Traction Network DC/DC Converter for Inductive AC Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing traction networks for vehicles face inefficiencies in inductive AC charging, particularly in terms of component utilization and cost, effort, and space requirements, as they often require separate components for different charging methods.
Innovation Solution
A traction network design that incorporates a DC/DC controller with phases connected to the center taps of half bridges, allowing for inductive AC charging while also using these components to rectify the AC charging current, thus maintaining a constant number of components and enabling multiple charging functionalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate components are used for different charging methods (conductive and inductive AC charging), then the charging functionality is reliable and versatile, but the device complexity, cost, effort, and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The DC/DC converter is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the voltage regulator for the high-voltage battery during normal operation and simultaneously functions as the rectifier for inductive AC charging. By making the DC/DC converter universal, the patent eliminates the need for a separate rectifier component, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatile charging functionality.
2Reliability
If separate components are used for different charging methods, then the charging system is reliable, but the installation space and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the rectifier function into the existing DC/DC converter by connecting the inductive AC charging phases to the center taps of the half-bridges. This consolidation reduces the total number of components and consequently decreases the installation space required while maintaining system reliability through the use of proven DC/DC converter components.
3Device complexity
If the DC/DC converter components are used for both voltage regulation and rectification, then the number of components is reduced and costs are saved, but the switching complexity and control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The DC/DC converter employs dynamic switching control through switching logic that can adapt its operating mode based on the charging requirement. The converter can switch between voltage regulation mode (using the full-bridge configuration) and rectification mode (using the half-bridge center tap configuration), allowing the system to optimize performance for each specific function while managing control complexity through standardized switching patterns.
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 solution enhances the functionality of the traction network by allowing efficient inductive AC charging, reduces the number of required components, and saves on effort, installation space, and costs, while maintaining the ability to adjust voltage levels independently of the battery's state of charge.
Implementation Method 1
use components of the DC/DC converter to rectify an (inductive) AC charging current to charge the high-voltage battery
Implementation Method 2
inductive AC charging
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a traction network (1) for a vehicle, comprising at least one high-voltage battery (2), an inverter (3), an electric motor (4), and a DC/DC converter (5), wherein the DC/DC converter (5) is arranged between the at least one high-voltage battery (2) and the inverter (3), and wherein the inverter (3) is arranged between the DC/DC converter (5) and the electric motor (4), the DC/DC converter (5) being configured so that at least one phase (A, B, C) can be connected to an inductive AC charging port (11) with center taps (13-x) of half-bridges (12-x) of the DC/DC converter (5). The invention further relates to a DC/DC converter (5) for a traction network (1) and a method for operating a traction network (1).