutral line relay output.

Abstract: A control apparatus controls a detachable electric instrument. The control apparatus includes a drive signal output unit configured to output a drive signal to the electric instrument; a relay provided in a sending route of the drive signal; a switching unit configured to output a switching signal that switches the relay between ON and OFF; an inspection signal output unit configured to output an inspection signal that inspects the relay to the sending route in a state in which the electric instrument is not connected; and a blocking determining unit configured to determine whether the inspection signal is blocked by the relay in a state in which the relay is turned OFF by the switching signal.

Abstract: In relay weld diagnostic device, a threshold value determination unit (104) determines a threshold value on the basis of a resistance value that is set for each of a P-pole-side resistor (24) and an N-pole-side resistor (23) provided to charging equipment. A peak value measuring unit (110) measures the peak value of a voltage supplied to a voltage line by an alternating-current signal output circuit (112). A comparison diagnosis unit (111) assesses the state of a relay (14) on the P-pole side and a relay (15) on the N-pole side by comparing the peak value and the threshold value, and makes a diagnosis as to whether the relays (14), (15) are welded on the basis of the assessed state of the relays (14), (15) and the state in which the relays (14), (15) are controlled.

Abstract: An example of a relay circuit includes: a capacitor connecting both ends of a load circuit; first and second main relays disposed in power supply lines between a direct-current power supply and the load circuit; a series circuit configured by a first resistor and a precharge relay disposed in parallel with the first main relay; and a second resistor connecting both ends of the load circuit. A discharge process is performed in which both the first main relay and the precharge relay are turned on, the second main relay is turned off, and a reactive current is caused to flow through the load circuit. In this discharge process, an abnormality of the first resistor is detected based on a both-end voltage of the capacitor detected by a voltage sensor and a resistance value that is an equivalent representation of the discharge process.

Abstract: A power circuit abnormality detection method for a power circuit detects whether an abnormality in a power source relay exists. The power circuit includes a pre-charge circuit opening and closing a connection between a direct current power source and a smoothing condenser by bypassing the power source relay to pre-charge the smoothing condenser, and a discharge circuit connected in parallel to the smoothing condenser to discharge electric charges stored in the smoothing condenser via a discharge resistance when a discharge switch is closed. The power circuit abnormality detection method includes a step of detecting whether the open contact abnormality in the power source relay exists based on whether a charge voltage of the smoothing condenser is reduced when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since both the discharge circuit and the power source relay are closed after the pre-charge circuit is opened.

Abstract: A relay includes a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, a fourth terminal, separable contacts electrically connected between the first and second terminals, an actuator coil comprising a first winding and a second winding, the first winding electrically connected between the third and fourth terminals, the second winding electrically connected between the third and fourth terminals, a processor, an output, a first voltage sensing circuit cooperating with the processor to determine a first voltage between the first and second terminals, and a second voltage sensing circuit cooperating with the processor to determine a second voltage between the third and fourth terminals. The processor determines that the separable contacts are closed when the first voltage does not exceed a first predetermined value and the second voltage exceeds a second predetermined value and responsively outputs a corresponding status to the output.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for testing an electromechanical relay having Normally Closed (NC) contacts, Normally Open (NO) contacts, and an electromagnetic coil therein includes a housing, a battery, a battery test circuit, and a relay test circuit. The battery test circuit includes a first switch operable to provide a first type of indication based on a voltage output by the battery. The relay test circuit includes a second switch, and a third switch. The second switch is operable to provide a second type of indication if an electrical circuit of the relay test circuit is complete with the NC contacts of the relay. The third switch is operable to energize the electromagnetic coil and provide the second type of indication if NO contacts of the relay become closed upon energizing the electromagnetic coil, thus opening the NC contacts of the relay.

Abstract: A method for sensing a welded relay contact when breaking both sides of a power line on a HVAC device including the steps: applying a first signal to one of a pair of switching devices; electronically sensing a second signal, with a sensing device, whether the other of said two switching devices is welded closed; and sending a third signal from the sensing device indicative of whether the other of said two switching devices is welded closed.

Abstract: A relay detection apparatus includes at least one relay, a voltage detection module, and a voltage comparison unit. The relay has an input contact, an output normally-open contact, and an output normally-close contact. The voltage detection module has a first voltage detection unit and a second voltage detection unit. The first voltage detection unit receives a voltage of the input contact and produces a first output voltage. The second voltage detection unit receives a voltage of the output normally-close contact and produces a second output voltage. The voltage comparison unit receives the first output voltage and the second output voltage and then compares the two voltages, thus detecting normal and/or abnormal contact statuses of the input contact, the output normally-open contact, and the output normally-close contact of the relay.

Abstract: An actuator is manufactured that includes piezoelectric film that does not suffer physical damage. Provided is a manufacturing method comprising first insulating layer deposition of depositing a first insulating layer on a substrate using an insulating material; first annealing of annealing the first insulating layer; first electrode layer deposition of depositing a first electrode layer on the first insulating layer using a conductive material; first piezoelectric film deposition of depositing a first piezoelectric film on the first electrode layer by applying a sol-gel material on the first electrode layer and annealing the sol-gel material; second electrode layer deposition of depositing a second electrode layer on the first piezoelectric film using a conductive material; second insulating layer deposition of depositing a second insulating layer on the second electrode layer using an insulating material; and second annealing of annealing the second insulating layer.

Abstract: A method for operating a battery system having multiple battery packs. The method includes decoupling the output of a discharged battery pack from the vehicle load, reducing the voltage between an output of a charged battery pack and the vehicle load prior to coupling the output of the charged battery pack to the vehicle load.

Abstract: A relay fault detection and correction system includes a signal detector structured to measure primary and secondary signals, and generates a fault output signal if the signals appear to be unterminated due to a relay not connecting the signals to the loads. A cycle circuit is structured to cause a relay controller to cycle a potentially under-performing relay between its states a number of times after the signal detector generates the fault output.