DC and ac-compatible electric vehicle charging device including ess

Abstract

The present invention relates to a DC and AC-compatible electric vehicle charging device and, more specifically, to an electric vehicle charging device for charging a battery of an electric vehicle using AC current of a power supply unit. The electric vehicle charging device comprises: an ESS for storing and outputting DC current; an ESS switching unit for charging the electric vehicle using the ESS or charging the ESS using the AC current of the power supply unit; a DC switching unit for charging a DC electric vehicle; and an AC switching unit for charging an AC electric vehicle, and thus can charge both DC electric vehicles and AC electric vehicles and can use the output of the ESS to charge an electric vehicle when power supply is not normal. The DC and AC-compatible electric vehicle charging device comprising the ESS according to the present invention for solving the technical problem may comprise: an AC-DC converter for converting the AC current of the power supply unit into DC current; a DC-AC converter for converting the DC current of the ESS into AC current; and a control unit for controlling the switching units.

Description

DC / AC compatible electric vehicle charging device including ESS

[0001] The present invention relates to a DC / AC compatible electric vehicle charging device including an ESS, and more particularly, to an electric vehicle charging device that charges a battery of an electric vehicle with AC current from a power supply unit, comprising: an ESS that stores and outputs DC current; an ESS switching unit that charges an electric vehicle with the ESS or charges the ESS with AC current from the power supply unit; a DC switching unit that charges a DC electric vehicle; and an AC switching unit that charges an AC electric vehicle, thereby being capable of charging both a DC electric vehicle and an AC electric vehicle, and also being capable of charging an electric vehicle with the output of the ESS when the power supply is not normal.

[0002] As carbon dioxide emissions increase due to the use of petroleum as a raw material for automobiles, and as global warming continues and abnormal climate phenomena occur, automobile manufacturing technology to reduce carbon dioxide emissions is being developed and a lot of research is being conducted on eco-friendly vehicle technology.

[0003] Electric vehicles (EVs), which are environmentally friendly vehicles that run on batteries and electric motors, are commercialized and are the focus of much research.

[0004] These electric vehicles need to supply electricity to their internal batteries, which are typically charged using a dedicated charging device.

[0005] However, the electric vehicle charging devices currently in use must be charged using charging devices designed for DC or AC electric vehicles.

[0006] Fig. 1 is a drawing showing a conventional AC electric vehicle charging device.

[0007] Referring to FIG. 1, the charging device (100) receives charging power from a power supply unit (300) that supplies AC current, and outputs the charging power to the AC output terminal (110) of the charging device (100) through a power switching unit (191) and an AC switching unit (192).

[0008] The AC output terminal (110) is connected to the AC input terminal (210) of the electric vehicle to charge the battery (280) of the electric vehicle (200). At this time, the AC current of the AC input terminal (210) is converted into DC current in the OBC (On Board Charger, 230) built into the electric vehicle and supplied to the battery (280) through the connection unit (240).

[0009] Figure 2 is a drawing showing a conventional DC electric vehicle charging device.

[0010] Referring to FIG. 2, the charging device (100) receives charging power from a power supply unit (300) that supplies AC current, passes through a power switching unit (191), passes through an AC-DC conversion unit (130) that converts AC current into DC current, passes through a DC conversion unit (140) that converts it into a voltage of a magnitude required by an electric vehicle (200), and finally passes through a DC switching unit (193) to output charging power to the DC output terminal (120) of the charging device (100).

[0011] The DC output terminal (120) can be connected to the DC input terminal (220) of the electric vehicle (200) to charge the battery (280) of the electric vehicle (200). At this time, since the DC input terminal (220) is input as DC current, it is supplied to the battery (280) through the connection unit (240) without a separate conversion process.

[0012] Charging an electric vehicle like this is inconvenient because charging is only possible with an electric vehicle charging device that matches the charging type of the electric vehicle.

[0013] In addition, if the power supply unit (300) that supplies charging power to the electric vehicle charging device is not normal, there is a problem in which charging itself is impossible.

