Multi-Port Bidirectional Converter for Redundant EV Power Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional EV charging systems face challenges of increased size and cost due to the need for multiple converters and transformers for redundant operation, necessitating additional space and costs.
Innovation Solution
A multiple-port bidirectional converter with a transformer and multiple power converting units that integrates redundant operation, reducing the number of transformers and converters, and allows flexible power sharing among multiple ports, including batteries and an AC load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple converters and transformers are used for redundant operation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power converting units (first and second HV power converting units, first and second LV power converting units) into a single integrated converter system that shares common control and magnetic components. This merging approach provides redundant operation capability while reducing the overall number of discrete converters and transformers needed in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The power converting units are designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple power conversion tasks simultaneously. The first and second HV power converting units can independently convert to high voltage, while the first and second LV power converting units can independently convert to low voltage, providing redundant pathways for power conversion while maintaining a compact integrated structure.
2Reliability
If multiple converters and transformers are used for redundant operation, then reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple power converting functions into integrated units with shared control circuitry and magnetic components, the patent reduces the total component count and assembly complexity, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining redundant operation capability for reliability.
3Reliability
If multiple converters and transformers are used for redundant operation, then reliability is improved, but occupied space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple power converting units into a compact onboard charger assembly where magnetic components and control circuits are shared among the first and second HV/LV power converting units. This merging significantly reduces the occupied space compared to having separate discrete converters and transformers, while still providing redundant operation pathways.
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
The solution reduces the cost and size of the onboard charger by integrating redundant operation and flexible power sharing, while ensuring efficient power management and battery auto-balancing, even in failure scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
The transformer includes a core, a first primary winding, a first secondary winding, a second secondary winding, a third secondary winding, a fourth secondary winding, and a fifth secondary winding
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple-port bidirectional converter is provided. The multiple-port bidirectional converter includes a transformer, a primary full-bridge converter, a first high voltage (HV) power converting unit, a second HV power converting unit, a first low voltage (LV) power converting unit, a second LV power converting unit, a full-bridge diode rectifier, and a full-bridge inverter. The transformer includes a core, one primary winding and five secondary windings. The primary full-bridge converter is coupled to the first primary winding and receives an input voltage. The first/second HV power converting unit, coupled to the first/second secondary winding, outputs a first/second high DC voltage to a first/second HV battery. The first/second LV power converting unit, coupled to the third/fourth secondary winding, outputs a first/second low DC voltage to a first/second LV battery. The full-bridge diode rectifier is coupled to the fifth secondary winding and the full-bridge diode rectifier to output an AC output voltage.