Multifunctional converter unit

Abstract

Techniques for activating a plurality of power features of a vehicle are provided. In one embodiment, the technique involves controlling a plurality of switches of a multifunction converter unit configuration to activate at least one of a plurality of power features of the vehicle, where the multifunction converter unit configuration includes a multifunction converter unit, at least one charging port, and a load.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject disclosure relates to direct current (DC)-DC converters for electric vehicles, and more particularly, to controllable multifunctional converter unit configurations that enable power supply features for energy storage systems for electric vehicles. Background Art

[0002] A DC-DC converter is an electronic circuit that converts a direct current (DC) signal from a first voltage level to a second voltage level. However, the DC-DC converter may lack the circuit configuration and control algorithm to implement the vehicle power supply characteristics. Summary of the invention

[0003] In an exemplary embodiment, a system for activating multiple power features of a first vehicle is provided. The system includes a processor, a multifunctional converter unit, and a memory or storage device; the multifunctional converter unit includes a DC-DC converter, a first electrical path, a second electrical path, a third electrical path, a fourth electrical path, and a relay switch; the DC-DC converter includes a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, and a fourth terminal; the first electrical path includes a first voltage source connected to a first energy switch, wherein the first electrical path is connected to the first terminal and the second terminal; the second electrical path includes the first voltage source connected to a first pre-charge resistor, the first pre-charge resistor is connected to the first energy pre-charge switch, wherein the second electrical path is connected to the first terminal and the second terminal; the third electrical path includes a first voltage source connected to a second energy switch a second voltage source, wherein the third electrical path is connected to the third terminal and the fourth terminal; the fourth electrical path includes the second voltage source connected to a second energy pre-charging resistor, the second energy pre-charging resistor is connected to a second energy pre-charging switch, wherein the fourth electrical path is connected to the third terminal and the fourth terminal; the relay switch is connected to the fourth terminal; the memory or storage device includes an algorithm or computer instructions, which, when executed by the processor, performs operations including: controlling multiple switches of a multi-function converter unit configuration to activate at least one of the multiple power features of the first vehicle, wherein the multi-function converter unit configuration includes the multi-function converter unit.

[0004] In addition to one or more features described herein, the operations also include activating a first power signature of a plurality of power signatures, wherein the first power signature represents a power transfer between a first voltage source and a second voltage source of the multi-function converter unit configuration.

[0005] In addition to one or more features described herein, the operations also include activating a second power supply feature of the plurality of power supply features, wherein the second power supply feature represents pre-charging of the first voltage source and the second voltage source of the multi-function converter cell configuration.

[0006] In addition to one or more features described herein, the operations also include activating a third power source feature of the plurality of power source features, wherein the third power source feature relates to charging an energy storage system of the second vehicle.

[0007] In addition to one or more features described herein, the operations also include activating a fourth power feature of the plurality of power features, wherein the fourth power feature relates to charging components of the multi-function converter unit configuration via a power grid compatible with the first vehicle.

[0008] In addition to one or more features described herein, the operations also include activating a fifth power feature of the plurality of power features, wherein the fifth power feature relates to charging a component of the multi-function converter unit configuration via a power grid incompatible with the first vehicle.

[0009] In addition to one or more features described herein, the operations also include: activating a sixth power feature among the plurality of power features, wherein the sixth power feature involves simultaneously charging elements of the multi-function converter unit configuration via a first power grid compatible with the first vehicle and charging a second vehicle via a second power grid incompatible with the second vehicle.

[0010] In addition to one or more features described herein, the operations also include: activating a seventh power feature among the plurality of power features, wherein the seventh power feature involves simultaneously charging elements of the multi-function converter unit configuration via a first power grid incompatible with the first vehicle and charging a second vehicle via a second power grid incompatible with the second vehicle.

[0011] In addition to one or more features described herein, the multifunctional converter unit configuration also includes: a first switch connected to a first charging port and a first terminal of a first vehicle; a second switch connected to the first charging port and the second terminal; a third switch connected to the first charging port and a third terminal; a fourth switch connected to the first charging port and a fourth terminal; and a load connected to the third terminal and the fourth terminal via a relay switch.

[0012] In addition to one or more features described herein, the multifunctional converter unit configuration also includes: a first switch connected to the second charging port and the first terminal of the second vehicle; a second switch connected to the second charging port and the second terminal; a third switch connected to the first charging port and the third terminal of the first vehicle; a fourth switch connected to the first charging port and the fourth terminal; a fifth switch connected to the first charging port and the first terminal; and a load connected to the third terminal and the fourth terminal via a relay switch.

[0013] In another exemplary embodiment, a multifunctional converter unit is provided to activate a plurality of power features of a first vehicle. The multifunctional converter unit comprises: a DC-DC converter, the DC-DC converter comprising a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, and a fourth terminal; a first electrical path, the first electrical path comprising a first voltage source connected to a first energy switch, wherein the first electrical path is connected to the first terminal and the second terminal; a second electrical path, the second electrical path comprising the first voltage source connected to a first pre-charge resistor, the first pre-charge resistor being connected to the first energy pre-charge switch, wherein the second electrical path is connected to the first terminal and the second terminal; a third electrical path, the third electrical path comprising a second voltage source connected to a second energy switch, wherein the third electrical path is connected to the third terminal and the fourth terminal; a fourth electrical path, the fourth electrical path comprising the second voltage source connected to a second energy pre-charge resistor, the second energy pre-charge resistor being connected to the second energy pre-charge switch, wherein the fourth electrical path is connected to the third terminal and the fourth terminal; and a relay switch connected to the fourth terminal, wherein a plurality of switches of a multifunctional converter unit configuration can be controlled to activate at least one of the plurality of power features of the first vehicle, wherein the multifunctional converter unit configuration comprises the multifunctional converter unit.