[0014] There is a need for technological development that can provide charging devices for electric vehicles that improve these inconveniences and problems.

[0015] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a charging device that can charge both DC and AC electric vehicles, and can charge an electric vehicle even when the power supply unit that supplies charging power to the electric vehicle charging device is not normal.

[0016] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0017] The DC / AC dual-purpose electric vehicle charging device including an ESS of the present invention for solving the above technical problem is an electric vehicle charging device that charges a battery of an electric vehicle with AC current of a power supply unit, and may include an ESS that stores and outputs DC current, a power switching unit that connects or disconnects an output of the power supply unit, an AC switching unit that connects or disconnects the AC current of the power supply unit to an AC output terminal, an AC-DC conversion unit and a DC conversion unit that convert the AC current of the power supply unit to a DC current, a DC switching unit that connects or disconnects an output of the DC conversion unit to a DC output terminal, a first ESS switching unit that connects or disconnects an output of the AC-DC conversion unit to the ESS, a DC-AC conversion unit that converts the DC current of the ESS to an AC current, a second ESS switching unit that connects or disconnects an output of the DC-AC conversion unit to the AC switching unit, and a control unit that controls the switching unit.

[0018] In some embodiments of the present invention, the control unit can control to charge the ESS using AC current of the power supply unit when the power supply unit is not connected to the electric vehicle and the output of the power supply unit is normal.

[0019] In some embodiments of the present invention, the control unit is connected to a DC electric vehicle and, when the output of the power supply unit is normal, can control to charge the electric vehicle using AC current of the power supply unit.

[0020] In some embodiments of the present invention, the control unit is connected to a DC electric vehicle and can control the electric vehicle to be charged using the DC current of the ESS when the output of the power supply unit is abnormal.

[0021] In some embodiments of the present invention, the control unit is connected to an AC electric vehicle and, when the output of the power supply unit is normal, can control to charge the electric vehicle using AC current of the power supply unit.

[0022] In some embodiments of the present invention, the control unit is connected to an AC electric vehicle and can control the electric vehicle to be charged using the DC current of the ESS when the output of the power supply unit is abnormal.

[0023] In some embodiments of the present invention, the control unit can communicate with the electric vehicle control unit to recognize the charging type, either DC or AC.

[0024] As described above, the DC / AC compatible electric vehicle charging device including the ESS of the present invention can charge both DC and AC electric vehicles, and can charge the electric vehicle with the output of the ESS when the power supply is not normal. Furthermore, when the electric vehicle is not connected, the ESS can be charged to prepare for situations where the power supply is not smooth. In other words, an electric vehicle charging device can be provided that can charge the electric vehicle regardless of the charging method of the electric vehicle and even during a power outage.

[0025] Fig. 1 is a drawing showing a conventional AC electric vehicle charging device.

[0026] Figure 2 is a drawing showing a conventional DC electric vehicle charging device.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a DC / AC compatible electric vehicle charging device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a control unit of a DC / AC compatible electric vehicle charging device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the control of a switching unit of a DC / AC compatible electric vehicle charging device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided only to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the specification.

[0031] “And / or” includes each and every combination of one or more of the items mentioned.

[0032] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments only and is not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, the singular also includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise. As used herein, the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps, operations, and / or elements mentioned.

[0033] Additionally, throughout the specification, when a part is said to be "connected" to another part, this includes not only cases where it is "directly connected" but also cases where it is "indirectly" or "electrically connected" with other members or components in between.

[0034] Additionally, throughout the specification, the description that each layer (film), region, pattern or structure is formed "on" or "under" the substrate, each layer (film), region, pad or pattern includes both being formed directly or through the interposition of another layer. The criteria for being on / over or under / under each layer are explained based on the drawings.

[0035] Additionally, expressions such as 'first, second', etc. are used only to distinguish between multiple components, and do not limit the order or other characteristics between the components.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein may be used in their common sense to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise.

