Removable DC Power Unit for Vehicle-to-Load Pre-Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power electronics devices used for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) or vehicle-to-load charging rely on internal batteries with limited shelf life, necessitating a solution for extended functionality and efficiency in energy transfer.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function DC power unit and interface unit configuration that allows for removably receiving the DC power unit, converting voltage for initial startup components, and enabling pre-charging and active charging between donor and recipient vehicles or loads, utilizing an auxiliary power device such as a rechargeable battery or solar cell.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power electronics device uses its own internal battery to be powered, then the device can operate independently to begin communication and start the charging process, but the battery has a limited shelf life which reduces reliability over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging of the power electronics device battery using the donor vehicle's battery before the actual vehicle-to-vehicle charging begins. This preliminary action ensures the power electronics device has sufficient power to operate independently and initiate communication, while avoiding the need for a long-lived internal battery by charging it just-in-time using available donor power.
2Reliability
If an external power source is used for initial startup and pre-charging, then the shelf life limitation is overcome and reliability is enhanced, but the system complexity increases due to additional interface units and removable power connections
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into separate functional components: a removable DC power unit that provides initial startup power, and the main power electronics device that handles ongoing charging operations. This segmentation allows the DC power unit to be easily replaced or recharged without affecting the main device, reducing overall system complexity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A DC power unit serves as an intermediary component between the donor vehicle battery and the power electronics device. This intermediary provides the necessary initial power and communication capability to start the charging process, while being independently manageable through removable connections, thus simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the DC power unit is made removable rather than permanently integrated, then the system becomes more adaptable and easier to maintain, but the connection reliability and ease of operation may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The DC power unit connection is designed to be dynamically changeable - removable when needed for maintenance, replacement, or adaptation to different charging scenarios, yet stable and reliable when connected for operation. This dynamic design allows the system to adapt to various operational requirements while maintaining ease of use through standardized connection interfaces.
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 efficient and extended battery recharging capabilities, overcoming the limitations of internal battery shelf life by using an external power source for initial startup and pre-charging, thereby enhancing the reliability and longevity of the charging process.
Implementation Method 1
converting voltage from the multi-function DC power device to an operational voltage
Implementation Method 2
utilizing an auxiliary power device such as a rechargeable battery or solar cell
Implementation Method 3
utilizing an auxiliary power device such as a rechargeable battery or solar cell
Data Source
AI summary
Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative apparatuses and methods for performing vehicle-to-vehicle and/or vehicle-to-load charging. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes a multi-function DC power unit and an interface unit configured to perform battery recharging between a donor battery-powered device and a receiver battery-powered device. The interface unit is configured to removably receive the multi-function DC power unit.