Power control system with power splitter module

Abstract

A power control system is provided for supplying power from a first power source to a load and a battery. The first power source transmits power at a predetermined voltage to an on-board charging control module, which regulates the power to charge the battery. The on-board charging module is configured to process the power from the first power source to charge the battery. A splitter module is located between the first power source and the on-board charging control module. The splitter module is configured to direct power from the first power source to the load. Therefore, power can be supplied to the load while the battery is charging.

Description

[0001] introduce

[0002] The information provided in this section is intended to generally present the background of this disclosure. The work of the inventors listed herein (within the scope described in this section) and aspects of the specification that may otherwise not be considered prior art at the time of filing are neither expressly nor implied to be prior art to this disclosure.

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to power distribution systems for charging batteries. For example, electric vehicles include batteries for powering motors to drive the vehicle and vehicle electrical components such as headunits, lights, air conditioning, etc. Some electric vehicles include one or more discharge ports that a user can use to power personal electrical devices such as cellular phones and tablets.

[0004] The electric vehicle also includes a charging port for receiving power from a charger coupled to a public power station to charge the battery. The charging port can be configured to accept 120-volt or 240-volt alternating current (“AC”). The charging power is regulated and controlled by an on-board charging control module (“OBCM”). Currently, when the battery is being charged, the OBCM disconnects power to the discharge port in the electric vehicle to facilitate regulation and control of the power supplied to the battery when the charger is plugged into the charging port.

[0005] Many electrical devices that can be plugged into a vehicle's discharge port are configured to receive 120-volt AC power. Therefore, directly plugging such electrical devices into a charger that receives power from a 240-volt source may damage the devices. Furthermore, such electrical devices can be configured to operate using power with different waveforms.

[0006] Therefore, a power distribution system is required, wherein a discharge port is operable for distributing power while the battery is charging. A power distribution device is also required, configured to increase or decrease the power from the power source to supply power to predetermined electrical equipment. Furthermore, the waveform of the power supply needs to be adjusted to suit the predetermined electrical equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One aspect of this disclosure provides a power control system for supplying power from a first power source to a load and a battery. The first power source is configured to transmit power in alternating current (AC). The power control system includes an on-board charging control module and a splitter module. The on-board charging module includes a first processing unit configured to process the power from the first power source to charge the battery. The splitter module is located between the first power source and the on-board charging control module. The splitter module is configured to direct power from the first power source to the load. For example, the splitter module may be configured to supply power to a discharge port that the load can couple to. Therefore, while charging the battery, power can be supplied to the load.

[0008] Embodiments of this disclosure include one or more of the following optional features. In some embodiments, the splitter module includes an AC-AC converter configured to regulate power from a first power source.

[0009] In some examples, the on-board charging control module can be configured to provide electrical isolation between the load and the battery.

[0010] In some configurations, the splitter module can be configured to change the voltage of the power supply. For example, the splitter module can be configured to increase or decrease the voltage.

[0011] In some implementations, the splitter module may include various configurations. For example, the splitter module may include a sensing unit configured to measure the value of at least one of current and voltage, and / or the splitter module may include a switch operable to bypass or engage the AC-AC converter. Furthermore, the splitter module may include a second processing unit that receives a measurement of at least one of the current and voltage to actuate the switch.

[0012] In some configurations, the second processing unit may also be configured to actuate the AC-AC converter to generate a predetermined waveform. For example, the first processing unit of the on-board charging control module may be configured to transmit battery charging information to the second processing unit of the AC-AC converter, wherein the second processing unit processes the charging information to control the switch and maintain the desired waveform.

[0013] In some configurations, the AC-AC converter illustratively includes one of a buck converter, a buck-boost converter, and a single-ended primary inductor converter.

[0014] In some configurations, the on-board charging control module and the splitter module are integrated into a single module.

[0015] Another aspect of this disclosure provides an electric vehicle including a battery, a charging port, and a discharging port. The battery is configured to supply power to drive the electric vehicle. The charging port is configured to receive power from a first power source, and the discharging port is configured to supply power to a load. The electric vehicle also includes an on-board charging control module electrically coupled to the charging port. The on-board charging control module includes a first processing unit configured to process power from the first power source to charge the battery. The electric vehicle also includes a separator module electrically coupled to the discharging port. The separator module is located between the charging port and the on-board charging control module and is used to direct power from the first power source to the discharging port to supply power to the load when the vehicle is being charged simultaneously.