[0037] A DC / AC compatible electric vehicle charging device including an ESS according to the present invention is described with reference to drawings.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a DC / AC compatible electric vehicle charging device including an ESS according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 3, the DC / AC compatible electric vehicle charging device including an ESS according to the present invention is an electric vehicle charging device (100) that charges a battery (280) of an electric vehicle (200) with AC current of a power supply unit (300), and comprises an ESS (Energy Storage System, 500) that stores and outputs DC current, a power switching unit (191) that connects or cuts off the output of the power supply unit (300), an AC switching unit (192) that connects or cuts off the AC current of the power supply unit (300) to an AC output terminal (110), an AC-DC conversion unit (130) and a DC conversion unit (140) that convert the AC current of the power supply unit (300) into DC current, a DC switching unit (193) that connects or cuts off the output of the DC conversion unit (140) to a DC output terminal (120), and an output of the AC-DC conversion unit (130). It may include a first ESS switching unit (195) that connects or disconnects the ESS (500), a DC-AC conversion unit (150) that converts the DC current of the ESS (500) into AC current, a second ESS switching unit (196) that connects or disconnects the output of the DC-AC conversion unit (150) to the AC switching unit (192), and a control unit (170) that controls the switching unit.

[0040] The above ESS (Energy Storage System, 500) is a device that stores energy using a physical medium in the form of a battery, and is an "energy storage system (ESS)" including an accumulator. Typically, it can include a standalone system that stores power of several hundred kWh or more.

[0041] ESS (500) can be installed and operated in power generation, transmission, and distribution, as well as at consumer sites in the power grid, and is used for functions such as load leveling and emergency power supply. ESS (500) can contribute to improving energy efficiency and stabilizing the power supply system by storing electric energy and supplying it when needed.

[0042] The above power supply unit (300) is a power supply network including a transmission / distribution power supply network, and power supply may be cut off due to causes such as a power outage.

[0043] The above AC-DC converter (130) can convert AC current supplied from the power supply unit (300) into DC current.

[0044] The above DC converter (140) can convert the DC current output from the AC-DC converter (130) into a voltage of a size required by the electric vehicle (200).

[0045] The above DC-AC converter (150) can convert the DC current output from the ESS (500) into AC current in accordance with the specifications of an electric vehicle (200) that requires AC current.

[0046] The above control unit (170) may include a microcontroller and a memory, and may perform a control operation of the electric vehicle charging device according to the present invention by a microcontroller that executes a program stored in the memory.

[0047] The control unit (170) can check the input voltage and current of the power supply unit (300) to determine whether the power supply unit (300) can normally supply power for charging an electric vehicle (200) or ESS (500).

[0048] Additionally, the control unit (170) can communicate with the electric vehicle control unit (270) to determine whether the required charging type of the electric vehicle (200) is DC or AC.

[0049] The control unit (170) can recognize whether the power supply unit (300) is operating normally and the required charging type of the electric vehicle (200) and appropriately control each switching unit of the charging device (100).

[0050] The above switching unit may be configured as, for example, a relay switch, and the output of the relay switch may be maintained in a cut-off state before a driving signal from the control unit is input, and when the driving signal is transmitted, the switch may be switched to a connected state.

[0051] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a flow chart of a control unit of a DC / AC compatible electric vehicle charging device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a drawing showing control of a switching unit of a DC / AC compatible electric vehicle charging device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the switching operation of the ball invention will be described in detail.

[0053] The control unit (170) according to one embodiment of the present invention can control the ESS (500) to be charged using the AC current of the power supply unit (300) when the output of the power supply unit (300) is normal and not connected to the electric vehicle (200).

[0054] In the case corresponding to the condition of 'Case 2' of Fig. 5, the relay switch of the power switching unit (191) and the first ESS switching unit (195) can be connected.

[0055] First, the charging device (100) and the electric vehicle (200) can be connected via a charging cable. Referring to the flow chart of Fig. 4, when the charging cable is connected, the control unit (170) and the electric vehicle control unit (270) can communicate with each other to determine whether charging is necessary and whether the supply current for charging is DC or AC.

