Energy distribution device

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for energy distribution, in particular as a charging device for energy storage devices, especially for motor vehicles.

[0002] To operate a motor vehicle with an electric drive system, such as an electric vehicle, it is necessary to charge the vehicle's electric battery. For this purpose, the vehicle is equipped with a charging device that converts the energy supplied at a charging station into the energy needed for storage in the battery. To achieve fuel savings, it is also advantageous for hybrid vehicles if the vehicle's battery is charged via a charging device before starting a journey. State of the art

[0003] Voltage converters for energy distribution are known from GB 2 346 744 A and WO 2015 / 192133 A2.

[0004] From DE 10 2011 083 020 A1, a charging device is known with which a motor vehicle can be connected to different electrical energy sources. The energy sources can supply different currents at different voltages. Furthermore, the energy sources can supply direct current or alternating current.

[0005] The invention is based on the fact that, in order to be able to charge at many different charging points, a charging device is needed that can be connected to multiple energy sources. However, such a charging device requires separate units with their own cooling systems and high-voltage connections for all high-voltage components. Furthermore, a high-voltage distribution system must be provided for all devices, and each high-voltage connected device must undergo extensive insulation testing. This makes the production of such charging devices complex and expensive.

[0006] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a device for energy distribution, in particular as a charging device, which is simpler and therefore more economical to manufacture. Disclosure of the invention

[0007] The problem is solved starting from a device for energy distribution, in particular as a charging device, with the features of claim 1. With regard to a motor vehicle with such a device, reference is made to claim 8. The respective dependent claims describe advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0008] The energy distribution device according to the invention, in particular as a charging device for batteries, especially for motor vehicles, comprises a semiconductor full bridge and a first resonant circuit, wherein the semiconductor full bridge can be connected to an energy storage device on the DC side and is connected to the first resonant circuit at a first phase terminal and at a second phase terminal on the AC side, wherein the first resonant circuit comprises at least one first transformer, wherein the first transformer is formed from a first resonant choke of the first resonant circuit and an inductively coupled first secondary coil, and the terminals of the first secondary coil form a first coupling point, so that a further energy source or energy sink can be coupled to the first coupling point.

[0009] The semiconductor full bridge serves for the bidirectional transmission and conversion of electrical energy from a DC voltage side to an AC voltage side or vice versa. On the DC side, the semiconductor full bridge can be connected to an energy storage device. This is, in particular, a high-voltage battery for supplying the electric powertrain of a vehicle, especially for supplying the electric drive motor of an electric vehicle. On the AC side, a resonant circuit is connected to the full bridge between a first and a second phase terminal. An electrical resonant circuit or oscillator circuit is, in particular, a resonant electrical circuit consisting of at least one resonant inductor, coil, or choke and at least one resonant capacitance or capacitor, which is capable of performing electrical oscillations.The resonant circuit comprises a transformer, with a first resonant inductor of the circuit serving as the primary coil of the transformer. The transformer further includes an inductively coupled first secondary coil. Thus, the resonant circuit includes a transformer for galvanically isolated energy transfer between the resonant inductor and the secondary coil. Energy can therefore be fed into or out of the resonant circuit via the terminals of the first secondary coil, i.e., the first coupling point, with galvanic isolation. In particular, this allows the energy storage device to be charged or the energy from the energy storage device to be used to supply electrical loads connected to the coupling point. Depending on requirements, energy sources or energy sinks can be connected to the coupling point. Alternating voltage is present at the terminals of the secondary coil.Voltage converters for converting alternating current to direct current or to another voltage level are known and can be connected to any DC voltage sources, DC voltage sinks, AC voltage sources, or AC voltage sinks. Advantageously, an electrical circuit with a modified resonant circuit is provided, which enables energy transfer from one connectable DC voltage source to another electrical energy source or energy sink and vice versa.

[0010] In another embodiment of the invention, the first transformer comprises a second secondary coil, and the terminals of the second secondary coil form a second coupling point, so that an additional energy source or energy sink can be coupled to the second coupling point.

