Bidirectional EV Charger Single-Phase Three-Phase Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing three-phase chargers lack flexibility and cannot operate in single-phase power supply modes, limiting their practical application and failing to utilize electric vehicles as both energy storage units and emergency power sources for the grid.

Innovation Solution

A bidirectional charging and discharging apparatus with a power conversion stage and control module that can switch between single-phase and three-phase modes by adjusting switch sets and converter configurations, enabling adaptive operation based on input or output power requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a three-phase charger is designed for high power charging, then charging power is improved, but adaptability to single-phase power supply deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging powerVSAvoidadaptability to single-phase power supply
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The charging apparatus is designed with a power conversion stage that can operate in both three-phase and single-phase modes. The system includes switch sets that can be configured to connect different phases, allowing the same hardware to function universally across both power supply types without requiring separate dedicated chargers.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The charging apparatus employs dynamically switchable circuit configurations through control modules that adjust the connection topology based on the detected power supply type. The switch sets can be reconfigured in real-time to adapt between three-phase high-power mode and single-phase mode, enabling the system to optimize performance for each operating condition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If power conversion stages are integrated to reduce volume and cost, then device complexity is reduced, but flexibility in charging modes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration of power conversion stagesVSAvoidflexibility in charging modes
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated power conversion stage is designed to perform multiple functions - it can handle both three-phase and single-phase inputs, and support both charging and discharging operations. This multi-functional design allows the system to maintain flexibility despite the integrated architecture, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each mode.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The power conversion stage is divided into modular components including switch sets, inductors, and control modules that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows the system to reconfigure the integrated structure into different operational topologies, maintaining flexibility while benefiting from the compact integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If electric vehicles are used as energy storage units, then power grid reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower grid reliabilityVSAvoidbidirectional charging and discharging capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging apparatus is designed with bidirectional power flow capability, allowing it to function as both a charger (grid to vehicle) and a discharge device (vehicle to grid). The same power conversion stage and control system handle both directions of energy transfer, enabling electric vehicles to serve as distributed energy storage units that enhance grid reliability without requiring separate dedicated equipment.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3621174B1Method and apparatus for charging and discharging
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 DELTA ELECTRONICS INC(CN)
  • EP3621174B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3621174B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3621174B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for charging and discharging. The apparatus includes: an AC power terminal (11), including first to third nodes (N1-N3), and a first center line node(NCl), and being configured to receive input an AC input or send an AC output; a power conversion stage (12), including fourth to sixth nodes (N4-N6), and a second center line node (NC2); a first bus capacitor (C1) and a second bus capacitor (C2) both coupled to the second center line node (NC2), the first center line node (NC1) being coupled to the second center line node (NC2); a first switch set (S1); a second switch set (S2); a control module (13), coupled to the first switch set (S1), the second switch set (S2), the AC power terminal (11), and the power conversion stage (12).