System and method for controlling a multi-functional electric powertrain

Abstract

Systems and methods for controlling a multi-function electric drive train. A system for controlling an electric drive train is provided. The drive train includes a battery configured to provide electrical energy in a direct current form at a first relatively higher voltage. The drive train further includes a power inverter including a first phase circuit, a second phase circuit including first and second switches, and a third phase circuit including third and fourth switches. The drive train further includes an electric machine configured to receive alternating current electrical energy from the power inverter. The system further includes a computerized controller operative to perform a charging cycle. The charging cycle includes deactivating the first phase circuit of the power inverter, and selectively cycling activating the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch to direct electrical energy provided in a direct current form at a second relatively lower voltage through the electric machine to provide a flow of electrical energy to the battery at the first voltage.

Description

[0001] INTRODUCTION

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for controlling a multi-functional electric powertrain.

[0003] An electric drive or e-drive is a powertrain that utilizes electrical energy to power an electric machine. The electric machine converts the electrical energy into output torque on an output shaft. The electric machine can additionally receive input torque and provide electrical energy. The electrical energy can be stored in a battery.

[0004] The electrical energy can be provided as direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC). A power inverter can be used to convert the electrical energy from AC to DC or from DC to AC. SUMMARY

[0005] A system for controlling a multi-functional electric powertrain is provided. The system includes an electric powertrain. The electric powertrain includes a battery and a three-phase power inverter, the battery configured to provide electrical energy in direct current form at a first relatively higher voltage. The power inverter includes a first phase circuit of the three-phase power inverter, a second phase circuit of the three-phase power inverter including a first switch and a second switch, and a third phase circuit of the three-phase power inverter including a third switch and a fourth switch. The powertrain further includes a three-phase four-terminal electric machine configured to receive alternating current electrical energy from the three-phase power inverter and configured to provide output torque to an output shaft. The system further includes a computerized charging controller configured to operate a charging cycle. The charging cycle includes deactivating the first phase circuit of the three-phase power inverter and selectively cycling activating the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch to direct electrical energy provided in direct current form at a second relatively lower voltage through the three-phase four-terminal electric machine to provide electrical energy in direct current form at the first relatively higher voltage to the battery.

[0006] In some embodiments, selectively cycling activating the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch includes, in a first mode, activating the first switch and the fourth switch and deactivating the second switch and the third switch, and in a second mode, activating the second switch and the third switch and deactivating the first switch and the fourth switch.

[0007] In some embodiments, the battery is configured to provide electrical energy in direct current form at 800 volts.

[0008] In some embodiments, the electrical energy provided at the second relatively lower voltage includes electrical energy in direct current form at 400 volts.

[0009] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a charging unit that provides electrical energy in direct current form at a second, relatively lower voltage.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch are insulated gate bipolar transistors.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch are silicon carbide metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors.

[0012] According to one alternative embodiment, a system for controlling a multi-functional electric drive train is provided. The system comprises a charging unit that provides electrical energy in direct current form at a first, relatively lower voltage. The system further comprises a device. The device comprises an electric drive train. The electric drive train comprises a battery configured to provide electrical energy in direct current form at a second, relatively higher voltage and a three-phase power inverter. The power inverter comprises a first phase circuit of the three-phase power inverter, a second phase circuit of the three-phase power inverter comprising a first switch and a second switch, and a third phase circuit of the three-phase power inverter comprising a third switch and a fourth switch. The drive train further comprises a three-phase four-terminal electric machine configured to receive alternating current electrical energy from the three-phase power inverter and configured to provide an output torque to an output shaft. The device further comprises a computerized charging controller configured to operate a charging cycle. The charging cycle comprises deactivating the first phase circuit of the three-phase power inverter and selectively cycling activating the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch to direct the electrical energy provided from the charging unit through the three-phase four-terminal electric machine to provide a flow of electrical energy in direct current form at the second, relatively higher voltage to the battery.

[0013] In some embodiments, the device is a vehicle.

[0014] In some embodiments, selectively cycling activating the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch comprises, in a first mode, activating the first switch and the fourth switch and deactivating the second switch and the third switch, and in a second mode, activating the second switch and the third switch and deactivating the first switch and the fourth switch.