[0011] The transformer comprises two secondary coils. This provides two galvanically isolated energy transfers from the resonant circuit to each of the secondary coils, or vice versa. The terminals of the second secondary coil form a second coupling point, which can be used independently in parallel with the first coupling point. Advantageously, this provides an electrical circuit with a modified resonant circuit that enables energy transfer from a connectable DC voltage source to other electrical energy sources or sinks, and vice versa.

[0012] In another embodiment of the invention, the first resonant circuit comprises a series connection of the first resonant choke of the first transformer and a first transformer coil.

[0013] The resonant circuit comprises, in addition to the transformer, a first transformer coil connected in series with the transformer. This first transformer coil is designed for inductive coupling of the device to an external transformer coil. The device, consisting of a solid-state bridge and the resonant circuit with the first transformer coil, forms a charging circuit. This charging circuit is intended for use as a charger for inductive or wireless charging of the energy storage device. Thus, a circuit suitable for inductive charging and discharging is achieved via the first transformer coil when an external transformer coil is present, for example, in a vehicle parking space.Additionally, the circuit, with its transformer coupled into the resonant circuit, allows energy from the energy storage device or the external transformer coil to be distributed to other galvanically isolated energy sources or sinks, consumers, or loads connected at the coupling points. This circuit can thus replace the functionality of a separate DC-DC converter between a high-voltage mains supply (e.g., 300 volts) and the vehicle's electrical system (e.g., 12 volts). Furthermore, this circuit can replace the functionality of a separate on-board charger, which converts externally available AC voltage to the DC voltage of the high-voltage mains supply.Furthermore, this circuit can replace the functionality of a separate circuit otherwise required for connecting a DC charger, which reliably couples externally available DC voltage to the vehicle's electrical system and converts the voltage to that of the high-voltage network. Advantageously, an electrical circuit with a modified resonant circuit is provided, enabling energy transfer from a connectable DC voltage source to a variety of other electrical energy sources or sinks, and vice versa. The components of the semiconductor full bridge and the resonant circuit are advantageously used not only for a charging circuit but also for coupling additional energy sources or sinks. Since the galvanically isolated coupling always occurs on the low-voltage side, no increased insulation effort is required for each of the respective coupled circuits.This leads to a significant reduction in components, installation space, and costs. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for complex insulation tests that would be required when connecting additional circuits to the energy storage system for connecting energy sources or sinks.

[0014] In another embodiment of the invention, the first resonant circuit comprises a short-circuit switch which is connected on one side to a first phase of the semiconductor full bridge on the side of the first resonant choke furthest from the semiconductor full bridge and on the other side to a second phase of the semiconductor full bridge.

[0015] A resonant circuit with a short-circuit switch is provided. The short-circuit switch allows a section of the resonant circuit to be disconnected. This enables other components in the resonant circuit, particularly the first transformer coil, to be disconnected or short-circuited. Energy flow to or from the disconnected components is thus prevented. Consequently, energy transmission via the first transformer coil is activated when the short-circuit switch is open and deactivated when the short-circuit switch is closed.

[0016] In another embodiment of the invention, the first resonant circuit comprises a series connection consisting of the first resonant inductor of the first transformer, the first transformer coil, and a second transformer. The second transformer is formed from a second resonant inductor of the first resonant circuit and an inductively coupled second secondary coil. In particular, the first resonant circuit includes a cross-switch which is connected on one side to a first phase of the semiconductor full bridge on both sides of the first resonant inductor and on the other side to a second phase of the semiconductor full bridge on both sides of the second resonant inductor.

