Network for supplying an operating voltage for an electric vehicle, electric vehicle and method for supplying an operating voltage

Abstract

The invention relates to a network for supplying an operating voltage for an electric vehicle, an electric vehicle and a method for supplying an operating voltage, the network (105) of the electric vehicle (100) having an energy supply interface (115), an inverter (120), a power supply interface (125) and a soft starter (130). The inverter (120) has a first inverter connection (140) for connecting the inverter (120) to the energy supply interface (115) and a second inverter connection (145) for connecting the inverter (120) to the power supply interface (125) and the soft starter (130). The inverter (120) is designed to convert a direct voltage applied to the first inverter connection (140) into an alternating voltage and to supply this alternating voltage at the second inverter connection (145). The soft starter (130) is designed to reduce an input voltage applied to a first soft starter connection (150) and to supply an operating voltage (110) reduced compared to the input voltage at a second soft starter connection (155).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a network for supplying operating voltage to an electric vehicle, an electric vehicle, and a method for supplying operating voltage. Background Technology

[0002] In the industry, electrification is becoming increasingly important as part of environmental friendliness, and the goal of electrification is not only to electric passenger cars, but also to electric commercial vehicles. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this background, the present invention provides an improved network for supplying operating voltage to an electric vehicle, an improved electric vehicle, and an improved method for supplying operating voltage according to the invention. Advantageous designs are given in the following description.

[0004] The advantages of using the proposed scheme are that it provides a network for electric vehicles that can be advantageously implemented and requires a low number of components, wherein balanced operating energy, such as surge-free operating energy, is provided for the additional drive of the electric vehicle.

[0005] A network for supplying operating voltage to an electric vehicle is proposed. The network includes an energy supply interface, an inverter, a power supply interface, and a soft starter. The energy supply interface is configured to connect the network to the vehicle battery and / or fuel cell of the electric vehicle. The inverter has a first inverter connection and a second inverter connection, wherein the first inverter connection connects the inverter to the energy supply interface, and the second inverter connection connects the inverter to the power supply interface and the soft starter. The inverter is designed to convert the DC voltage applied to the first inverter connection to an AC voltage and supply this AC voltage at the second inverter connection. The power supply interface supplies power to the unit connected to the power supply interface. The soft starter has a first soft starter connection and a second soft starter connection, wherein the first soft starter connection connects the soft starter to the second inverter connection, and the second soft starter connection connects the soft starter to an additional drive of the electric vehicle. The soft starter is designed to reduce the input voltage applied to the first soft starter connection and to provide a reduced operating voltage at the second soft starter connection compared to the input voltage.

[0006] When the auxiliary drive is electrically connected to the second soft starter connection, the operating voltage can be used, for example, to operate the auxiliary drive. The soft starter enables targeted reduction of the starting current for the auxiliary drive, associated with a continuous and shock-free increase in torque. Furthermore, by reducing the motor voltage, the soft starter can control the deceleration (Auslauf) of a three-phase AC motor. Moreover, thanks to the soft starter, only a single common inverter can be used for both the auxiliary drive and the power supply interface. Therefore, the advantages are twofold: firstly, a reduction in network components, and secondly, the use of a superior soft starter.

[0007] The network may include an additional drive for operating additional functions of the electric vehicle using the operating voltage, wherein the additional drive is electrically connected to or can be electrically connected to a second soft starter coupling via a drive interface. For example, the additional drive may be designed to provide functions beyond simply propelling the electric vehicle forward. For instance, the additional drive may be used to drive tools as an additional function, such as the electric vehicle's excavator or crane.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the soft starter can be integrated into an auxiliary drive. For example, the soft starter and the auxiliary drive can be housed in a common housing. Thus, the soft starter and the auxiliary drive can be practically implemented as modular components for electric vehicles.

[0009] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the network according to one embodiment has a switching device electrically connected between the second inverter connection and the first soft starter connection, and is designed to establish and / or disconnect the electrical connection between the inverter and the soft starter. For example, the switching device can be directly connected to the first soft starter connection. This makes it possible to output the operating voltage only when needed.