[0015] In some embodiments, the battery is configured to provide electrical energy in direct current form at 800 volts.

[0016] In some embodiments, the electrical energy provided at the second, relatively lower voltage comprises electrical energy in direct current form at 400 volts.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch are insulated gate bipolar transistors.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch are silicon carbide metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors.

[0019] According to an alternative embodiment, a method for controlling a multi-functional electric drivetrain is provided. The method includes connecting the electric drivetrain to a charging unit configured to provide electrical energy in direct current form at a first relatively lower voltage. The method further includes operating a three-phase power inverter of the electric drivetrain to direct electrical energy in direct current form at the first relatively lower voltage through a three-phase four-terminal electric machine of the electric drivetrain so as to generate a flow of electrical energy in direct current form at a second relatively higher voltage to charge a battery of the electric drivetrain. Operating the three-phase power inverter includes deactivating a first phase circuit of the three-phase power inverter and selectively cycling activating a first switch of a second phase circuit of the three-phase power inverter, a second switch of the second phase circuit of the three-phase power inverter, a third switch of a third phase circuit of the three-phase power inverter, and a fourth switch of the third phase circuit of the three-phase power inverter.

[0020] In some embodiments, the electrical energy in direct current form at the first relatively lower voltage includes electrical energy in direct current form at 400 volts.

[0021] In some embodiments, the electrical energy in direct current form at the second relatively higher voltage includes electrical energy in direct current form at 800 volts.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch are insulated gate bipolar transistors.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch are silicon carbide metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors.

[0024] The present application provides the following technical solutions:

[0025] 1. A system for controlling a multi-functional electric drivetrain, the system comprising:

[0026] an electric drivetrain comprising:

[0027] a battery configured to provide electrical energy in direct current form at a first relatively higher voltage;

[0028] a three-phase power inverter comprising:

[0029] a first phase circuit of the three-phase power inverter;

[0030] a second phase circuit of the three-phase power inverter comprising a first switch and a second switch;

[0031] a third phase circuit of the three-phase power inverter comprising a third switch and a fourth switch; and

[0032] a three-phase four-terminal motor configured to receive alternating current electrical power from a three-phase power inverter and configured to provide output torque to an output shaft; and

[0033] a computerized charge controller configured to operate a charging cycle, including:

[0034] deactivating a first phase circuit of the three-phase power inverter; and

[0035] selectively cycling activating the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch to direct electrical power provided in direct current form at a second, relatively lower voltage through the three-phase four-terminal motor to provide electrical power flow in direct current form at a first, relatively higher voltage to the battery.

[0036] 2. The system of technical solution 1, wherein selectively cycling activating the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch includes:

[0037] in a first mode, activating the first switch and the fourth switch and deactivating the second switch and the third switch; and

[0038] in a second mode, activating the second switch and the third switch and deactivating the first switch and the fourth switch.

[0039] 3. The system of technical solution 1, wherein the battery is configured to provide electrical power in direct current form at 800 volts.

[0040] 4. The system of technical solution 3, wherein the electrical power provided at the second, relatively lower voltage includes electrical power in direct current form at 400 volts.

[0041] 5. The system of technical solution 1, further comprising a charging unit that provides electrical power in direct current form at the second, relatively lower voltage.

[0042] 6. The system of technical solution 1, wherein the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch are insulated gate bipolar transistors.

[0043] 7. The system of technical solution 1, wherein the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch are silicon carbide metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors.

[0044] 8. A system for controlling a multi-functional electric drive train, the system comprising:

[0045] a charging unit that provides electrical power in direct current form at a first, relatively lower voltage; and

[0046] a device, including:

[0047] An electric drive train, comprising:

[0048] A battery configured to provide electrical energy in direct current form at a second, relatively higher voltage;

[0049] A three-phase power inverter, comprising:

[0050] A first phase circuit of the three-phase power inverter;

[0051] A second phase circuit of the three-phase power inverter, comprising a first switch and a second switch;

[0052] A third phase circuit of the three-phase power inverter, comprising a third switch and a fourth switch; and

[0053] A three-phase, four-terminal electric machine configured to receive alternating current electrical energy from the three-phase power inverter and configured to provide output torque to an output shaft; and

[0054] A computerized charge controller configured to operate a charging cycle, comprising:

[0055] Deactivating the first phase circuit of the three-phase power inverter; and

[0056] Selectively cycling activating the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch to direct electrical energy provided from the charging unit through the three-phase, four-terminal electric machine to provide electrical energy flow in direct current form at the second, relatively higher voltage to the battery.

