EV Charging Unit Converter Switching for Energy Loss Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging devices for electric vehicles are inefficient in managing electrical power transmission, leading to increased energy losses and reduced efficiency due to the constant operation of multiple converters, even when only a minimal number is required.
Innovation Solution
A charging device with a controller that allows individual switching of grid-connection-side converters based on the total electrical power needed, ensuring that only the necessary converters are active, thereby reducing energy losses and optimizing efficiency by operating converters at or near their rated power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple converters are operated simultaneously to provide high charging power, then the charging capacity is improved, but energy losses increase due to constant operation of all converters
Solution Approach 1:
The charging device dynamically adjusts the number of active converters based on the actual charging power requirement. The control unit monitors the total power demand and switches converters on or off accordingly, transitioning the system from a static to a dynamic configuration that optimizes energy efficiency while maintaining the required charging capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of operating all converters continuously (excessive action), the system activates only the necessary number of converters to meet the current power demand (partial action). This ensures that converters operate at or near their rated power when active, avoiding the energy losses associated with operating multiple converters at low load.
2Loss of energy
If a minimum number of converters are used to reduce energy losses, then efficiency is improved, but the ability to provide high charging power is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains the capability to provide high charging power by having multiple converters available, but dynamically activates only the minimum number needed at any given time. When high power is required, more converters are switched on; when power demand is low, fewer converters operate, thus resolving the contradiction between power capacity and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters (number of active converters) based on the charging power requirement. By adjusting this parameter dynamically, the system can operate efficiently at low power levels while maintaining the capability to deliver high power when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between minimizing energy losses and maintaining high charging power capability.
3Loss of energy
If converters are switched on and off individually based on power demand, then efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements a dynamic switching strategy that monitors total power demand and activates or deactivates converters accordingly. While this adds control functionality, the logic is straightforward: compare required power with available converter capacity and switch converters on or off to match demand, thus managing complexity while achieving energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit uses feedback from the power demand signal to adjust the number of active converters. This closed-loop control ensures that converters are switched on or off based on actual charging requirements, optimizing energy efficiency while maintaining manageable control complexity through a clear feedback mechanism.
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 minimizes energy losses and enhances efficiency by using a minimum number of converters, ensuring they operate predominantly at high power levels, resulting in a more energy-efficient charging process.
Implementation Method 1
electrical converters on the mains connection side, whose inputs are electrically connected to the mains connection and the outputs of which are electrically connected to an intermediate circuit of the charging device
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a charging device (1) for electrically charging a traction battery in an electrically drivable vehicle. Said charging device comprises a mains terminal (24) for connecting the charging device to a power supply system, at least one charging terminal (40, 46, 50, 54) for connecting an electrically drivable vehicle, and a plurality of electric converters (4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17) at the mains terminal end, the inputs of said converters being electrically connected to the mains terminal (24) and the outputs thereof being electrically connected to an intermediate circuit (30) of the charging device (1). According to the invention, the converters (4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17) at the mains terminal end can be individually connected or disconnected.