EV Charging Control Signal Modulation via Power Cable
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle charging and discharging systems require a separate communication antenna for switching between charging and discharging control, increasing system cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A charging and discharging system that uses a power converting device and a signal generating circuit to modulate a control signal through a power cable, allowing distinction between charging and power feeding modes without a separate communication antenna, utilizing a plug shape to determine the mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate communication antenna is provided for charging/discharging control, then control reliability is improved, but system cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the communication antenna with the existing charging/discharging controller, integrating the communication function into the power control device. This merging eliminates the need for a separate communication antenna while maintaining control reliability, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The charging/discharging controller is designed to perform multiple functions: both power control and communication. By making the controller universal, it handles both charging/discharging operations and communicates with external devices through the integrated antenna, reducing the number of separate components needed
2Measurement precision
If a separate communication antenna is provided for charging/discharging control, then control accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication antenna is merged with the charging/discharging controller into a single integrated unit. This reduces the total component count and assembly steps, lowering manufacturing costs while preserving the control accuracy needed for precise charging/discharging operations
3Adaptability or versatility
If a separate communication antenna is provided, then system functionality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the communication antenna into the charging/discharging controller, the system maintains full functionality for both charging and discharging operations while simplifying the user interface. Users interact with a single unified device rather than managing separate communication and power control components, improving ease of operation
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 switching between charging and power feeding modes without a communication antenna, allowing immediate initiation of charging or discharging control upon connection, reducing system complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
generating a control signal (pilot signal) whose pulse width is modulated based on magnitude of a current that can be transmitted and received through a power cable
Data Source
AI summary
A control pilot circuit of a power cable having a male-type plug generates a pilot signal such that the power cable can be identified as a power cable for charging on the vehicle side. On the other hand, a control pilot circuit of a power cable having a not-shown female-type plug generates the pilot signal such that the power cable can be identified as a power cable for power feeding on the vehicle side. An ECU of a vehicle controls an AC/DC converter in any one of the charging mode and the power feeding mode in response to the pilot signal.