External EV Power Converter for Vehicle-to-Home and Grid Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a power conversion device that can efficiently utilize the power stored in electric vehicles for Vehicle-to-Home or Vehicle-to-Grid applications, addressing the challenge of energy storage and carbon reduction.
Innovation Solution
A power conversion device comprising a transmission assembly and a power converter, where the transmission assembly is detachably connected to the electric vehicle and receives power from the battery pack, and the power converter, located outside the vehicle, converts the received power into direct current or alternating current for utilization in Vehicle-to-Home or Vehicle-to-Grid applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the power converter is integrated inside the electric vehicle, then the system structure is compact and simple, but the power conversion device cannot be easily detached or shared with external applications
Solution Approach 1:
The power conversion device is divided into two separate modules: a transmission assembly that remains with the electric vehicle and a power converter that can be detached and used externally. This segmentation allows the power converter to be shared across multiple vehicles or used independently for home/grid applications, enhancing versatility without requiring every vehicle to have a complete integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The power converter is designed to serve multiple functions: it can convert power from different battery pack configurations (single or dual battery packs with different voltages) and output to various standards. The device universally handles DC to DC conversion, DC to AC conversion, and can interface with power grids, making it adaptable to diverse applications beyond a single vehicle context.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the power converter is placed outside the electric vehicle, then the power conversion device can be shared and used for multiple applications, but the connection between the battery pack and power converter becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
A transmission assembly serves as an intermediary component between the battery pack and the external power converter. This transmission assembly includes connectors and transmission lines that simplify the interface, allowing the power converter to be detached yet maintaining reliable electrical connection. The transmission assembly manages the complexity of connecting different battery configurations to a standardized power converter interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the power converter handles both DC to DC and DC to AC conversion, then the device can serve multiple power output needs, but the converter structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The power converter employs a dynamic switching mechanism controlled by a control circuit that can selectively activate different conversion paths. The switching module dynamically connects or disconnects between the first converter (DC to DC) and the second converter (DC to AC) based on the required output, allowing a single device to provide multiple power output types without requiring permanently active complex circuitry for all conversion types simultaneously.
4Reliability
If the power converter continuously monitors battery power levels, then the safety and reliability are improved, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors the power level in the battery pack and automatically adjusts the power conversion operation accordingly. When the battery power reaches a critical threshold, the feedback signal triggers the control circuit to stop the power conversion process, preventing battery depletion. This automated feedback loop ensures safety without requiring complex manual monitoring or intervention systems.
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
The power conversion device effectively enables the use of electric vehicle battery power for home or grid applications, enhancing energy utilization and contributing to carbon reduction goals.
Implementation Method 1
the power converter, located outside the vehicle, converts the received power into direct current or alternating current
Data Source
AI summary
A power conversion device used in electric vehicles includes a transmission assembly and a power converter. The transmission assembly is detachably connected to the electric vehicle and receives a first power from the battery pack of the electric vehicle. The power converter is electrically connected to the transmission assembly and converts the first power into a second power or a third power. The power converter is configured outside the electric vehicle.