[0016] This aspect of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, the splitter module may be configured to change the voltage of the power supply. For example, the splitter module is configured to reduce the voltage of the first power supply. In such examples, the splitter module may include a sensing unit configured to measure the value of at least one of current and voltage and / or a switch operable for bypassing or engaging an AC-AC converter.

[0017] In some embodiments, the splitter module may include a second processing unit that receives a measurement of at least one of the current and the voltage to actuate the switch. The second processing unit may also be configured to actuate the AC-AC converter to generate a predetermined waveform.

[0018] In some implementations, a first processing unit of the on-board charging control module can transmit battery charging information to a second processing unit of the AC-AC converter, wherein the second processing unit processes the charging information to control the switch and maintain the desired waveform.

[0019] In some implementations, the discharge port is either a two-pin discharge port or a three-pin discharge port.

[0020] This disclosure provides the following examples:

[0021] Example 1. A power control system for supplying power to a load and a battery configured to power a motor, the power control system supplying power from a first power source to the load, the first power source being alternating current, the power control system comprising:

[0022] An on-board charging control module includes a first processing unit configured to process power from a first power source to charge the battery. The first processing unit includes non-volatile memory storing programming instructions for executing the on-board charging control module.

[0023] A splitter module located between the first power source and the on-board charging control module directs power from the first power source to the load.

[0024] Example 2. The power control system according to Example 1, wherein the splitter module includes an AC-AC converter.

[0025] Example 3. The power control system according to Example 1, wherein the on-board charging control module is configured to provide electrical isolation between the load and the battery.

[0026] Example 4. The power control system according to Example 2, wherein the splitter module is configured to change the voltage of the power.

[0027] Example 5. The power control system according to Example 2, wherein the splitter module includes a sensing unit configured to measure the value of at least one of current and voltage.

[0028] Example 6. The power control system according to Example 5, wherein the splitter module includes a switch operable to bypass or engage the AC-AC converter.

[0029] Example 7. The power control system according to Example 6, wherein the splitter module includes a second processing unit that receives a measurement of at least one of the current and the voltage to actuate the switch.

[0030] Example 8. The power control system according to Example 7, wherein the second processing unit is further configured to actuate the AC-AC converter to generate a predetermined waveform.

[0031] Example 9. The power control system according to Example 7, wherein the first processing unit of the on-board charging control module transmits the charging information of the battery to the second processing unit of the AC-AC converter, wherein the second processing unit processes the charging information to control the switch and maintain a desired waveform.

[0032] Example 10. The power control system according to Example 2, wherein the AC-AC converter is one of a buck converter, a buck-boost converter, and a single-ended primary inductor converter.

[0033] Example 11. The power control system according to Example 1, wherein the on-board charging control module and the splitter module are integrated into a single module.

[0034] Example 12. An electric vehicle, comprising a battery for supplying power to drive the electric vehicle, a charging port for receiving power from a first power source, and a discharging port for supplying power to a load, the electric vehicle comprising:

[0035] An on-board charging control module electrically coupled to the charging port, the on-board charging control module including a first processing unit configured to process power from the first power source to charge the battery; and

[0036] A separator module electrically coupled to the discharge port, the separator module being located between the charging port and the on-board charging control module, while charging the electric vehicle, the separator module guides power from the first power source to the discharge port to supply power to the load.

[0037] Example 13. An electric vehicle according to Example 12, wherein the splitter module is configured to change the voltage of the power.

[0038] Example 14. The electric vehicle according to Example 13, wherein the splitter module is configured to reduce the voltage of the first power source.

[0039] Example 15. The electric vehicle according to Example 12, wherein the separator module includes a sensing unit configured to measure the value of at least one of current and voltage.

[0040] Example 16. The electric vehicle according to Example 15, wherein the splitter module includes a switch operable to bypass or engage the AC-AC converter.

[0041] Example 17. An electric vehicle according to Example 16, wherein the separator module includes a second processing unit that receives a measurement of at least one of the current and the voltage to actuate the switch.

[0042] Example 18. An electric vehicle according to Example 17, wherein the second processing unit is further configured to actuate the AC-AC converter to generate a predetermined waveform.

[0043] Example 19. An electric vehicle according to Example 17, wherein the first processing unit of the on-board charging control module transmits the charging information of the battery to the second processing unit of the AC-AC converter, wherein the second processing unit processes the charging information to control the switch and maintain a desired waveform.