[0014] In addition to one or more features described herein, the multifunctional converter unit configuration may be controlled to activate a first power supply feature of a plurality of power supply features, wherein the first power supply feature represents power transfer between a first voltage source and a second voltage source of the multifunctional converter unit configuration.

[0015] In addition to one or more features described herein, the multifunctional converter unit configuration may be controlled to activate a second power supply feature among a plurality of power supply features, wherein the second power supply feature represents a pre-charge of a first voltage source and a second voltage source of the multifunctional converter unit configuration.

[0016] In addition to one or more features described herein, the multi-function converter unit configuration may be controlled to activate a third power source feature of the plurality of power source features, wherein the third power source feature relates to charging an energy storage system of a second vehicle.

[0017] In addition to one or more features described herein, the multi-function converter unit configuration may be controlled to activate a fourth power feature of the plurality of power features, wherein the fourth power feature relates to charging elements of the multi-function converter unit configuration via a power grid compatible with the first vehicle.

[0018] In addition to one or more features described herein, the multi-function converter unit configuration may be controlled to activate a fifth power feature of the plurality of power features, wherein the fifth power feature relates to charging elements of the multi-function converter unit configuration via a power grid incompatible with the first vehicle.

[0019] In addition to one or more features described herein, the multi-function converter unit configuration may be controlled to activate a sixth power feature among the plurality of power features, wherein the sixth power feature involves simultaneously charging elements of the multi-function converter unit configuration via a first power grid compatible with the first vehicle and charging a second vehicle via a second power grid incompatible with the second vehicle.

[0020] In addition to one or more features described herein, the multi-function converter unit configuration may be controlled to activate a seventh power feature among the plurality of power features, wherein the seventh power feature involves simultaneously charging elements of the multi-function converter unit configuration via a first power grid incompatible with the first vehicle and charging a second vehicle via a second power grid incompatible with the second vehicle.

[0021] In addition to one or more features described herein, the multifunctional converter unit configuration also includes: a first switch connected to a first charging port and a first terminal of a first vehicle; a second switch connected to the first charging port and the second terminal; a third switch connected to the first charging port and a third terminal; a fourth switch connected to the first charging port and a fourth terminal; and a load connected to the third terminal and the fourth terminal via a relay switch.

[0022] In addition to one or more features described herein, the multifunctional converter unit configuration further includes: a first switch connected to the second charging port and the first terminal of the second vehicle, a second switch connected to the second charging port and the second terminal, a third switch connected to the first charging port and the third terminal of the first vehicle, a fourth switch connected to the first charging port and the fourth terminal, a fifth switch connected to the first charging port and the first terminal; and a load connected to the third terminal and the fourth terminal via a relay switch.

[0023] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present disclosure are apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Other features, advantages and details appear, by way of example only, from the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 A vehicle according to an embodiment is shown;

[0026] Figure 2 shows a computing environment according to an embodiment;

[0027] Figure 3A shows a first multifunctional converter unit configuration according to an embodiment;

[0028] Figure 3B shows a first switching state diagram of a first multifunctional converter unit configuration according to an embodiment;

[0029] Figure 4 A flow chart showing a method of controlling a first multifunctional converter unit configuration according to an embodiment;

[0030] Figure 5A shows a second multifunctional converter unit configuration according to an embodiment;

[0031] Figure 5B shows a second switching state diagram of a second multifunctional converter unit configuration according to an embodiment;

[0032] Fig. 6A shows a third multifunctional converter unit configuration according to an embodiment;

[0033] Figure 6B shows a third switching state diagram of a third multifunctional converter unit configuration according to an embodiment;

[0034] Fig. 7A shows a fourth multifunctional converter unit configuration according to an embodiment;

[0035] Figure 7B a fourth switching state diagram showing a fourth multifunctional converter unit configuration according to an embodiment; and

[0036] Figure 8 A flow chart of a method of controlling a fourth multifunctional converter unit configuration according to an embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or use. It should be understood that throughout the accompanying drawings, corresponding reference numerals represent identical or corresponding components and features. As used herein, the term "unit" refers to a processing circuit, which may include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated or group) and memory running one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and / or other suitable components that provide the described functions. In addition, as used herein, the term "module" may refer to one or more algorithms, instruction sets, software applications, or other computer-readable program codes that can be run by a processor to perform the functions, operations, or processes described herein.

[0038] Embodiments of the present disclosure improve charging systems by providing a multi-function converter (MFC) unit configuration that implements vehicle power features, which power an element (e.g., a load or energy storage system (ESS)) of the MFC unit configuration from at least one vehicle charging port. Examples of vehicle power features include ESS power transfers, ESS pre-charging, multi-vehicle charging (e.g., vehicle-to-vehicle charging), charging elements via a grid that is compatible or incompatible with the vehicle, and the like. In one embodiment, the MFC unit configuration includes a plurality of switches, at least one charging port, and a load. The switches can be controlled to activate the vehicle power features.