[0010] Additionally or alternatively, the network may also have other switching devices electrically connected between the second inverter connection and the power supply interface, and designed to establish and / or disconnect the electrical connection between the inverter and the power supply interface. This allows, for example, AC voltage to be supplied to the unit at the power supply interface only when needed.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the network may further include a control device designed to output a disconnect signal for disconnecting at least one switch of the switching device, thereby electrically isolating the first soft starter connection from the second inverter connection. Additionally or alternatively, the control device may be designed to output a close signal for closing a switch, thereby electrically connecting the first soft starter connection to the second inverter connection. The control device may also be designed to output a disconnect signal that also causes at least one other switch of the other switching device to disconnect, thereby electrically isolating the power supply interface from the second inverter connection. Additionally or alternatively, the control device may also be designed to output a close signal for closing other switches, thereby electrically connecting the power supply interface to the second inverter connection. To enable independent operation of the switches and other switches, the control device may alternatively be designed to: output additional disconnect signals for disconnecting at least one other switch of the other switching device, thereby electrically isolating the power supply interface from the second inverter connection; and / or output additional close signals for closing other switches, thereby electrically connecting the power supply interface to the second inverter connection. Voltage can be advantageously directed via the shortest path through the switching device to the first soft starter connection and / or power supply interface. Thanks to the control device, the supply of operating voltage and / or AC voltage can be controlled or regulated, for example, depending on whether operating voltage is currently required to operate the auxiliary drive and / or whether AC voltage is currently required at the power supply interface. For example, the driver of an electric vehicle can provide operating control signals from the driver's cab using an operating control device, which can be used by the network's control device to control the switching device and / or other switching devices.

[0012] The first soft starter connection may have at least one phase, which has at least one anti-parallel circuit comprising two diodes. By using two diodes arranged in opposite directions and connected in parallel, a balanced output for the operating voltage of the additional driver can be achieved.

[0013] The first soft starter connection can also have three phases, each with an anti-parallel circuit including two diodes. Therefore, it is possible to supply operating voltage for operating, for example, a three-phase AC motor as an additional driver.

[0014] Alternatively, the first soft starter connection can have at least one phase, which has at least one anti-parallel circuit comprising two thyristors. With thyristors, phase leading edge cutoff can be performed, for example, to regulate the torque of an auxiliary driver configured as an AC motor. In phase leading edge cutoff, the current through the anti-parallel circuit of the two thyristors is controlled. After the AC voltage (and current) crosses zero, the thyristors do not conduct current until they receive an ignition pulse; from this point onward, i.e., from this "phase" of the AC signal, energy is supplied to the auxiliary driver until the next zero-crossing. The later the thyristors ignite, the lower the average power. The first soft starter connection can also have three phases, each with an anti-parallel circuit comprising two thyristors.

[0015] The network may also have a vehicle battery and, additionally or alternatively, a vehicle fuel cell, with its electrical contacts connected to the energy supply interface. When using a vehicle battery and / or a vehicle fuel cell, a DC voltage can be supplied to the network. The vehicle battery or vehicle fuel cell may be designed to supply a nominal voltage of 650 volts DC.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the power supply interface can be electrically connected to at least one single-phase connector and / or at least one single-phase socket. For example, a 230-volt AC voltage in a frequency range between 50 Hz and 60 Hz can be supplied to the unit via the single-phase connector, and / or a 230-volt AC voltage in a frequency range between 50 Hz and 60 Hz can be fed from the unit into the network via the single-phase socket. The power supply interface can also be electrically connected to any number (e.g., three in total) of such single-phase connectors or sockets. Therefore, more units can be connected to the power supply interface.

[0017] Additionally or alternatively, the power supply interface can be electrically connected to at least one three-phase plug and / or at least one three-phase socket. For example, an AC voltage of 400 to 600 volts in the frequency range between 50 Hz and 60 Hz can be supplied to the unit or other units via the three-phase plug. An AC voltage of 400 to 600 volts in the frequency range between 50 Hz and 60 Hz can also be fed into the network via the three-phase socket. The power supply interface can also be electrically connected to any number (e.g., three in total) of such three-phase plugs or sockets. Therefore, more units can be connected to the power supply interface.

