OBC DC-DC Charging for Swappable Vehicle Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for charging the main battery of a vehicle using swappable batteries require additional DC-DC converters for each swappable battery, leading to increased cost, size, and reduced efficiency due to voltage differences and potential risks of fire and component burnout.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize the DC-DC converters of an on-board computer (OBC) to charge the main battery with voltages from swappable batteries, eliminating the need for additional converters by connecting the swappable batteries to the input terminals of the OBC's DC-DC converters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional DC-DC converters are installed for each swappable battery, then the main battery can be charged using swappable batteries, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The OBC's DC-DC converters are designed to perform multiple functions: they can convert voltage from external AC power sources and also convert voltage from swappable batteries. By making the converters universal, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated converters for swappable batteries, reducing device complexity while maintaining charging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the charging function for swappable batteries into the existing OBC converter system. Instead of having separate conversion paths for external charging and swappable battery charging, both functions are combined into a single converter system controlled by a controller that routes power appropriately.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional DC-DC converters are installed for each swappable battery, then the main battery can be charged using swappable batteries, but the system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing OBC converters are made multi-functional to handle both external AC power conversion and swappable battery voltage conversion. This eliminates the need for additional dedicated converter units, thereby reducing the overall system volume while maintaining the ability to charge from multiple sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the swappable battery integration function into the existing OBC structure. By merging the voltage conversion functionality for swappable batteries with the existing converter system, the patent avoids adding separate converter units that would increase system size.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional DC-DC converters are installed for each swappable battery, then the main battery can be charged using swappable batteries, but the charging efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The OBC converters are designed to efficiently handle multiple input sources (external AC power and swappable batteries) using the same conversion hardware. This eliminates energy losses associated with multiple separate conversion paths and reduces overall system inefficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the voltage conversion function for swappable batteries into the existing OBC converter system, the patent eliminates redundant energy conversion steps. The single converter system can directly convert swappable battery voltage to the required level for the main battery, avoiding intermediate conversion losses.
4Device complexity
If swappable batteries are connected directly to charge the main battery, then the charging process is simplified, but voltage differences cause safety risks such as fire and component burnout
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the OBC converter system as an intermediary between swappable batteries and the main battery. The converters act as a mediating interface that safely manages voltage differences, current flow, and charging parameters, eliminating direct connection risks while maintaining a relatively simple charging system structure.
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 approach increases the driving distance of the vehicle and enhances the efficiency of the motor and inverters by eliminating the need for additional converters, thereby reducing costs and improving charging efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a power factor correction unit receiving a commercial AC power being applied and correcting a power factor of the AC power
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of converters having input terminals connected to the link capacitors in a one-to-one correspondence, and converting voltages applied to the input terminals
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a charging system and a charging method for charging a main battery of a vehicle. The main battery can be charged with a voltage of a swappable battery using a DC-DC converter of an on-board computer (OBC) without installing additional converters for a plurality of swappable batteries through connection of the plurality of swappable batteries to input terminals of a plurality of DC-DC converters of the OBC charging the main battery, so that a driving distance of the vehicle is increased, and the efficiency of a motor and the inverters is increased.