[0039] One benefit of the disclosed embodiments is to enable multiple controllable charging options for vehicle systems by extending the functionality of a direct current (DC)-DC converter of an electric vehicle.

[0040] Figure 1 A vehicle 100 is shown according to an embodiment. The vehicle 100 includes a body 102 that may support a first charging port 104, a power system 106, a sensor system 108, a propulsion system 120, a controller 140, and other systems of the vehicle 100 described herein.

[0041] In one embodiment, the vehicle 100 is an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, an electric vehicle (EV), or a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle 100 is a HEV that is partially powered by an electrical system 106 that includes a plurality of interconnected battery cells. The electrical system 106 can be charged via a first charging port 104 that is connected to a power source (e.g., a power grid, a charging station, another vehicle, etc.).

[0042] The power system 106 can be electrically coupled to at least one electric motor component of the propulsion system 120. In one embodiment, the power system 106 is electrically coupled to a multi-function converter (MFC) unit 110 and an inverter unit 112 (e.g., a traction power inverter unit). In one embodiment, the MFC unit 110 can be configured to include elements such as a plurality of switches, at least one charging port (e.g., charging port 103), and a load (e.g., the propulsion system 120, the power system 106, an energy storage system of a second vehicle, etc.). The inverter unit 112 can include a plurality of inverters that convert a DC signal from the power system 106 into a three-phase alternating current (AC) signal to drive the electric motor of the propulsion system 120. The power system 106 can also be electrically coupled to vehicle electronic systems, such as an audio system, a display system, a navigation system, a temperature control system, etc.

[0043] The sensor system 108 includes various sensors disposed on or integrated with various components of the vehicle 100. In one embodiment, the sensor system 108 is communicatively coupled to the controller 140. The sensor system 108 may include current sensors, voltage sensors, temperature sensors, and the like.

[0044] The propulsion system 120 may include an ICE system 122 and at least one motor assembly (e.g., a first motor 124 and a second motor 126). Each component of the propulsion system 120 may be configured to drive at least one wheel 130 of the vehicle 100 via a transmission system coupled to a front axle or a rear axle, the front axle or the rear axle being coupled to the respective front wheel set 130 and rear wheel set 130.

[0045] In one embodiment, the controller 140 is configured to control a plurality of switches configured in the MFC unit to activate the vehicle power feature. Figure 2 This controller is discussed in more detail in .

[0046] exist Figure 3A-3B , 5A-5B, 6A-6B and 7A-7B describe the configuration of the MFC unit 110 and the corresponding switch state diagrams for enabling the vehicle power feature. Figure 4 and Figure 8 A technique for controlling the switch is described in .

[0047] Figure 2 A computing environment 200 is shown according to an embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the computing environment 200 includes a controller 140, a network 230, and an MFC unit 110.

[0048] In one embodiment, the controller 140 includes a processor 202, which obtains instructions and data from a memory 204 or a storage device 208 via a bus 222. Not all components of the controller 140 are shown. The controller 140 is typically under the control of an operating system (OS) suitable for performing or supporting the functions or processes disclosed herein. The processor 202 is a programmable logic device that performs instructions, logic, and mathematical processing, and may represent one or more CPUs. The processor may run one or more algorithms, instruction sets, or applications in the memory 204 or the storage device 208 to perform the functions or processes described herein.

[0049] The memory 204 and storage 208 may represent hard disk drives, solid state drives, flash memory devices, optical media, etc. The storage 208 may also include structured storage devices (e.g., databases). In addition, the memory 204 and storage 208 may be considered to include storage physically located elsewhere. For example, the memory 204 and storage 208 may be physically located on another computer that is communicatively coupled to the controller 140 via the bus 222 or the network 230.

[0050] The controller 140 can be connected to other computers (e.g., controllers, distributed databases, servers, or network hosts) or the MFC unit 110 via the network interface 220 and the network 230. Examples of the network 230 include a controller area network (CAN), a transmission control protocol (TCP) bus, an electrical bus, a physical transmission cable, an optical transmission fiber, a wireless transmission medium, a router, a firewall, a switch, a gateway computer, an edge server, a local area network, a wide area network, a wireless network, etc. The network interface 220 can be any type of network communication device that allows the controller 140 to communicate with other components of the computer and computing environment 200 via the network 230.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, memory 204 includes a converter control module 206. In one embodiment, converter control module 206 represents one or more algorithms, sets of instructions, software applications, or other computer readable program codes executable by processor 202 to perform the functions, operations, or processes described herein.

[0052] In one embodiment, the converter control module 206 controls the switches of the MFC unit 110 to activate the vehicle power features. Controlling the switches may include enabling (i.e., closing) or disabling (i.e., opening) each switch according to the converter control data 210. In one embodiment, the converter control data 210 includes one or more switch state diagrams depicting the switch states for various configurations of the multi-function converter unit 110. The switch states may be depicted as an "on" or "off" state, which corresponds to an "enabled" or "disabled" switch, respectively. These features are described herein. Figure 3A-3B, 4, 5A-5B, 6A-6B, 7A-7B and 8 are further described.

[0053] Figure 3A A first multifunctional converter unit configuration 300A is shown according to an embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the first MFC unit configuration 300A includes the MFC unit 110 , the first charging port 104 , the first switch S1 , the second switch S2 , the third switch S3 , the fourth switch S4 and a load 326 .