[0057] 9. The system of technical solution 8, wherein the device is a vehicle.

[0058] 10. The system of technical solution 8, wherein selectively cycling activating the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch comprises:

[0059] in a first mode, activating the first switch and the fourth switch and deactivating the second switch and the third switch; and

[0060] in a second mode, activating the second switch and the third switch and deactivating the first switch and the fourth switch.

[0061] 11. The system of technical solution 8, wherein the battery is configured to provide electrical energy in direct current form at 800 volts.

[0062] 12. The system of technical solution 11, wherein the electrical energy provided at the first, relatively lower voltage comprises electrical energy in direct current form at 400 volts.

[0063] 13. The system of technical solution 8, wherein the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch are insulated gate bipolar transistors.

[0064] 14. The system of claim 8, wherein the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch are silicon carbide metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors.

[0065] 15. A method for controlling a multi-functional electric drive train, the method comprising:

[0066] connecting the electric drive train to a charging unit, the charging unit configured to provide electrical energy in direct current form at a first relatively lower voltage;

[0067] operating a three-phase power inverter of the electric drive train to direct electrical energy in direct current form at the first relatively lower voltage through a three-phase four-terminal electric machine of the electric drive train so as to produce a flow of electrical energy in direct current form at a second relatively higher voltage to charge a battery of the electric drive train, wherein operating the three-phase power inverter comprises:

[0068] deactivating a first phase circuit of the three-phase power inverter; and

[0069] selectively cycling activating a first switch of a second phase circuit of the three-phase power inverter, a second switch of the second phase circuit of the three-phase power inverter, a third switch of a third phase circuit of the three-phase power inverter, and a fourth switch of the third phase circuit of the three-phase power inverter.

[0070] 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the electrical energy in direct current form at the first relatively lower voltage comprises electrical energy in direct current form at 400 volts.

[0071] 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the electrical energy in direct current form at the second relatively higher voltage comprises electrical energy in direct current form at 800 volts.

[0072] 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch are insulated gate bipolar transistors.

[0073] 19. The method of claim 15, wherein the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch are silicon carbide metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors.

[0074] The foregoing features and advantages of the present disclosure, as well as other features and advantages of the present disclosure, are readily apparent from the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0075] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary system configured for recharging a relatively high voltage battery with a relatively low voltage charging unit power source, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0076] Figure 2 The illustration schematically depicts the following according to the present disclosure. Figure 1 The system includes two switches in the second phase circuit of the power inverter and two additional switches in the third phase circuit of the power inverter, the switches selectively cyclically operating to provide power to the battery in a boost mode, wherein the switches are activated in a first mode;

[0077] Figure 3 The illustration schematically depicts the following according to the present disclosure. Figure 2 The system in which the switch is activated in the second mode;

[0078] Figure 4 An exemplary device and a fast charging unit according to the present disclosure are schematically illustrated, the fast charging unit being configured to charge the battery of the device; and

[0079] Figure 5 The diagram illustrates a control according to the present disclosure. Figure 1 The flowchart of the method for electric drive system. Detailed Implementation

[0080] An electric drive system may include a battery, a power inverter, and a motor configured to provide output torque to an output shaft. Electric drive systems can be used in vehicles, ships, aircraft, power generation systems, or other similar systems. The electric drive system operates and depletes energy from the battery, or the battery's state of charge is depleted. The battery may be rechargeable, in which voltage is applied to the battery and its state of charge is replenished.

[0081] A battery includes a nominal operating voltage. The nominal operating voltage describes the open-circuit voltage of the battery when it is in its maximum charged state. As the battery is depleted, the open-circuit voltage decreases as the state of charge decreases. A rechargeable battery can be recharged by applying a voltage exceeding the open-circuit voltage to the battery terminals. For example, if a battery has a nominal operating voltage of 800 volts, it can be recharged by applying electrical energy to the battery terminals at a voltage of at least 800 volts when the battery is discharged and its open-circuit voltage drops below 800 volts.

