Vehicle Charging Interface with AC/DC Mode Detection and PWM Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Charging stations are typically dedicated to either AC or DC charging, limiting their ability to support both types of charging due to differing connector configurations, which restricts their versatility and compatibility with vehicles requiring both AC and DC voltage.
Innovation Solution
A system with common input terminals for AC and DC charging, utilizing a charge controller to generate PWM signals for different charging modes, and an on-board charger to convert AC to DC, enabling simultaneous support for both charging types based on detected voltage or user selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a charging station is configured for AC charging, then it supports AC voltage input, but it cannot support DC voltage input due to different connector configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station is designed with a universal charging interface that can accept both AC and DC voltage inputs through the same connector configuration. The charging controller automatically detects the input voltage type and switches between AC charging mode and DC charging mode, enabling a single charging station to serve multiple charging needs without requiring separate connectors for each charging type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a charging station is configured for DC charging, then it supports DC voltage input, but it cannot support AC voltage input due to different connector configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station incorporates a multi-functional charging interface that seamlessly handles both AC and DC inputs. The system includes voltage detection circuitry that identifies whether AC or DC voltage is supplied, and the charging controller相应ly activates the appropriate charging pathway, allowing the same physical connector to serve dual purposes without additional hardware complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate charging configurations are used for AC and DC, then each charging mode can be optimized, but the charging station cannot support both types simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station employs dynamic switching capability where the charging controller continuously monitors the input voltage characteristics and automatically transitions between AC charging mode and DC charging mode based on detection results. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the need for manual configuration or physical switching, allowing the system to optimize for the current input type while maintaining ease of operation through automated mode selection.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a single charger accepts only one voltage type, then the charger configuration is simple, but it lacks compatibility with vehicles requiring both AC and DC charging
Solution Approach 1:
The charger is designed with universal input capability that accepts both AC and DC voltage types through a unified connector interface. The internal charging controller includes detection mechanisms that identify the input voltage type and route it through the appropriate charging circuitry, enabling the same charger hardware to accommodate vehicles with different charging requirements without increasing physical complexity or requiring multiple dedicated chargers.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables flexible charging by dynamically switching between AC and DC modes, optimizing charging efficiency and compatibility with various charging stations, and ensuring safe and efficient energy transfer to the vehicle's energy storage device.
Implementation Method 1
an on-board charger to convert AC to DC
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a charge controller to generate PWM signals for different charging modes
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, apparatus, articles of manufacture, and methods are disclosed to charge an energy storage device on a vehicle. The system includes instructions to detect direct current or alternating current on or at an input terminal of a vehicle electrical system, the input terminal to receive electrical energy to charge the energy storage device on the vehicle; based on detection of direct current, generate a first pilot signal that includes a first pulse width modulated signal associated with a first mode including a first duty cycle range; based on detection of alternating current, generate a second pilot signal that includes a second pulse width modulated signal associated with a second mode including a second duty cycle range, wherein the first duty cycle range is lower than the second duty cycle range; and charge the energy storage device based on detection of the first pilot signal or the second pilot signal.