Multi-Port Vehicle Battery Charging for Bidirectional Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle battery systems lack the capability to efficiently transfer power from a donor vehicle to a recipient vehicle or external energy storage system, especially in situations where charging stations are unavailable or limited.
Innovation Solution
A multi-port charging system with a controller that manages both charging and discharging operations, allowing simultaneous charging of the vehicle's battery system and external energy storage systems using bi-directional chargers, enabling power transfer between vehicles or the grid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single charge port is used for charging the vehicle battery system, then the charging operation is simple and reliable, but the system cannot simultaneously charge multiple vehicles or transfer power to external energy storage systems
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is divided into multiple independent charge ports (first charge port and second charge port), each capable of independent operation. The first charge port connects to the battery system for charging, while the second charge port connects to a bi-directional charger for power transfer to external systems. This segmentation allows simultaneous charging and discharging operations without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system is designed with multi-functionality to handle various operating modes: charging the vehicle battery from a power source, discharging to external energy storage systems, and simultaneous bidirectional operations. The controller manages different charging modes (first charging mode for battery charging, second charging mode for external power transfer) within a single integrated system.
2Productivity
If power is transferred from a donor vehicle to a recipient vehicle, then charging station availability is reduced, but the system complexity increases with multiple charge ports and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle battery system is equipped with both charging capability (via first charge port) and power discharge capability (via second charge port with bi-directional charger). This self-service design allows the vehicle to act as both a recipient and donor of electrical energy, enabling vehicle-to-vehicle power transfer without external charging infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The bi-directional charger serves as an intermediary device between the battery system and external energy storage systems. It enables controlled power transfer in both directions, facilitating efficient energy sharing between vehicles while managing electrical parameters and charging protocols.
3Use of energy by moving object
If simultaneous charging and discharging operations are performed, then power utilization is optimized, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically manages the charging and discharging operations based on real-time conditions. It can switch between different charging modes (first charging mode for battery charging, second charging mode for external power transfer) and simultaneously control both charge ports, optimizing energy utilization according to system needs and external conditions.
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
Facilitates efficient and simultaneous charging of multiple vehicles from a single power source, addressing limited charging station availability and providing additional resources for charging, especially beneficial for fleet vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
the second charge port connected to a bi-directional charger
Data Source
AI summary
A charging system of a vehicle includes a first charge port selectively connectable to a battery system of the vehicle, the first charge port configured to receive electrical power from a power source to charge the battery system, and a second charge port selectively connectable to the battery system of the vehicle, the second charge port connected to a bi-directional charger. The charging system also includes a controller configured to connect the battery system to the first charge port and control a first charging operation to charge the battery system, connect the battery system to the second charge port, and control a second charging operation to supply electrical power to charge an external energy storage system.