Reciprocal EV Charging via DC/DC Converter and Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles face challenges in emergency situations due to insufficient charging infrastructure, particularly when their battery charge is low during driving, as there is no established method for street charging or reciprocal energy supply with other vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An electric vehicle system that includes a power connector, communication connector, DC/DC converter, charging relay, and controller for reciprocal electricity supply with another vehicle, allowing charging or discharging while maintaining vehicle distance or speed control, and providing a control interface for adjusting charging modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a charging infrastructure is established, then electric vehicles can be charged during driving, but the device complexity and infrastructure cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables electric vehicles to charge each other autonomously without external infrastructure. The vehicle with sufficient battery power automatically acts as a mobile charging station, transferring energy to vehicles with low battery through direct connector coupling. This self-service mechanism eliminates dependency on fixed charging stations while maintaining energy supply reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The power connector is designed with dual functionality: it serves both as a discharge connector for supplying power to external devices and as a charge connector for receiving power from other vehicles. The controller automatically switches between charging and discharging modes based on battery status and connection state, making the same hardware component versatile for both power transmission directions.
2Reliability
If reciprocal charging between vehicles is enabled, then emergency charging is possible, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the battery's charge state and automatically determines whether to operate in charging or discharging mode. When the battery charge falls below a predetermined threshold, the controller switches to discharging mode to provide emergency power. This feedback mechanism simplifies control by using automatic threshold-based switching rather than complex manual control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication connector serves as an intermediary that enables vehicles to identify and negotiate charging parameters before power transfer begins. It transmits vehicle identification information and charging specifications, allowing the controller to automatically configure the appropriate charging mode without requiring complex manual intervention or pre-programmed routing logic.
3Duration of action of moving object
If power connector connection is maintained during driving, then continuous charging is possible, but the safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
Before power transfer begins, the communication connector performs preliminary identification and verification of the connected vehicle's charging capabilities and parameters. This preliminary action ensures that both vehicles are compatible and properly configured for power exchange, preventing unsafe connections or mismatched charging parameters that could cause hazards during motion.
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
Enhances the reliability of energy supply for electric vehicles by enabling reciprocal charging regardless of time and place, ensuring continuous operation by managing power exchange between vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a DC/DC converter performing charging or discharging an inner battery pack
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an electric vehicle capable of reciprocally supplying electricity with another vehicle which includes: a power connector; a communication connector; a DC/DC converter used for charging or discharging an internal battery pack; a charging relay for preventing an inrush current during charging; and a display. While moving at the same speed as the other vehicle, the electric vehicle is capable of performing charging or discharging when a connection is maintained between a power connector of the other vehicle and the power connector of the electric vehicle.