[0017] The resonant circuit comprises a series connection of a first transformer, a first transformer coil, and a second transformer, with the resonant chokes of the circuit forming the primary coils of the first and second transformers, respectively. Advantageously, a circuit is provided that uses the second transformer to create additional coupling points for energy transfer. Furthermore, the oscillation of the resonant circuit is optimized by using two resonant chokes. In particular, a crossover switch is provided, which is connected on one side to the first phase of the semiconductor full bridge on both sides of the first resonant choke and on the other side to the second phase of the semiconductor full bridge on both sides of the second resonant choke.This cross-switch allows one of the resonant inductors and / or the first transformer coil to be bypassed, depending on the required coupling point, so that only the desired components can be coupled in and used for power transmission. The bypassed components are switched off and not used for power transmission. Advantageously, the cross-switch allows the required coupling point to be engaged and the unused coupling point to be disengaged.

[0018] In another embodiment of the invention, the semiconductor full bridge is designed as part of a B6 bridge and forms the first phase connection and the second phase connection on the AC side of the B6 bridge.

[0019] The semiconductor full bridge is implemented as part of a B6 bridge. Due to the widespread use of B6 bridges as voltage converters, these modules are readily available in large quantities. Therefore, it is advantageous to use a B6 bridge module for the implementation of the semiconductor full bridge, employing two half-bridges for the circuitry and the first and second phase connections. Pre-existing modules are advantageously provided for the implementation of this circuit.

[0020] In another embodiment of the invention, a second resonant circuit with a second transformer coil is connected on one side to a third phase terminal of the B6 bridge and on the other side to the second phase terminal of the B6 bridge.

[0021] A circuit with a B6 bridge is provided, with the first resonant circuit connected to the first and second phase terminals, and a second resonant circuit with a second transformer coil connected to the second and third phase terminals. The first or second resonant circuit can be switched on or off using the switches on the B6 bridge. Advantageously, no additional switches are required for selectively switching one of the resonant circuits on or off.

[0022] The invention further comprises a motor vehicle, in particular an automobile, with the device according to the invention, in particular with an energy storage device, in particular a high-voltage energy storage device, which is coupled to the device. Such a motor vehicle therefore has the advantages mentioned for the device.

[0023] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing and explained in more detail in the following description. It shows: Figure 1 Block diagram of an example of the use of an energy distribution device according to the invention, Figure 2 Circuit diagram of a first embodiment of the energy distribution device according to the invention, Figure 3 Circuit diagram of a second embodiment of the energy distribution device according to the invention, Figure 4 Circuit diagram of a third embodiment of the energy distribution device according to the invention, and Figure 5 Circuit diagram of a fourth embodiment of the energy distribution device according to the invention. Figure 6 Vehicle with an energy distribution device

[0024] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a block diagram of an example of the use of a device 10 according to the invention for energy distribution. The device 10 in Figure 1The device comprises a semiconductor full bridge 18 and a first resonant circuit 22. The semiconductor full bridge 18 is, by way of example, electrically connected to an energy storage device 26 and the first resonant circuit 22. The first resonant circuit includes, for example, transformers formed from the resonant inductors 34, 38 of the resonant circuit and several secondary coils 46. The terminals of the secondary coils 46 form several coupling points 50, 54, 58 to which further energy sources or energy sinks 62, 66, 78 can be coupled. All coupling points 50, 54, 58 can be connected via the semiconductor full bridge 18 to the energy storage device 26, which is, for example, configured as a high-voltage battery. The first resonant circuit 22 includes, in particular, a first transformer coil 30 for the inductive absorption or emission of electrical energy.A circuit for inductively charging and discharging an energy storage device is formed by means of the resonant circuit 22, consisting of transformers and a first transformer coil, as well as the semiconductor full bridge 18. Energy from an AC voltage source 62 or a DC voltage source 66 can be coupled into or out of the resonant circuit via the coupling points 50, 54, and 58, and in particular supplied to or drawn from the energy storage device 26. The AC voltage source 62 and the DC voltage source 66 can thus be used, for example, in addition to an external transformer coil that can be inductively coupled to the first transformer coil 30, to charge the energy storage device 26. The energy storage device 26 can, in particular, be used as an energy source to charge a low-voltage energy storage device 78, such as one from a vehicle's electrical system, which is connected at the coupling point 58.

