Vehicle Charging Switch Topology for Voltage-Mismatched Boost Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing charging systems face issues with voltage mismatch between charging facilities and vehicle batteries, requiring high hardware costs and posing safety risks such as electric shock due to inefficient boost charging methods.

Innovation Solution

A charging switching apparatus with a boost capacitor and switches that allows for both boost charging and direct charging modes, utilizing the vehicle's motor winding inductance to adapt voltage levels and ensure safety by disconnecting high-voltage components during charging completion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If known boost charging methods are used to convert low voltage to high voltage, then voltage mismatch is solved, but hardware cost increases and safety problems occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging safetyVSAvoidhardware cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motor winding inductance, which is already present in the vehicle for motor operation, is utilized to perform the boost charging function. This eliminates the need for separate external inductors or complex voltage conversion hardware, reducing hardware cost while maintaining safety through the vehicle's own existing components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The motor winding serves dual purposes: it functions as both the motor's electromagnetic component and as the inductance element for boost charging. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, lowering hardware complexity and cost while solving the voltage mismatch problem

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If known boost charging methods are used, then voltage conversion is achieved, but compatibility with direct high power charging is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging mode compatibilityVSAvoiddirect charging power
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The charging system dynamically switches between two operational modes: direct charging mode when voltage matches, and boost charging mode when voltage mismatch occurs. The switching apparatus enables flexible adaptation between modes based on real-time voltage conditions, maintaining both direct high power charging capability and boost charging compatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If boost charging is performed without precharging the boost capacitor, then charging speed increases, but safety hazards such as electric shock occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator safetyVSAvoidcharging speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The boost capacitor is precharged to a safe voltage level before the actual boost charging process begins. This preliminary action eliminates dangerous voltage differentials that could cause electric shock, while the subsequent charging process maintains efficiency through controlled energy transfer via the precharged capacitor and motor winding inductance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Solves voltage mismatch at lower hardware cost and eliminates safety hazards by enabling safe switching between charging modes, reducing hardware requirements and enhancing charging compatibility and safety.

Implementation Method 1

perform boost charging on the battery of the vehicle via the boost capacitor and an inductance of a motor winding of the vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductance: Inductor

Implementation Method 2

perform boost charging on the battery of the vehicle via the boost capacitor and an inductance of a motor winding of the vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

the first switch is connected between the boost capacitor and one of two output terminals of the charging facility

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical switching: Relay

Data Source

PatentEP4588713A1Charging switching apparatus, and charging control system and control method
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 XPT EDS (HEFEI) CO LTD
  • EP4588713A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4588713A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4588713A1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a charging switching apparatus, a charging control system and control method, an electronic device, and a vehicle. The charging switching apparatus according to the disclosure is connected between a battery of a vehicle and a charging facility external to the vehicle, and includes a boost capacitor and a first switch. The charging switching apparatus is configured to perform boost charging on the battery of the vehicle via the boost capacitor and an inductance of a motor winding of the vehicle by using the charging facility in a boost charging mode, where the first switch is connected between the boost capacitor and one of two output terminals of the charging facility.