Modular EV Charging Interface for Concurrent AC and DC Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicle charging is limited by the power level of on-board chargers, leading to long charge times, and existing solutions for faster charging are not universally applicable due to varying power sources and locations.
Innovation Solution
A modular charging system that combines an on-board alternating current to direct current converter with an external alternating current to direct current converter, allowing concurrent charging via both alternating current and direct current, and includes a high-capacity external battery for enhanced charging capabilities, including solar power integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If on-board charger power level is increased, then charging speed is improved, but vehicle size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is divided into two independent converters: an on-board AC-DC converter for standard charging and an external DC-DC converter for fast charging. This segmentation allows each converter to be optimized independently, enabling fast charging capability without permanently increasing vehicle weight, as the external converter is only needed during fast charging operations
2Productivity
If on-board charger power level is increased, then charging speed is improved, but equipment size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging equipment is segmented into two separate converters with different power levels and functions. The on-board converter maintains standard size while the external converter provides additional power capacity only when needed for fast charging, avoiding permanent volume increase in the vehicle
3Ease of manufacture
If charging infrastructure is simplified, then cost is reduced, but charging versatility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging plug interface is designed with multi-functionality to support both AC and DC charging modes through a single connection standard. The system can universally accept power from various sources (grid AC, external DC battery, solar panels) and route them appropriately, maintaining infrastructure simplicity while achieving charging versatility
4Productivity
If external battery capacity is increased, then charging capability is improved, but system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The external battery is charged in advance from the grid or solar panels before being used for fast charging the vehicle. This preliminary charging action allows the external battery to serve as a portable power reservoir, providing high-capacity fast charging without requiring the battery to be permanently mounted in the vehicle, thus avoiding continuous weight penalty
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 system reduces charge times by utilizing additional power sources, providing a flexible and efficient charging solution that can adapt to different scenarios, including home, work, and travel, while minimizing the size and weight of the charging equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a first alternating current to direct current converter; a charging plug interface including a first pair of conductors connected to alternating current input terminals of the first alternating current to direct current converter
Implementation Method 2
an on-board alternating current to direct current converter with direct current terminals connected to terminals of the battery
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for modular charging of vehicles are described. For example, a method may include connecting a vehicle to a charger using a charging plug interface that includes a first pair of conductors connected to alternating current terminals of an on-board alternating current-to-direct current converter of the vehicle and a second pair of conductors connected to terminals of a battery of the vehicle; and charging the battery of the vehicle via direct current flowing through the second pair of conductors concurrent with charging of the battery via alternating current flowing through the first pair of conductors to power the on-board alternating current to direct current converter.