Parallel EV Charger Control via In-Vehicle Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to reduce charging time for electric vehicles with increasing battery capacity while minimizing costs and complexity, as existing charging systems require multiple chargers with different capabilities and additional power conversion devices, making it difficult to control multiple chargeable units in parallel effectively.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for controlling multiple chargers in parallel within an electric vehicle using in-vehicle communications, recognizing and managing each charger via resistance or pulse width modulation signals to simplify operations and distribute power signals based on availability, allowing for efficient charging operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If multiple chargers with different charging capabilities are designed and installed to reduce charging time, then charging time is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into multiple battery packs, each with its own charger operating in parallel. This segmentation allows independent charging of each battery pack, reducing overall charging time while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
A universal charger design is implemented that can charge multiple types of battery packs (different chemistries, capacities, and voltage levels) through a standardized interface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized chargers, reducing device complexity while maintaining fast charging capability
2Productivity
If multiple chargers are installed in parallel to charge multiple battery packs, then charging efficiency is improved, but control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
A centralized control system implements real-time feedback monitoring of each charger's operating status, battery pack charge levels, and power consumption. This feedback mechanism enables automatic adjustment of charging parameters and coordinated control of multiple chargers, improving charging efficiency while simplifying operation through automated management
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple distributed charger control functions are merged into a single centralized control system that coordinates all chargers in parallel. This consolidation simplifies operation by providing unified control and monitoring, while the centralized system optimizes the combined output of all chargers to maximize charging efficiency
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional power conversion devices are added to support different charging capabilities, then charging versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A universal power conversion platform is designed that can handle multiple battery types and charging standards through a single standardized interface. This multi-functional power conversion system achieves charging versatility for different battery chemistries and capacities without requiring separate dedicated power conversion devices for each battery type
Solution Approach 2:
The power conversion system utilizes adjustable parameters (voltage, current, power output) that can be dynamically changed to match different battery pack requirements. By programmatically adjusting these parameters rather than using fixed hardware configurations, the system achieves versatility across different battery types while maintaining a single, manageable power conversion device
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling plural chargers equipped in a vehicle includes: recognizing a plurality of chargers, each configured to charge at least one battery supplying the vehicle with electric power, via an in-vehicle network; receiving an identification and at least one parameter from each recognized charger, which are delivered via the in-vehicle network; generating plural instructions, each instruction for each recognized charger in response to receiving the identification and the at least one parameter; and delivering the plural instructions to the plurality of recognized chargers via the in-vehicle network.