Electric Vehicle V2V Charging via Segmented AC-DC Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for charging electric vehicles, which require a bidirectional charger to convert between alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC), increase costs, volume, and reduce efficiency, as they need to invert DC to AC, complicating the charger design.
Innovation Solution
An electric vehicle system that includes a battery pack and a controller, allowing for charging between vehicles without changing the charger, by using a charge/discharge cable to connect DC and AC sockets, where the controller manages the charging process, sending discharging configuration parameters, and establishing communication to ensure safe and efficient energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bidirectional charger is used to convert between AC and DC for vehicle-to-vehicle charging, then charging functionality is achieved, but costs, volume, and complexity increase while efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the charging functions into two independent vehicles: one vehicle's battery pack serves as the power source while the other vehicle's charger serves as the power receiver. This segmentation eliminates the need for bidirectional conversion capability in a single charger, reducing complexity while achieving vehicle-to-vehicle charging functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The existing charger in each vehicle is designed to perform its original unidirectional function (AC to DC conversion) while also serving as the receiving end for vehicle-to-vehicle charging. This multi-functionality approach allows the charger to handle both traditional charging and peer-to-peer energy transfer without requiring bidirectional conversion capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If a bidirectional charger is used to convert between AC and DC, then charging between vehicles is enabled, but conversion efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The energy transfer path is segmented into two separate conversion processes: the discharging vehicle converts DC to AC through its inverter, and the charging vehicle converts AC to DC through its charger. This segmentation eliminates the need for bidirectional conversion in a single device, reducing energy losses associated with dual-conversion inefficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by having the discharging vehicle's inverter and charging vehicle's charger operate in sequence rather than requiring bidirectional conversion. This continuous energy flow path minimizes energy losses by eliminating redundant conversion steps
3Adaptability or versatility
If the in-vehicle charger is changed to support bidirectional conversion, then vehicle-to-vehicle charging is achieved, but costs and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the bidirectional conversion function across two separate vehicles rather than requiring it in a single charger. The discharging vehicle provides DC-to-AC conversion through its existing inverter, while the charging vehicle provides AC-to-DC conversion through its existing charger, eliminating the need to modify either charger
Solution Approach 2:
Each vehicle uses its own existing components (inverter in the discharging vehicle, charger in the charging vehicle) to enable vehicle-to-vehicle charging. This self-service approach eliminates the need to modify chargers with bidirectional conversion capability, reducing costs and volume while achieving the desired functionality
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 enables convenient and efficient charging between electric vehicles without the need for a bidirectional charger, reducing costs and maintaining efficiency by utilizing existing vehicle components for energy transfer, while ensuring safety through abnormality detection and communication protocols.
Implementation Method 1
the battery pack outputs a high-voltage direct current
Implementation Method 2
the in-vehicle charger has a bidirectional conversion function (not only an alternating current can be converted into a direct current, but also a direct current can be converted into an alternating current)
Data Source
AI summary
An electric vehicle that includes a battery pack, a direct current socket, and a controller and a charging method for charging between electric vehicles, where in a process in which the direct current socket is coupled to an alternating current socket of another electric vehicle using a charge/discharge cable, the battery pack is controlled based on a charging request of the other electric vehicle to charge the other electric vehicle. Hence, charging between electric vehicles can be conveniently implemented.