[0044] Example 20. The electric vehicle according to Example 12, wherein the discharge port is one of a two-pin discharge port and a three-pin discharge port. Attached Figure Description

[0045] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0046] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the vehicle, showing the vehicle's electrical control system coupled to a primary power source.

[0047] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the power control system shown;

[0048] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the AC-AC converter of the separator module shown;

[0049] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a splitter module configured as a bypass AC-AC converter;

[0050] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the waveform output from the first power supply; and

[0051] Figure 6 This shows the modifications made by the separator module. Figure 5 The waveform shown is a diagram.

[0052] Throughout the accompanying figures, the corresponding figure labels indicate the relevant parts. Detailed Implementation

[0053] The example configuration will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The example configuration is provided so that this disclosure will be comprehensive and will fully convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of the configuration of this disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the specific details are not required, the example configuration may be embodied in many different forms, and the specific details and example configuration should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0054] The terminology used herein is for describing specific exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may also be intended to include plural forms unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or illustrated, unless explicitly identified as such. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0055] When an element or layer is referred to as “on another element or layer,” “joined to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be located directly on, joined to, connected to, attached to, or coupled to that other element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as “directly on another element or layer,” “directly joined to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers present. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., “between” vs. “directly between,” “adjacent” vs. “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.

[0056] The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another. Unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise, terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the example configuration.

[0057] In this application, the term "module" is replaced by the term "circuit" as defined below. The term "module" may refer to, be part of, or include the following: application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC); digital, analog, or mixed-signal analog / digital discrete circuit; digital, analog, or mixed-signal analog / digital integrated circuit; combinational logic circuit; field-programmable gate array (FPGA); processor (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that executes code; memory (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that stores code executed by the processor; other suitable hardware components that provide the aforementioned functionality; or combinations of some or all of the foregoing, such as in a system-on-a-chip.

[0058] The term "code" as used above can include software, firmware, and / or microcode, and can refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, and / or objects. The term "shared processor" covers a single processor that executes some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group processor" covers a processor that, in combination with additional processors, executes some or all of the code from one or more modules. The term "shared memory" covers a single memory that stores some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group memory" covers memory that, in combination with additional memory, stores some or all of the code from one or more modules. The term "memory" can be a subset of the term "computer-readable medium." The term "computer-readable medium" does not include transient electrical and electromagnetic signals propagating through a medium, and therefore can be considered tangible and non-transient memory. Non-limiting examples of non-transient memory include tangible computer-readable media, including non-volatile memory, magnetic storage devices, and optical storage devices.

[0059] The apparatus and methods described in this application may be implemented, in part or in whole, by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer programs include processor-executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium. The computer programs may also include and / or depend on stored data.

[0060] A software application (i.e., a software resource) can refer to computer software that instructs a computing device to perform a task. In some examples, a software application may be referred to as an "application," "app," or "program." Example applications include, but are not limited to, system diagnostic applications, system management applications, system maintenance applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, messaging applications, media streaming applications, social networking applications, and game applications.

[0061] Non-transient memory can be a physical device used for temporary or permanent storage of programs (e.g., instruction sequences) or data (e.g., program state information) for use by a computing device. Non-transient memory can be volatile and / or non-volatile addressable semiconductor memory. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, flash memory and read-only memory (ROM) / programmable read-only memory (PROM) / erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) / electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (e.g., commonly used in firmware, such as bootloaders). Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), phase-change memory (PCM), and magnetic disks or magnetic tapes.

[0062] These computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor and can be implemented using high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming languages ​​and / or assembly / machine languages. As used herein, the terms “machine-readable medium” and “computer-readable medium” refer to any computer program product, non-transitory computer-readable medium, apparatus, and / or device (e.g., disk, optical disk, memory, programmable logic device (PLD)) used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including machine-readable media that receive machine instructions as machine-readable signals. The term “machine-readable signal” refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0063] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein can be implemented in digital electronic and / or optical circuits, integrated circuits, specially designed ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various implementations may include implementations in one or more computer programs that can be executed and / or interpreted on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor, which may be dedicated or general-purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device, and to transmit data and instructions to the storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device.

[0064] The processes and logic described in this specification can be executed by one or more programmable processors (also known as data processing hardware) that execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by manipulating input data and generating output. The processes and logic can also be executed by special-purpose logic circuitry, such as FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) or ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits). Processors suitable for executing computer programs include, for example, both general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Typically, the processor receives instructions and data from read-only memory or random access memory, or both. The basic elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include one or more mass storage devices for storing data, or operably coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or both, such as magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks. However, a computer does not necessarily need to have such devices. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and memory devices, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. Processors and memory may be supplemented by or incorporated into dedicated logic circuitry.