[0082] Different systems can have different operating parameters. Some recharging systems operate at a nominal operating voltage of 400 volts. If electrical energy is applied at 400 volts to the terminals of an 800 volt battery, the battery will not charge. A DC-DC converter can be utilized to step up or change the voltage of the charger power supply from 400 volts to 800 volts. DC-DC converters are expensive and include a substantial weight. Electric vehicles utilizing an electric drive train can be sensitive to weight. Electric vehicles include superior efficiency when the weight of the vehicle is reduced or maintained at a relatively low weight. DC-DC converters additionally include a package size that occupies space within a vehicle or other system. Inclusion of a DC-DC converter in an electric vehicle can be expensive and inefficient.

[0083] The electric machine can be an AC electric machine. The electric machine can include three phases. The electric machine can include four terminals, one terminal per phase, and a ground terminal. The electric machine can include a winding within the electric machine configured to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy during operation in which the battery discharges to provide electrical energy to the electric machine. The winding can additionally convert electrical energy from one voltage to a second voltage.

[0084] Systems and methods are provided for controlling a multi-functional electric drive train. The disclosed systems and methods provide 800 volt electric drive train backward compatibility with 400 volt charging systems without using a dedicated direct current to direct current (DC-DC) converter by using a four terminal electric machine and associated power inverter as a boost converter. The systems and methods utilize two phase interleaved pulse width modulation (PWM) control with the electric machine rotor d-axis closely aligned with the axis of the inactive electric machine phase to maximize efficiency.

[0085] The power inverter includes three phase legs, one leg per phase of AC electrical power generated by the power inverter, to supply electrical energy to the electric machine during operation in which the battery discharges. In the disclosed systems and methods, a first of the three inverter phase legs is shielded or disabled. The disclosed systems provide superior performance including small input current ripple, interleaved two phase operation, and low torque ripple. The disclosed systems and methods provide further advantages including using a relatively small number of switches for rotor position tolerance, low electric machine conduction losses, and the benefit of the system operating at 800 volts as compared to operating at 400 volts.

[0086] The disclosed system uses a four-terminal motor and inverter as a boost converter to enable DC fast charging of a relatively high voltage vehicle from a lower voltage charging system or vehicle without using a dedicated DC-DC converter. If the charger voltage is significantly lower than the voltage of the vehicle propulsion battery, the disclosed system selectively connects the neutral terminal of the motor to the terminal of the DC fast charging unit. The disclosed system energizes the low side switches in two of the three phases of the associated power inverter via the motor phase windings to act as an interleaved boost converter with the motor phase windings.

[0087] During charging operation, two of the three phases are energized cyclically. The two active phases are selected so that the rotor d-axis position of the motor is closest to the axis of the inactive phase. The switching frequency and PWM duty cycle of the active switches are selected to provide superior efficiency and desired boost ratio, respectively.

[0088] The same concept can be used to implement a buck converter function by PWM controlling the upper switches in the active phase leg for 800 volt to 400 volt vehicle to vehicle DC fast charging.

[0089] Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like features throughout Figure 1 An exemplary system 10 is schematically illustrated that is configured for recharging a relatively high voltage battery 50 with a relatively low voltage charging unit power source 20. An electric drive train 30 is illustrated that includes the battery 50, a three phase power inverter 60, and a three phase four terminal motor 40. The electric drive train 30 includes selectively activated switches 81, 82, 83 that are useful to control operation of the electric drive train 30. The electric drive train 30 includes a capacitor 72 that is useful to regulate or filter the voltage of the electrical energy within the electric drive train 30. Additionally provided is a capacitor 71 that is useful to regulate or filter the voltage of the electrical energy provided by the relatively low voltage charging unit power source 20. The relatively low voltage charging unit power source 20 is connected to the electric drive train 30 through terminals 22, 24.