[0018] Furthermore, an electric vehicle is proposed, which has a network as described in one of the variations above, and a vehicle battery and / or vehicle fuel cell electrically connected to an energy supply interface. The electric vehicle can be implemented, for example, as an electric commercial vehicle, such as a truck. The electric vehicle's electrical grid is advantageously implemented in a low-number-component, advantageous, and still functional manner to supply AC voltage to the power supply interface and, for example, to supply balanced operating energy to additional drives.

[0019] The method for supplying operating voltage to the aforementioned electric vehicle includes a conversion step and a reduction step. In the conversion step, a DC voltage applied to a first inverter connection is converted to an AC voltage, and this AC voltage is supplied at a second inverter connection. In the reduction step, the input voltage applied to a first soft starter connection is reduced, and a reduced operating voltage compared to the input voltage is supplied at the second soft starter connection.

[0020] During the conversion process, the AC voltage supplied at the second inverter connection can also be supplied to the power supply interface electrically connected to the second inverter connection, and / or the first soft starter connection electrically connected to the second inverter connection.

[0021] This method can be implemented, for example, in a controller, either in software or hardware, or in a hybrid of software and hardware. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Exemplary embodiments of the proposed solution are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. In the accompanying drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an electric vehicle having a network for supplying operating voltage according to an embodiment is shown;

[0024] Figure 2 The voltage curves at the second inverter connection of the inverter in the network according to the embodiment are shown.

[0025] Figure 3 Another voltage curve is shown at the second soft starter connection of the soft starter in the network according to the embodiment;

[0026] Figure 4 Additional voltage curves are shown for the interaction between the second soft starter connection portion of the soft starter in the network according to the embodiment;

[0027] Figure 5 The current curves of the second soft starter connection portion of the soft starter in the network according to the embodiment are shown; and

[0028] Figure 6A flowchart of a method for supplying operating voltage to an electric vehicle according to an embodiment is shown.

[0029] In the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention, the same or similar reference numerals are used for elements that have the same effect shown in the figures, wherein repeated descriptions of these elements are omitted. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an electric vehicle 100 having a network 105 for supplying operating voltage 110 according to an embodiment is shown. Therefore, network 105 can constitute the energy supply network for the electric vehicle 100.

[0031] According to this embodiment, network 105 is only included as an example in or at electric vehicle 100. According to this embodiment, electric vehicle 100 is implemented, for example, as an electric commercial vehicle, such as a truck.

[0032] Network 105 includes an energy supply interface 115, an inverter 120, a power supply interface 125, and a soft starter 130. The energy supply interface 115 is configured to connect network 105 to the vehicle battery 135 and / or vehicle fuel cell of electric vehicle 100. The vehicle battery 135 and / or vehicle fuel cell can be provided to supply the energy required to move electric vehicle 100 forward.

[0033] Inverter 120 has a first inverter connection portion 140 for connecting inverter 120 to energy supply interface 115, and a second inverter connection portion 145 for connecting inverter 120 to power supply interface 125 and soft starter 130. Inverter 120 converts the DC voltage applied to the first inverter connection portion 140 into AC voltage and supplies the AC voltage at the second inverter connection portion 145. The AC voltage supplied by inverter 120 can be supplied via power supply interface 125 and can be additionally or alternatively used by soft starter 130.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the inverter 120 has at least one bridge circuit consisting of a plurality of transistors. The inverter 120 optionally includes a filter F at a second inverter connection 145 and an intermediate circuit capacitor at a first inverter connection 140.

[0035] The power supply interface 125 is configured to supply power to the unit via the second inverter connection 145. This unit may be located outside the electric vehicle 100 and is not part of the electric vehicle 100.

[0036] The soft starter 130 has a first soft starter connection 150 for connecting the soft starter 130 to a second inverter connection 145 and a second soft starter connection 155 for connecting the soft starter 130 to an auxiliary drive 160 of the electric vehicle 100. The soft starter 130 is designed to reduce the input voltage applied to the first soft starter connection 150 and to supply a reduced operating voltage 110 at the second soft starter connection 155 compared to the input voltage. For this purpose, the soft starter 130 includes appropriate circuitry.

