Low-Power Vehicle Charging Device Using Segmented Voltage Converters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug-in vehicle charging devices are costly and bulky due to their high nominal power capacity, making them difficult to integrate into vehicles and increasing their mass and volume.
Innovation Solution
A device with a nominal power of less than 2300 W, featuring a first electrical energy store with a maximum voltage greater than 50 V and a first voltage converter to transfer energy between the connection means and the energy store, along with a second energy store and converter to limit current intensity and voltage, reducing overall cost and size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a high nominal power voltage converter is used to recharge both the service battery and traction battery, then the recharging capability is sufficient, but the cost, mass, and volume of the device increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery recharging system into two separate voltage converters: a first voltage converter (104) dedicated to recharging the service battery (102), and a second voltage converter (106) dedicated to recharging the traction battery (100). This segmentation allows each converter to be optimized for its specific function, with the first converter having lower power requirements, thereby reducing the overall mass and cost of the recharging device while maintaining adequate recharging capability for both batteries.
2Power
If a high nominal power voltage converter is used to recharge both batteries, then the recharging capability is sufficient, but the device volume increases making it difficult to integrate into the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the recharging system into two separate voltage converters with distinct functions. The first voltage converter (104) for the service battery (102) has lower power requirements and smaller volume, while the second voltage converter (106) for the traction battery (100) handles higher power needs. This segmentation enables more efficient space utilization within the vehicle, as the lower-power first converter occupies less volume than a single high-power converter would require.
3Power
If a single high-power voltage converter is used, then both batteries can be recharged, but the cost of the device becomes very high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the recharging system into two separate voltage converters, where the first voltage converter (104) for the service battery (102) operates at lower power levels and can be manufactured at lower cost. The second voltage converter (106) for the traction battery (100) handles the higher power requirements. This segmentation allows the use of less expensive components for the first converter, thereby reducing the overall manufacturing cost of the recharging device while maintaining the capability to recharge both batteries.
4Power
If the connection means has high nominal power, then sufficient energy can be transferred, but the electrical losses and heat generation increase requiring active cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power transfer path into two separate circuits: one for the service battery (102) through the first voltage converter (104), and another for the traction battery (100) through the second voltage converter (106). By dedicating the first converter to the lower-power service battery, the electrical losses and heat generation in that circuit are reduced, eliminating the need for active cooling systems while maintaining sufficient energy transfer capacity for both batteries.
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 solution allows for cost-effective and compact recharging of motor vehicle batteries, with reduced electrical losses and no need for active cooling, extending the operational life of electronic components and reducing the risk of battery damage.
Implementation Method 1
a first voltage converter adapted to transfer energy between the connection means and the first storer
Implementation Method 2
a second voltage converter to transfer energy to the second storer... the second converter comprises protection means adapted to limit the intensity of the current flowing in the connection means
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
This device for recharging a motor vehicle comprises an electrical connection means (208) providing the interface for connecting to an electrical distribution network outside the vehicle. The device also comprises a first electrical energy store (200) having, at the terminals of same, a maximum voltage greater than 50 V and a first voltage converter (206) for transferring energy between this connection means (208) and the first store (200). The nominal power at the terminals of the connection means (208) is lower than 2300 W.