[0065] To provide interaction with a user, one or more aspects of this disclosure can be implemented on a computer having a display device (e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube), LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, or touchscreen) for displaying information to the user and optionally having a keyboard and pointing device (e.g., a mouse or trackball) through which the user provides input to the computer. Other types of devices can also be used to provide interaction with the user; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual, auditory, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input. Furthermore, the computer can interact with the user by sending documents to and receiving documents from the device used by the user; for example, by sending web pages to a web browser on the user's client device in response to a request received from a web browser.

[0066] This disclosure relates to a power control system 10 for supplying power from a first power source 16 to a load 12 and a battery 14. The first power source 16 transmits power at a predetermined voltage in the form of alternating current to an on-board charging control module 18, which regulates the power to charge the battery 14. The first power source 16 may be a commercially developed charging station configured to provide 240 volts of power, or it may be a residential outlet configured to provide 120 volts of power.

[0067] The on-board charging control module 18 includes a first processing unit 20 configured to process power from a first power source 16 to charge the battery 14. A splitter module 22 is located between the first power source 16 and the on-board charging control module 18. The splitter module 22 is configured to direct power from the first power source 16 to a load 12. For example, the splitter module 22 may be configured to supply power to a discharge port 24 located in the vehicle 26, to which the load 12 may be coupled. The discharge port 24 may be a standard two-pin or three-pin discharge port for U.S. purposes, or a two-pin discharge port for European purposes. Therefore, power can be supplied to the load 12 while the battery 14 is charging.

[0068] The power control system 10 can be implemented in any platform or device that uses battery 14 to power equipment (such as a motor for propulsion). For illustrative purposes, in such... Figure 1 The power control system 10 is described in the context of the electric vehicle 26 shown. However, it should be understood that the power control system 10 can be implemented in other devices / platforms having a battery 14 for powering the device / platform and a discharge port 24 for powering the load 12, such devices / platforms illustratively include boats, motorcycles, residential or commercial buildings, etc.

[0069] Figure 1 A vehicle 26 coupled to a first power source 16 is depicted. Specifically, vehicle 26 includes a charging port 28, and the first power source 16 includes a charger 38 configured to couple with the charging port 28 to provide power to charge the battery 14. The first power source 16 is illustratively shown as a commercial charging station; however, it should be understood that the first power source 16 could also be a residential outlet.

[0070] Vehicle 26 is an electric vehicle 26 having a battery 14 configured to power a motor 30 for driving vehicle 26. For example, motor 30 may be configured to generate up to 200 horsepower to drive vehicle 26. Any battery 14 configured to be charged with electricity currently known or developed hereafter may be modified for use herein, illustratively including lithium-ion batteries, solid-state batteries, and the like. The capacity of battery 14 need not be limiting and may include batteries 14 having a capacity greater than 30 kilowatts (kW). Battery 14 is also configured to power various electronic components within vehicle 26. Such electronic components are well known and illustratively include lights, windshield wipers, vehicle audio systems, heating and air conditioning systems, etc.

[0071] Now for reference Figure 2 and 3 The power control system 10 includes an on-board charging control module 18 and a splitter module 22. In some configurations, the on-board charging control module 18 and the splitter module 22 are integrated into a single module. In other configurations, the on-board charging control module 18 and the splitter module 22 are separate units. The on-board charging control module 18 is configured to regulate the power from a first power source 16 to charge the battery 14. For example, the on-board charging control module 18 may include electronic circuitry and components configured to filter noise, maintain the power supplied to the battery 14 at a predetermined voltage, maintain a predetermined waveform, and perform other conventional processes to provide the battery 14 with the optimal power for charging operations. For example, the on-board charging control module 18 may include a power factor correction circuit configured to regulate the power flowing to the battery 14 and one or more power discharge ports 24 within the vehicle 26.

[0072] The on-board charging control module 18 includes a switch 32 (such as a MOSFET switch) that can be turned on and off to regulate the duty cycle of the power supply, increase or decrease the voltage, and change the waveform of the power supplied to the battery 14. The on-board charging control module 18 can also be configured to provide electrical isolation between the load 12 and the battery 14. For example, the on-board charging control module 18 may also include an isolated DC-DC converter, which may include a transformer. Operation of the transformer provides electrical isolation between the load 12 and the battery 14.