[0054] The MFC unit 110 includes a first energy source V1, a first energy switch SE, a first energy pre-charge switch SEP, a first pre-charge resistor R1, a DC-DC converter 302, a second energy source V2, a second energy switch SP, a second energy pre-charge switch SPP, a second pre-charge resistor R2, a relay switch SM, a first electrical path 312, a second electrical path 314, a third electrical path 316 and a fourth electrical path 318.

[0055] In one embodiment, the DC-DC converter 302 is a buck-boost DC-DC converter that can reduce or increase the level of the voltage input into the converter. In the illustrated embodiment, the DC-DC converter 302 includes a first terminal 304, a second terminal 306, a third terminal 308, and a fourth terminal 310. The terminals can be used as connection points between the components of the MFC unit 110 and the DC-DC converter 302.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the first electrical path 312 includes a first voltage source V1 connected to a first energy switch SE. The first voltage source V1 and the second voltage source V2 may represent a battery cell group or battery group of the power system 106. The first electrical path 312 may be connected to the first terminal 304 and the second terminal 306 of the DC-DC converter 302.

[0057] The second electrical path 314 may include a first voltage source V1 connected to a first pre-charge resistor R1 connected to a first energy pre-charge switch SEP. The second electrical path 314 may be connected to the first terminal 304 and the second terminal 306.

[0058] The third electrical path 316 may include a second voltage source V2 connected to the second energy switch SP The third electrical path 316 may be connected to the third terminal 308 and the fourth terminal 310 .

[0059] The fourth electrical path 318 may include a second voltage source V2 connected to a second energy pre-charging resistor R2 connected to a second energy pre-charging switch SPP. The fourth electrical path 318 may be connected to the third terminal 308 and the fourth terminal 310. In addition, a relay switch SM may be connected to the fourth terminal 310.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the first charging port 104 is connected to the DC-DC converter 302 via a first switch S1, a second switch S2, a third switch S3, and a fourth switch S4. The first switch S1 can be connected to a first end 320 of the first charging port 104 and a first terminal 304 of the DC-DC converter 302. The second switch S2 can be connected to a second end 322 of the first charging port 104 and a second terminal 306 of the DC-DC converter 302. The third switch S3 can be connected to the first end 320 of the first charging port 104 and a third terminal 308 of the DC-DC converter 302. The fourth switch S4 can be connected to the second end 322 of the first charging port 104 and a fourth terminal 310 of the DC-DC converter 302.

[0061] The load 326 may include the propulsion system 120 or other electrical based system of the vehicle 100. A first connection point 328 of the load 326 may be connected to the third terminal 308 of the DC-DC converter 302. A second connection point 330 of the load 326 may be connected to the fourth terminal 310 of the DC-DC converter 302 via a relay switch SM.

[0062] In one embodiment, the converter control module 206 enables the first energy switch SE and the relay switch SM, and disables the first pre-charge switch SEP to allow power from the first voltage source V1 to be delivered to the third terminal 308 and the fourth terminal 310 of the DC-DC converter 302, where the power can be supplied to the load 326. The converter control module 206 can also enable the second energy switch SP, and disable the second pre-charge switch SPP, to allow power from the second voltage source V2 to be delivered to the first terminal 304 and the second terminal 306 of the DC-DC converter 302, where the power can be supplied to the first charging port 104.

[0063] Figure 3B A first switch state diagram 300B of a first multi-function converter unit configuration 300A is shown according to an embodiment. In one embodiment, the first switch state diagram 300B depicts a combination of switch states of the first MFC unit configuration 300A that activates a vehicle power feature. The first switch state diagram 300B may show switches in an "on" or "off" state, which corresponds to an "enabled" (i.e., closed) or "disabled" (i.e., open) switch, respectively.

[0064] The vehicle power supply feature may include power transmission between the first voltage source V1 and the second voltage source V2 ("power transmission"), pre-charging of the first voltage source V1 or the second voltage source V2 ("pre-charging"), inter-vehicle charging ("charging the second vehicle ESS"), charging the first MFC unit configuration 300A element via a grid that is compatible or incompatible with the vehicle ("charging from a compatible grid" and "charging from an incompatible grid"), etc. The technology for controlling the switch state to activate the power supply feature is described in the present invention. Figure 4 Further described in .

[0065] Figure 4 A flow chart of a method 400 of controlling a first multi-function converter unit configuration 300A according to an embodiment is shown. The method 400 begins at block 402 .

[0066] At block 404, the converter control module 206 controls a plurality of switches of the first multi-function converter unit configuration 300A to activate at least one power feature of a plurality of power features of the first vehicle. The switches include a first switch S1, a second switch S2, a third switch S3, a fourth switch S4, a first energy switch SE, a first energy pre-charge switch SEP, a second energy switch SP, a second energy pre-charge switch SPP, and a relay switch SM.

[0067] At block 406 , the converter control module 206 activates a first power feature (“Power Transfer”) of the plurality of power features, wherein the first power feature represents a power transfer between a first voltage source V1 and a second voltage source V2 of the first MFC cell configuration 300A.

[0068] In one embodiment, the converter control module 206 activates the first power transfer feature by enabling the first switch S1, the second switch S2, the first energy switch SE, and the second energy switch SP and disabling the third switch S3, the fourth switch S4, the relay switch SM, the first pre-charge switch SEP, and the second pre-charge switch SPP. When the power transfer feature is activated, the DC-DC converter 302 is operational.

