Bidirectional EV Charger With Transfer Switch for Home Backup Power
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for charging electric vehicles (EVs) and providing backup power to structures are complex and costly, requiring additional hardware such as adapters, subsystems, and separate installations for EV charging and backup power.
Innovation Solution
A charger that integrates a charging circuit and a discharge circuit with a bi-directional charging connector, allowing the charger to supply incoming power to the EV and outgoing power to the structure during a power interruption, thereby reducing system complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate installations are used for EV charging and backup power, then each function can be independently implemented, but system complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the EV charging function and backup power supply function into a single integrated charger unit. The charging circuit and discharge circuit share common components including the transformer, transfer switch, and control system, eliminating the need for separate installations while maintaining both functions' reliability through unified design and coordination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adapters and additional electric subsystems are installed, then power transfer from EV to structure is enabled, but installation cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charger is designed with universal multi-functionality to perform both EV charging and backup power supply without requiring additional adapters or subsystems. The bi-directional charging connector and integrated circuits enable the same device to accept power from the utility for charging the EV and to supply power from the EV battery to the structure during outages, eliminating the need for separate hardware for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of EV charging and backup power supply into a single integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate adapters and electric subsystems. The shared transformer, transfer switch, and control system reduce hardware requirements while maintaining full adaptability for both power transfer directions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a bi-directional charging connector is used, then the charger can supply both incoming power to EV and outgoing power to structure, but the charging circuit must be modified to handle bidirectional power flow
Solution Approach 1:
The charging circuit is designed with universal multi-functionality to handle both incoming power from the utility for EV charging and outgoing power from the EV battery to the structure. The same circuit components, including the transformer and transfer switch, are used for both power flow directions, reducing manufacturing complexity compared to having separate circuits for each function.
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
The integrated charger system simplifies installations by eliminating the need for additional hardware and costly adaptors, while providing reliable backup power to structures during outages, thereby increasing customer satisfaction and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the discharge circuit has an integrated transformer that phase-splits the outgoing power (e.g., 240 Volts (V), 240 V alternating current (AC)) from the EV into voltage levels compatible with the structure (e.g., 120 VAC)
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to vehicle charging and supplying backup power to a structure while reducing system complexity (e.g., installation). In one embodiment, a system includes a charger including a charging circuit and a discharge circuit coupled to a charging connector for an electric vehicle (EV), and the charging connector is bi-directional. The system also includes that the charging circuit supplies an ingoing power from a main electric panel of a structure to the charging connector. The system also includes that the discharge circuit receives an outgoing power through the charging connector and splits the outgoing power in voltage levels using a transformer. The system also includes a manual transfer switch within the discharge circuit that feeds backup power using the voltage levels to a sub-panel for electrical circuits of the structure during a power interruption and the sub-panel is external from the charger.