Smart Energy Manager With Modular Cables for Bi-Directional EV Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrified vehicles require multiple dedicated cables for charging, vehicle-to-vehicle charging, and providing auxiliary power, which is inefficient and lacks a unified solution for bi-directional power transfer.
Innovation Solution
A smart energy manager with a control unit and interchangeable cable assemblies for vehicle-to-control unit, vehicle-to-vehicle, and offboard power panel connections, allowing selective routing of power based on user input for charging, vehicle-to-vehicle charging, and offboard power sourcing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple dedicated cables are used for charging, vehicle-to-vehicle charging, and offboard power sourcing, then each function can be achieved reliably, but the device complexity and cable management become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple dedicated cable functions into a single integrated smart energy manager device that can handle A/C charging, vehicle-to-vehicle charging, and offboard power sourcing through one unified system with interchangeable cable assemblies, eliminating the need for multiple separate cables and reducing management complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The smart energy manager is designed as a universal device capable of performing multiple functions including A/C charging, DC charging, vehicle-to-vehicle charging, and offboard power sourcing through a single unit with mode-selectable operations, allowing one device to replace multiple dedicated cable systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single smart energy manager device is used for all power transfer scenarios, then cable management is simplified and versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The smart energy manager employs detachable and interchangeable cable assemblies that can be connected or removed based on the specific power transfer scenario needed, allowing the core control unit to remain relatively simple while gaining versatility through modular cable attachments rather than integrating all functions into a single complex unit
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates mode-selectable operations where the control unit can dynamically switch between different operational modes (A/C charging mode, DC charging mode, vehicle-to-vehicle charging mode, offboard power sourcing mode) based on user input, allowing a single device to adapt to multiple functions without requiring permanent complex circuitry for each mode
Data Source
AI summary
A smart energy manager for an electrified vehicle is provided. In one exemplary implementation, the smart energy manager includes a control unit, a vehicle-to-control unit power cable assembly, a vehicle-to-vehicle power cable assembly, an A/C charge power cable assembly and an offboard power panel A/C sourcing cable assembly. The control unit has a control unit housing including a user interface panel. The vehicle-to-control unit power cable assembly has a first end electrically coupled to the control unit and a second end having a first charge connector configured to electrically couple to a charging port of the electrified vehicle. The control unit is configured to selectively and alternatively route power based on an input at the user interface panel indicative of an operational mode relative to the electrified vehicle and a second charge connector; an A/C plug or a power panel.