[0037] According to one embodiment, network 105 also includes an additional driver 160 designed to operate additional functions of electric vehicle 100 using operating voltage 110, wherein the additional driver 160 is electrically connected to or electrically connectable to a second soft starter coupling 155 via driver interface 165. According to one embodiment, the additional driver 160 is designed to provide functions beyond simply moving electric vehicle 100 forward. For example, the additional driver 160 can be used to drive an excavator or crane as an additional function of electric vehicle 100. According to one embodiment, soft starter 130 is integrated into the additional driver 160. In this case, according to one embodiment, soft starter 130 and additional driver 160 are housed in a common housing 170.

[0038] According to one embodiment, network 105 further includes a switching device 175 electrically connected between the second inverter connection 145 and the first soft starter connection 150, and designed to establish and / or disconnect an electrical connection between inverter 120 and soft starter 130. According to one embodiment, switching device 175 is directly contacted to the first soft starter connection 150. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, network 105 includes another switching device 177 electrically connected between the second inverter connection 145 and power supply interface 125, and designed to establish and / or disconnect an electrical connection between inverter 120 and power supply interface 125.

[0039] According to one embodiment, network 105 further includes a control device 180 designed to: output a disconnect signal 182 for disconnecting at least one switch S of switching device 175 to disconnect the electrical connection between the first soft starter connection 150 and the second inverter connection 145; and / or output a closing signal for closing switch S to electrically connect the first soft starter connection 150 to the second inverter connection 145. According to an alternative embodiment, control device 180 is also designed to: output a disconnect signal 182 that also causes at least one other switch S1 of other switching device 177 to disconnect the electrical connection between power supply interface 125 and the second inverter connection 145; and / or output a closing signal that also closes other switches S1 to electrically connect the power supply interface 125 to the second inverter connection 145. However, in order to operate switches S1 and S2 independently, according to this embodiment, the control device 180 is designed to: output an additional disconnect signal 184 to disconnect at least one other switch S1 of the other switching device 177, thereby disconnecting the electrical connection between the power supply interface 125 and the second inverter connection 145; and / or output an additional closing signal to close the other switch S1, thereby electrically connecting the power supply interface 125 to the second inverter connection 145. According to one embodiment, the driver of the electric vehicle 100 can provide an operation control signal from the driver's cab of the electric vehicle 100 using an operation control device, which can be used by the control device 180 of the network 105 to control the switching device 175 and / or other switching devices 177. According to this embodiment, the other switching devices 177 are directly connected to the power supply interface 125. According to an alternative embodiment, each of the switching devices 175, 177 has its own dedicated control device for operating the corresponding switch S, S1.

[0040] According to one embodiment, inverter 120 is designed to convert a DC voltage applied to a first inverter connection 140 into an AC voltage in response to inverter signal 185, and supply the AC voltage at a second inverter connection 145. According to one embodiment, control device 180 is designed to supply inverter signal 185. According to one embodiment, inverter 120 is also designed to convert, for example, an AC voltage applied to power supply interface 125 into a DC voltage, and supply the DC voltage at the first inverter connection 140. In this case, control device 180 is designed to supply, for example, other inverter signals to operate inverter 120 to convert AC voltage to DC voltage. Therefore, according to one embodiment, inverter 120 is designed as a bidirectional inverter.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the first soft starter connection 150 has three phases, each phase having an anti-parallel circuit including two diodes 186. Therefore, an operating voltage 110 can be supplied for operating, for example, a three-phase AC motor as an auxiliary driver 160. According to an alternative embodiment, the first soft starter connection 150 has only one or more phases, each phase having at least one anti-parallel circuit including two diodes 186. According to an alternative embodiment, the first soft starter connection 150 has at least one phase, or for example, three phases, each having at least one anti-parallel circuit including two thyristors.

[0042] According to this embodiment, the switching device 175 has one switch in the switch S for each of the three phases of the first soft starter connection 150 and one switch in the switch S corresponding to the zero phase, that is, a total of four switches in the switch S. According to one embodiment, the switches S can be operated synchronously by an open signal and / or an closed signal.

[0043] According to one embodiment, network 105 also has a vehicle battery 135 and / or a vehicle fuel cell electrically connected to energy supply interface 115. According to this embodiment, DC voltage can be supplied to network 105 when using vehicle battery 135 and / or vehicle fuel cell. According to one embodiment, vehicle battery 135 or vehicle fuel cell is designed to supply a nominal voltage of 650 volts DC.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the power supply interface 125 is electrically connected to at least one connection portion 188 for supplying AC voltage (e.g., single-phase AC voltage). In this case, the at least one single-phase connection portion 188 may be part of network 105. For example, connection portion 188 includes a socket.

[0045] According to one embodiment, an AC voltage of 230V in a frequency range between 50Hz and 60Hz can be supplied to the unit via connection 188. The 230V AC voltage in a frequency range between 50Hz and 60Hz can optionally be fed into network 105 via connection 188. According to this embodiment, power supply interface 125 is also only exemplarily electrically connected to other connection interfaces 188. According to an alternative embodiment, power supply interface 125 is connected to any number (e.g., three in total) of such connection interfaces 188, which are respectively implemented, for example, as sockets.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the power supply interface 125 is also electrically connected to a three-phase connection section 190, for example, in the form of a three-phase socket. An AC voltage of 400 to 600 volts in the frequency range between 50 Hz and 60 Hz can be supplied to the unit or other units via the three-phase connection section 190. An AC voltage of 400 to 600 volts in the frequency range between 50 Hz and 60 Hz can optionally be fed from the unit into the network 105 via the three-phase connection section 190. According to an alternative embodiment, the power supply interface 125 is electrically connected to any number (e.g., three in total) of such three-phase connection sections 190.

[0047] According to this embodiment, the other switching device 177 has one switch from the other switches S1 for each of the three phases of the three-phase connection 190 and one switch from the other switches S1 for the zero phase, i.e., a total of four switches from the other switches S1. According to one embodiment, the other switches S1 can be operated synchronously by means of other disconnect signals and / or other closing signals.

[0048] The network 105 proposed herein advantageously enables the driving, control, and / or operation of the electric vehicle 100 using a locally limited power grid via the phase leading edge cutoff of a soft starter, which may also be referred to as an independent power supply network or a “microgrid”.

[0049] According to one embodiment, in the vehicle functions of electric vehicle 100, a combined unit of soft starter 130 and an additional driver 160 configured as an electric motor according to this embodiment is provided. With the soft starter 130, the operating voltage 110 used to draw in current is advantageously significantly lower than the operating voltage when starting the motor directly without the soft starter 130. According to one embodiment, the soft starter 130 is a standard soft starter unit that cannot be used in industrial environments but can be used in electric vehicle 100 with all the additional characteristics required for such environments. The proposed solution also involves driving the electric motor without using a DC intermediate circuit.

[0050] Compared to a network without a soft starter 130, the network 105 presented here has the advantage of saving costs, as well as saving related components and installation space.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the load level and function of the auxiliary driver 160 determine the control of the auxiliary driver 160, and according to this embodiment, the auxiliary driver 160 is configured as an asynchronous motor.

[0052] For example, compared to a delta-star switch, the soft starter 130 has the following advantages: the turn-on current for the additional driver 160 is lower, which allows the motor to run more quietly.

[0053] A significant advantage of network 105 is that it allows for the simultaneous use of an independent power supply network (e.g., at power interface 125) and motor functionality using only one inverter 120. Replacing the frequency conversion of the soft starter 130 would cause significant interference, for example, in the independent power supply network.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the network 105 proposed herein includes a soft starter 130 and a so-called microgrid with, for example, 50Hz / 60Hz three-phase and / or single-phase. According to one embodiment, the microgrid (400VAC / 50Hz) refers to a grid that has, for example, AC voltages of 1 x 0…230V ±15% or 3 x 0…230V or 3 x 0…400V ±15% within a frequency range of 50Hz ±10% or 60Hz ±10%.

[0055] Figure 2 The voltage curve 200 is shown at the second inverter connection of the inverter in a network according to one embodiment. Here, this could be... Figure 1 The network described in the diagram. According to this embodiment, a schematic diagram of the U / t characteristic curve at the inverter output is shown. In this case, the voltage curve 200 gradually follows a sinusoidal curve in a stepwise manner.

[0056] Figure 3 Another voltage curve 300 is shown at the second soft starter connection of a soft starter in a network according to one embodiment. Here, this may be a soft starter having a diode included. Figure 1 The network described herein. According to this embodiment, due to the soft starter, the grid load is advantageously below average during startup. This makes a soft torque curve for the additional drive possible. The voltage curve 300 jumps from 0V to approximately 30% of the final voltage, and then increases further at startup time t. 启动 The voltage increases linearly to 100% of the final voltage during the period.

[0057] Figure 4 An additional voltage curve 400 is shown at the second soft starter connection of a soft starter in a network according to one embodiment. Here, this could be a soft starter having a thyristor instead of a diode. Figure 1 The network described herein. According to this embodiment, a graph of the characteristic curves is shown when the phase leading edge of the soft starter with thyristors is cut off.

[0058] Figure 5 The diagram shows a current profile 500 at the second soft starter connection of a soft starter in a network according to one embodiment. Here, this could be a soft starter having a diode included. Figure 1The network described in the diagram. For comparison purposes, another current curve 505 is shown using dashed lines in the absence of a soft starter.

[0059] According to this embodiment, in current curve 500, the relevant starting current is 2…6 x I0. Through voltage control, current curve 500 is reduced compared to another current curve 505.

[0060] Because motor startup draws a very high starting current, it cannot be provided without further consumption. Therefore, according to one embodiment of the network, the soft starter control system for the soft starter is coupled to the inverter control system.

[0061] In this context, the described solution is applicable to all loads with extremely high inductive loads. With a soft starter, the turn-on current for the auxiliary drive is advantageously much lower than the turn-on current for directly starting the motor without a soft starter. Using a soft starter is advantageous when it is not necessary to adjust the torque of the auxiliary drive. According to one embodiment, when it is necessary to adjust the torque of the auxiliary drive, a variable frequency drive (VFD) is used.

[0062] Figure 6 A flowchart of a method 600 for supplying operating voltage to an electric vehicle according to one embodiment is shown. Here, this could be... Figure 1 The electric vehicle described herein, wherein method 600 can be made by Figure 1 The network manipulation or execution described in the document.

[0063] Method 600 includes a conversion step 605 and a reduction step 610. In conversion step 605, the DC voltage applied to the first inverter connection is converted to an AC voltage, and the AC voltage is supplied at the second inverter connection. In reduction step 610, the input voltage applied to the first soft starter connection is reduced, and a reduced operating voltage compared to the input voltage is supplied at the second soft starter connection.

[0064] According to one embodiment, in conversion step 605, the AC voltage supplied at the second inverter connection is switchably supplied at the first soft starter connection, which is electrically connected to the second inverter connection. According to another embodiment, the second inverter connection is also switchably electrically connected to the power supply interface. Therefore, in an optional step 615, the second inverter connection may be electrically connected only to the first soft starter connection, only to the power supply interface, or electrically connected to both the first soft starter connection and the power supply interface. For this purpose, for example, an appropriate switch may be closed or opened in step 615.

