Fuel Cell Charging Architecture for Vehicle-to-Vehicle DC Fast Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel cell vehicle architectures are not suitable for utilizing their electrical energy capacity for vehicle-to-vehicle charging, particularly for direct current fast charging (DCFC), and existing systems lack cost-effective solutions for this application.
Innovation Solution
A charging system incorporating a conversion device and switching assembly, controlled by a controller, to selectively connect the fuel cell and/or battery system to a charge port, enabling DCFC and other V2V charging schemes using existing components like DC-DC converters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fuel cell vehicle architecture is designed for propulsion only, then the propulsion system performance is optimized, but the vehicle cannot provide vehicle-to-vehicle charging capability
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell system and battery system are designed to serve dual purposes: propulsion power generation and V2V charging power source. The same fuel cell stack and battery pack that power the vehicle can also charge other vehicles through the charge port, eliminating the need for separate dedicated charging infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system components (conversion device, switching assembly, charge port) are integrated with the existing propulsion system components. The conversion device that normally converts fuel cell power for motor use is also used to convert power for charging external vehicles, merging two functions into one unified system.
2Ease of manufacture
If V2V charging is implemented without dedicated charging infrastructure, then deployment cost is reduced, but charging speed and efficiency may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The switching assembly dynamically reconfigures the electrical connections between fuel cell system, battery system, and charge port based on operating conditions. During V2V charging, the system can switch between fuel cell-only power, battery-only power, or combined power to optimize charging speed while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel cell vehicle carries a high-capacity battery system that can be pre-charged during normal operation or at overnight charging stops. This pre-stored energy in the battery system enables rapid V2V charging without requiring external charging infrastructure, achieving both low deployment cost and high charging speed.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the fuel cell system is used for both propulsion and charging, then system utilization is improved, but the reliability of propulsion power supply may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The power delivery system is segmented into separate pathways: one dedicated to propulsion (fuel cell to motor via power converter) and another to charging (fuel cell and battery to charge port via switching assembly). This segmentation allows independent control and protection of each function, ensuring propulsion reliability is not compromised by charging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors the state of the fuel cell system, battery system, and propulsion system, and dynamically adjusts power distribution accordingly. If propulsion power demand increases or fuel cell performance degrades, the controller automatically prioritizes propulsion power supply over charging, maintaining propulsion reliability while maximizing system utilization during normal conditions.
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
Provides effective V2V charging capability, including DCFC, as a cost-effective solution that utilizes existing vehicle components, offering an additional resource for charging services and can be applied to various vehicles and systems.
Implementation Method 1
a fuel cell system to an electric motor of the vehicle via a propulsion bus
Implementation Method 2
a conversion device configured to transfer electrical energy from a fuel cell system to an electric motor of the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
a battery system configured to provide additional power to supplement the fuel cell system
Data Source
AI summary
A charging system of a vehicle includes a conversion device configured to transfer electrical energy from a fuel cell system to an electric motor of the vehicle via a propulsion bus, a switching assembly configured to selectively connect the conversion device to a charge port of the vehicle, and a controller configured to operate the switching assembly to transition the charging system to a charging mode. The controller is configured to control the conversion device to supply power to a battery of a second vehicle.