[0090] The electric drive train 30 can be operated in a first mode in which electrical energy is supplied by the battery 50 as DC electrical energy. The three-phase power inverter 60 includes three-phase circuits 62A, 62B, 62C. Each of the phase circuits 62A, 62B, 62C includes circuitry configured to convert DC electrical energy supplied at a nearly constant voltage to AC electrical energy in a waveform similar to a sine wave. The three-phase circuits 62A, 62B, 62C collectively provide three-phase AC electrical power to the electric machine 40, which in the first mode will convert the electrical energy provided by the power inverter into mechanical energy in the form of output torque of the output shaft. Over a period of operation, during operation of the electric drive train 30 in the first mode, the state of charge of the battery is depleted.

[0091] The electric machine includes four terminals 44A, 44B, 44C, 44D, with the terminals 44A, 44B, 44C each being electrically connected with one of the three-phase circuits 62A, 62B, 62C. The fourth terminal 44D is a ground terminal. Each of the terminals 44A, 44B, 44C is connected to a respective phase circuit 42A, 42B, 42C within the electric machine 40. Each of the phase circuits 42A, 42B, 42C includes a plurality of stator windings that act on rotor windings on a rotor of the electric machine and produce output torque on the rotor during operation of the electric drive train 30 in the first mode.

[0092] The electric drive train 30 can be operated in a second mode in which a relatively high voltage charging unit can be connected to the electric drive train 30 and used to charge the battery 50. Where the battery is configured to operate at a nominal operating voltage of 800 volts, an 800 volt charging unit can be attached to the drive train and used to charge the battery 50. In the second mode of operation, electrical energy supplied by the exemplary 800 volt charging unit is provided at a sufficiently high voltage to charge the battery 50 without a DC-DC converter or a voltage boost.

[0093] As part of the system 10, the electric drive train 30 can operate in a third mode in which electrical energy supplied at a relatively low voltage by the relatively low voltage charging unit power source 20 can be converted or boosted to a higher voltage and used to charge the battery 50. During operation in the third mode, the switch 82 and the switch 83 are each operated in a closed state so that current is able to flow through it, and the switch 81 is operated in an open state to prohibit current flow through it. The first phase circuit 62A of the power inverter 60 is disabled or shielded so that no current flows through the first phase circuit 62A. Electrical energy from the relatively low voltage charging unit power source 20 flows through the second phase circuit 62B of the electric machine and the associated phase circuit 42B. Electrical energy from the relatively low voltage charging unit power source 20 additionally flows through the third phase circuit 62C of the electric machine and the associated phase circuit 42C. The windings of the electric machine 40 boost the voltage of the electrical energy from an example 400 volt AC to an example 800 volt AC. The circuits of the phase circuits 62B, 62C are alternately cycled so as to provide electrical energy at nearly steady voltage of approximately 800 volts DC that can be applied to the terminals of the battery 50 for charging.

[0094] Figure 2 and Figure 3 FIGURE 1 illustrates Figure 1 the system 10, including the switches 63, 64 of the second phase circuit 62B of the power inverter 60 and the switches 65, 66 of the third phase circuit 62C of the power inverter 60, which are alternately cycled so as to provide electrical energy at a boost voltage to the battery 50. The switches 63, 64, 65, 66 can each include an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT), a silicon carbide (SiC) metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET), or a similar electronic switch. The switches 63, 64, 65, 66 can be respectively described as a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, and a fourth switch. Figure 2 and Figure 3 FIGURE 3 illustrates operation of the electric drive train 30 in the third mode. The electric drive train 30 is illustrated including the battery 50, the power inverter 60, and the electric machine 40. The relatively low voltage charging unit power source 20 is connected to the electric drive train 30 through the terminals 22, 24. During operation in the third mode, the first phase circuit 62A of the power inverter 60 is maintained in a disabled state. The switches 63, 64, 65, 66 enable electrical signal control of whether current is allowed to pass through the circuit. The switches 63, 64, 65, 66 can include diodes that enable current to flow through the switches 63, 64, 65, 66 in one direction and prevent current from flowing in the opposite direction. The electric machine 40 includes terminals 44A, 44B, 44C that are respectively connected to the first phase circuit 62A, the second phase circuit 62B, and the third phase circuit 62C of the power inverter 60. Figure 1The phase circuits 62A, 62B, and 62C of the power inverter 60 are connected to the phase circuits 42A, 42B, and 42C of the motor 40. The motor 40 further includes a terminal 44D that connects the phase circuits 42A, 42B, and 42C to ground.

