Buck-Boost Regulator Inversion for EV Recharging Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

The inefficiency of stationary recharge infrastructure for electric vehicles in converting and regulating power during the recharging process, leading to suboptimal energy transfer and storage.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a buck-boost regulator with an inductor and switching device in the power supply circuit of the electric vehicle, which includes a propulsor motor, to convert and regulate an unregulated power source into a stable output for storage in the power storage unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a stationary recharge infrastructure with full power conversion and regulation is used, then power conversion and regulation are performed, but energy transfer and storage efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy loss during rechargingVSAvoidrecharging efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using stationary infrastructure to convert and regulate power before delivery to the vehicle, this patent inverts the approach by placing the power conversion and regulation system inside the vehicle itself. The vehicle's power supply circuit converts unregulated power from the power source into regulated power for storage, reversing the traditional flow and control architecture to improve efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle performs its own power conversion and regulation through its onboard power supply circuit and buck-boost regulator. Rather than relying on external infrastructure to prepare the power, the vehicle's own systems handle the conversion and regulation, allowing for more efficient energy transfer and storage while utilizing the vehicle's existing electrical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of energy

If stationary infrastructure performs full power conversion and regulation, then power is converted and regulated, but energy transfer efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy transfer lossVSAvoidpower conversion efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional power conversion architecture by moving the conversion function from stationary infrastructure to the vehicle's onboard systems. The power supply circuit and buck-boost regulator inside the vehicle perform the conversion, reducing energy transfer losses that occur in stationary infrastructure while maintaining effective power conversion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Device complexity

If components of propulsor motor (inductor and switching device) are used in power supply circuit, then device complexity is reduced, but power conversion capability must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply circuit complexityVSAvoidpower conversion capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by using components from the propulsor motor (inductor and switching device) for dual purposes: their original motor function and additional power conversion function in the buck-boost regulator. This universal use of existing components reduces overall device complexity while maintaining full power conversion capability through the power supply circuit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution enhances the efficiency of power conversion and storage within the electric vehicle, optimizing energy utilization and reducing energy loss during the recharging process.

Implementation Method 1

A buck-boost regulator may include at least an inductor. A buck-boost regulator may include a switching device to supply intermittent current to at least an inductor.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A power storage unit may be configured to store power.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical energy storage: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS11590854B1System and method for recharging an electric vehicle

Publication Date: 2023.02.28 BETA AIR LLC

AI summary

In an aspect, a system for recharging an electric vehicle. A system includes an electric vehicle. An electric vehicle includes at least a propulsor. An electric vehicle includes a recharging connector electrically connected to a power source. An electric vehicle includes a power storage unit. A power storage unit is configured to store power. An electric vehicle includes a power supply circuit. A power supply circuit is in electric communication with a power storage unit and recharging connector. A power supply circuit includes a buck-boost regulator. A buck-boost regulator includes at least an inductor. A buck-boost regulator includes a switching device to supply intermittent current to at least an inductor. At least one of at least an inductor and a switching device is a component of at least a propulsor motor.