Hybrid EV Charging Power Combiner for Lower Conversion Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric vehicle chargers experience significant power loss when converting alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) and often lack sufficient charge power due to reliance on AC power alone.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid charging device that combines AC and DC input powers using AC-DC and DC-DC converters, with a power combiner and charge controller to generate and control charge power for electric vehicles, reducing power loss and increasing charging efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If AC power is converted to DC power using conventional chargers, then charge power can be supplied to electric vehicles, but significant power loss occurs during conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines AC power input and DC power input into a hybrid charging system. The power combiner merges the AC-converted DC power and the direct DC power (from sources like regenerative braking or solar panels) to supply charge power to the electric vehicle. This merging approach reduces total power loss by utilizing DC power directly without requiring full AC-to-DC conversion.
2Power
If only AC power is used for charging, then charging infrastructure is simpler, but insufficient charge power is generated to meet electric vehicle requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid charging device is designed to accept multiple types of power inputs (AC power and DC power from various sources) and convert/combine them into suitable charge power for electric vehicles. The system universally handles different power sources through the AC-DC converter, DC-DC converter, and power combiner, enabling flexible charging from diverse sources while meeting vehicle power requirements.
3Productivity
If AC power alone is converted to DC power, then charging can be performed, but the charging rate is insufficient for sustainable electric vehicle growth
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares DC power in advance through multiple pathways: AC power is converted to DC via the AC-DC converter, and additional DC power is obtained from external DC sources (such as regenerative braking systems or solar panels). The power combiner pre-merges these DC power sources before supplying to the vehicle, enabling faster charging rates without excessive conversion losses.
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 hybrid charging system enables faster charging and reduces power conversion losses by effectively utilizing both AC and DC inputs, stabilizing charge power generation based on converter operating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an alternating current (AC)-direct current (DC) converter configured to convert an AC input power to a first DC power
Implementation Method 2
a DC-DC converter configured to convert an DC input power to a second DC power
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid charging device includes an alternating current (AC)-direct current (DC) converter for converting an AC input power to a first DC power; a DC-DC converter for converting a DC input power to a second DC power; a power combiner for generating 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 for controlling the AC-DC converter, the DC-DC converter and the power combiner.