Mobile AC-DC EV Charger for Vehicles Without On-Board Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric vehicles require an on-board charger (OBC) to convert AC power to DC power for charging, which increases vehicle weight and cost, and users without an OBC are inconvenienced by the lack of AC slow charging options.
Innovation Solution
A mobile power conversion device with a bidirectional charging interface that converts AC power to DC power within the device, eliminating the need for an OBC and enabling AC charging in vehicles without one, using components like an AC/DC converter and a controller for seamless charging control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an on-board charger (OBC) is installed in the electric vehicle to enable AC charging, then the vehicle can charge from AC slow chargers, but the vehicle weight increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a portable AC-DC converter as an intermediary device between the AC charger and the vehicle. This external converter performs the AC to DC conversion function that would otherwise require an onboard charger, allowing the vehicle to charge from AC sources without having the conversion equipment installed inside the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system is divided into separate functional components: the AC-DC conversion function is separated from the vehicle and placed in a portable external device. This segmentation allows the vehicle to remain lightweight while still gaining AC charging capability through the use of the external converter when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an on-board charger (OBC) is installed in the electric vehicle to enable AC charging, then the vehicle can charge from AC slow chargers, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The portable AC-DC converter serves as an external intermediary that provides the AC charging functionality without requiring installation in the vehicle. This approach eliminates the need for manufacturers to include expensive OBC hardware in every vehicle, reducing manufacturing costs while still enabling AC charging capability through the use of the portable converter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a portable, potentially lower-cost AC-DC converter that can be used temporarily or periodically rather than requiring a permanent, expensive onboard installation. This allows AC charging functionality to be added at a lower cost point.
3Weight of moving object
If the on-board charger (OBC) is omitted from the electric vehicle to reduce weight and cost, then the vehicle price and weight decrease, but users cannot charge using AC slow chargers
Solution Approach 1:
The portable AC-DC converter acts as an on-demand intermediary that bridges the gap between AC chargers and DC-only vehicles. Users can carry or access this portable device when AC charging is needed, maintaining charging convenience without the permanent weight and cost burden of an onboard charger.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static configuration (either having or not having an onboard charger) to a dynamic solution where the AC-DC conversion capability is available on-demand through a portable device that can be connected when needed, providing flexibility in charging options.
4Ease of manufacture
If the on-board charger (OBC) is omitted from the electric vehicle to reduce weight and cost, then the vehicle price and weight decrease, but users face inconvenience and dissatisfaction
Solution Approach 1:
The portable AC-DC converter serves as an external intermediary that provides AC charging functionality to vehicles without onboard chargers. This solution maintains user convenience by enabling AC slow charging capability while allowing manufacturers to reduce vehicle costs by omitting the expensive OBC component.
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 reduces vehicle weight and cost by omitting the OBC, allowing AC charging anywhere and enhancing user satisfaction through efficient AC-DC power conversion.
Implementation Method 1
an AC/DC converter configured to convert AC power input from the AC charger into DC power chargeable to a high-voltage battery of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile power conversion device for electric vehicle charging and a control method thereof are disclosed. An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a mobile power conversion device for electric vehicle charging, including: a first charging interface electrically connected to an external AC charger on one side; a second charging interface electrically connected to a vehicle without an external on-board charger (OBC) on the other side; a power supply such as a switching mode power supply (SMPS) configured to supply power to the inside of the device; an AC/DC converter configured to convert AC power input from the AC charger into DC power chargeable to a high-voltage battery of the vehicle; and a controller configured to perform vehicle charging control supplying the DC power converted by the AC/DC converter to the vehicle.