[0069] At block 408, the converter control module 206 activates a second power feature ("pre-charge") of the plurality of power features, wherein the second power feature represents pre-charging of the first voltage source and the second voltage source of the first multi-function converter unit configuration 300A. The pre-charge feature may be activated to charge the first voltage source V1 and the second voltage source V2 (without providing power to the first charging port 104 or the load 326) by controlling the switch of the MFC unit 110 to allow current to flow to the first voltage source V1 through the second electrical path 314 and to the second voltage source V1 through the fourth electrical path 318.

[0070] In one embodiment, the converter control module 206 activates the second power feature by enabling the first pre-charge switch SEP and the second pre-charge switch SPP and disabling the first switch S1, the second switch S2, the third switch S3, the fourth switch S4, the relay switch SM, the first energy switch SE and the second energy switch SP. When the pre-charge feature is activated, the DC-DC converter 302 does not operate.

[0071] At block 410, converter control module 206 activates a third power feature ("Charge Second Vehicle Energy Storage System (ESS)") of the plurality of power features, wherein the third power feature relates to charging the energy storage system of the second vehicle. In one embodiment, load 326 includes the energy storage system of the second vehicle.

[0072] In one embodiment, the converter control module 206 activates a third power feature for charging the second vehicle ESS by enabling the third switch S3, the fourth switch S4, and the first energy switch SE and disabling the first switch S1, the second switch S2, the relay switch SM, the second energy switch SP, the first energy pre-charge switch SEP, and the second energy pre-charge switch SPP. When the power feature is activated, the DC-DC converter 302 operates.

[0073] At box 412, the converter control module 206 activates a fourth power feature ("Charge from a compatible power grid") of the plurality of power features, wherein the fourth power feature relates to charging an element of the multifunction unit configuration 300A (e.g., the first voltage source V1, the second voltage source V2, or the load 326) via a power grid that is compatible with the first vehicle. In one embodiment, the power grid is compatible with the first vehicle when it is capable of supplying the rated or recommended charging power of the first vehicle directly to the load 326 (e.g., the power system 106) via the first charging port 104. For example, a power grid designed for DC fast charging and supercharging can supply 400-800 volts to the first vehicle. For example, when the first vehicle is designed to be charged using 800 volts, the power grid is compatible with the first vehicle.

[0074] In one embodiment, the converter control module 206 activates a fourth power feature of charging from a compatible power grid by enabling the first switch S1, the second switch S2, the first energy switch SE, and the second energy switch SP and disabling the third switch S3, the fourth switch S4, the relay switch SM, the first energy pre-charge switch SEP, and the second energy pre-charge switch SPP. When this power feature is activated, the DC-DC converter 302 may or may not operate.

[0075] At box 414, the converter control module 206 activates a fifth power feature ("Charging from an Incompatible Grid") of the plurality of power features, wherein the fifth power feature relates to charging an element of the multi-function converter unit configuration 300A via a grid that is incompatible with the first vehicle. In one embodiment, the grid is incompatible with the first vehicle when the grid lacks the capacity or infrastructure to support the charging requirements of the first vehicle. For example, a grid designed for DC fast charging and supercharging may supply 400-800 volts to the first vehicle via the first charging port 104. However, for example, if the first vehicle is designed to be charged using 240 volts, the grid is incompatible with the first vehicle. In this case, the converter controller 206 may activate the fifth power feature to reduce (via the DC-DC converter 302) the voltage at which the load 326 (e.g., the power system 106) or another element of the MFC unit configuration 300A is charged from the charging port 104.

[0076] In one embodiment, the converter control module 206 activates a fifth power feature of charging from an incompatible grid by enabling the third switch S3, the fourth switch S4, and the first energy switch SE and disabling the first switch S1, the second switch S2, the relay switch SM, the second energy switch SP, the first energy pre-charge switch SEP, and the second energy pre-charge switch SPP. When the power feature is activated, the DC-DC converter 302 operates. The method 400 ends at block 416.

[0077] Figure 5A A second multifunctional converter unit configuration 500A is shown according to an embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the second MFC unit configuration 500A includes the MFC unit 110 , the first charging port 104 , the first switch S1 , the second switch S2 , the third switch S3 , the fourth switch S4 , and the load 326 .

[0078] The MFC unit 110 may include the Figure 3A For example, the MFC unit 110 includes a first energy source V1, a first energy switch SE, a first energy pre-charge switch SEP, a first pre-charge resistor R1, a DC-DC converter 302, a second energy source V2, a second energy switch SP, a second energy pre-charge switch SPP, a second pre-charge resistor R2, and a relay switch SM. In addition, as described above, a load 326 can be connected in parallel to the MFC unit 110.

[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, the first charging port 104 is connected to the second MFC unit configuration 500A via a first switch S1, a second switch S2, a third switch S3, and a fourth switch S4. The first switch S1 can be connected to the first end 320 of the first charging port 104 and the third terminal 308 of the DC-DC converter 302. The second switch S2 can be connected to the second end 322 of the first charging port 104 and the fourth terminal 310 of the DC-DC converter 302. The third switch S3 can be connected to the first end 320 of the first charging port 104 and the first terminal 304 of the DC-DC converter 302. The fourth switch S4 can be connected to the second end 322 of the first charging port 104 and the second terminal 306 of the DC-DC converter 302.

