To prevent the generation of an excessive current at the start of charging without reducing efficiency in charging, even if an error occurs in a voltage sensor for measuring an output voltage of an external power supply in a vehicle equipped with a power storage mechanism capable of being charged with the external power supply.
A voltage VH of a power line outputting an external power supply voltage which is converted is stepped up to an upper limit voltage VHmax in a time period T1 while the external power supply is interrupted. While the external power supply is connected at a time t1, since the voltage VH has been stepped up, an excessive rush current flowing from the external power supply is prevented. In a time period T2, the direction of a current Iac is monitored while gradually reducing the voltage VH, thereby obtaining a voltage VH* of the power line equilibrium to the converted voltage of the external power supply. In a time period T4, the battery (power storage mechanism) is charged using the power from the external power supply in conformity with a charging command in a state where the voltage VH is lowered at not more than VH*.
Toshio Morita
Tadashi Muto
Next Patent: CHARGER OF POWER STORAGE MECHANISM AND CHARGING METHOD