Bidirectional Multi-Port DC-DC Converter for Fault-Tolerant EV Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional EV charging stations face reliability issues due to unidirectional operation and vulnerability to faults, leading to stress on power grids during peak usage and increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional DC-DC converter system integrating an EV battery and storage battery, with a controller managing power flow between these batteries and the grid, enabling fault-tolerant control and reducing converter requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional unidirectional charging stations are used, then charging function is provided, but operational reliability deteriorates due to vulnerability to faults and grid stress
Solution Approach 1:
The DC-DC converter module is designed to perform multiple functions: bidirectional power conversion for charging/discharging EV batteries, grid power conversion, and integration with storage batteries. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate converters for each function, reducing overall system complexity while enhancing operational reliability through redundancy
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different operating modes (charging mode, discharging mode, grid interaction mode) based on real-time conditions such as battery state of charge, grid status, and power demand. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain optimal performance and reliability under varying operational conditions
2Reliability
If fixed location charging stations are implemented, then charging service is provided, but power grid reliability deteriorates due to stress on given area
Solution Approach 1:
The DC-DC converter module serves multiple roles including EV battery charging, discharging to grid, and integration with storage batteries, allowing a single mobile unit to replace multiple fixed charging stations and distribute load across different locations
Solution Approach 2:
The storage battery acts as an intermediary energy buffer between the EV battery and the power grid, enabling energy arbitrage by charging when grid demand is low and discharging when demand is high, thereby reducing stress on the power grid while maintaining charging service availability
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple converters are used for bidirectional charging, then functional versatility is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single DC-DC converter module is designed to handle multiple operating modes including EV battery charging, EV battery discharging, grid charging, and grid discharging by changing its connection configuration, eliminating the need for separate converters for each function and significantly reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the functions of multiple converters into a single integrated DC-DC converter module that can operate in different configurations, combining charging, discharging, and grid interaction capabilities into one unified device, thereby reducing component count and system complexity
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
Enhances grid reliability by optimizing power quality and reducing costs through peak shaving and load shifting, while providing fault-tolerant control and extending component lifetime.
Implementation Method 1
DC-DC converter module... capable of managing power flow between the EV battery, storage battery, and grid
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure is directed to mobile electric vehicle charging systems including a storage battery and a controller, coupled to the storage battery. Additionally, the system may include a DC-DC converter module coupled to the controller, having a high voltage interface, an electric vehicle interface, and a storage battery interface. The high voltage interface electrically couples the converter module to a high voltage power source via an AC-DC converter, the storage battery interface electrically couples the converter module to the storage battery, and the electric vehicle interface electrically couples the converter module to an electric vehicle battery. The DC-DC converter is configured to transmit power to and from the high voltage source, the storage battery, an electric vehicle battery in response, at least in part, to a signal from the controller.