Series DC Converter Charging for EV Traction Battery Voltage Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for charging electric traction energy storage in motor vehicles require additional converters, increasing design space and production costs due to the need for voltage adaptation, especially when the vehicle-external energy source voltage differs from the vehicle's onboard voltage.
Innovation Solution
The use of at least two DC voltage converters connected in series, where one converter is already present in the vehicle, allows for voltage adaptation and boosting of charging power, enabling the vehicle to charge its traction energy storage with a higher voltage from an external source, reducing the need for additional components and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an additional DC voltage converter is provided for charging the traction energy storage, then the voltage level can be adapted to match the vehicle-external energy source, but the design space requirement and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the charging function with the existing DC voltage converter that is already present in the motor vehicle for other voltage adaptation tasks. By integrating the charging function into the existing converter infrastructure, the system avoids adding a separate dedicated charging converter, thereby reducing design space requirements and production costs while maintaining full voltage adaptation capability for charging the traction energy storage
Solution Approach 2:
The existing DC voltage converter is designed to perform multiple functions: it adapts voltage for general vehicle systems and simultaneously handles charging of the traction energy storage. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for a separate charging-only converter, reducing overall system complexity and component count while maintaining adaptability to various voltage levels from external energy sources
2Adaptability or versatility
If a DC voltage converter is provided for charging the traction energy storage, then the voltage level can be adapted, but the technical expense and production costs are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the charging function with the existing DC voltage converter infrastructure, eliminating the need to manufacture and install a separate dedicated charging converter. This consolidation reduces production costs by decreasing the total number of components that need to be manufactured, tested, and assembled, while still providing full voltage adaptation capability for charging operations
Solution Approach 2:
The existing DC voltage converter is designed with universal functionality to handle both general voltage adaptation tasks and charging operations. This multi-functional approach reduces production costs by utilizing a single converter design for multiple purposes, eliminating the need for separate production lines and quality control processes for dedicated charging converters
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 configuration allows for efficient charging of the traction energy storage with a higher voltage, reducing manufacturing expenses and design complexity while enabling bidirectional power flow, thus optimizing energy utilization and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first DC voltage converter (6) and a second DC voltage converter (7) which are connected in series at their respective first sides (9)
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle includes an electric traction energy storage, at least two DC voltage converters, and a contact device for electrically contacting a vehicle-external energy source. The at least two DC voltage converters are each connected in series at a first side. The contact device is connected to the first sides of the DC voltage converters. The traction energy storage is connected to second sides of the DC voltage converters.