[0095] Switches 63, 64, 65, and 66 can be activated in an alternating mode to supply DC power to the battery 50 by converting AC power supplied by motor 40. Figure 2 In the diagram, switches 63, 64, 65, and 66 are shown activated in the first mode 15, where switches 63 and 66 are activated to allow current to flow. Arrows are superimposed on the circuit lines to indicate the current flowing through system 10. Current flows through switch 63 and subsequently through battery 50 to charge it. The windings of phase circuit 42B gradually increase or boost the electrical energy supplied by the relatively low-voltage charging unit power supply 20 from 400 volts to 800 volts to charge battery 50.

[0096] exist Figure 3 The diagram illustrates switches 63, 64, 65, and 66 activated in the second mode 17, with switches 64 and 65 activated to allow current flow. Arrows are superimposed on the circuit lines to indicate the current flowing through system 10. Current flows through switch 65 and subsequently through battery 50 to charge it. The windings of phase circuit 42C gradually increase or boost the electrical energy supplied by the relatively low-voltage charging unit power supply 20 from 400 volts to 800 volts to charge battery 50.

[0097] Figure 4 An exemplary device 100 and a fast charging unit 120 are schematically illustrated, the fast charging unit 120 being configured to charge the battery 50 of the device 100. The device 100 may be a vehicle. The device 100 includes... Figure 1 System 10 includes a battery 50, a power inverter 60, and a motor 40. Motor 40 includes an output shaft 48 configured to provide motive force to device 100. A charging port 110 of device 100 is illustrated. A computerized charging controller 130 is illustrated. Fast charging unit 120 includes... Figure 1 A relatively low-voltage charging unit power supply 20. A fast charging unit 120 includes a charging connector 122 that is connected to the relatively low-voltage charging unit power supply 20 via a tether. The charging connector 122 includes... Figure 1 Terminals 22 and 24 are configured for attachment to the charging port 110 of device 100. In another embodiment, device 100 may be a ship, aircraft, power generation unit, or other similar configuration.

[0098] The computerized charge controller 130 is a computerized device that can include a processor, random access memory (RAM), and memory storage devices. The computerized charge controller 130 can be a system on a chip (SoC). The computerized charge controller 130 can include programs that include an operating system. The computerized charge controller 130 can further include programs configured to control the system 10 or the drivetrain 30 during a charging event. The computerized charge controller 130 can include programming to determine whether the fast charge unit 120 is supplying electrical energy at a relatively low voltage or at a relatively high voltage. The computerized charge controller 130 can further include programming to control the operation of the drivetrain 30 including the power inverter 60 and the electric machine 40 to implement the methods described herein. Figure 1

[0099] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method 200 for controlling an electric drivetrain 30. The method 200 is described with respect to the components of the system 10, and the method 200 can alternatively be used with other physical configurations. The method 200 begins at step 202. At step 204, the electric drivetrain 30 is used to provide useful functionality, with the state of charge of the battery 50 being depleted over a period of operation. At step 206, the electric drivetrain 30 is connected to the relatively low voltage charge unit power source 20 to enable the battery 50 to be recharged. At step 208, the first phase circuit 62A of the power inverter 60 of the electric drivetrain 30 is disabled. At step 210, the switches 63, 66 of the power inverter 60 are activated and the switches 64, 65 of the power inverter 60 are deactivated to enable current to flow in the first mode 15. At step 212, the switches 64, 65 of the power inverter 60 are activated and the switches 63, 66 of the power inverter 60 are deactivated to enable current to flow in the second mode 17. At step 214, a determination is made as to whether the battery 50 is to continue to be charged. If the battery 50 is to continue to be charged, the method 200 returns to step 210 to continue to alternate between the first mode 15 and the second mode 17. If the battery 50 is not to continue to be charged, the method 200 proceeds to step 216 in which the relatively low voltage charge unit power source 20 is disconnected from the electric drivetrain 30 to enable the electric drivetrain 30 to be used to provide useful functionality. The method 200 ends at step 218. The method 200 can include additional and / or alternative method steps, and the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples provided herein. Figure 1 Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3

