Integrated HV-LV Bidirectional Charger With Reconfigurable DC-DC Modes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery chargers for electric vehicles often have inefficiencies due to their fixed configurations, which may not operate at high efficiency for varying power requirements.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a DC-DC converter with a high voltage buck-boost converter and a low voltage buck-boost converter, connected through transformers, allowing for configurable operation modes including charging, conversion, and pre-charge operations, controlled by one or more controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed configuration battery charger is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the efficiency for varying power requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a configurable DC-DC converter that can dynamically switch between different connection modes (HV-HV, HV-LV, LV-LV, isolated) based on real-time power requirements and battery states. This dynamic reconfiguration capability allows the charger to optimize efficiency for varying power demands while maintaining manageable device complexity through controlled adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The charger is designed with multi-functionality to handle diverse charging scenarios including high voltage to high voltage charging, high voltage to low voltage conversion, low voltage to low voltage charging, and isolated charging modes. This universal design enables a single device to efficiently serve multiple power requirements without needing separate fixed-configuration chargers for each scenario.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a configurable DC-DC converter is used, then the adaptability to different power requirements is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The DC-DC converter is segmented into distinct operational modes (HV-HV, HV-LV, LV-LV, isolated) that can be independently controlled and switched. This segmentation allows the complex converter to be managed through modular control strategies, where each mode has dedicated control logic, thereby reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining high adaptability to different power requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor power requirements, battery states, and operational conditions to automatically select and switch between appropriate converter modes. This feedback-driven control reduces the complexity of managing multiple configurations by automating the selection process based on real-time system state, allowing high adaptability without requiring complex manual configuration.
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 system achieves efficient power transfer and flexible operation by configuring the DC-DC converter into various modes, optimizing performance across different power requirements and battery voltages.
Implementation Method 1
one or more transformers having a primary side connected to the AC-DC converter, a secondary side connected to a primary side of the high voltage buck-boost converter, and a tertiary side connected to a primary side of the low voltage buck-boost converter
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system includes: an alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) converter (AC-DC converter), the AC-DC converter connectable to a line voltage; and a DC to DC converter (DC-DC converter) connected to the AC-DC converter, the DC-DC converter including: a high voltage buck-boost converter having a secondary side connectable to a high voltage battery; a low voltage buck-boost converter having a secondary side connectable to a low voltage battery; and one or more transformers having a primary side connected to the AC-DC converter, a secondary side connected to a primary side of the high voltage buck-boost converter, and a tertiary side connected to a primary side of the low voltage buck-boost converter.