[0080] Figure 5B A second switch state diagram 500B of a second multi-function converter unit configuration 500A is shown according to an embodiment. In one embodiment, the second switch state diagram 500B depicts a combination of switch states of the second MFC unit configuration 500A that activates a vehicle power feature. The second switch state diagram 500B may show switches in an "on" or "off" state, which corresponds to an "enabled" (i.e., closed) or "disabled" (i.e., open) switch, respectively.

[0081] The vehicle power supply features may include power transmission between the first voltage source V1 and the second voltage source V2 ("power transmission"), pre-charging of the first voltage source V1 or the second voltage source V2 ("pre-charging"), inter-vehicle charging ("charging the second vehicle ESS"), charging of the elements of the second MFC unit configuration 500A via a power grid that is compatible or incompatible with the vehicle ("charging from a compatible power grid" and "charging from an incompatible power grid"), etc.

[0082] In one embodiment, the converter control module 206 controls switches of the second MFC unit configuration 500A to activate at least one of the power features of the first vehicle. The switches include a first switch S1, a second switch S2, a third switch S3, a fourth switch S4, a first energy switch SE, a first energy pre-charge switch SEP, a second energy switch SP, a second energy pre-charge switch SPP, and a relay switch SM.

[0083] In the illustrated embodiment, the converter control module 206 may be configured to communicate with the above-mentioned Figure 3B and Figure 4However, the converter control module 206 may activate the third power feature (“Charge the second vehicle energy storage system (ESS)”) by enabling the third switch S3, the fourth switch S4, and the second energy switch SP and disabling the first switch S1, the second switch S2, the relay switch SM, the first energy switch SE, the first energy pre-charge switch SEP, and the second energy pre-charge switch SPP.

[0084] In addition, the converter control module 206 can activate the fifth power feature (“charging from an incompatible grid”) by enabling the third switch S3, the fourth switch S4, and the second energy switch SP and disabling the first switch S1, the second switch S2, the relay switch SM, the first energy switch SE, the first energy pre-charge switch SEP, and the second energy pre-charge switch SPP.

[0085] Fig. 6A A third multifunctional converter unit configuration 600A according to an embodiment is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the third MFC unit configuration 600A includes Figure 3A The third MFC unit configuration 600A also includes a second charging port 332 (which may be included in a second vehicle) connected in parallel with the first charging port 104 .

[0086] Similar to the connection of the first charging port 104, the second charging port 332 is connected to the third MFC unit configuration 600A via the first switch S1, the second switch S2, the third switch S3, and the fourth switch S4. The first switch S1 can be connected to the first connection point 334 of the second charging port 332 and the first terminal 304 of the DC-DC converter 302. The second switch S2 can be connected to the second connection point 336 of the second charging port 332 and the second terminal 306 of the DC-DC converter 302. The third switch S3 can be connected to the first connection point 334 of the second charging port 332 and the third terminal 308 of the DC-DC converter 302. The fourth switch S4 can be connected to the second connection point 336 of the second charging port 332 and the fourth terminal 310 of the DC-DC converter 302.

[0087] Figure 6B A third switch state diagram 600B of a third multi-function converter unit configuration 600A is shown according to an embodiment. In one embodiment, the third switch state diagram 600B depicts a combination of switch states of the third MFC unit configuration 600A that activates a vehicle power feature.

[0088] The vehicle power supply features may include power transmission between the first voltage source V1 and the second voltage source V2 ("power transmission"), pre-charging of the first voltage source V1 or the second voltage source V2 ("pre-charging"), inter-vehicle charging ("charging the second vehicle ESS"), charging of elements of the third MFC unit configuration 600A via a power grid that is compatible or incompatible with the vehicle ("charging from a compatible power grid" and "charging from an incompatible power grid"), etc.

[0089] In the illustrated embodiment, the third switch state diagram 600B is a mirror image of the first switch state diagram 300B described above. Therefore, the converter control module 206 can control the switches of the third MFC unit configuration 600A according to the first switch state diagram 300B or the third switch state diagram 600B to activate the power supply feature of the first vehicle, which can power the components of the third MFC unit configuration 600A.

[0090] Fig. 7A A fourth multi-function converter unit configuration 700A is shown according to an embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the fourth MFC unit configuration 700A includes the MFC unit 110, the first charging port 104, the second charging port 332, the first switch S1, the second switch S2, the third switch S3, the fourth switch S4, the fifth switch S5, and the load 326.

[0091] The MFC unit 110 may include the Figure 3A For example, the MFC unit 110 includes a first energy source V1, a first energy switch SE, a first energy pre-charge switch SEP, a first pre-charge resistor R1, a DC-DC converter 302, a second energy source V2, a second energy switch SP, a second energy pre-charge switch SPP, a second pre-charge resistor R2, and a relay switch SM. In addition, as described above, a load 326 can be connected in parallel to the MFC unit 110.

[0092] In the illustrated embodiment, the first charging port 104 is connected to the fourth MFC unit configuration 700A via a second switch S2, a third switch S3, a fourth switch S4, and a fifth switch. The second switch S2 can be connected to the second end 322 of the first charging port 104 and the second terminal 306 of the DC-DC converter 302. The third switch S3 can be connected to the first end 320 of the first charging port 104 and the third terminal 308 of the DC-DC converter 302. The fourth switch S4 can be connected to the second end 322 of the first charging port 104 and the fourth terminal 310 of the DC-DC converter 302. The fifth switch S5 can be connected to the first end 320 of the first charging port 104 and the first terminal 304 of the DC-DC converter 302.

