Shared Rectifier for Vehicle On-Board and Wireless Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost of vehicle charging systems is increased by the addition of wireless power transfer (WPT) system hardware, as plug-in electric vehicles (PHEVs) require additional components like a power factor correction circuit, electromagnetic interference filter, bridge rectifier, inverter, and matching network, both on the vehicle and ground side.
Innovation Solution
Sharing components such as a rectifier and HV to LV DC-DC converter between the on-board charging system (OBCS) and WPT system, allowing the OBC's output rectifier and filter to be used during WPT operation, and utilizing switches to decouple the systems based on charging methods, thereby preventing interference between conductive and wireless charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless power transfer system hardware is added to enable WPT charging, then the vehicle gains wireless charging capability, but the system cost increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the OBC and WPT systems by having them share common components including the rectifier, DC-DC converter, and control unit. This integration allows both charging methods to utilize the same hardware infrastructure, eliminating the need for completely separate systems and thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining both charging capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the rectifier and DC-DC converter to serve dual purposes: they process power from both the on-board charger during conductive charging and from the wireless power transfer system during wireless charging. This universal design allows a single component to perform multiple functions, reducing the total number of components needed
2Reliability
If separate hardware is used for OBC and WPT systems, then each system operates independently, but redundant components increase system cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic switching mechanisms using switches that can dynamically connect or disconnect the OBC and WPT systems from the shared rectifier and DC-DC converter. This dynamic configuration allows the system to operate in different modes (conductive charging only, wireless charging only, or either method) while preventing interference between the two charging methods, thereby maintaining reliability without requiring permanently separate hardware paths
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 approach reduces the total system cost by eliminating redundant hardware and enabling efficient operation of both conductive and wireless charging methods without interfering with each other's functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a same rectifier such that the rectifier rectifies output of the OBCS and rectifies output of the WPTS to provide power to the traction battery
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a traction battery, an on-board charging system (OBCS), and a wireless power transfer system (WPTS). Each of the OBCS and WPTS is configured to selectively use a same rectifier such that the rectifier rectifies output of the OBCS and rectifies output of the WPTS to provide power to the traction battery.