Bidirectional EV Charging Converter for Mobile AC/DC Microgrids

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional microgrids are inflexible and costly, lacking mobility and autonomy to quickly respond to varying energy demands in different locations, especially for electric vehicle charging and renewable energy integration.

Innovation Solution

A compact, bidirectional microgrid device capable of operating under different voltage modes (AC and DC) with a scalable AC/DC converter, integrated with on-board batteries and communication modules, allowing connection to various energy sources and grids, and designed for transportability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional microgrid architectures are used, then energy storage and supply functions are provided, but mobility and flexibility are lost due to large size and high cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemobility and flexibilityVSAvoiddevice size and weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the microgrid system into a portable charging device (100) that can be transported in a vehicle, separating the energy storage and conversion functions from the traditional fixed infrastructure. This allows the system to be moved to different locations while maintaining microgrid functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a stationary, ground-based microgrid to an aerial drone-based microgrid system, adding the vertical dimension and mobility capability. This dimensional change enables flexible deployment in locations where traditional fixed microgrids cannot be installed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If traditional microgrid architectures are used, then energy storage and supply functions are provided, but response speed to varying energy demands is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speed to energy demandVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic response capabilities through the portable charging device that can quickly adapt to varying energy demands. The system can rapidly deploy to locations with urgent energy needs and adjust power delivery based on real-time requirements, unlike fixed microgrids with slower response times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key system parameters including reducing device weight to under 800 kg, limiting height to under 1 meter for vehicle transportability, and configuring power output between 25-75 kW. These parameter changes enable rapid deployment while maintaining appropriate response speed for various energy demands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed power grid connection is required, then stable energy supply is ensured, but autonomy and independence from general power grid are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautonomy and independenceVSAvoidenergy supply stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal charging device that can operate in multiple modes: connected to the general power grid for stable supply, or autonomously using onboard energy storage when grid connection is unavailable. This multi-functionality provides both grid stability when available and autonomy when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an AC/DC converter (5) as an intermediary component that enables bidirectional energy conversion. This converter allows the system to interface with the AC power grid when available, while also managing DC power from onboard batteries or external DC sources, providing a flexible bridge between different energy sources and loads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 flexible, autonomous, and efficient energy storage and supply, reducing costs and enhancing mobility, while supporting electric vehicle charging and renewable energy integration with scalable power capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

an alternating current to direct current (AC/DC) converter (5), connected to the AC input (1) and to the AC output (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Energy Conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP4297238A1Bidirectional charging device, system and vehicle comprising said device
Publication Date: 2023.12.27 CLOSEBATTERY LOGISTICS SL
  • EP4297238A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4297238A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4297238A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a compact-sized bidirectional charging device (100), particularly aimed at charging electric vehicles (4) under different AC or DC voltage modes. More specifically, the invention relates to a bidirectional charging device (100) comprising: an AC input (1), connectable to a power supply grid (2); an AC output (3) connectable to an electric vehicle (4); an AC/DC converter (5) connected to the AC input (1) and to the AC output (2); and a DC bidirectional connection point (6), connected to the AC/DC converter (5). The invention also relates to a system comprising a plurality of said devices (100) connected in parallel, and to a vehicle with bidirectional charging comprising at least said device (100) or said system housed or arranged on-board in the mentioned vehicle.