Detachable EV Battery Charging Control via DC/DC Converter

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Solution Overview

Problem

The fixedly mounted high-voltage battery in electric vehicles may not be sufficient for extended driving distances, necessitating an alternative solution to enhance charging efficiency and usability.

Innovation Solution

A detachable second high-voltage battery is connected to the power system of an electric vehicle, with a charging control method that determines charging modes based on the specifications and status of both high-voltage batteries using a DC/DC converter and on-board charger.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixedly mounted high-voltage battery is used in an electric vehicle, then the power system is simple and reliable, but the driving distance is limited and charging flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging flexibilityVSAvoidpower system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power system is segmented into a first high-voltage battery (fixedly mounted) and a second high-voltage battery (detachably mounted). This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplicity with the fixed battery while adding charging flexibility through the detachable battery that can be removed and replaced at charging stations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static fixed battery configuration to a dynamic configuration where the second high-voltage battery can be detachably connected or disconnected. This dynamic capability enables flexible charging strategies, allowing the vehicle to adapt to different charging scenarios and extend driving distance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Duration of action of moving object

If a detachable second high-voltage battery is added to extend driving distance, then charging flexibility is improved, but the power system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving distanceVSAvoidpower system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power system is divided into fixed and detachable battery components, allowing the second high-voltage battery to be added only when extended driving distance is needed. This segmentation maintains system simplicity for standard operations while enabling extended range capability when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detachable second high-voltage battery serves multiple functions: extending driving distance, providing alternative charging pathways, and working in conjunction with the on-board charger through the DC/DC converter. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single component.

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

3Productivity

If multiple charging modes are implemented based on battery status, then charging efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller continuously monitors the status of both high-voltage batteries (charge level, temperature, voltage) and uses this feedback information to automatically select the most appropriate charging mode. This feedback mechanism enables efficient charging decisions without requiring complex manual intervention, as the system self-adjusts based on real-time battery conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The charging system performs self-service by automatically determining the optimal charging mode based on battery status information. The controller autonomously decides whether to charge the first or second battery, or both simultaneously, without external intervention, thereby improving charging efficiency while keeping the control logic manageable through rule-based decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 approach extends driving distance and improves usability by optimizing charging modes, reducing charging time through varied charging strategies based on battery conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a DC/DC converter configured to transform power from the second high-voltage battery to the first high-voltage battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical energy transformation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an on-board charger configured to charge the first high-voltage battery based on connection to the external charger

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical energy transformation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250313121A1Control method for electrically charging a mobility apparatus and a mobility apparatus performing a charging process according to the same
Publication Date: 2025.10.09 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • US20250313121A1 patent drawing
  • US20250313121A1 patent drawing
  • US20250313121A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A charging control method of a mobility apparatus includes identifying, by the first controller, a connection of a second high-voltage battery to the first high-voltage battery and the on-board charger through a DC/DC converter, the second high-voltage battery configured to detachably and electrically connected to the first high-voltage battery, and charging, by the first controller, at least one of the first high-voltage battery and the second high-voltage battery by controlling the on-board charger and the DC/DC converter based on information on the first high-voltage battery and the second high-voltage battery.