[0025] Figure 2shows a circuit diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the device 10 for energy distribution. The device 10 in Figure 2The device comprises a semiconductor full bridge 18 and a first resonant circuit 22. The semiconductor full bridge 18 is electrically connected, for example, on the DC side to an energy storage device 26 and on the AC side to the first resonant circuit 22 via a first phase connection 27 and a second phase connection 28. The first resonant circuit includes a first transformer, which is formed from the resonant inductor 34 of the resonant circuit and at least one of the secondary coils 46d, 46b. The connections of the secondary coils 46d, 46b form two coupling points 54, 58, to which further energy sources or energy sinks 62, 78 can be coupled. All coupling points 54, 58 can be connected via the semiconductor full bridge 18 to the energy storage device 26, which is, for example, configured as a high-voltage battery. The resonant circuit 22 also includes, in particular, capacitors 24.A capacitor 24 is connected, for example, on one side to the first phase of the semiconductor full bridge on the side of the first resonant inductor 34 furthest from the semiconductor full bridge 18, and on the other side to a second phase of the semiconductor full bridge 18. The first resonant circuit 22 includes, in particular, a first transformer coil 30 for the inductive absorption or release of electrical energy. By means of the resonant circuit 22, consisting of the first transformer and first transformer coil 30 and the semiconductor full bridge 18, a circuit for the inductive charging and discharging of an energy storage device is formed. In particular, the first resonant circuit 22 includes two further capacitors 24 which are arranged in series before and after the first transformer coil 30.The resonant circuit 22 preferably further comprises a short-circuit switch 82, which is connected on one side to a first phase of the semiconductor full bridge 18 on the side of the first resonant inductor 34 furthest from the semiconductor full bridge, and on the other side to the second phase terminal of the semiconductor full bridge. Thus, operation of the required secondary coils 46b, 46d is possible, whereby when the short-circuit switch 82 is closed, the first transformer coil 30 is short-circuited and energy flow through the first transformer coil 30 is prevented.

[0026] In Figure 3Figure 1 shows a circuit diagram of a second embodiment of the energy distribution device 10. In this embodiment, the resonant circuit 22 consists of a series connection of the first transformer, the transformer coil 30, and a second transformer. The first transformer is formed from the first resonant choke 34 and the first secondary coil 46b, and the second transformer is formed from a second resonant choke 38 and the second secondary coil 46a. In particular, the resonant circuit comprises two capacitors 24, each connected in series between the transformer coil 30 and a transformer. Specifically, a third capacitor 24 is connected between the terminals of the two capacitors 24 furthest from the first transformer coil 30.A short-circuit switch 82 is connected, in particular, on one side to a first phase of the semiconductor full bridge 18 on the side of the first resonant inductor 34 furthest from the semiconductor full bridge, and on the other side to a second phase of the semiconductor full bridge on the side of the second resonant inductor 38 furthest from the semiconductor full bridge. Thus, operation of the required secondary coils 46a and 46b is possible, whereby when the short-circuit switch 82 is closed, the first transformer coil 30 is short-circuited and energy flow through the first transformer coil 30 is prevented.

[0027] Figure 4 shows a circuit diagram of a third embodiment of the device 10 for energy distribution. This embodiment differs from the one shown in Figure 3This is achieved by using a cross-switch 86 instead of a short-circuit switch 82. The cross-switch 86 is connected on one side to a first phase of the semiconductor full bridge 18 on both sides of the first resonant inductor 34, and on the other side to a second phase of the semiconductor full bridge 18 on both sides of a second resonant inductor 38. This allows, depending on the required coupling point, one of the resonant inductors 34, 38, and / or the first transformer coil 30 to be bypassed. Thus, only the component that is not bypassed, in particular one of the resonant inductors 34, 38, or the transformer coil 30, is coupled in and therefore switched on. Advantageously, it can be selected which part of the series connection of the resonant circuit 22, in particular which of the resonant inductors 34, 38, or the first transformer coil 30, is to be used for energy transmission.

