Multi-Source EV Charging Assembly With Bidirectional PFC Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle charging systems face inefficiencies and cost issues due to reliance on conventional power grids, leading to voltage imbalances and poor utilization of renewable energy sources, particularly with solar inverters, which struggle to manage active and reactive power effectively.
Innovation Solution
A charging arrangement that incorporates a converter unit and power factor correction (PFC) circuit capable of operating as both an inverter and regenerative PFC, utilizing renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, and allowing bidirectional energy flow to optimize energy usage and reduce network voltage fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If solar inverters feed electrical energy into the power grid, then renewable energy utilization is improved, but voltage imbalances and voltage boost problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The charging arrangement incorporates a feedback mechanism where the converter unit continuously monitors grid voltage conditions and adjusts the power conversion accordingly. When voltage boost is detected, the system reduces or pauses energy feeding into the grid, preventing voltage imbalances while maximizing renewable energy utilization during normal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different operational modes (charging, discharging, grid feeding) based on real-time energy availability and grid conditions. The converter unit adapts its operation to balance renewable energy injection with grid stability requirements, making the system flexible rather than static.
2Device complexity
If conventional power grids are used for EV charging, then charging infrastructure is simplified, but energy cost-effectiveness and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The converter unit serves multiple functions: it converts solar energy to charge the vehicle battery, converts battery energy to feed into the grid, and manages bidirectional power flow. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate charging and energy management systems, simplifying infrastructure while improving cost-effectiveness through optimized energy usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables households to generate their own energy through solar panels and use it for EV charging, reducing dependence on conventional power grids. Excess energy is fed back into the grid, creating a self-sufficient energy ecosystem that improves cost-effectiveness while maintaining infrastructure simplicity.
3Weight of moving object
If solar systems operate independently without integrated charging capability, then system modularity is maintained, but hardware utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The converter unit is designed to perform multiple functions: solar-to-battery charging, battery-to-grid feeding, and bidirectional power management. This allows the same hardware to serve different purposes at different times, maximizing utilization efficiency while preserving system modularity and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the solar inverter function with the EV charging function into a single integrated converter unit. This merging of functions allows the system to efficiently manage both solar energy conversion and vehicle charging without requiring separate dedicated hardware, thereby improving overall hardware utilization.
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 enhances the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of electric vehicle charging by optimizing energy use from renewable sources, reducing voltage imbalances, and improving the utilization of existing hardware, enabling both efficient charging and energy feedback into the grid.
Implementation Method 1
a converter unit and/or a PFC unit which is/are suitable and intended for converting a direct voltage into an alternating voltage and/or an alternating voltage into a direct voltage
Implementation Method 2
The charging unit can thus have a transmitting coil that can be inductively coupled to a coil arranged in the motor vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3~4a
AI summary
Charging arrangement for motor vehicles (20) with a first energy source and in particular a power grid (2) and with a first charging device (4) which can be connected to the vehicle to be charged in order to charge it electrically, wherein at least temporarily an electric current flow from the power grid to the charging device (4) is possible, wherein the charging arrangement further comprises a PFC unit (14) which is suitable for converting an alternating voltage into a direct voltage, characterized in that the charging arrangement comprises a further energy source (8) which is suitable and intended to charge the vehicle (10) at least temporarily.