Bidirectional On-Board Charger Control for EV Battery Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing bidirectional on-board chargers (BOBCs) for electric vehicles suffer from reduced charging/discharging efficiency due to fixed power conversion rates, leading to increased losses and reduced battery lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A control method that compares battery voltage values to determine optimal power conversion rates for both charging and discharging modes, using a lookup table to adjust voltage variation rates based on battery state and voltage levels, thereby optimizing power conversion efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If power conversion is performed at a fixed rate, then the control system is simple, but loss increases and charging/discharging efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower conversion lossVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power conversion rate adjustment by continuously monitoring battery voltage and selecting appropriate conversion rates from a predetermined set based on voltage ranges. This replaces the fixed conversion rate with a dynamic adaptation mechanism that responds to real-time battery conditions, thereby reducing energy loss while maintaining manageable control complexity through structured decision logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the power conversion rate parameter based on battery voltage conditions. By establishing predetermined power conversion rates corresponding to different battery voltage ranges and selecting the appropriate rate dynamically, the system optimizes energy conversion efficiency without requiring overly complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If power conversion rate is fixed, then the control method is simple, but charging/discharging efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging/discharging efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol method complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control method transitions from a static fixed conversion rate to a dynamic selection mechanism that adapts power conversion rates based on real-time battery voltage monitoring. This dynamic approach improves charging/discharging efficiency by matching conversion rates to battery conditions while maintaining reasonable control complexity through predetermined rate selections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by adjusting the power conversion rate according to battery voltage ranges. Multiple predetermined power conversion rates are established, and the system selects the appropriate rate based on current battery voltage conditions, thereby improving efficiency without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of stationary object

If fixed conversion rate is used, then system operation is simple, but battery lifespan is reduced due to increased loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery lifespanVSAvoidsystem operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic adaptation by continuously monitoring battery voltage and adjusting power conversion rates accordingly. This dynamic operation reduces energy loss and thermal stress on the battery, extending its lifespan while maintaining operational simplicity through automated voltage-based selection of predetermined conversion rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the power conversion rate based on battery voltage conditions. This adaptive approach reduces energy loss and improves battery health over time, extending battery lifespan while keeping the operation simple through automated parameter adjustment based on voltage ranges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach enhances charging/discharging efficiency, reduces charging time, and extends battery lifespan, resulting in improved performance and cost-effectiveness for electric vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

a first power conversion unit 111 for converting an alternating current (AC) power, input from the grid 200, into a direct current (DC) power and converting a DC power, input from a battery 120, into an AC power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11267353B2Method and apparatus of controlling bidirectional on-board charger for electric vehicles
Publication Date: 2022.03.08 HYUNDAI MOBIS CO LTD
  • US11267353B2 patent drawing
  • US11267353B2 patent drawing
  • US11267353B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A bidirectional on-board charger (BOBC) may be disposed between an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) and a battery equipped in an electric vehicle to convert power while performing charging/discharging in two-way direction, supply a converted DC power to the battery to driving the electric vehicle, convert a power of the battery into an AC power in converting power with respect to the EVSE, and supply the AC power to a grid or a load. In a method and apparatus of controlling a BOBC, an operation mode of the BOBC proceeds to an optimum point by comparing battery voltage values in a charging mode and proceeds to an optimum point on the basis of an accurate battery state value through a grid connection in a discharging mode.