[0100] ​​​​​While the best mode for carrying out the present disclosure has been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this disclosure relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the present disclosure within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for controlling a multi-functional electric drive system, the system comprising: Electric drive system, including: A battery configured to provide electrical energy in direct current at a first relatively high voltage; Three-phase power inverter, including: The first phase circuit of a three-phase power inverter; The second phase circuit of a three-phase power inverter includes a first switch and a second switch; The third-phase circuit of the three-phase power inverter includes a third switch and a fourth switch; and A three-phase four-terminal motor, configured to receive AC power from a three-phase power inverter and configured to provide output torque to the output shaft; and A computerized charging controller configured to operate a charging cycle includes: Deactivate the first phase circuit of the three-phase power inverter; and The first, second, third, and fourth switches are selectively and cyclically activated to direct electrical energy supplied in DC form at a second relatively low voltage through a three-phase four-terminal motor to supply electrical energy to the battery in DC form at a first relatively high voltage.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein selectively cyclically activating the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch comprises: In the first mode, the first and fourth switches are activated, and the second and third switches are deactivated. as well as In the second mode, the second and third switches are activated, and the first and fourth switches are deactivated.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The battery is configured to provide electrical power in DC form at 800 volts.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein, The electrical energy provided at the second relatively low voltage includes 400 volts of DC power.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a charging unit that provides electrical energy in DC form at a second relatively low voltage.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The first, second, third, and fourth switches are insulated-gate bipolar transistors.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch are silicon carbide metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors.

8. A system for controlling a multi-functional electric drive system, the system comprising: A charging unit that provides electrical energy in DC form at a first relatively low voltage; as well as The equipment includes: Electric drive system, including: A battery configured to provide electrical energy in DC form at a second relatively high voltage; Three-phase power inverter, including: The first phase circuit of a three-phase power inverter; The second phase circuit of a three-phase power inverter includes a first switch and a second switch; The third-phase circuit of the three-phase power inverter includes a third switch and a fourth switch; and A three-phase four-terminal motor, configured to receive AC power from a three-phase power inverter and configured to provide output torque to the output shaft; and A computerized charging controller configured to operate a charging cycle includes: Deactivate the first phase circuit of the three-phase power inverter; and The first, second, third, and fourth switches are selectively and cyclically activated to guide the electrical energy supplied from the charging unit through the three-phase four-terminal motor to supply the energy flow to the battery in DC form at a second relatively high voltage.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The device is a vehicle.

10. The system according to claim 8, wherein, Selectively cyclically activating the first, second, third, and fourth switches includes: In the first mode, the first and fourth switches are activated, and the second and third switches are deactivated; and In the second mode, the second and third switches are activated, and the first and fourth switches are deactivated.

11. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The battery is configured to provide electrical power in DC form at 800 volts.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein, The electrical energy provided at the first relatively low voltage includes electrical energy in the form of DC at 400 volts.

13. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The first, second, third, and fourth switches are insulated-gate bipolar transistors.

14. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch are silicon carbide metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors.

15. A method for controlling a multi-functional electric drive system, the method comprising: The electric drive system is connected to a charging unit configured to provide electrical energy in DC form at a first relatively low voltage. A three-phase power inverter for operating an electric drive system directs electrical energy in DC form through a three-phase four-terminal motor of the electric drive system at a first relatively low voltage to generate an electrical energy flow in DC form at a second relatively high voltage to charge the battery of the electric drive system, wherein operating the three-phase power inverter includes: Deactivate the first phase circuit of the three-phase power inverter; as well as The first switch of the second phase circuit of the three-phase power inverter, the second switch of the second phase circuit of the three-phase power inverter, the third switch of the third phase circuit of the three-phase power inverter, and the fourth switch of the third phase circuit of the three-phase power inverter are selectively and cyclically activated.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, Electrical energy in DC form at a relatively low voltage includes electrical energy in DC form at 400 volts.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein, Electrical energy in DC form at a second relatively high voltage includes electrical energy in DC form at 800 volts.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The first, second, third, and fourth switches are insulated-gate bipolar transistors.

19. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch are silicon carbide metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors.

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