[0073] The on-board charging control module 18 may include a first processing unit 20 configured to actuate electronic components (such as switch 32) to process power from a first power source 16, thereby charging the battery 14. The first processing unit 20 includes programming instructions for executing the electronic components. These instructions may be stored in non-volatile memory that can be updated as needed.

[0074] Refer again Figure 2 And now refer to Figure 3 The power control system 10 includes a splitter module 22 located between a first power source 16 and an on-board charging control module 18. In one aspect, the first power source 16 includes a first output line 34 and a second output line 36, from which power is delivered. In this aspect, the second output line 36 is a neutral line used to generate a power difference with respect to the first output line 34 for power delivery. The first output line 34 and the second output line 36 may be housed within a charger 38 of the first power source 16 and configured to couple with a charging port 28 disposed on the vehicle 26. The on-board charging control module 18 includes a first input line 40 and a second input line 42, configured to be electrically coupled to the first output line 34 and the second output line 36, respectively, to receive power from the first power source 16. The first input line 40 and the second input line 42 are electrically coupled to electronic components of the on-board charging control module 18, which regulates the delivered power.

[0075] The splitter module 22 includes a third input line 44 and a fourth input line 46, which are configured to direct power from the first power source 16 to the load 12. The third input line 44 and the fourth input line 46 are electrically coupled to the first output line 34 and the second output line 36, respectively. It should be understood that the first input line 40, the second input line 42, the third input line 44, and the fourth input line 46 can be housed in the charging port 28. It should be understood that the splitter module 22 does not necessarily provide direct electrical coupling to the load 12, but can be configured to supply power to a discharge port 24 to which the load 12 can be coupled. Therefore, when the battery 14 is charged, power can be supplied to the load 12. It should be understood that the first output line 34, the second output line 36, the first input line 40, the second input line 42, the third input line 44, and the fourth input line 46 can be formed of conductive wires or cables, which are formed of multiple conductive wires.

[0076] Refer again Figure 2 And now refer to Figure 3 The splitter module 22 includes an AC-AC converter 48 configured to regulate power from the first power source 16. Any AC-AC converter 48 currently known or developed hereafter can be modified for use herein, illustratively including buck converters, buck-boost converters, single-ended primary inductor converters 58, switched capacitor AC-AC converters, and back-to-back AC-AC converters.

[0077] In one aspect, the AC-AC converter 48 includes a first capacitor 50 and a second capacitor 52 interconnecting a third input line 44 and a fourth input line 46. A first switch 54 is located between the first capacitor 50 and the second capacitor 52 to be connected in parallel with the third input line 44 and the fourth input line 46, and to connect or disconnect the power between the third input line 44 and the fourth input line 46. A second switch 56 is disposed on the fourth input line 46 electrically connected to a second output line 36. The second switch 56 is also located between the first switch 54 and the second capacitor 52. The AC-AC converter 48 may also include an inductor 58 disposed on the fourth input line 46 and connected in series with the second switch 56. The inductor 58 is located between the first switch 54 and the first capacitor 50. By operating the first switch 54 and the second switch 56, the splitter module 22 can be configured to change the voltage and waveform of the power supply. For example, the splitter module 22 can be configured to increase or decrease the voltage supplied to the load 12.

[0078] Now for reference Figure 4 The splitter module 22 is configured to bypass the AC-AC converter 48. For example, the splitter module 22 may include a sensing unit 60 configured to measure the value of at least one of current and voltage. The sensing unit 60 may be any current or voltage sensor currently known or applicable hereafter, and may be modified for use herein, including resistors, diodes, combinations of resistors and diodes, etc. The sensing unit 60 is operatively coupled to corresponding first and second switches 54 and 56 to detect or otherwise sense current and / or voltage at the first and second switches 54 and 56. The sensing unit 60 is communicatively coupled to a second processing unit 62 configured to measure the values ​​of voltage and / or current to control the operation of the first and second switches 54 and 56.

[0079] The splitter module 22 may include a third switch 64 operable to bypass or engage the AC-AC converter 48. In this respect, the splitter module 22 includes a fifth input line 66 coupled in parallel with the fourth input line 46, wherein the inductor 58, the first switch 54, and the second switch 56 are bypassed.