[0056] When not connected to the electric vehicle (200) and power supply is possible from the power supply unit (300), the relay switch of the power switching unit (191) and the first ESS switching unit (195) are connected so that the ESS (500) can be charged using the AC current of the power supply unit (300).

[0057] A control unit (170) according to one embodiment of the present invention is connected to a DC electric vehicle (200) and, when the output of the power supply unit (300) is normal, can control the electric vehicle (200) to be charged using the AC current of the power supply unit (300).

[0058] In the case corresponding to the condition of 'Case 3' of Fig. 5, the relay switch of the power switching unit (191) and the DC switching unit (193) can be connected.

[0059] First, the charging device (100) and the electric vehicle (200) can be connected via a charging cable. Referring to the flow chart of Fig. 4, when the charging cable is connected, the control unit (170) and the electric vehicle control unit (270) can communicate with each other to determine whether charging is necessary and whether the supply current for charging is DC or AC.

[0060] In the step of confirming the connection and charging type with the electric vehicle (200), if the connection is normal in the form of DC charging and power supply is possible from the power supply unit (300), the relay switches of the power switching unit (191) and the DC switching unit (193) are connected, and the AC current of the power supply unit (300) is output to the DC output terminal (120) through the DC switching unit (193) via the AC-DC conversion unit (130) and the DC conversion unit (140).

[0061] The DC current output from the above DC output terminal (120) can be connected to the DC input terminal (220) of the electric vehicle (200) to charge the DC electric vehicle (200).

[0062] A control unit (170) according to one embodiment of the present invention is connected to a DC electric vehicle (200) and, when the output of the power supply unit (300) is abnormal, can control the electric vehicle (200) to be charged using the DC current of the ESS (500).

[0063] In the case corresponding to the condition of 'Case 4' of Fig. 5, the relay switch of the DC switching unit (193) and the first ESS switching unit (195) can be connected.

[0064] First, the charging device (100) and the electric vehicle (200) can be connected via a charging cable. Referring to the flow chart of Fig. 4, when the charging cable is connected, the control unit (170) and the electric vehicle control unit (270) can communicate with each other to determine whether charging is necessary and whether the supply current for charging is DC or AC.

[0065] In the step of checking the connection and charging type with the electric vehicle (200), if the connection is normal in the form of DC charging and power supply unit (300) is not able to supply power, the relay switch of the power switching unit (191) and the first ESS switching unit (195) are connected, and the DC current of the ESS (500) is output to the DC output terminal (120) through the DC conversion unit (140) and the DC switching unit (193).

[0066] The DC current output from the above DC output terminal (120) can be connected to the DC input terminal (220) of the electric vehicle (200) to charge the DC electric vehicle (200).

[0067] A control unit (170) according to one embodiment of the present invention is connected to an AC electric vehicle (200) and, when the output of the power supply unit (300) is normal, can control the electric vehicle (200) to be charged using the AC current of the power supply unit (300).

[0068] In the case corresponding to the condition of 'Case 5' of Fig. 5, the relay switch of the power switching unit (191) and the AC switching unit (192) can be connected.

[0069] First, the charging device (100) and the electric vehicle (200) can be connected via a charging cable. Referring to the flow chart of Fig. 4, when the charging cable is connected, the control unit (170) and the electric vehicle control unit (270) can communicate with each other to determine whether charging is necessary and whether the supply current for charging is DC or AC.

[0070] In the step of checking the connection and charging type with the electric vehicle (200), if the connection is normal in the AC charging type and power supply is possible from the power supply unit (300), the relay switches of the power switching unit (191) and the AC switching unit (192) are connected, and the AC current of the power supply unit (300) is output to the AC output terminal (110) through the AC switching unit (192).

[0071] The AC current output from the AC output terminal (110) can be connected to the AC input terminal (210) of the electric vehicle (200) to charge the AC electric vehicle (200).

