Shared Rectifier Architecture for EV Wired and Wireless Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging systems for electric vehicles, which integrate both on-board charging (OBC) and wireless power transfer (WPT) systems, are complex, costly, and require separate installations, leading to increased space and control complexity.
Innovation Solution
A charging device that integrates an OBC unit and a WPT unit with a shared rectifier unit, utilizing three rectifier branches to efficiently convert alternating current from either source, and a control unit to manage switching elements, thereby reducing hardware and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If both OBC system and WPT system are integrated in an electric vehicle, then charging versatility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the OBC system and WPT system by having them share common components including a single rectifier unit with three rectifier branches, output filters, and control architecture. This integration reduces device complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to support both wired and wireless charging modes, thereby resolving the contradiction between charging versatility and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The rectifier unit is designed with universal functionality to handle power from both OBC and WPT sources. The three-branch rectifier configuration allows any combination of the two charging systems to be rectified through the same unit, eliminating the need for separate rectifiers and reducing overall system complexity while preserving charging versatility
2Adaptability or versatility
If both OBC system and WPT system are integrated in an electric vehicle, then charging versatility is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both charging systems into a single integrated architecture that shares expensive components such as the rectifier unit, output filters, and control electronics. By eliminating duplicate components, the bill of materials is reduced, thereby lowering manufacturing cost while maintaining support for both OBC and WPT charging methods
3Stability of the object's composition
If separate control systems are used for OBC and WPT, then system modularity is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed as a universal multi-functional controller that can manage both OBC and WPT operations. The controller includes arbitration logic that can selectively activate either charging mode based on system state, eliminating the need for separate control systems while reducing control complexity. The single controller maintains system modularity by accepting inputs from both charging sources and coordinating their operation
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 integration reduces system complexity and cost while ensuring safe and efficient charging by isolating the OBC and WPT units, preventing simultaneous charging, and allowing bidirectional power transfer.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless power transfer (WPT) unit with a WPT receiver coil configured to inductively receive electrical power from a WPT transmitter coil
Implementation Method 2
a rectifier unit connected to the WPT unit and the OBC unit and configured to convert alternating current supplied from the WPT unit or the OBC unit into direct current
Data Source
AI summary
A charging device may be configured for installation in an electric vehicle for charging a traction battery of the electric vehicle. The charging device may include a wireless power transfer (WPT) unit, an on-board charging (OBC) unit, a rectifier unit configured to convert an alternating current into a direct current, and/or an output configured to connect to the traction battery of the electric vehicle. The rectifier unit may include three rectifier branches of rectifier switching elements. A first rectifier branch and a second rectifier branch may be connected to the OBC unit and may form a full-bridge rectifier configured to rectify an alternating current supplied via the OBC unit. The second rectifier branch and the third rectifier branch may be connected to the WPT unit and may form a full-bridge rectifier configured to rectify an alternating current supplied via the WPT unit.