EV Charger Single-Phase Power Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional three-phase electric vehicle charging devices are limited in output power when receiving a single-phase input power source, requiring additional portable chargers that compromise safety and increase costs, and are unable to efficiently adjust output power levels based on input current variations.

Innovation Solution

A charging device with multiple converters in parallel, including a communication module to determine the phase of the input power and selectively enable or disable auxiliary bridge arms to connect converters in parallel or series, allowing it to operate with both single-phase and three-phase inputs, thereby optimizing output power based on current thresholds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional three-phase charging device uses only one module to convert single-phase power, then the device can operate with single-phase input, but the output power level is limited and unable to meet practical requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to receive single-phase input powerVSAvoidoutput power level
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple converter modules (first, second, and third modules) that were originally designed for three-phase operation to work in parallel for single-phase power conversion. By enabling multiple modules to simultaneously process single-phase input through the neutral line, the system achieves higher output power while maintaining compatibility with single-phase power sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The charging device is designed with universal converter modules that can perform both three-phase and single-phase power conversion. Each module is capable of operating independently or in combination with others, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on the input power type while maintaining high output power capability in both modes.

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

2Power

If the current of the input power is increased to meet higher output power requirements, then the output power level increases, but the conventional single-module architecture cannot correspondingly increase output power

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput power levelVSAvoidability to adjust output power based on input current
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power distribution control that monitors input current levels and dynamically adjusts the number of active converter modules. When input current increases, the control unit enables additional modules to operate in parallel, dynamically scaling the output power capability to match the available input power while maintaining system stability and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a single-phase portable charger is used to enable single-phase charging, then the charging operation can be performed, but electric safety is reduced and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to perform charging with single-phase inputVSAvoidelectric safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using an external portable charger, the patent merges multiple built-in converter modules to handle single-phase power conversion. This integrated approach eliminates the need for additional portable charging equipment, maintaining electric safety by using the vehicle's existing safety-certified charging system while enabling single-phase charging capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The solution enables the charging device to safely and efficiently charge electric vehicles with either single-phase or three-phase power without additional portable chargers, enhancing safety and reducing costs by dynamically adjusting output power levels according to input current conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a first module (31), a second module (32) and a third module (33), each of which includes a control circuit and a rectification circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Implementation Method 2

a controllable switching arrangement, which includes a number of controllable switches to controllably connect the converters in different configurations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Switching: Relay

Data Source

PatentEP3460969B1Charging device and control method therefor
Publication Date: 2021.11.03 DELTA ELECTRONICS (SHANGHAI) CO LTD
  • EP3460969B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3460969B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3460969B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A charging device (1) includes a first auxiliary bridge arm (41) and a second auxiliary bridge arm (42). The first auxiliary bridge arm (41) is connected between a first port (21) and a second module (32). The second auxiliary bridge arm (42) is connected between the first port (21) and a third module (33). If the AC charging power (P) is three-phase, the first module (31) converts a first phase of the AC charging power (P), and the first auxiliary bridge arm (41) and the second auxiliary bridge arm (42) are disabled. Consequently, the second module (32) converts a second phase of the AC charging power (P), and the third module (33) converts a third phase of the AC charging power (P). If the AC charging power (P) is single-phase, at least a first module (31) is used to convert the AC charging power (P).