[0028] Figure 5Figure 1 shows a circuit diagram of a fourth embodiment of the energy distribution device 10. In this embodiment, the semiconductor full bridge 18 is configured as part of a B6 bridge 90. The first resonant circuit 22, comprising a first transformer, is connected to the first phase terminal 27 and the second phase terminal 28 of the B6 bridge 90. The first transformer consists of the resonant choke 34 of the resonant circuit 22 and at least one of the secondary coils 46d, 46b. The first resonant circuit 22 includes, in particular, capacitors 24, which are not shown in the drawing. Specifically, the B6 bridge is connected to a second resonant circuit 23 at the third phase terminal 29 and the second phase terminal 28.The second resonant circuit comprises, in particular, a series connection of a third resonant inductor 51, a capacitor 24, a second transformer coil 31, another capacitor 24, and a fourth resonant inductor 52, wherein another capacitor 24 is connected between the terminals of the two capacitors 24 furthest from the second transformer coil. The use of the combination of the semiconductor full bridge 18 with the further semiconductor half bridge of the B6 bridge 90 with two resonant circuits has the advantage that no additional short-circuit switch 82 or cross-switch 86 is required for selecting the transformer to be used for energy conversion.

[0029] The Figure 6Figure 1 shows a vehicle 200 with a device 10 for energy distribution, which can be connected to an energy storage device 26. The device 10 enables energy distribution, for example, between the components connected to it, such as a charging or discharging port 50 of the vehicle to an external energy source, a low-voltage energy storage device 78 of an on-board electrical system, or a transformer coil 30, which can be used for inductive charging or discharging.

Claims

1. Energy distribution device (10), in particular in the form of a charging device for batteries, in particular for motor vehicles, wherein the device (10) has a semiconductor full-bridge (18) and a first resonant circuit (22), wherein the semiconductor full-bridge (18) is able to be connected on the DC side to an energy storage unit (26) and is connected on the AC side to the first resonant circuit (22) at a first phase connection (27) and at a second phase connection (28), wherein the first resonant circuit (22) comprises at least a first transformer, wherein the first transformer is formed from a first resonant inductor (34) of the first resonant circuit (22) and an inductively coupled first secondary coil (46d), and the connections of the first secondary coil (46d) form a first coupling point (58) such that a further energy source (78) or energy sink (78) is able to be coupled to the first coupling point (58), characterized in that the first resonant circuit (22) comprises a series circuit comprising the first resonant inductor (34) of the first transformer and a first transmitter coil (30).

2. Device (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first transformer comprises a second secondary coil (46b), and the connections of the second secondary coil (46b) form a second coupling point (54) such that an additional energy source (62) or energy sink (62) is able to be coupled to the second coupling point (54).

3. Device (10) according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first resonant circuit (22) comprises a short-circuit switch (82), which, on the one hand, is connected to a first phase of the semiconductor full-bridge (18) on that side of the first resonant inductor (34) that is averted from the semiconductor full-bridge, and, on the other hand, is connected to a second phase of the semiconductor full-bridge (18).

4. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first resonant circuit (22) comprises a series circuit comprising the first resonant inductor (34) of the first transformer, the first transmitter coil (30) and a second transformer, wherein the second transformer is formed from a second resonant inductor (38) of the first resonant circuit (22) and an inductively coupled second secondary coil (46a), and in particular comprises an intermediate switch (86), which, on the one hand, is connected to a first phase of the semiconductor full-bridge on both sides of the first resonant inductor (34), and, on the other hand, is connected to a second phase of the semiconductor full-bridge on both sides of the second resonant inductor (38).

5. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the semiconductor full-bridge (18) is formed as part of a B6 bridge (90) and, on the AC side, forms the first phase connection (27) and the second phase connection (28) on the B6 bridge.

6. Device (10) according to Claim 5, characterized in that a second resonant circuit (23) with a second transmitter coil (31) is connected between a third phase connection (29) of the B6 bridge (90) and the second phase connection (28) of the B6 bridge (90).

7. Motor vehicle, in particular automobile, comprising a device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising in particular an energy storage unit (26), in particular a high-voltage energy storage unit.