[0080] The second processing unit 62 receives a measurement of at least one of current and voltage to actuate the third switch 64. Therefore, when the first power supply 16 provides 240 volts, the sensing unit 60 detects the voltage and / or current, and the second processing unit 62 keeps the third switch 64 open to direct power to the AC-AC converter 48. In this case, the second processing unit 62 also actuates the first switch 54 and the second switch 56 to reduce the power to 120 volts, thereby generating a predetermined duty cycle to output a waveform suitable for commercial electronic devices such as laptops and / or mobile devices. When the first power supply 16 provides 120 volts, the sensing unit 60 detects that 120 volts have been provided, and the second processing unit 62 keeps the third switch 64 closed to bypass the AC-AC converter 48. The 120 volts of power from the first power supply 16 are then directly output to the charging port.

[0081] Now for reference Figure 5 and 6 It provides a depiction of the waveform output by the separator module 22. Figure 4 An exemplary waveform output from the first power source 16 is shown. This waveform is typically sinusoidal, which may not be optimal for some electronic devices. The second processing unit 62 can also be configured to actuate the AC-AC converter 48 to generate a predetermined waveform. For example, the first processing unit 20 of the on-board charging control module 18 can be configured to transmit charging information from the battery 14 to the second processing unit 62 of the AC-AC converter 48, wherein the second processing unit 62 processes the charging information to control the switch and maintain the desired waveform, such as... Figure 5 As shown in the diagram. This can be accomplished by selectively actuating the first switch 54 and the second switch 56.

[0082] Refer again Figure 3 and Figure 4 This provides operation of the power control system 10. In operation, the charger 38 of the first power source 16 is coupled to the charging port 28. The splitter module 22 draws power from the first power source 16 to the discharge port 24 located in the vehicle 26, as indicated by the dotted line, and the power from the first power source 16 is directed to the on-board charging control module 18, as indicated by the dashed line. When the first power source 16 provides 240 volts, the AC-AC converter 48 reduces the power and can adjust the waveform of the power to provide 120 volts to the discharge port 24, as shown below. Figure 3 As shown in the diagram. Therefore, while vehicle 26 is being charged, the user may be able to power electronic devices. In particular, when battery 14 is being charged, the user can draw power directly from the first power source 16. With the first power source 16 providing 120 volts, the AC-AC converter 48 can be bypassed, as shown in the diagram. Figure 4As shown in the diagram. Therefore, when vehicle 26 is being charged, the user may be able to power electronic devices. In particular, when battery 14 is being charged, the user can draw power directly from the first power source 16. In both cases, the splitter module 22 can also be configured to modify the power waveform to a predetermined waveform.

[0083] Several embodiments have been described. However, it should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

[0084] The foregoing description is provided for illustrative purposes only. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of this disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but are (where applicable) interchangeable and can be used in selected configurations, even if they are not specifically shown or described. These elements or features can also be varied in many ways. Such variations should not be considered a departure from this disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A power control system for supplying power to a load and a battery, the battery being configured to power a motor, the power control system supplying power from a first power source to the load, the first power source being alternating current, the power control system comprising: The on-board charging control module includes a first processing unit configured to process power from a first power source to charge the battery. The first processing unit includes a non-volatile memory storing programming instructions for executing the on-board charging control module. as well as A splitter module located between the first power source and the on-board charging control module directs power from the first power source to the load.

2. The power control system according to claim 1, wherein the splitter module includes an AC-AC converter.

3. The power control system of claim 1, wherein the on-board charging control module is configured to provide electrical isolation between the load and the battery.

4. The power control system of claim 2, wherein the splitter module is configured to change the voltage of the power.

5. The power control system of claim 2, wherein the splitter module includes a sensing unit configured to measure the value of at least one of current and voltage.

6. The power control system of claim 5, wherein the splitter module includes a switch operable to bypass or engage the AC-AC converter.

7. The power control system of claim 6, wherein the splitter module includes a second processing unit that receives a measurement of at least one of the current and the voltage to actuate the switch.

8. The power control system of claim 7, wherein the second processing unit is further configured to actuate the AC-AC converter to generate a predetermined waveform.

9. The power control system according to claim 7, wherein the first processing unit of the on-board charging control module transmits the charging information of the battery to the second processing unit of the AC-AC converter, wherein the second processing unit processes the charging information to control the switch and maintain the desired waveform.

10. The power control system according to claim 2, wherein the AC-AC converter is one of a buck converter, a buck-boost converter, and a single-ended primary inductor converter.

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