Modular EV Charger Voltage Adaptation via Series Converter Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric vehicle charging stations are inefficient as they are designed for a single voltage range, limiting their ability to accommodate a wide range of voltages required by different electric vehicles, leading to suboptimal charging times and energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple power converters and a controller that determines the required charging voltage level and enables only the necessary converters to supply current, allowing for efficient charging across various voltage levels by coupling output terminals in series and using switching components to minimize power dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single power module is designed for a wide range of voltages, then the charging device can accommodate various voltage requirements, but the power module cannot be optimized for a particular voltage leading to inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The charging device is divided into multiple independent power modules, each optimized for a specific voltage range. Instead of using one power module for all voltage levels, the system segments the power conversion function across multiple specialized modules that can be selectively activated based on the required charging voltage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and activates only the necessary power modules based on the real-time charging voltage requirements. This dynamic configuration allows the charging device to adapt its internal architecture to match the optimal power conversion path for the current operating conditions, maximizing efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If multiple power modules are used to optimize for different voltages, then charging efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each power module is designed with universal interfaces and control capabilities that allow it to function independently or in combination with other modules. The modules share common control logic and communication protocols, reducing the overall system complexity despite having multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple power modules are combined in series to achieve higher voltage outputs when needed. Rather than designing completely separate systems for different voltage levels, the invention merges identical or similar modular units to scale the voltage output, simplifying the design process and reducing complexity.
3Power
If all power converters are enabled to supply power, then the charging device can meet high power demands, but power dissipation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables only the minimum number of power converters necessary to meet the current charging power demand. Rather than keeping all converters active at full capacity, the control system activates just enough modules to satisfy the load, reducing unnecessary power dissipation while maintaining required power output.
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
This approach enables faster and more efficient charging by optimizing current delivery based on the vehicle's specific voltage requirements, reducing charging time and energy loss while accommodating a range of voltages.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the power converters has an output terminal configured to output current at a predetermined voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A system for use in supplying power to a power storage device. The system includes a charging device that has a plurality of power converters, each of the power converters having an output terminal configured to output current at a predetermined voltage. The system includes a power conduit configured to couple each of the terminals in series to deliver current from the plurality of power converters to the power storage device. The system includes a controller programmed to receive a power storage device voltage signal, determine a charging voltage level based on the power storage device voltage signal, and enable at least one of the plurality of power converters to supply current at the charging voltage level to the power storage device.