Portable EV Power Conversion From Standard 120V Outlets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle charging technologies require high-voltage power supplies and necessitate the vehicle to be stationary, limiting flexibility and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising an energy storage device and a power management unit that can receive and convert electrical power from a low-voltage source, such as a standard 120V outlet, to power an electric vehicle's propulsion system, allowing for portable charging and integration with renewable energy sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-voltage power supply is used for charging the battery, then charging efficiency is improved, but infrastructure complexity and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A portable power conversion device serves as an intermediary between standard low-voltage electrical outlets and the vehicle's high-voltage battery system. This device contains power conversion circuitry that transforms 120V AC or DC power into the appropriate high-voltage DC required for battery charging, eliminating the need for specialized high-voltage charging infrastructure while maintaining efficient charging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes electrical parameters (voltage, current, and power levels) to enable charging from standard low-voltage outlets. The power conversion device adjusts output voltage and current based on battery state of charge, temperature conditions, and power availability, transforming inadequate low-voltage input into sufficient high-voltage charging power.
2Reliability
If the vehicle is required to be stationary for charging, then charging safety is improved, but operational flexibility and mobility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system transitions from a static, stationary requirement to a dynamic, mobile solution. The portable power conversion device can be moved between locations and attached to the vehicle at various points, enabling charging while the vehicle is in motion or parked temporarily, thus providing both safety through controlled power delivery and flexibility through mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging capability is extracted from fixed infrastructure and embodied in a portable device that can be independently deployed. This separates the power conversion function from stationary charging stations, allowing the vehicle to be charged at any location with access to standard electrical outlets, thereby maintaining safety while dramatically improving operational flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard low-voltage power outlets are used for charging, then accessibility and mobility are improved, but charging power and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The power conversion device performs substantial parameter transformation, converting low-voltage (120V) AC or DC power into high-voltage (400V+) DC power suitable for rapid battery charging. This parameter transformation enables the system to draw from ubiquitous low-voltage outlets while delivering high-power charging equivalent to or exceeding traditional high-voltage charging stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable power conversion device performs preliminary power conversion and conditioning before power is transferred to the battery. This preliminary action includes voltage boosting, current regulation, and power factor correction, ensuring that even though the source is a low-voltage outlet, the actual charging power delivered to the battery is high and efficient.
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 electric vehicle charging using low-voltage power sources, providing mobility and flexibility in charging without requiring a stationary setup, and supports integration with renewable energy systems.
Implementation Method 1
a power management unit that can receive and convert electrical power from a low-voltage source, such as a standard 120V outlet, to power an electric vehicle's propulsion system
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for electrically powering a vehicle includes an energy storage device and a power management unit. The energy storage device is configured for storing electrical energy. The power management unit is electrically coupled with the energy storage device, and configured to be electrically coupled with an electrical propulsion assembly of the vehicle using an output connector assembly comprising a first output connector. The first output connector is configured to be electrically coupled with a propulsion assembly power receiving port of the electrical propulsion assembly. The power management unit is configured for receiving an input electrical power comprising a direct current power from the energy storage device based on the electrical energy stored in the energy storage device and supplying an output electrical power to the electrical propulsion assembly based on the receiving. The supplying of the output electrical power powers the electrical propulsion assembly for propelling the vehicle.