DC Fast Charger Standby Load Switching for Low Power Loss
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
DCFC systems experience significant standby power losses due to on-board power supplies, integrated circuits, bleeding resistance, and leakage paths when not in use, leading to energy waste and the need for reset capabilities for communication.
Innovation Solution
A DCFC system with a switch mechanism to disconnect certain or all loads from the voltage input during standby mode, utilizing a control and communication circuit to manage load disconnection and reconnection, powered by an auxiliary power supply or secondary power supplies, to reduce standby power and provide reset capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If the DCFC system keeps all loads connected to the voltage input during standby mode, then the system can quickly resume charging operations, but standby power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the loads into direct loads (480V) and indirect loads (24V), and further divides indirect loads into critical and non-critical categories. Switches are installed to selectively disconnect different groups of loads during standby mode, allowing the system to maintain only essential functions while eliminating unnecessary power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the connection state of loads based on operational mode. During standby mode, non-critical loads are disconnected while critical loads remain connected. When charging is needed, the system can quickly reconnect loads through the switches, maintaining both energy efficiency and operational readiness.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If the DCFC system disconnects all loads during standby mode to minimize power consumption, then standby power is reduced, but the system loses communication capability and requires reset
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different connection states to different loads based on their functional importance. Critical loads such as communication circuits and control systems remain connected during standby mode, while non-critical loads are disconnected. This selective approach maintains essential communication capability while minimizing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
An auxiliary power supply acts as an intermediary to power critical loads during standby mode when main power is reduced. This auxiliary supply ensures that communication and control circuits remain operational even when most other loads are disconnected, maintaining system responsiveness without requiring full power.
3Reliability
If the DCFC system keeps voltage applied to all components during standby mode, then component reliability is maintained, but energy waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by maintaining voltage only to critical components during standby mode rather than all components. This partial power application is sufficient to maintain reliability of essential functions while avoiding the energy waste of keeping all components powered. The switch mechanism enables this selective partial action.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery charging system can include a voltage input, one or more secondary power supplies, direct loads that can be coupled to the voltage input, indirect loads that can be coupled to the one or more secondary power supplies, a switch that can be disposed between the indirect loads and the one or more secondary power supplies, a control circuit directly or indirectly coupled to the switch, and a communications circuit directly or indirectly coupled to the switch.