Off-Board Charger Switching Between AC and DC Vehicle Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles cannot be charged at most electric vehicle charging places equipped with direct current charging devices, leading to increased reliance on engine power generation and carbon emissions, and existing solutions require vehicle reconstruction or are not compatible with all models.
Innovation Solution
An off-board charger with a power conversion circuit, conversion adapter, and controller that can switch between alternating current and direct current charging modes, allowing a single charger to serve both types of vehicles without additional cables and system reconstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a charging place is configured with direct current charging devices, then battery electric vehicles can be charged, but plug-in hybrid electric vehicles cannot be charged
Solution Approach 1:
The charging device is designed with dual functionality to support both direct current charging for battery electric vehicles and alternating current charging for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The controller automatically detects the vehicle type and switches between charging modes, making a single charging station universal for different vehicle types without requiring separate charging devices
Solution Approach 2:
The charging device incorporates dynamic switching capability where the controller can dynamically change the charging mode based on the connected vehicle type. The system transitions between direct current and alternating current output modes as needed, enabling adaptive response to different charging requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If an alternating current charging interface is transformed into a direct current charging interface, then direct current charging devices can charge plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, but vehicle reconstruction is required
Solution Approach 1:
The charging device acts as an intermediary that provides alternating current output capability through its power conversion circuit. This allows plug-in hybrid electric vehicles with alternating current charging interfaces to be charged without any modification to the vehicle, as the charging device itself can supply the required alternating current directly from the power grid
3Adaptability or versatility
If integrated charging pile with both alternating current and direct current charging loops is designed, then both vehicle types can be charged, but more charging cables and guns need to be disposed
Solution Approach 1:
The charging pile is designed with a universal power supply port that can output both alternating current and direct current through internal power conversion circuits. This eliminates the need for separate charging guns and cables for different vehicle types, as a single charging interface can serve both battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles
Solution Approach 2:
The alternating current charging loop and direct current charging loop are merged into a single integrated charging system. The power conversion circuit can switch between output modes, combining the functions of what would traditionally require separate charging devices into one unified system
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
Enables direct current charging for battery electric vehicles and alternating current charging for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, reducing costs and eliminating the need for multiple charging guns and cables, while being compatible with existing vehicle models.
Implementation Method 1
an off-board charger includes a power conversion circuit, a power supply port, a conversion adapter
Data Source
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AI summary
This application provides an off-board charger, a charging system, and a charging station. The off-board charger includes a power conversion circuit, a power supply port, a conversion adapter, and a controller. The conversion adapter includes a connection port and an alternating current output port. The controller controls, when the conversion adapter is connected to the power supply port, the power supply port to connect to an alternating current power grid, the power supply port to connect to the connection port, and the alternating current output port to connect to a charging port of a powered device; or controls, when the conversion adapter is disconnected from the power supply port, the power conversion circuit to connect to an alternating current power grid, and the power supply port to connect to the charging port of the powered device. The off-board charger provided in this application implements both alternating current charging and direct current charging. This omits a charging gun cable and reduces costs.