Multi-Port DC Converter Charging for Mixed EV Storage Voltages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles require multiple charging systems for different energy storage devices, leading to increased complexity and reduced reliability due to the large number of components needed to support various charging modes and voltage levels.
Innovation Solution
A multi-port energy storage management system with a power electronic conversion system featuring multiple DC electrical converters that can step up or step down voltage, allowing each energy port to be coupled with various energy storage devices and charging systems, and a controller to determine and adjust voltage connections for efficient charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate charging systems are used for different energy storage devices, then each storage device can be charged appropriately, but the number of components increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is designed as a universal multi-functional platform that can charge different types of energy storage devices (batteries, ultracapacitors, flywheels) through a single integrated system. The system includes multiple output ports with different voltage levels and charging characteristics that can be selectively connected to different storage devices based on their requirements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated charging systems for each device type.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple separate charging systems are merged into a single integrated charging system. The patent combines multiple charging circuits, voltage regulators, and control mechanisms into one unified platform that can simultaneously or selectively charge multiple different energy storage devices, reducing the total component count while maintaining the ability to provide appropriate charging for each device type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate charging systems are used for different energy storage devices, then each storage device can be charged appropriately, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is designed as a universal multi-functional platform that can charge different types of energy storage devices (batteries, ultracapacitors, flywheels) through a single integrated system. The system includes multiple output ports with different voltage levels and charging characteristics that can be selectively connected to different storage devices based on their requirements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated charging systems for each device type.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated charging system is segmented into multiple independent output channels, each capable of operating autonomously to charge different energy storage devices. This modular segmentation allows the system to provide specialized charging characteristics for each device type while maintaining overall system integration, reducing complexity compared to having completely separate charging systems.
3Speed
If rapid charging capability is provided for all energy storage devices, then charging speed improves, but the system must accommodate highest power requirements reducing efficiency for slower charging applications
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system implements local quality by providing different charging power levels and characteristics at different output ports based on the specific requirements of each energy storage device. High-power rapid charging capability is provided at ports designed for devices that require it, while lower-power ports are optimized for devices that benefit from slower charging, allowing each device to receive appropriately matched charging power for maximum efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system dynamically adjusts its operation to match the requirements of the connected energy storage device. The control system can switch between different charging modes, power levels, and voltage outputs based on real-time conditions and device requirements, enabling the system to operate at optimal efficiency regardless of whether rapid or slow charging is being performed.
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 reduces the number of electrical components, enhances flexibility in charging, and improves reliability by allowing simultaneous charging of multiple energy storage devices with a single system, capable of handling rapid and slow charging modes across varying voltage levels.
Implementation Method 1
a power electronic conversion system having a plurality of energy ports, the power electronic conversion system comprising a plurality of DC electrical converters, each DC electrical converter configured to step up and to step down a DC voltage
Data Source
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AI summary
An energy management system (ESMS) (11) includes energy storage devices (32, 34, 36) coupled to a vehicle drivetrain (18, 26, 14, 24) and configured to store DC energy, a power electronic conversion system (42) having energy ports (102), the power electronic conversion system (42) comprising a DC electrical converters (104, 106, 108), each DC electrical converter (104, 106, 108) configured to step up and to step down a DC voltage, wherein each of the energy ports (102) is coupleable to each of the energy storage devices (32, 34, 36) and each of the energy ports (102) is coupleable to an electrical charging system (44). The ESMS (11) includes a controller (46) configured to determine a voltage of each energy port (102) having either an energy storage device (32, 34, 36) or a DC electrical charging system (44) coupled thereto, and electrically connect a first energy port to a second energy port such that at least one of the DC electrical converters (104, 106, 108) either steps up or steps down an input DC voltage based on the determined voltage of each energy port (102).