Onboard EV Fast Charging From Standard AC Outlets
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited availability and high cost of electric vehicle charging stations, combined with long recharge times, create range anxiety and hinder the adoption of electric vehicles for long trips, as existing solutions focus on modifying vehicles rather than addressing infrastructure challenges.
Innovation Solution
A battery charging system that utilizes a smart cable and on-board circuit to enable fast charging from any available electrical outlet, including AC sources, using a power cord with selectable interface protocols and a charge controller that directs power to battery modules based on the outlet's rated current capacity, eliminating the need for dedicated charging stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If fast charging stations are deployed to reduce recharge time, then charging speed is improved, but infrastructure cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables vehicles to charge themselves from any standard electrical outlet using onboard equipment. The vehicle carries its own charging capability through the power converter and cable management system, eliminating the need for external fast charging infrastructure. This self-service approach allows the vehicle to utilize widely available standard outlets (120V, 240V, 480V) for charging without requiring dedicated charging stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system is designed to be universally compatible with multiple outlet types and voltage levels. The power converter can accept input from various standard electrical outlets (120V single-phase, 240V single-phase, 480V three-phase) and convert them to appropriate charging voltages. This multi-functionality allows the same vehicle equipment to charge from any standard outlet anywhere, eliminating the need for vehicle-specific or location-specific charging infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated charging infrastructure is built to enable fast charging, then charging availability is improved, but deployment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is equipped with onboard power converters and cable management systems that enable it to charge itself from any standard electrical outlet. This self-service capability means the vehicle carries its own charging infrastructure, eliminating the need for external charging stations. The system includes voltage detection circuitry that automatically identifies the outlet type and configures the power converter accordingly, providing universal charging availability without deployment costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of deploying physical charging stations, the system copies the charging function into the vehicle itself through onboard power converters. The vehicle replicates the charging infrastructure capability that would otherwise require expensive external stations, allowing it to access charging from any standard electrical outlet throughout the country without requiring new infrastructure deployment.
3Length of moving object
If vehicle range is extended to reduce range anxiety, then travel distance is improved, but battery capacity and vehicle cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary voltage detection and power availability assessment before charging begins. The voltage detection circuitry identifies the outlet type and available power capacity in advance, allowing the power converter to pre-configure the charging parameters. This preliminary action enables the vehicle to maximize charging speed from any outlet, effectively extending travel range by ensuring the battery is fully charged before departure, without requiring larger batteries or more expensive vehicles.
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 solution allows electric vehicles to be rapidly charged from standard AC outlets, reducing the need for expensive fast charging stations and increasing the feasibility of long trips by providing flexible and efficient charging capabilities, independent of dedicated charging infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
a power converter, converted AC power from a plurality of standard electrical outlets into power suitable for charging the battery cells
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for fast charging batteries of an electric vehicle are disclosed. A battery charging system includes a charge cable for connection to a source of electrical power and a charge controller. The charge controller includes a detector for detecting a format of the power supply by the source of electrical power, and a battery management system for conforming the power supplied to the power required. The battery management system is configured to direct power to selected ones of a plurality of battery modules, and regulate charging to the selected battery modules.