Hybrid EV Charging Power Combiner for AC/DC Loss Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric vehicle charging technologies face inefficiencies due to power loss during AC to DC conversion and insufficient charge power generation using AC power alone, necessitating a solution for simultaneous AC and DC input power integration.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid charging device that combines AC-DC and DC-DC converters with a power combiner to generate charge power from simultaneous AC and DC input, controlled by a charge controller to optimize power sharing and reduce conversion losses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If AC power is converted to DC power for electric vehicle charging, then charge power can be generated, but power loss occurs during conversion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower lossVSAvoidcharge power generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging system is divided into two separate conversion paths: one for AC to DC conversion and another for DC to DC conversion. This segmentation allows each converter to operate independently and be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall power loss while maintaining charge power generation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the operating parameters of the AC-DC converter and DC-DC converter based on input power conditions and charging requirements. By optimizing conversion parameters such as switching frequency, duty cycle, and power factor, the system minimizes power loss during conversion while ensuring sufficient charge power is delivered to the electric vehicle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If only AC power is used for charging, then device complexity is reduced, but charge power generation is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharge power generationVSAvoidconverter configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging device is designed with multi-functionality to accept both AC and DC input power sources. The system can operate in different modes: AC-only charging, DC-only charging, or hybrid charging combining both sources. This universal design enables sufficient charge power generation while managing device complexity through intelligent power source selection and combination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the output of the AC-DC converter and DC-DC converter through a power combiner unit. This combining approach allows the system to aggregate power from both AC and DC sources to achieve the required charge power level, effectively resolving the insufficiency of single-source charging while distributing the complexity across modular components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If AC and DC input power are simultaneously supplied, then charge power generation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharge power generationVSAvoidpower conversion system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The simultaneous AC and DC input system is segmented into distinct conversion modules: an AC-DC converter for alternating current input, a DC-DC converter for direct current input, and a power combiner. Each module handles a specific function, which manages the overall system complexity while enabling improved charge power generation through combined input sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Facilitates fast charging with reduced power loss by stabilizing charge power generation through optimized AC-DC and DC-DC converter contributions, achieving efficient power utilization.

Implementation Method 1

an AC-DC converter (110) that converts an AC input power to a first DC power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a DC-DC converter (120) that converts a DC input power to a second DC power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4272992B1Hybrid charging device for electric vehicle, charging system comprising the same, and charging method using the same
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4272992B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4272992B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4272992B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A hybrid charging device according to the present disclosure includes an alternating current (AC)-direct current (DC) converter configured to convert an AC input power to a first DC power; a DC-DC converter configured to convert a DC input power to a second DC power; a power combiner configured to generate a charge power for an electric vehicle from at least one of the first DC power or the second DC power; and a charge controller configured to control the AC-DC converter, the DC-DC converter and the power combiner.