[0072] A control unit (170) according to one embodiment of the present invention is connected to an AC electric vehicle (200) and can control the electric vehicle (200) to be charged using the DC current of the ESS (500) when the output of the power supply unit (300) is abnormal.

[0073] In the case corresponding to the condition of 'Case 6' of Fig. 5, the relay switch of the AC switching unit (192) and the second ESS switching unit (196) can be connected.

[0074] First, the charging device (100) and the electric vehicle (200) can be connected via a charging cable. Referring to the flow chart of Fig. 4, when the charging cable is connected, the control unit (170) and the electric vehicle control unit (270) can communicate with each other to determine whether charging is necessary and whether the supply current for charging is DC or AC.

[0075] In the step of checking the connection and charging type with the electric vehicle (200), if the connection is normal in the AC charging type and power supply unit (300) is not able to supply power, the relay switch of the AC switching unit (192) and the second ESS switching unit (196) are connected, and the DC current of the ESS (500) is output to the AC output terminal (110) through the AC switching unit (192) via the DC-AC conversion unit (150).

[0076] The AC current output from the AC output terminal (110) can be connected to the AC input terminal (210) of the electric vehicle (200) to charge the AC electric vehicle (200).

[0077] As such, the electric vehicle charging device of the present invention can charge both DC and AC electric vehicles, and can also charge the electric vehicle using the output of the ESS when the power supply is abnormal. Furthermore, when the electric vehicle is not connected, the ESS can be charged to prepare for situations where the power supply is not smooth. In other words, the present invention provides an electric vehicle charging device that can charge the electric vehicle regardless of the charging method and even during a power outage.

[0078] Although the present invention has been described as above, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention can be implemented in other forms while maintaining the technical spirit and essential features of the present invention.

[0079] The scope of the present invention will be defined by the patent claims, but it should be interpreted that not only the configuration directly derived from the description of the patent claims, but also all changes or modified forms derived from equivalent configurations are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electric vehicle charging device that charges the battery of an electric vehicle with AC current from a power supply unit. ESS that stores and outputs DC current; A power switching unit that connects or disconnects the output of the above power supply unit; An AC switching unit that connects or blocks the AC current of the power supply unit to the AC output terminal; An AC-DC converter and a DC converter that convert the AC current of the power supply unit into DC current; A DC switching unit that connects or blocks the output of the above DC converter to a DC output terminal; A first ESS switching unit that connects or blocks the output of the AC-DC converter to the ESS; A DC-AC converter that converts the DC current of the above ESS into AC current; A second ESS switching unit that connects or blocks the output of the DC-AC converter to the AC switching unit; and A DC / AC compatible electric vehicle charging device including an ESS, comprising a control unit that controls the above switching unit.

2. In paragraph 1, A DC / AC compatible electric vehicle charging device including an ESS, wherein the control unit controls charging of the ESS using AC current of the power supply unit when the output of the power supply unit is normal and not connected to the electric vehicle.

3. In paragraph 1, A DC / AC compatible electric vehicle charging device including an ESS, wherein the control unit is connected to a DC electric vehicle and controls charging of the electric vehicle using AC current of the power supply unit when the output of the power supply unit is normal.

4. In paragraph 1, A DC / AC compatible electric vehicle charging device including an ESS, wherein the control unit is connected to a DC electric vehicle and controls charging of the electric vehicle using the DC current of the ESS when the output of the power supply unit is abnormal.

5. In paragraph 1, A DC / AC compatible electric vehicle charging device including an ESS, wherein the control unit is connected to an AC electric vehicle and controls charging of the electric vehicle using AC current of the power supply unit when the output of the power supply unit is normal.

6. In paragraph 1, The above control unit is a DC / AC compatible electric vehicle charging device including an ESS, which is connected to an AC electric vehicle and controls charging of the electric vehicle using the DC current of the ESS when the output of the power supply unit is abnormal.

7. In paragraph 1, The above control unit is a DC / AC compatible electric vehicle charging device including an ESS that communicates with an electric vehicle control unit to recognize a DC or AC charging type.

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