V2X Charging Session Initialization Using Existing EV Hardware

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current standards do not address the initialization, communication, and setup of vehicle-to-load (V2X) charging sessions, where an electric vehicle transfers DC electrical power to a load device, resembling a DC fast charging station.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a V2X charging device with a DC-DC converter, DC bus charge module, and controller that execute computer-executable instructions to establish a V2X charging session, perform isolation checks, and pre-charge the device, utilizing existing vehicle hardware for communication and initialization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If V2X charging session initialization follows existing DC fast charging standards (DIN 70121), then communication and setup procedures are standardized, but the unique requirements of vehicle-as-source charging are not addressed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging session initialization reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability to vehicle-to-load charging
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional charging role by enabling the vehicle to act as the power source rather than the power sink. The vehicle's high-voltage battery and DC-DC converter are repurposed to supply power to external loads, reversing the conventional charging architecture where the grid supplies power to the vehicle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle's existing charging hardware (DC-DC converter, high-voltage battery, communication modules) is made multi-functional by enabling it to both receive charge from the grid and supply charge to external loads. The same communication protocols and control systems manage both charging and discharging operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional communication hardware is added to support V2X charging, then communication capabilities are enhanced, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveV2X charging communication capabilityVSAvoidcommunication hardware complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle's existing communication infrastructure (OBD port, infotainment system, telematics modules) is made multi-functional to handle both traditional charging communication and V2X charging initialization. The same CAN bus and communication protocols are reused for both charging session management and vehicle control functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle's existing communication systems self-configure to handle V2X charging protocols without requiring dedicated separate communication hardware. The infotainment system and telematics modules automatically adapt their communication interfaces to manage the dual role of the vehicle as both charger and chargee.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If isolation checks and pre-charging procedures are implemented for V2X charging, then safety is improved, but charging session initialization time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveV2X charging safetyVSAvoidcharging session initialization time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Isolation checks and pre-charging procedures are performed automatically during the charging session initialization phase, before actual power transfer begins. The DC-DC converter and high-voltage battery system conduct self-tests and preliminary charging operations to ensure safety conditions are met before full V2X charging commences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables safe and efficient energy transfer from a donor vehicle to a load, mimicking a DC fast charging station, without additional communication hardware, ensuring compliance with DIN 70121 safety standards.

Implementation Method 1

a V2X device that includes a DC/DC power converter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical energy conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

perform an isolation check of a V2X charging device from the donor vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical isolation detection: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS20250303916A1Systems and methods for vehicle-to-load charging session initializing, communicating, and charging
Publication Date: 2025.10.02 RIVIAN HOLDINGS LLC
  • US20250303916A1 patent drawing
  • US20250303916A1 patent drawing
  • US20250303916A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A processor, coupled with memory, can initiate a vehicle-to-load power transfer, detect an electric coupling between an electric vehicle and a load, and transfer electric power from the electric vehicle to the load.