Bidirectional Cordset Power Transfer for Vehicle-to-Building Backup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrified vehicles lack a system for bidirectional energy transfer that efficiently converts DC power from their traction battery to AC power for use in residential or commercial structures, and vice versa, particularly during power outages or peak demand conditions.

Innovation Solution

A portable cordset system that includes relays, switches, and an inverter to facilitate bidirectional energy transfer between electrified vehicles and AC infrastructure, using DC power from the vehicle's battery to power the cordset and convert it to AC for use in structures, with communication protocols for safe and efficient power transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a cordset system is designed to transfer power bidirectionally between electrified vehicles and AC infrastructure, then energy transfer capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for relays, switches, and inverters

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy transfer capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cordset is designed to perform multiple functions: it can transfer power from AC infrastructure to charge the vehicle battery, and conversely transfer power from the vehicle battery to supply AC infrastructure during outages or peak demand. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making a single system adaptable to different operating conditions without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate components such as relays, switches, and inverters that mediate the bidirectional power flow between the vehicle battery and AC infrastructure. These intermediaries enable safe and efficient energy transfer while managing the complexity through standardized, modular components rather than custom complex circuitry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If DC power from the traction battery is converted to AC power for use in structures, then energy usability is improved, but energy loss increases during the conversion process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy usabilityVSAvoidconversion loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The inverter converts DC power from the traction battery to AC power suitable for residential or commercial structures. By using modern inverter technology with high conversion efficiency, the system achieves parameter transformation (DC to AC) while minimizing energy loss, thus resolving the contradiction between energy usability and conversion loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the cordset uses relays and switches powered by the battery array during power transfer, then operational reliability is improved, but energy consumption by the cordset increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidcordset energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The relays and switches within the cordset are powered by the battery array itself during power transfer operations. This self-service approach allows the cordset to operate autonomously using the energy already present in the system, minimizing additional energy consumption while ensuring reliable operation of control components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 efficient energy transfer from vehicles to structures during power outages or peak demand, supporting transient loads and reducing utility costs by using the vehicle's battery as a backup power source.

Implementation Method 1

power received by the cordset from the electrified vehicle has been converted from DC to AC by an inverter of the electrified vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDC to AC conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS12594852B2Bidirectional energy transfer system and method utilizing a cordset

Publication Date: 2026.04.07 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A bidirectional energy transfer system includes a cordset of a bidirectional energy transfer system that transfers power from a device to at least one battery array within a traction battery of an electrified vehicle when the cordset is operating under a first condition, and that transfers power from the at least one battery array to the device when the cordset is operating under a second condition. The cordset can include relays powered by the at least one battery array when the cordset is operating under the second condition.