Bidirectional EV Charger Current Control for Simultaneous V2L Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply apparatuses for EV vehicles with V2L functionality suffer from high power loss due to unnecessary power conversion, increased installation area and volume, and limitations in battery capacity and vehicle size, as well as restricted application range.
Innovation Solution
A power supply apparatus with a bidirectional charger, in-vehicle battery, current sensor, and hardware processor that controls current flow to minimize total current exceeding allowable values, eliminating the need for both an inverter and charger, and allowing V2L outlet usage during battery charging while reducing power conversion loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If AC power is converted to DC power and then back to AC power for V2L output, then the power supply apparatus can provide both charging and V2L functionality, but power loss increases due to double power conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the inverter function from the system by directly connecting the V2L outlet to the DC power source (battery or rectifier output). This eliminates the unnecessary DC-AC conversion stage while maintaining the ability to supply AC power to external loads, thereby reducing power loss without sacrificing V2L functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The V2L outlet is designed to universally accept both direct DC power supply and rectified AC power supply. The system can flexibly switch between charging mode, V2L power supply mode, or simultaneous operation, making the power supply apparatus multi-functional without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If both a charger and an inverter are provided for V2L functionality, then the power supply apparatus can perform both charging and power supply, but the installation area and installation volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the V2L power supply function with the existing charging system components. The V2L outlet is integrated into the charging apparatus, sharing common components such as the rectifier, control circuitry, and housing. This eliminates the need for a separate inverter unit, thereby reducing installation area and volume while maintaining both charging and V2L capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging apparatus is designed with universal functionality to perform both charging and V2L power supply using shared hardware components. The rectifier and control system serve dual purposes: charging the battery and providing power to external loads via the V2L outlet, thus eliminating the need for dedicated separate equipment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If both a charger and an inverter are provided for V2L functionality, then the power supply apparatus can perform both charging and power supply, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the V2L power supply function with the charging system by integrating the V2L outlet into the charging apparatus. The rectifier, control circuitry, and power management system are shared between charging and V2L functions, eliminating the need for separate inverter control logic and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the inverter component and its associated control systems from the design. By directly supplying DC power to the V2L outlet or using the rectifier output without inversion, the system eliminates the complex DC-AC conversion circuitry and control algorithms required for inverter operation, thereby simplifying the device.
4Adaptability or versatility
If current is supplied to both the bidirectional charger and V2L outlet from the same AC power source, then the system can charge the battery and supply power simultaneously, but the total current may exceed the allowable current value
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic current allocation that adjusts the current distribution between the bidirectional charger and V2L outlet based on real-time conditions. The control system continuously monitors the total current draw and dynamically adjusts the current split to ensure the sum does not exceed the allowable current value, enabling flexible simultaneous operation while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control where the control unit monitors the current flowing to both the charger and V2L outlet and adjusts the current allocation accordingly. When the total current approaches the allowable limit, the system automatically reduces the current to one or both outputs, ensuring reliable operation within safety constraints while maximizing simultaneous functionality.
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 simplifies the device, reduces power conversion loss, and expands the application range by enabling V2L outlet use during battery charging, thereby minimizing the impact on vehicle size and installation volume.
Implementation Method 1
a bidirectional charger 22 capable of performing power conversion between both AC power and DC power
Implementation Method 2
a battery 23 that stores DC power
Implementation Method 3
an inverter that performs DC/AC conversion of stored power of the power storage device to supply AC power to the external load
Implementation Method 4
a current sensor 25 that detects an amount of a current flowing toward the V2L outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply apparatus includes: an inlet to which first AC power is input; a bidirectional charger capable of performing power conversion between both AC power and DC power; a battery that stores DC power; a V2L outlet capable of outputting second AC power; a current sensor that detects an amount of a current flowing toward the V2L outlet when the second AC power is output from the V2L outlet when the first AC power is branched and supplied to the bidirectional charger and the V2L outlet; a memory; and a hardware processor coupled to the memory. The hardware processor controls an amount of a current flowing toward the bidirectional charger in such a manner that a total current amount of an amount of a current flowing toward the V2L outlet and an amount of a current flowing toward the bidirectional charger falls within a predetermined allowable current value.