[0093] The second charging port is connected to the fourth MFC unit configuration 700A via the first switch S1, the second switch S2, and the fourth switch S4. The first switch S1 can be connected to the first connection point 334 of the second charging port 332 and the first terminal 304 of the DC-DC converter 302. The second switch S2 can be connected to the second connection point 336 of the second charging port 332 and the second terminal 306 of the DC-DC converter 302. The fourth switch S4 can be connected to the second connection point 336 of the second charging port 332 and the fourth terminal 310 of the DC-DC converter 302.

[0094] Figure 7B A fourth switch state diagram 700B of a fourth multi-function converter unit configuration 700A according to an embodiment is shown. In one embodiment, the fourth switch state diagram 700B depicts a combination of switch states of the fourth MFC unit configuration 700A that activates a vehicle power feature. The fourth switch state diagram 700B may show switches in an "on" or "off" state, which corresponds to an "enabled" (i.e., closed) or "disabled" (i.e., open) switch, respectively.

[0095] As described above, the vehicle power supply characteristics may include: a first power supply characteristic, which involves power transmission between the first voltage source V1 and the second voltage source V2 ("power transmission"); a second power supply characteristic, which involves pre-charging of the first voltage source V1 or the second voltage source V2 ("pre-charging"); a third power supply characteristic, which involves inter-vehicle charging ("charging the second vehicle ESS"); and fourth and fifth power supply characteristics, which involve charging of elements of the fourth MFC unit configuration 700A via a power grid that is compatible or incompatible with the vehicle ("charging from a compatible power grid" and "charging from an incompatible power grid," respectively), etc.

[0096] As shown in the fourth switch state diagram 700B, the fourth MFC unit configuration 700A also enables the sixth power feature ("charging from a compatible power grid and charging another vehicle using an incompatible power grid") and the seventh power feature ("charging from an incompatible power grid and charging another vehicle using an incompatible power grid"). Techniques for controlling the switch states to activate the sixth and seventh power features are described in detail in the present invention. Figure 8 Further described in .

[0097] Figure 8 A flow chart of a method 800 of controlling the fourth multi-function converter unit 700A according to an embodiment is shown. The method 800 begins at block 802 .

[0098] At block 804, the converter control module 206 controls a plurality of switches of the fourth multi-function converter unit configuration 700A to activate at least one power feature of a plurality of power features of the first vehicle. The switches include a first switch S1, a second switch S2, a third switch S3, a fourth switch S4, a fifth switch S5, a first energy switch SE, a first energy pre-charge switch SEP, a second energy switch SP, a second energy pre-charge switch SPP, and a relay switch SM.

[0099] At box 806, the converter control module 206 activates a first power source feature (“power transfer”) of the plurality of power source features. At box 808, the converter control module 206 activates a second power source feature (“pre-charge”) of the plurality of power source features. At box 810, the converter control module 206 activates a third power source feature (“charge the second vehicle ESS”) of the plurality of power source features. At box 812, the converter control module 206 activates a fourth power source feature (“charge from a compatible grid”) of the plurality of power source features. At box 814, the converter control module 206 activates a fifth power source feature (“charge from an incompatible grid”) of the plurality of power source features.

[0100] exist Figure 7B In the embodiment shown, the converter control module 206 is connected to the above Figure 3B and Figure 4 The first, second, third, fourth and fifth power features are activated by a process similar to the process discussed in . However, the converter control module 206 also controls the fifth switch S5 so that these power features can be effective when the fifth switch is disabled. In addition, when the fifth switch S5 is enabled, the fourth power feature can also be effective.

[0101] At block 816, the converter control module 206 activates a sixth power feature ("Charge from a compatible grid and charge another vehicle using an incompatible grid") of the plurality of power features. In one embodiment, the sixth power feature involves charging or powering an element (e.g., the first voltage source V1, the second voltage source V2, or the load 326) of the fourth MFC unit configuration 700A using power from the first charging port 104 of the first vehicle, and powering the charging port 332 of the second vehicle.

[0102] In this embodiment, the first charging port 104 of the first vehicle is connected to a compatible power grid, while the second charging port 332 of the second vehicle is connected to an incompatible power grid. As described above, the power grid may be compatible with the first vehicle when the power grid is able to directly supply the rated or recommended charging power of the vehicle. The power grid may be incompatible with the vehicle when the power grid lacks the capacity or infrastructure to support the vehicle's charging requirements.

[0103] For example, assuming that the first vehicle is designed to be charged at 800 V and the second vehicle is designed to be charged at 400 V, and assuming that the first charging port 104 of the first vehicle is connected to a charging station that supplies 800 V and the second charging port 332 of the second vehicle is connected to a charging station that supplies 240 V, the converter control module 206 can control the switch of the fourth MFC unit configuration 700A to supply 400 V to the second charging port while also supplying power to the load 326.

[0104] In one embodiment, the converter control module 206 activates the sixth power feature by enabling the first switch S1, the second switch S2, the third switch S3, the fourth switch S4, and the first energy switch SE and disabling the fifth switch S5, the relay switch SM, the second energy switch SP, the first energy pre-charge switch SEP, and the second energy pre-charge switch SPP. When the power transmission feature is activated, the DC-DC converter 302 can operate.

