Off-board Vehicle Interface System for Stable Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrified vehicles face challenges in providing stable power to off-board auxiliary loads due to fluctuating power requirements, which can lead to damage or operator dissatisfaction, as existing systems do not effectively manage power transfer and may result in improper energy draw from vehicle electrical busses.
Innovation Solution
An off-board vehicle interface system that includes a transceiver and controller to communicate with the vehicle, ensuring safe and controlled power transfer between the vehicle and an off-board inverter, using quick disconnect connectors and a power relay to manage power allocation based on load presence and vehicle conditions, preventing overcurrent and low voltage issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If power is transmitted from the vehicle to off-board auxiliary loads, then the auxiliary loads can be powered, but the power available to off-board loads may fluctuate based on the power requirements of the electrified vehicle powertrain, resulting in possible damage to the powered device or operator dissatisfaction
Solution Approach 1:
An off-board interface is introduced as an intermediary device between the vehicle and the off-board inverter. This interface includes a controller that communicates with the vehicle controller and monitors power availability, and a power relay that physically controls power flow. The intermediary manages the power transmission to prevent fluctuations from reaching the auxiliary loads, thereby resolving the contradiction between providing power and maintaining power stability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the vehicle electrical bus is used to power off-board loads, then auxiliary loads can receive power, but improper energy draw may occur leading to overcurrent and low voltage issues
Solution Approach 1:
The off-board interface controller establishes bidirectional communication with the vehicle controller to receive real-time information about power availability and vehicle conditions. This feedback mechanism allows the interface to monitor the electrical bus state and adjust power draw accordingly, preventing overcurrent and low voltage issues while still enabling auxiliary loads to receive power when conditions are appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary communication and authorization between the off-board interface controller and the vehicle controller before power transmission begins. The interface checks vehicle conditions and obtains authorization in advance, ensuring that power draw will not cause harmful effects. This preliminary action prevents overcurrent and low voltage issues by establishing safe operating parameters before energy transfer starts.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle interface system configured to be arranged between a vehicle and an off-board inverter, may include a first cable configured to connect to the vehicle via a first connector; a second cable configured to connect to an inverter via a second connector; and a transceiver configured to transmit interface data to the vehicle indicating the presence of a load connected at the second connector and receive vehicle data including instructions to transmit power from the first connector to the second connector.