Multifunctional Traction Drive for Vehicle-to-Grid Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Military bases with fleets of hybrid and range-extended electrical vehicles face challenges in efficiently utilizing these vehicles to power external loads and microgrids, as existing systems require internal DC-AC converters, increasing payload and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An electrical power system for vehicles incorporating a DC bus, a DC power generating system with a battery and multifunctional converters, and a traction drive system that allows for operation in various modes, including active rectification, inverter, and DC-DC converter modes, enabling vehicles to power both internal and external loads without an internal DC-AC converter, thus reducing payload and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If internal DC-AC converters are used to power external loads, then the vehicle can provide power to the grid, but the payload and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the traction drive system multifunctional by enabling it to operate in both motor mode (propelling the vehicle) and generator mode (powering external loads). The same power converter and motor infrastructure is used for both propulsion and power generation, eliminating the need for separate DC-AC converters and reducing system complexity while maintaining the ability to power external loads
2Adaptability or versatility
If internal DC-AC converters are used to power external loads, then the vehicle can provide power to the grid, but the payload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for separate DC-AC converters by using the existing traction drive system for both propulsion and power generation. This removes heavy conversion equipment from the payload, as the same motor/converter infrastructure serves dual purposes, thereby reducing overall system weight while maintaining grid power capability
3Power
If standalone generators are used at military bases, then power can be provided to the base, but fuel consumption and engine size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables vehicles to serve themselves as power sources by operating the traction motor in generator mode. The vehicle's own battery and supercapacitor systems are recharged during vehicle operation, and the stored energy is then used to power external loads, eliminating the need for separate fuel-burning standalone generators at military bases
4Use of energy by moving object
If battery and supercapacitor systems are optimized for V2G operation, then fuel consumption is reduced, but system control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control strategies that automatically adjust the operating mode of the traction drive system based on real-time conditions. The controller monitors vehicle state, battery charge levels, and grid demands to seamlessly switch between motor and generator modes, optimizing energy utilization and reducing fuel consumption while managing control complexity through adaptive algorithms
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
The system effectively supports vehicle-to-grid and vehicle-to-vehicle configurations, reducing fuel consumption and engine size by optimizing energy use from batteries and supercapacitors, enhancing reliability and reducing costs through inductor elimination and simplified thermal management.
Implementation Method 1
The DC power generating system includes a battery
Implementation Method 2
optimizing energy use from batteries and supercapacitors
Data Source
AI summary
An example electrical power system of a vehicle includes a DC bus operable to power a DC load of the vehicle and a power grid external to the vehicle, a DC power generating system, a multifunctional traction drive system, and a controller. The DC power generating system includes a battery, and a first power converter operable in an active rectification mode, an inverter mode, and at least one DC-DC converter mode. The multifunctional traction drive system includes a second power converter operable to cooperate with the DC power generating system for operation in an inverter mode and at least one DC-DC converter mode. The controller is operable to select an output configuration of the battery and an operating mode of each of the first and second power converters according to a plurality of predefined system configurations.