[0105] At block 818, the converter control module 206 activates a seventh power feature ("Charging from an incompatible power grid while simultaneously charging another vehicle using another incompatible power grid") of the plurality of power features. In one embodiment, the seventh power feature involves charging or powering an element (e.g., the first voltage source V1, the second voltage source V2, or the load 326) of the fourth MFC unit configuration 700A using power from the first charging port 104 of the first vehicle, and powering the charging port 332 of the second vehicle.

[0106] In this embodiment, the first charging port 104 of the first vehicle is connected to a first incompatible power grid and the second charging port 332 of the second vehicle is connected to a second incompatible power grid. As described above, a power grid may be incompatible with a vehicle when the grid lacks the capacity or infrastructure to support the vehicle charging requirements.

[0107] For example, assuming that the first vehicle is designed to be charged at 800V and the second vehicle is designed to be charged at 400V, and assuming that the first charging port 104 of the first vehicle is connected to a charging station that supplies 400V and the second charging port 332 of the second vehicle is connected to a charging station that supplies 240V, the converter control module 206 can control the switch of the fourth MFC unit configuration 700A to supply 400V to the second charging port while also supplying power to the load 326.

[0108] In one embodiment, the converter control module 206 activates the first switch S1, the second switch S2, the third switch S3, the fourth switch S4, and the first energy switch SE, and disables the fifth switch S5, the relay switch SM, the second energy switch SP, the first energy pre-charge switch SEP, and the second energy pre-charge switch SPP. When the power transfer feature is activated, the DC-DC converter 302 can operate. The method 800 ends at box 820.

[0109] The terms "one" and "an" do not indicate a limitation of quantity, but rather indicate the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term "or" means "and / or". References to "aspects" throughout the specification mean that a particular element (e.g., a feature, structure, step, or characteristic) described in conjunction with that aspect is included in at least one aspect described herein, and may or may not be present in other aspects. In addition, it should be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in the various aspects.

[0110] When an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0111] Unless otherwise indicated herein, all test standards are the most current standards in effect as of the filing date of this application or, if priority is claimed, the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the test standards appear.

[0112] Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0113] Although the above disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for its elements without departing from its scope. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific circumstances or materials to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the basic scope of the disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

1. A system for activating a plurality of power features of a first vehicle, comprising: processor; Multifunctional converter unit, comprising: A DC-DC converter, the DC-DC converter comprising a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal and a fourth terminal, a first electrical path comprising a first voltage source connected to a first energy switch, wherein the first electrical path is connected to the first terminal and the second terminal, a second electrical path including the first voltage source connected to a first pre-charge resistor connected to a first energy pre-charge switch, wherein the second electrical path is connected to the first terminal and the second terminal, a third electrical path comprising a second voltage source connected to a second energy switch, wherein the third electrical path is connected to the third terminal and the fourth terminal, a fourth electrical path including the second voltage source connected to a second energy pre-charge resistor connected to a second energy pre-charge switch, wherein the fourth electrical path is connected to the third terminal and the fourth terminal, and a relay switch connected to the fourth terminal; and a memory or storage device comprising algorithms or computer instructions that, when executed by the processor, perform operations comprising: A plurality of switches of a multi-function converter unit configuration including the multi-function converter unit is controlled to activate at least one power feature of the plurality of power features of the first vehicle.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The operations further include activating a first power supply signature of the plurality of power supply signatures, wherein the first power supply signature represents a power transfer between the first voltage source and the second voltage source of the multi-function converter unit configuration.

3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The operations further include activating a second power supply signature of the plurality of power supply signatures, wherein the second power supply signature represents pre-charging of the first voltage source and the second voltage source of the multi-function converter cell configuration.

4. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The operations also include activating a third power feature of the plurality of power features, wherein the third power feature relates to charging an energy storage system of a second vehicle.

5. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The operations also include activating a fourth power feature of the plurality of power features, wherein the fourth power feature relates to charging a component of the multi-function converter unit configuration via a power grid compatible with the first vehicle.

6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The operations also include activating a fifth power feature of the plurality of power features, wherein the fifth power feature relates to charging a component of the multi-function converter unit configuration via a power grid that is incompatible with the first vehicle.

7. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The operations also include activating a sixth power feature of the plurality of power features, wherein the sixth power feature involves simultaneously charging components of the multi-function converter unit configuration via a first power grid compatible with the first vehicle and charging the second vehicle via a second power grid incompatible with the second vehicle.

8. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The operations also include activating a seventh power feature of the plurality of power features, wherein the seventh power feature involves simultaneously charging components of the multi-function converter unit configuration via a first power grid incompatible with the first vehicle and charging the second vehicle via a second power grid incompatible with the second vehicle.

9. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The multifunctional converter unit configuration further comprises: a first switch connected to a first charging port of the first vehicle and the first terminal; a second switch connected to the first charging port and the second terminal; a third switch connected to the first charging port and the third terminal; a fourth switch connected to the first charging port and the fourth terminal; and A load is connected to the third terminal and the fourth terminal via the relay switch.

10. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The multifunctional converter unit configuration further comprises: a first switch connected to a second charging port of a second vehicle and the first terminal; a second switch connected to the second charging port and the second terminal; a third switch connected to the first charging port of the first vehicle and the third terminal; a fourth switch connected to the first charging port and the fourth terminal; a fifth switch connected to the first charging port and the first terminal; and A load is connected to the third terminal and the fourth terminal via the relay switch.

Images