System and method for monitoring an electrical power relay in a hybrid electric vehicle
First Claim
1. System for monitoring an electrical relay operable to conduct electrical power from a source to a load device, comprising:
- an electrical relay;
a resistive device, electrically connected to the electrical relay in a parallel circuit;
a controllable electrical load device;
at least one sensing device; and
, a controller;
a. electrically operably connected to the electrical relay;
b. electrically signally connected to each sensing device;
c. operable to identify a low electrical load condition at the load device;
d. operable to monitor operating status of the controllable electrical load device; and
, e. operable to monitor a change in electrical power to the controllable electrical load device when the electrical relay is in a commanded-open position.
12 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and system to monitor a high voltage power relay operable to conduct electrical power from a source to a load, during each vehicle shutdown event. The system includes the electrical relay with a resistive device, electrically connected in parallel circuit, a controllable electrical load device, and a sensing device. A controller is connected to the electrical relay and each sensing device, and operable to identify a low electrical load condition at the load. The controller commands the load to operate at a known current draw level, commands the relay open, and monitors a change in power to the load device when the relay is commanded open. The electrical relay is functioning properly when the change in electrical power to the load exhibits a known profile over time, when the electrical relay is controlled to the commanded-open position.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. System for monitoring an electrical relay operable to conduct electrical power from a source to a load device, comprising:
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an electrical relay;
a resistive device, electrically connected to the electrical relay in a parallel circuit;
a controllable electrical load device;
at least one sensing device; and
,a controller;
a. electrically operably connected to the electrical relay;
b. electrically signally connected to each sensing device;
c. operable to identify a low electrical load condition at the load device;
d. operable to monitor operating status of the controllable electrical load device; and
,e. operable to monitor a change in electrical power to the controllable electrical load device when the electrical relay is in a commanded-open position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. Method to monitor an electrical relay in a circuit conducting electrical power from a storage device to a controllable electrical load device, comprising:
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a. equipping the electrical relay with a parallel circuit having a resistive device;
b. identifying a low electrical load condition at the load device;
c. commanding the controllable electrical load device to operate at a known current draw level;
d. commanding the electrical relay to an open position; and
,e. measuring electrical power at a junction comprising the relay device, the controllable electrical load device, and the resistive device. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification