System and method for pre-charging a vehicle-to-load charger

Abstract

Various disclosed embodiments include an exemplary DC bus charging module, a V2X charging device, and a method for pre-charging a V2X charging device. An exemplary direct current (DC) bus charging module includes a DC boost converter configured to: apply an output DC voltage from the DC boost converter and having a first voltage level to a DC bus cable, wherein the DC bus cable is disconnected from a first DC voltage source; and charge a charge storage device electrically connectable to the DC bus cable with an output DC voltage from the DC boost converter and having a second voltage level different from the first voltage level, wherein the DC bus cable is disconnected from the first DC voltage source.

Description

[0001] INTRODUCTION

[0002] The present disclosure relates to electric vehicle charging.

[0003] When performing a vehicle-to-load or vehicle-to-other (V2X) charging event, such as but not limited to a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) charging event, the isolation of the high voltage cable between the donor vehicle and the V2X charging device should be verified (sometimes referred to as cable check), and the input of the direct current (DC)-DC converter of the V2X charging device should be pre-charged before closing the disconnect device of the donor vehicle. However, currently known V2X charging devices can not have a source of high voltage energy before closing the disconnect device of the donor vehicle.

[0004] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and can not constitute prior art. SUMMARY

[0005] Various disclosed embodiments include an exemplary DC bus charging module, a V2X charging device, and a method for pre-charging a V2X charging device.

[0006] In one exemplary embodiment, a DC bus charging module includes a DC boost converter configured to: apply an output DC voltage from the DC boost converter and having a first voltage level to a DC bus cable, wherein the DC bus cable is disconnected from a first DC voltage source; and charge a charge storage device electrically connectable to the DC bus cable with an output DC voltage from the DC boost converter and having a second voltage level different from the first voltage level, wherein the DC bus cable is disconnected from the first DC voltage source.

[0007] In another exemplary embodiment, a V2X charging device includes: a high voltage direct current (DC)-DC converter; a charge storage device electrically connectable to an input of the DC-DC converter; and a DC bus charging module including a DC boost converter. The DC boost converter is configured to: apply an output DC voltage from the DC boost converter and having a first voltage level to a DC bus cable electrically connectable to the input of the DC-DC converter, wherein the DC bus cable is disconnected from a first DC voltage source; and charge the charge storage device with an output DC voltage from the DC boost converter and having a second voltage level different from the first voltage level, wherein the DC bus cable is disconnected from the first DC voltage source.

[0008] In another illustrative implementation, a method includes applying an output direct current (DC) voltage from a DC boost converter and having a first voltage level to a DC bus cable, wherein the DC bus cable is disconnected from a first DC voltage source, and charging a charge storage device electrically connectable to the DC bus cable with an output DC voltage from the DC boost converter and having a second voltage level different from the first voltage level, wherein the DC bus cable is disconnected from the first DC voltage source.

[0009] The above summary is intended to illustrate and not intended to limit the present disclosure in any way. Additional aspects, implementations, and features will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] Illustrative implementations are shown in the referenced drawings. The implementations and drawings disclosed herein are intended to be illustrative, and not limiting.

[0011] Figure 1A and Figure 1B is a block diagram in the form of a partial schematic of an illustrative vehicle-to-load (V2X) charging device, a provider vehicle, and a recipient load.

[0012] Figure 2 is a sequence diagram of stages in an illustrative V2X charging session of the V2X charging device of Figure 1A and Figure 1B .

[0013] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative DC bus charging module of the V2X charging device of Figure 1A and Figure 1B .

[0014] Figure 4A is a flowchart of an illustrative method of pre-charging a V2X charging device.

[0015] Figures 4B-4D is a flowchart of details of the method of Figure 4A .

[0016] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the detailed description. In the drawings, like reference numerals generally identify like parts unless the context otherwise indicates. The exemplary embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein.

[0018] Various publicly disclosed implementations include exemplary DC bus charging modules, V2X charging devices, and methods for pre-charging V2X charging devices.

[0019] The overview is provided and referenced. Figure 1A and Figure 1B In various embodiments, the exemplary V2X charging device 10 includes a high-voltage DC-DC converter 12, a charge storage device C1 electrically connected to an input 16 of the DC-DC converter 12, and a DC bus charging module 18, the DC bus charging module including a DC boost converter 26. Figure 1A and Figure 1B Not shown in the image; see also Figure 3 The DC boost converter 26 is configured to: apply an output DC voltage from the DC boost converter 26 having a first voltage level to a DC bus cable 14 electrically connected to the input 16 of the DC-DC converter 12, wherein the DC bus cable 14 is disconnected from the first DC voltage source BT1; and charge the charge storage device C1 with an output DC voltage from the DC boost converter 26 having a second voltage level different from the first voltage level, wherein the DC bus cable 14 is disconnected from the first DC voltage source BT1.

[0020] As will be understood from the overview, in various embodiments, the insulation of the DC bus cable 14 can be verified without being electrically connected to the first DC voltage source BT1 (such as the high-voltage DC battery of the supplier vehicle 20), and in various embodiments, the DC-DC converter 12 can be pre-charged without being electrically connected to the first DC voltage source BT1.

[0021] It should be understood that V2X charging sessions associated with various publicly available implementations require the use of a V2X charging device 10 that is plugged between the supplier vehicle 20 and the receiver load 22. For example... Figure 1A and Figure 1BAs shown, the exemplary V2X charging device 10 (sometimes referred to as a "V2X apparatus" and / or a "V2V apparatus") includes a DC-DC converter 12. A DC bus cable 14 is configured to electrically connect the V2X charging device 10 with a donor vehicle 20, and a cable 24 electrically connects the V2X charging device 10 with a recipient load 22, such as but not limited to a recipient vehicle, a building, a device, etc.

[0022] In various embodiments, the DC bus cable 14 and the cable 24 include any suitable cable configured to distribute high voltage DC power, such as on the order of 450 V or so. Since the DC bus cable 14 is configured to distribute high voltage DC power from the donor vehicle 20, in various embodiments, the DC bus cable 14 includes a suitable connector configured to electrically connect the DC bus cable 14 to the V2X charging device 10. In various embodiments, such suitable connectors can include, but are not limited to, Combined Charging System (CCS) Type 1 and / or Type 2 couplers, CHAdeMo couplers, GB / T couplers, Tesla connectors, etc. In various embodiments, the cable 24 also includes a suitable connector configured to electrically connect the cable 24 to the V2X charging device 10. In various embodiments, such suitable connectors can also include, but are not limited to, Combined Charging System (CCS) Type 1 and / or Type 2 couplers, CHAdeMo couplers, GB / T couplers, Tesla connectors, etc.

[0023] In various embodiments, the V2X charging device 10 includes switches S4a and S4b interposed between the input terminals of the DC-DC converter 12 and the DC bus cable 14, and switches S5a and S5b interposed between the output terminals of the DC-DC converter 12 and the cable 24. The DC-DC converter 12 adjusts the DC voltage level of the DC power supplied by the donor vehicle 20 as needed for charging the recipient load 22. That is, the DC-DC converter 12 can increase and / or decrease the DC voltage of the electrical energy supplied from the donor vehicle 20 to match the operating voltage of the recipient load 22.

[0024] It should be appreciated that, in various embodiments, the recipient load 22 can communicate a charging limit, a voltage limit, and / or a charging status, so that the V2X charging device 10 can take desired actions to facilitate a safe energy transfer, such as requiring the donor vehicle 20 to close a contactor, such as switches S3a and S3b, for energy transfer, looking for a fault on the donor vehicle 20 or the recipient load 22, etc.

[0025] While the V2X charging device 10 can be referred to as a“V2V device” and the recipient load 22 can be referred to as a“recipient vehicle,” it should be understood that the recipient load 22 is not limited to a vehicle, but can be any load, battery or battery pack, any suitable energy storage device such as a capacitor or capacitor pack, an energy storage system with a battery, and / or an energy storage system with an associated electronic, solar cell, etc. as desired.

[0026] In various embodiments and with additional reference to Figure 2 a sequence diagram, an illustrative method for initializing and conducting V2X charging (where charging power transfer is from the donor vehicle 20 through the V2X charging device 10 to the recipient load 22) is provided.

[0027] In various embodiments, at the start of a V2X charging event or session, the V2X charging device 10 waits for a response from the donor vehicle 20, and the donor vehicle 20 waits for user input via a human-machine interface (HMI) (not shown for purposes of clarity), such as a control and display panel of the V2X charging device 10, an infotainment system of the donor vehicle 20, lights on the charging port (not shown for purposes of clarity), etc. to establish the V2X charging session.

[0028] In various embodiments, the user can input any desired charging parameter (such as an ending range, a time, a state of charge (SOC), an amount of energy (in KWH), etc.). In some embodiments, the donor vehicle 20 can set the ending range of the donor vehicle 20 as a default parameter for the energy transfer. In some such embodiments, the ending range can be set to the range needed to complete a route if one has been input, the distance to the nearest DC fast charging station, or a default value that ensures the user has sufficient range based on user settings.

[0029] In various embodiments, the charging parameter can be based at least in part on one or more parameters of one or more additional planned recipient loads 22. For example, if the donor vehicle 20 is configured to transfer energy to multiple recipient loads 22 (e.g., if the donor vehicle 20 is a rescue vehicle configured to provide energy to multiple recipient loads 22 in a single trip), the donor vehicle 20 can set the ending range of the donor vehicle 20 and an amount of energy allocated to additional planned recipient loads 22 as default parameters for the energy transfer, where the amount of energy allocated to additional planned recipient loads 22 can be communicated to the donor vehicle 20 from the additional planned recipient loads 22, e.g., via cloud-based communications, etc.

[0030] In various embodiments, if the V2X charging device 10 transfers power to the energy storage system, an option can also be given to the given user to set a desired end state of charge (SOC) for the receiver load 22.

[0031] In response to the user input selecting and starting the charging session, the donor vehicle 20 sends the end SOC of the receiver load 22 to the V2X charging device 10 and monitors the selection of the donor vehicle 20.

[0032] After initializing the V2X charging session, to help provide safety, the V2X charging device 10 starts an isolation check of the high voltage bus cable 14 and pre-charges the high voltage bus cable 14, as will be further explained below.

[0033] It should be appreciated that the various embodiments described herein can help allow for the initialization of a V2X charging event and / or session. It should also be appreciated that the various embodiments described herein can help allow for the charging of a receiver load 22, such as but not limited to a vehicle, by a donor vehicle 20, the transfer of power from a donor vehicle 20 to a home or other building, etc. through DC charging pins, or for a donor vehicle to rescue a stranded vehicle without the donor vehicle adding any extra communication hardware.

[0034] Now that an overview has been presented, details of the various embodiments will be shown by way of non-limiting embodiments presented by way of illustration and not limitation. To this end, in various embodiments, exemplary systems and methods are provided for performing a cable check and performing a pre-charge of a vehicle-to-load power converter in a vehicle-to-load charging session.

[0035] As noted above, when performing a V2X charging event, in various embodiments, the insulation of the DC bus cable 14 is verified and the input to the DC-DC converter 12 of the V2X charging device 10 is pre-charged before closing the donor vehicle’s disconnect devices (i.e., the switches S3a and S3b of the donor vehicle 20).

[0036] As Figure 1B shown and with further reference to Figure 3 , in various embodiments, the V2X charging device 10 includes an exemplary DC bus charging module 18 that is configured to verify the insulation of the DC bus cable 14 and is also configured to pre-charge the DC-DC converter 12 before closing the switches S3a and S3b of the donor vehicle 20.

[0037] In various embodiments, the V2X charging device 10 includes a high voltage direct current (DC) to DC converter 12. A DC bus cable 14 is electrically connectable to an input 16 of the DC to DC converter 12. A charge storage device CI is electrically connectable to the input 16 of the DC to DC converter 12. A DC bus charging module 18 includes a DC boost converter 26 Figure 3 ). The DC bus charging module 18 is configured to apply an output DC voltage from the DC boost converter 26 and having a first voltage level to the DC bus cable 14 with the DC bus cable 14 disconnected from the DC voltage source BT1, and to charge the charge storage device CI with an output DC voltage from the DC boost converter 26 and having a second voltage level different from the first voltage level with the DC bus cable 14 disconnected from the DC voltage source BT1.

[0038] In various embodiments, the DC to DC converter 12 converts an input DC voltage from the DC voltage source BT1 of the donor vehicle to a requested output DC voltage provided to the recipient load 22. The DC to DC converter 12 is any suitable DC to DC converter for a particular application as needed. One of skill in the art does not require an explanation of the details of the construction and operation of the DC to DC converter 12 to understand the disclosed subject matter.

[0039] In various embodiments, the DC to DC converter 12 includes the charge storage device CI, and the charge storage device CI is electrically connected within the DC to DC converter 12 across the terminals of the input 16 of the DC to DC converter 12. In some embodiments, the charge storage device CI can be provided separate from the DC to DC converter 12. In such embodiments, the charge storage device CI is electrically connected across the terminals of the input 16 of the DC to DC converter 12 between switches S4a and S4b and the terminals of the input 16 of the DC to DC converter 12.

[0040] Regardless of the location of the charge storage device CI, as discussed herein, the charge storage device CI is charged to the DC voltage of the DC voltage source BT1 by the DC bus charging module 18 prior to the DC voltage source BT1 being electrically connected to the DC to DC converter 12. Thus, with the charge storage device CI charged to the DC voltage of the DC voltage source BT1, the input 16 of the DC to DC converter 12 is already at the DC voltage level of the DC voltage source BT1 when the DC voltage source BT1 is electrically connected to the V2X charging device 10. The charge storage device CI is any suitable charge storage device as needed, such as a capacitor or the like.

[0041] In various embodiments, the DC boost converter 26 is configured to receive an input DC voltage from any suitable DC voltage source such as, but not limited to, an auxiliary low voltage source, a DC power source (such as those that convert alternating current (AC) power, light, heat, etc. to DC power), one or more batteries (rechargeable or disposable), an electrical or electronic device that can supply DC power, etc. The input DC voltage has a voltage level that is less than the voltage levels of the output DC voltage of the DC boost converter (i.e., the first voltage level and the second voltage level). The input DC voltage can have any suitable voltage level for a particular application as desired. For example, in some embodiments, the input DC voltage can be 12V. In some other embodiments, the input DC voltage can be 4V or in some cases 3.65V. However, it is emphasized that the input DC voltage can have any suitable voltage level for a particular application as desired.

[0042] The DC boost converter 26 is configured to convert the input DC voltage to an output DC voltage (that has a voltage level that is greater than the input DC voltage). In various embodiments, the DC boost converter 26 converts the input DC voltage to an output DC voltage with a voltage level of about 500V to be applied to the DC bus cable 14 (before switches s4a and s4b) to verify the insulation of the DC bus cable 14 (i.e., for performing an isolation check). However, any output DC voltage level suitable for verifying the insulation of the DC bus cable 14 can be used. In various embodiments, the DC boost converter 26 converts the input DC voltage to an output DC voltage with a voltage level of about 450V to charge the charge storage device CI to the DC voltage of the DC voltage source BT1. However, any output DC voltage level corresponding to the DC voltage of the DC voltage source BT1 can be used.

[0043] It should be appreciated that the DC boost converter 26 can be any suitable boost converter as desired. As shown, in some embodiments, the DC boost converter 26 includes a flyback converter. In such embodiments, it should be appreciated that the DC boost converter 26 is a separate converter. Figure 3

[0044] In the on state, the switch 27 (such as a field effect transistor (FET)) is closed, the current through the primary winding 29 of the transformer 28 increases, and the magnetic flux in the transformer 28 increases, thereby storing energy in the transformer 28. The voltage induced in the secondary winding 31 is negative, so the diode 33 is reverse biased (i.e., blocked). The output capacitor Caux_out supplies energy to the output load.

[0045] ​In the off state, switch 27 is open, the current through primary winding 29 drops, and the magnetic flux drops. The secondary voltage is positive, thereby forward biasing diode 33 and allowing current to flow out of transformer 28. The energy from the core of transformer 28 recharges capacitor Caux_out, and capacitor Caux_out supplies the output DC voltage to DC bus cable 14 for isolation check or to capacitor CI for charging capacitor CI.

[0046] In various embodiments, DC boost converter 26 can be approximately 5W or less (depending on the size of the V2X bus capacitance). Accordingly, various embodiments can use a small, separate auxiliary converter (as opposed to the main power handling converter, i.e., DC-DC converter 12) to perform the cable check and pre-charge functions.

[0047] In various embodiments, DC boost converter 26 provides a surge current limiting function that limits the inrush current (or turn-on surge) when transformer 28 is first energized. Anode 30 of zener diode 32 is electrically connected to a first end of primary winding 29 of transformer 28. Cathode 34 of zener diode 32 is electrically connected to cathode 36 of diode 38. Anode 40 of diode 38 is electrically coupled to a second end of primary winding 29. Zener diode 32 conducts in reverse bias in the event that the zener voltage is reached. Conduction by zener diode 32 in reverse bias establishes a conduction loop with diode 38 and primary winding 33, thereby clamping voltage spikes due to leakage inductance of transformer 28 and limiting voltage stress of switch 27. In some such embodiments, DC bus charging module 18 is configured to achieve a surge current limit of less than 2A, or to thereby also provide fast voltage ramp-up capability, thereby helping to reduce V2X charging session initialization time.

[0048] In various embodiments, DC bus charging module 18 includes a voltage sensor 42 configured to sense the output DC voltage. Voltage sensor 42 is electrically coupled across capacitor Caux_out to sense the output DC voltage. Voltage sensor 42 generates and outputs a signal 44 indicative of the voltage level of the sensed output DC voltage. Voltage sensor 42 can be any suitable voltage sensor required for the particular application, such as a resistive voltage sensor in combination with a voltage divider or bridge circuit.

[0049] In various embodiments, the DC bus charging module 18 includes a controller 46 configured to control the DC boost converter 26 in response to the voltage sensor 42. In such embodiments, the voltage sensor 42 provides the signal 44 to the controller 46. In various embodiments, the controller 46 includes a processor 48 and a computer-readable medium 50 configured to store computer-executable instructions configured to cause the processor 48 to perform various functions to control the DC boost converter 26. It will be appreciated that providing the signal 44 from the voltage sensor 42 to the controller 46 implements a closed loop control, which can help to allow the desired pre-charge voltage to be reached quickly and accurately.

[0050] In various embodiments, the processor 48 can include a computer processing unit (CPU), a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor, a field programmable gate array, etc., and / or any combination thereof. Processors are well known and further description of their construction and operation is not necessary to enable one skilled in the art to understand the disclosed subject matter.

[0051] In various embodiments, the computer-readable medium 50 can include any suitable computer memory configured to store computer-executable instructions configured to cause the processor 48 to perform the functions described herein. By way of non-limiting example, the computer-readable medium 50 can include any suitable volatile memory element, such as, but not limited to, random access memory (RAM), such as dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), etc.; any suitable non-volatile memory element, such as, but not limited to, read only memory (ROM), hard drive, tape, compact disc ROM (CDROM), etc.; and / or combinations thereof. Additionally, the computer-readable medium 50 can include electronic, magnetic, optical, and / or other types of storage media, as appropriate.

[0052] For example, in various embodiments, the instructions are configured to cause the processor 48 to verify the insulation of the DC bus cable 14 with an output DC voltage having a first voltage level. That is, in such embodiments, the instructions are configured to cause the processor 48 to cause the DC boost converter 26 to convert the input DC voltage to an output DC voltage having a first voltage level, as described above. In such embodiments, the instructions are further configured to cause the processor 48 to cause the DC boost converter 26 to stop converting the input DC voltage to the output DC voltage having the first voltage level in response to the insulation of the DC bus cable being verified. For example, if the signal 44 remains indicative of the first voltage level for a predetermined amount of time, then the sense voltage indicates that the insulation of the DC bus cable 14 is intact and has not been damaged, such as via dielectric breakdown. Accordingly, the processor 48 can command the DC boost converter 26 to stop converting the input DC voltage to the output DC voltage. In various embodiments, additional circuitry (not shown) can be used to verify the integrity of the isolation between the cable and a ground reference or chassis.

[0053] For example, in various embodiments, the instructions are configured to cause the processor 48 to verify the insulation of the DC bus cable 14 with an output DC voltage having a first voltage level. That is, in such embodiments, the instructions are configured to cause the processor 48 to cause the DC boost converter 26 to convert the input DC voltage to an output DC voltage having a first voltage level, as described above. In such embodiments, the instructions are further configured to cause the processor 48 to cause the DC boost converter 26 to stop converting the input DC voltage to the output DC voltage having the first voltage level in response to the insulation of the DC bus cable being verified. For example, if the signal 44 remains indicative of the first voltage level for a predetermined amount of time, then the sense voltage indicates that the insulation of the DC bus cable 14 is intact and has not been damaged, such as via dielectric breakdown. Accordingly, the processor 48 can command the DC boost converter 26 to stop converting the input DC voltage to the output DC voltage. In various embodiments, additional circuitry (not shown) can be used to verify the integrity of the isolation between the cable and a ground reference or chassis.

[0054] Various embodiments operate as follows.

[0055] The connector 52 of the DC bus cable 14 (described above) is plugged into the socket 54 of the donor vehicle that can be electrically connected with the DC voltage source BT1. The connector 56 of the DC bus cable 14 (described above) is plugged into the socket 58 of the V2X charging device 10. The connector 60 of the cable 24 is plugged into the socket 62 of the recipient load 22. The connector 64 of the cable 24 is plugged into the socket 66 of the V2X charging device 10.

[0056] At the beginning of the V2X charging session, the donor vehicle 20 is to charge the capacitor C vehPre-charge to the voltage level of the DC voltage source BT1 (i.e., the second voltage level). In C veh After being fully charged, the donor vehicle 20 also closes the main contactor switch S2a.

[0057] The bus charging module 20 applies an output DC voltage at a first voltage level (e.g., around 500 V or so) to the DC bus cable 14 to verify the insulation of the DC bus cable. Once the cable check is passed, the cable voltage is lowered to zero and the switches S4a and S4b are closed.

[0058] The donor vehicle 20 sends its battery voltage magnitude (i.e., the voltage level of the DC voltage source BT1) to the V2X charging device 10 via a suitable message. The DC bus charging module 18 charges the charge storage device CI to the target battery voltage (i.e., the voltage level of the DC voltage source BT1). Once the target battery voltage is reached, the donor vehicle 20 closes the switches S3a and S3b. The bus charging module 18 is then disabled.

[0059] After the donor side connection is fully established, the main power converter (i.e., the DC-DC converter 12) can be used to perform the same function for the recipient load 22. That is, the DC-DC converter 12 can then turn on and initiate a cable check and voltage matching to the recipient load 22. That is, the V2X charging device 10 can act as a typical DC fast charging station and perform a cable check and voltage matching to the recipient load 22 on its output.

[0060] Once this process is complete, power transfer can begin. It should be appreciated that the recipient load 22 can communicate charge limits, voltage limits, and charge status so that the V2X charging device 10 can take desired actions to facilitate safe energy transfer, such as requiring the donor vehicle 20 to close switches for energy transfer, looking for faults on the donor vehicle 20 or the recipient load 22, etc.

[0061] In various embodiments and with further reference to Figure 4A An illustrative method 400 for pre-charging a V2X charging device is provided. The method 400 begins at block 402. At block 404, an output direct current (DC) voltage from a DC boost converter and having a first voltage level is applied to a DC bus cable, wherein the DC bus cable is disconnected from a first DC voltage source. At block 406, a charge storage device capable of being electrically connected to the DC bus cable is charged with an output DC voltage from the DC boost converter and having a second voltage level different from the first voltage level, wherein the DC bus cable is disconnected from the first DC voltage source. The method 400 ends at block 408.

[0062] In various embodiments and with further reference toFigure 4B At block 410, an input DC voltage is received from a second DC voltage source at the DC boost converter, the input DC voltage having a third voltage level that is less than the first voltage level and the second voltage level. At block 412, the input DC voltage is converted to an output DC voltage.

[0063] In various embodiments and with further reference to Figure 4C At block 414, the insulation of the DC bus cable is verified with the output DC voltage having the first voltage level.

[0064] In various embodiments and with further reference to Figure 4D At block 416, the charge storage device is charged to the second voltage level with the output DC voltage.

[0065] In some cases, one or more components can be referred to herein as being“configured to,”“configured by,”“configurable to,”“operable / operative to,”“adapted / adaptable to,”“capable of,”“adapted to conform to,”“conformable to,” etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that such terms generally delineate active- state components and / or passive- state components and / or standby- state components unless context requires otherwise.

[0066] While particular aspects of the subject matter described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications can be made in the aspect of the subject matter described herein, without departing from the subject matter described herein and its broader aspects, and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the following claims, are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the use of the terms “including,” “includes,” “having,” “has,” “with,” “contains,” “containing,” “characterized by,” “comprises,” “comprising,” “unary” are generally intended to be equivalent to “including,” “includes” or “comprising,” “comprises,” as these terms are also used interpretively, depending on the context, to mean, for example, the element or elements being recited are essential, but other elements can be added without departing from the spirit or scope of the concept being described). It will be further understood by those within the art that, in general, any use of the terms “at least one” and “one or more” are intended to include one, more than one, or an equivalent range of elements, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, the term “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “one or more of A and B”) can include A alone, B alone, or both A and B (e.g., A and B collectively), and it will be understood by those within the art that the use of the term “at least one of A and B” is intended to program an apparatus (e.g., a processor, a computer, etc.) to recognize one, more than one, or an equivalent range of elements outside the specific recitations of A and B. For example, the use of the term “at least one of A and B” is intended to include the following: (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, (3) at least one A and at least one B, (4) at least one A and at least one B, and (5) one or more instances of A and one or more instances of B. It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive language can generally be interpreted using “and / or,” or a similar such expression, in the context of the various aspects, unless otherwise stated. It will be further understood by those within the art that the features described herein are susceptible to variations. Other features can be understood as comparable equivalents to the features specifically shown and described herein.

[0067] The detailed description set forth above exemplifies various implementations of the subject matter disclosed herein. As these implementations are described in terms of specific embodiments and illustrative examples, those skilled in the art will recognize that the subject matter could be practiced without the specific details set forth herein. In other instances, well known structures and functions have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the subject matter. The term "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.

[0068] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the operations described in the preceding embodiments can be performed in any order. Additionally, although various operations are presented in sequential order, it should be appreciated that various operations can be performed concurrently, in different orders, or omitted altogether. Such permutations and alternatives are also part of the various embodiments. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term "responsive to" is not intended to exclude other than the specified actions or events. Similarly, the term "related to" is not intended to be limited to direct relationships.

[0069] While the disclosed subject matter has been described in terms of illustrative embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the subject matter could be practiced with modifications within the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A DC bus charging module, comprising: DC boost converter; One or more processors coupled to the memory, said one or more processors being configured to: An output DC voltage from the DC boost converter, having a first voltage level, is applied to a DC bus cable, wherein the DC bus cable is disconnected from the first DC voltage source; In response to the application of the output DC voltage, the voltage on the DC bus cable is determined to indicate the first voltage level; The insulation of the DC bus cable is verified at least based on the duration of the time following the application of the output DC voltage; as well as The charge storage device that can be electrically connected to the DC bus cable is charged with an output DC voltage from the DC boost converter and having a second voltage level different from the first voltage level, wherein the DC bus cable is disconnected from the first DC voltage source.

2. The DC bus charging module according to claim 1, wherein the DC boost converter includes a flyback converter.

3. The DC bus charging module according to claim 1, wherein the DC boost converter is further configured to: Receive an input DC voltage from a second DC voltage source, the input DC voltage having a third voltage level lower than the first voltage level and the second voltage level; and The input DC voltage is converted into the output DC voltage.

4. The DC bus charging module according to claim 2, further comprising: A voltage sensor configured to sense the output DC voltage; and One or more processors, said one or more processors being configured to: Receive one or more sets of data indicating the output DC voltage from the voltage sensor.

5. The DC bus charging module according to claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are configured to: stop the DC boost converter from converting the input DC voltage into the output DC voltage having the first voltage level.

6. The DC bus charging module according to claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are configured to: stop the DC boost converter from converting the input DC voltage into the output DC voltage having the second voltage level.

7. A V2X charging device, comprising: DC-DC converter; A charge storage device, which is electrically connected to the DC-DC converter; and A DC bus charging module, comprising a DC boost converter and one or more processors connected to a memory, wherein the one or more processors are configured to: An output DC voltage from the DC boost converter, having a first voltage level, is applied to a DC bus cable electrically connected to the input of the DC-DC converter, wherein the DC bus cable is disconnected from the first DC voltage source; In response to the application of the output DC voltage, the voltage on the DC bus cable is determined to indicate the first voltage level; The insulation of the DC bus cable is verified at least based on the duration of the time following the application of the output DC voltage; as well as The charge storage device is charged with an output DC voltage from the DC boost converter having a second voltage level different from the first voltage level, wherein the DC bus cable is disconnected from the first DC voltage source.

8. The V2X charging device according to claim 7, wherein the DC boost converter includes a flyback converter.

9. The V2X charging device according to claim 7, wherein the DC boost converter is further configured to: Receive an input DC voltage from a second DC voltage source, the input DC voltage having a third voltage level lower than the first voltage level and the second voltage level; and The input DC voltage is converted into the output DC voltage.

10. The V2X charging device according to claim 9, wherein the DC bus charging module further comprises: A voltage sensor configured to sense the output DC voltage; and One or more processors, said one or more processors being configured to: Receive one or more sets of data indicating the output DC voltage from the voltage sensor.

11. The V2X charging device of claim 10, wherein the one or more processors are configured to: stop the DC boost converter from converting the input DC voltage into the output DC voltage having the first voltage level.

12. The V2X charging device of claim 10, wherein the one or more processors are configured to: stop the DC boost converter from converting the input DC voltage into the output DC voltage having the second voltage level.

13. A V2X charging method, comprising: One or more processors connected to the memory apply an output DC voltage from a DC boost converter, having a first voltage level, to a DC bus cable, wherein the DC bus cable is disconnected from the first DC voltage source; The one or more processors, in response to applying the output DC voltage, determine the voltage level on the DC bus cable that indicates the first voltage level; The insulation of the DC bus cable is verified by the one or more processors, based at least on the amount of time that the output DC voltage lasts after it is applied. as well as The charge storage device, which can be electrically connected to the DC bus cable, is charged by the one or more processors using an output DC voltage from the DC boost converter and having a second voltage level different from the first voltage level, wherein the DC bus cable is disconnected from the first DC voltage source.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: The DC boost converter receives an input DC voltage from a second DC voltage source, the input DC voltage having a third voltage level that is lower than the first voltage level and the second voltage level; as well as The input DC voltage is converted into the output DC voltage using the DC boost converter.

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