Modular EV Charging Architecture for Incremental V2H and V2G Upgrades
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home charging systems for BEVs and PHEVs require complete replacement when upgrading to newer technologies, leading to waste of hardware and installation costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular charging system comprising a base charging module and optional AC backup and DC grid integration modules, allowing for incremental upgrades to add AC discharging and DC charging/discharging capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complete charging system is replaced to upgrade to newer technologies, then the system gains access to newer features and capabilities, but hardware waste increases and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is divided into modular components: a base charging module and separate optional modules (AC backup module, DC grid integration module). This segmentation allows individual modules to be upgraded or added without replacing the entire system, reducing hardware waste while maintaining adaptability to newer technologies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed with dynamic configurability, allowing users to selectively connect different modules based on their needs. The base charging module can operate independently or be enhanced by adding AC backup or DC grid integration modules, enabling the system to adapt to evolving requirements without complete replacement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complete charging system is replaced to upgrade to newer technologies, then the system gains access to newer features and capabilities, but installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the charging system into modular components with standardized interfaces, the patent enables incremental upgrades. Users can start with a base module and add functionality later, spreading installation costs over time and avoiding the need for expensive complete system replacements.
Solution Approach 2:
The base charging module is designed with universal compatibility to work with both AC and DC modules. This multi-functionality allows a single base unit to support multiple charging modes and grid integration options, reducing overall installation costs by eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular modules are added to base charging module, then system versatility improves and upgrade costs decrease, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments complex functionality into separate, independently manageable modules. Each module performs a specific function (AC charging, AC backup, DC grid integration) with standardized connection interfaces to the base module. This segmentation reduces perceived complexity by allowing users to add only the functionality they need while maintaining a simple base unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The base charging module acts as an intermediary between the vehicle battery and various optional modules. It provides standardized interfaces and control logic that simplify the integration of additional modules, managing the complexity internally while presenting a simple user interface and connection scheme.
Data Source
AI summary
Described are examples of a modular charging system. In one example, a modular charging system includes a base charging module configured to provide alternating current (“AC”) charging capabilities to charge a battery via a charging port. The base charging system is configured to be selectively connected to an AC backup module that additionally enables AC discharging capabilities to send electricity from the battery to a residential electrical system and/or a direct-current (“DC”) grid integration module that additionally enables DC discharging capabilities to send electricity from the battery to a utility grid and DC charging capabilities to charge the battery.