Modular EV Power Conversion Architecture Without Filtering Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric power systems for vehicles face challenges such as design customization for each model, non-scalability, and increased size and weight due to filtering units, limiting upgrade opportunities and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The electric power system features power conversion systems connected in parallel for each phase of the electric motor, with power circuits and controllers that provide drive and auxiliary power outputs, allowing for modular and scalable design with distributed control, and includes DC-to-AC and DC-to-DC converters for efficient power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If current electric power system architecture is used with filtering units, then power quality can be maintained, but system size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes filtering units from the electric power system architecture. The power conversion systems directly connect energy storage modules to power buses without traditional filtering components, eliminating the need for separate filtering units while maintaining system performance through the inherent control capabilities of the power conversion systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The power conversion systems perform multiple functions including power conversion, filtering, and voltage regulation simultaneously. The DC-to-AC inverters and DC-to-DC converters are designed to handle both power conversion and filtering tasks, eliminating the need for dedicated filtering units and reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If design customization is performed for every vehicle model, then specific model requirements are met, but component development time increases and scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The electric power system is divided into modular power conversion systems that can be independently configured. Each power conversion system is a self-contained module that can be selectively assembled to meet different vehicle model requirements, enabling customization without redesigning the entire system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system architecture allows dynamic configuration of power conversion systems based on vehicle model requirements. The modular design enables flexible assembly and disassembly of power conversion modules, allowing rapid adaptation to different models while maintaining standardized component interfaces for efficient development.
3Adaptability or versatility
If non-scalable electric power system architecture is used, then specific model requirements are met, but upgrade opportunities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into independent power conversion modules that can be selectively added or removed. This modular architecture enables scalable upgrades by simply adding or removing modules rather than redesigning the entire system, providing flexibility for future enhancements while maintaining a relatively simple standardized interface architecture.
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 solution enables a modular, scalable, and efficient electric power system that reduces size and complexity, improving energy storage capacity and vehicle range while allowing for flexible power distribution and management.
Implementation Method 1
The power circuit includes a three-level direct current-to-alternating current (DC-to-AC) inverter configured to provide the drive power output
Implementation Method 2
the power circuit includes a direct current-to-direct current (DC-to-DC) circuit configured to provide the auxiliary power output to the power bus
Data Source
AI summary
An electric power system for a vehicle includes one or more power conversion systems electrically connected in parallel for each phase of an electric motor of an electric drive system. Each power conversion system is electrically coupled to a set of energy storage modules from among a plurality of energy storage modules of an energy storage pack. Each power conversion systems includes a power circuit and a power controller. The power circuit is electrically coupled to a respective set of energy storage modules and configured to provide a drive power output to the electric drive system and an auxiliary power output to a power bus. The power controller is configured to control the power circuit to provide the drive power output based on a desired power output of the electric drive system.