[0065] Figure Labels

[0066] F filter

[0067] S switch

[0068] S1 other switches

[0069] 100 electric vehicles

[0070] 105 Network

[0071] 110 Operating voltage

[0072] 115 Energy Supply Interface

[0073] 120 inverter

[0074] 125 power supply interface

[0075] 130 Soft Starter

[0076] 135 Vehicle Battery

[0077] 140 First Inverter Connection Section

[0078] 145 Second Inverter Connection Section

[0079] 150 First soft starter connection part

[0080] 155 Second soft starter connection part

[0081] 160 Additional Drivers

[0082] 165 driver interface

[0083] 170 housing

[0084] 175 Switching device

[0085] 177 Other switching devices

[0086] 180 control device

[0087] 182 Disconnect signal

[0088] 184 Other disconnect signals

[0089] 185 Inverter Signal

[0090] 186 diode

[0091] 188 Single-phase connector

[0092] 190 Three-phase connector

[0093] 195 Inverter Signal

[0094] 200 Voltage Curve

[0095] 300 Another voltage curve

[0096] 400 Additional Voltage Curve

[0097] 500 Current Curve

[0098] 505 Another current curve

[0099] 600 Method for supplying operating voltage to electric vehicles

[0100] 605 Conversion Steps

[0101] 610 Reduction Steps

Claims

1. A network (105) for supplying operating voltage (110) to an electric vehicle (100), wherein, The network (105) has the following characteristics: An energy supply interface (115) is provided for connecting the network (105) to the vehicle battery (135) and / or vehicle fuel cell of the electric vehicle (100). An inverter (120) having a first inverter connection (140) and a second inverter connection (145), the first inverter connection (140) being used to connect the inverter (120) to the energy supply interface (115), and the second inverter connection (145) being used to connect the inverter (120) to the power supply interface (125) and a soft starter (130), wherein the inverter (120) is designed to convert a DC voltage applied to the first inverter connection (140) into an AC voltage and supply the AC voltage at the second inverter connection (145); A power supply interface (125) is provided for supplying power to a unit connected to the power supply interface (125); The soft starter (130) has a first soft starter connection (150) and a second soft starter connection (155), the first soft starter connection (150) for connecting the soft starter (130) to a second inverter connection (145), and the second soft starter connection (155) for connecting the soft starter (130) to an additional drive (160) of the electric vehicle (100), wherein the soft starter (130) is designed to reduce the input voltage applied to the first soft starter connection (150) and to supply a reduced operating voltage (110) at the second soft starter connection (155) compared to the input voltage. The network (105) has an additional driver (160) for operating additional functions of the electric vehicle (100) using the operating voltage (110), wherein the additional driver (160) is electrically connected to or can be electrically connected to the second soft starter coupling (155) via a driver interface (165).

2. The network (105) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The network (105) has a switching device (175) electrically connected between the second inverter connection (145) and the first soft starter connection (150), and is designed to establish and / or disconnect the electrical connection between the inverter (120) and the soft starter (130).

3. The network (105) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The network (105) has other switching devices (177) electrically connected between the second inverter connection (145) and the power supply interface (125), and is designed to establish and / or disconnect the electrical connection between the inverter (120) and the power supply interface (125).

4. The network (105) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The network (105) has a control device (180) designed to: output a disconnect signal (182) for disconnecting at least one switch (S) of the switching device (175) to electrically disconnect the first soft starter connection (150) from the second inverter connection (145); and / or output a closing signal for closing the switch (S) to electrically connect the first soft starter connection (150) to the second inverter connection (145).

5. The network (105) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The network (105) has a control device (180) designed to: output a disconnect signal (182) for disconnecting at least one switch (S) of the switching device (175) to electrically disconnect the first soft starter connection (150) from the second inverter connection (145); and / or output a closing signal for closing the switch (S) to electrically connect the first soft starter connection (150) to the second inverter connection (145).

6. The network (105) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first soft starter connection (150) has at least one phase, the phase having at least one anti-parallel circuit including two diodes (186).

7. The network (105) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first soft starter connection (150) has three phases, each of which has an anti-parallel circuit including two diodes (186).

8. The network (105) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first soft starter connection (150) has at least one phase, the phase having at least one anti-parallel circuit including two thyristors.

9. The network (105) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The network (105) has a vehicle battery (135) and / or a vehicle fuel cell that are electrically connected to the energy supply interface (115).

10. The network (105) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The power supply interface (125) is electrically connected to at least one single-phase connector (188) and / or at least one single-phase socket.

11. The network (105) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The power supply interface (125) is electrically connected to at least one three-phase connector (190) and / or at least one three-phase socket.

12. The network (105) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The soft starter (130) is integrated into the additional driver (160).

13. An electric vehicle (100) having a network (105) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, and a vehicle battery (135) and / or a vehicle fuel cell electrically connected to the energy supply interface (115).

14. A method (600) for supplying an operating voltage (110) to an electric vehicle (100) according to claim 13, wherein, The method (600) includes the following steps: Step (605) converts the DC voltage applied to the first inverter connection (140) into an AC voltage and supplies the AC voltage at the second inverter connection (145); and Step (610) reduces the input voltage applied to the first soft starter connection (150) and supplies a reduced operating voltage (110) at the second soft starter connection (155) compared to the input voltage.

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