Configurable Switching System for Bidirectional EV Energy Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems lack a widely accepted means to convert electric vehicles (EVs) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) into energy sources for loads outside the vehicle, particularly in handling direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) energy transfer from and to these vehicles.

Innovation Solution

An intelligent energy transfer system with a configurable switching system that can convey DC energy to and from EVs/PHEVs, transform AC to DC and vice versa, and supply energy to both AC and DC loads remotely, utilizing a processing system to control energy transfers and ensure safe and efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a converting apparatus is used to transform AC from public utilities into DC for EV charging, then electrical energy transfer from public utilities to EV is enabled, but the system cannot handle DC energy sources or provide energy to external loads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy source compatibilityVSAvoidsystem configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal energy transfer system that can handle both AC and DC energy sources and provide energy to both AC and DC loads. The system uses a configurable switching apparatus with multiple pathways: AC-to-DC conversion for DC loads, direct DC passing for DC loads, AC passing for AC loads, and DC-to-AC conversion for AC loads. This multi-functional design allows a single system to replace multiple specialized converting apparatuses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If apparatuses are designed specifically for AC energy transfer from public utilities, then AC charging is optimized, but DC energy sources and bidirectional energy transfer are not supported

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy transfer safetyVSAvoidenergy source and load types

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic switching system that can reconfigure its pathways based on the type of energy source and load connected. The configurable switching apparatus dynamically selects between AC-to-DC conversion, direct DC passing, AC passing, and DC-to-AC conversion modes. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain reliable energy transfer while supporting multiple energy source and load types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If EVs are used solely as energy consumers, then charging infrastructure is simplified, but the ability to supply energy to external loads is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging operationVSAvoidenergy source and load capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables bidirectional energy transfer by inverting the traditional unidirectional charging model. The system allows EVs to function both as energy consumers (receiving charge from AC or DC sources) and as energy suppliers (providing power to AC or DC loads). The configurable switching apparatus facilitates this inversion by providing dedicated pathways for energy discharge from the EV battery to external loads, effectively allowing the EV to become a mobile energy source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 seamless energy transfer between EVs/PHEVs and external energy sources/load, protecting the vehicle's energy storage system and ensuring safe operation by determining state-of-charge, state-of-health, and ground fault conditions, while allowing the vehicle to supply energy back to the grid or loads.

Implementation Method 1

a bi-directional AC to DC converter fixedly coupled to the vehicle and configured to transform the first AC energy to a third DC energy and to convey the third DC energy to an energy storage system of the vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAC to DC conversion:

Implementation Method 2

the bi-directional AC to DC converter is further configured to transform a DC supply energy from the energy storage system to the second AC energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDC to AC conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP4009512A1Apparatus, method, and system for conveying electrical energy

Publication Date: 2022.06.08 GE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LICENSING LLC

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AI summary

An apparatus, system, and method, the apparatus includes an intelligent energy transfer system including a configurable switching system (244) electrically coupleable to a vehicle (246). The vehicle (246) includes one of an electric vehicle and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. The configurable switching system (244) is configured to convey a first direct current (DC) energy from a first energy source (268) to an energy storage system (250) of the vehicle (246), receive a first alternating current (AC) energy conveyed to the vehicle (246), convey a second DC energy from the vehicle (246) to a first DC powered load (270, 288), and convey a second AC energy from the vehicle (246) to a first AC powered load (270, 288). Each of the first energy source (268), the first AC powered load (270, 288), and the first DC powered load (270, 288) are located remotely from the vehicle (246).