Bi-directional Power Conversion Module for Vehicle-to-Grid Energy Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive electrical power systems lack efficient methods for charging and discharging energy between the vehicle's power storage units and the electrical grid, particularly in plug-in modes where power availability is reduced, requiring innovative solutions for voltage management and energy transfer.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a rectifier circuit, DC/DC power converters, and bi-directional DC/DC power converters connected to a high voltage bus, enabling rectification, voltage boosting, and bucking, as well as an inverter circuit for efficient energy transfer between the electrical grid and the vehicle's power storage units, with control mechanisms to manage power flow and voltage levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If voltage boosting is performed to transfer power from grid to power storage unit, then charging efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional power conversion modules
Solution Approach 1:
The power conversion module is designed to perform multiple functions: rectification of AC grid power, DC-DC voltage conversion (both boosting and bucking), and bidirectional power flow control. By integrating these functions into a single multi-functional module, the system achieves efficient charging without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts voltage parameters during charging operations. The power conversion module varies output voltage and current parameters to optimize charging efficiency across different operating conditions, adapting to the power storage unit's state of charge and the grid's power availability
2Loss of energy
If voltage bucking is performed to discharge power from power storage unit to grid, then energy recovery efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to bidirectional power conversion requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The power conversion module operates in bidirectional mode, serving both charging (grid to vehicle) and discharging (vehicle to grid) functions. This multi-functionality enables efficient energy recovery during vehicle-to-grid operations without requiring separate dedicated conversion systems for each direction
Solution Approach 2:
The power conversion module can reverse its power flow direction and voltage conversion mode (boosting vs. bucking) depending on whether the system is charging from or discharging to the grid. This inversion capability maximizes energy recovery efficiency while managing system complexity through a single adaptable module
3Adaptability or versatility
If rectification is performed to convert AC grid current to DC, then power transfer compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional circuit components
Solution Approach 1:
The rectification circuit is merged with the DC-DC power conversion module into an integrated power management system. By combining AC rectification, DC voltage conversion, and bidirectional power control into a unified architecture, the system achieves broad power transfer compatibility while minimizing the total number of discrete circuit components
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
This configuration allows for efficient charging of power storage units from the grid, managing voltage levels, and discharging energy back to the grid, optimizing energy utilization and system performance across different operational modes.
Implementation Method 1
The circuit is configured to rectify current received from the electrical grid
Implementation Method 2
The power conversion module is configured to buck or boost a voltage associated with the rectified current
Data Source
AI summary
An automotive vehicle includes an electrical circuit capable of being electrically connected with an electrical grid, a propulsion electrical bus electrically connected with the circuit, a power conversion module electrically connected with the propulsion electrical bus, and a power storage unit electrically connected with the power conversion module.