EV DC Power Reception Switching for Low-Infrastructure Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electric vehicles require a costly infrastructure for charging, and existing wind power generation facilities face challenges in continuing operations after the Feed-in-Tariff period ends, necessitating a more efficient use of renewable energy sources for charging.

Innovation Solution

An electric moving body and charging system that utilizes DC power feeding spots within territories, integrating wind, solar, and heat-based power generation to supply electric vehicles, reducing the need for expensive quick charging infrastructure and enabling self-consumption of renewable energy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a normal charging type or quick charging type facility is installed in the commercial power system, then charging capability is improved, but installation cost and system complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging capabilityVSAvoidinstallation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electric vehicle serves itself as a mobile power storage unit. The vehicle's battery stores power from local generation facilities (wind, solar, heat-based generators) and provides charging capability without requiring external charging infrastructure. This eliminates the need for costly charging facility installation while maintaining charging functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The electric vehicle performs multiple functions: it serves as both a transportation device and a mobile power storage unit. The vehicle can receive power from various sources (local generators, grid) and provide power to itself or potentially to the grid, making the system versatile and reducing dependency on dedicated charging infrastructure.

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

2Productivity

If wind power generation facilities continue operation after FIT period, then energy production is maintained, but power supply stability deteriorates without dedicated power purchase agreements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower generation continuityVSAvoidpower supply stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electric vehicle acts as an intermediary between local power generation facilities and the power grid. It stores excess power generated by wind, solar, and heat-based generators, and can discharge this power when needed, thereby stabilizing power supply and enabling continuous operation of generation facilities without relying solely on FIT agreements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the temporal distribution of power supply by storing power during periods of high generation and low demand, then releasing it during periods of low generation and high demand. This time-shifting of power delivery stabilizes the power supply parameters and maintains reliability despite the intermittent nature of renewable sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If DC power feeding spots are utilized directly, then charging efficiency is improved, but compatibility with existing AC-based power systems deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidsystem compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional AC-based charging system with a DC-based system. By using DC power feeding spots and DC-DC conversion within the vehicle, the system achieves higher charging efficiency while maintaining adaptability through standardized DC interfaces and control mechanisms that can work with both DC and AC power sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3936372B1Electric moving body and electric moving body charging system
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 HIATACHI POWER SOLUTIONS CO LTD
  • EP3936372B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3936372B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3936372B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Provided is an electric moving body (V) including: a first receiving connection unit (J1) that receives DC power from a DC power supply bus supplying DC power having a predetermined voltage in a management area; a first power conversion device (1) that converts the DC power received from the first receiving connection unit (J1) into AC power; a power storage device (4); a second power conversion device (2) that converts DC power from the power storage device into AC power; a power reception switching device (3) that selectively connects either the first power conversion device (1) or a second driving electric device (5b) to the second power conversion device (2); a first switch (8) that selectively connects either the first receiving connection unit (J1) or the power storage device (4) to the first power conversion device (1); a second switch (9) that connects the first power conversion device (1) to the first driving electric device (5a) or the power reception switching device (3); and a control unit (7).