EV Charging Cable Current Control via Pulse Width Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging cables for electric vehicles cannot adjust the charging current and prioritize charging based on household electrical appliance usage, leading to potential breaker tripping and lack of current control, especially in non-dedicated electrical setups, and do not display actual charging current values.
Innovation Solution
A charging cable with an oscillator and pulse-width adjusting device that allows users to set and adjust the charging current within a rated current range, using a pulse-width modulation signal to control the charging current, and includes a display to show set and actual charging current values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a charging cable uses a fixed rated current output based on breaker capacity, then the cable structure is simple, but the charging current cannot be adjusted for household appliance usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the charging cable's current output adjustable rather than fixed. The cable incorporates a current adjustment mechanism that allows the charging current to be dynamically changed according to household appliance usage conditions, transforming a static device into an adaptive one that can respond to varying power supply conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by enabling the charging current parameter to be modified within a specific range. The cable includes control circuitry that allows users to adjust the charging current parameter based on the available power capacity, thereby adapting to different household electrical conditions without changing the physical cable structure.
2Reliability
If a charging cable outputs full rated current without current adjustment capability, then charging speed is maximized, but breaker tripping occurs when household appliances are in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamics to create a flexible charging system that can adjust current output in real-time. By incorporating an adjustable current mechanism, the cable can dynamically reduce charging current when household appliances require power, preventing breaker tripping while maintaining the ability to charge at full speed when conditions permit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by allowing the charging current to be reduced below the maximum rated current when necessary. Instead of always delivering full current, the system can provide a partial charging current that ensures breaker protection while still enabling charging functionality, and can increase to full current when household power demand is low.
3Measurement precision
If a stationary charger is used to control charging current, then current control precision is improved, but portability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the current control functionality from a separate stationary charger and integrates it directly into the charging cable itself. By embedding the current adjustment mechanism within the cable, the system maintains precise current control capabilities while eliminating the need for a bulky external charging station, thereby achieving portability without sacrificing control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of the charging cable and the current control device into a single integrated unit. By combining the power transmission function of the cable with the current regulation function previously provided by a separate charger, the system achieves both precise current control and portability in one device.
4Loss of information
If no charging current display is provided, then the cable structure remains simple, but users cannot identify actual charging current magnitude
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by incorporating a display device that provides real-time information about the actual charging current to the user. This feedback mechanism allows users to monitor the charging status and understand the relationship between set current and actual current delivery, enabling better management of household power usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a display device as an intermediary between the charging system and the user. This intermediary component translates electrical parameters into visible information, allowing users to comprehend the charging current magnitude without requiring technical expertise or complex measurement equipment.
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 fine control of charging current to prevent breaker tripping, allows for prioritization of charging, and provides portability, enabling safe and efficient charging of multiple vehicles without dedicated breakers, while allowing users to monitor and manage charging current distribution.
Implementation Method 1
an oscillator configured to generate an oscillation signal having a pulse width within a range of a rated current of the external power supply
Implementation Method 2
a pulse-width adjusting device configured to adjust the pulse width of the oscillation signal generated by the oscillator to correspond to the set charging current value input from the input section
Data Source
AI summary
A charging cable for use in charging a vehicle includes a power line, an input section, an oscillator, and a pulse-width adjusting device. The power line is used to carry power from an external power supply to the vehicle. The external power supply and the vehicle are connected to each other with the power line disposed therebetween. A set charging current value in charging the vehicle is input to the input section. The oscillator is configured to generate an oscillation signal having a pulse width within a range of a rated current of the external power supply. The rated current is capable of being supplied to the vehicle. The pulse-width adjusting device is configured to adjust the pulse width of the oscillation signal generated by the oscillator to correspond to the set charging current value input from the input section.