Vehicle Charging Controller Voltage Matching for Multi-Port Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric vehicle charging systems face delays and potential component damage due to the limitations of single charging ports and differences in charging voltage, leading to inconvenient charging times and risks of spark and inrush current when multiple charging ports are used.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for controlling high-voltage power grid charging in vehicles using multiple charging ports, where a charging controller measures and matches voltages, connects high-voltage relays in series and parallel configurations to prevent spark and inrush current, and utilizes resistors to manage voltage differences, allowing simultaneous charging across multiple ports.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If multiple charging ports are connected to charge a high-voltage battery, then charging time is reduced, but voltage differences between ports cause spark and inrush current that may damage components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging timeVSAvoidcomponent safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The charging controller measures and compares voltages of multiple charging ports before connecting them to the battery. By performing this voltage check in advance, the system identifies suitable ports and sequences their connection to avoid voltage conflicts, thereby preventing spark and inrush current while enabling parallel charging to reduce charging time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The charging controller continuously monitors voltage levels of multiple charging ports and adjusts the connection sequence based on real-time voltage feedback. This feedback mechanism ensures that ports are connected in an order that maintains voltage balance, preventing harmful electrical transients while maximizing charging efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If a single charging port is used, then component damage is avoided, but charging time increases due to one-to-one charging limitation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent safetyVSAvoidcharging time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The charging system is segmented into multiple independent charging ports, each capable of independent voltage measurement and connection control. This segmentation allows parallel charging operations while maintaining individual port safety through separate voltage monitoring and controlled connection sequences managed by the charging controller.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If multiple charging ports are connected in parallel, then charging efficiency is improved, but voltage matching complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidvoltage matching complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging controller autonomously performs voltage measurement, comparison, and connection sequencing for multiple charging ports without external intervention. This self-service capability automates the voltage matching process, reducing operational complexity while enabling efficient parallel charging through intelligent port selection and sequential connection control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11208002B2Apparatus and method for controlling charging a high voltage power grid structure of a vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.12.28 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • US11208002B2 patent drawing
  • US11208002B2 patent drawing
  • US11208002B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for controlling charging of a high voltage power grid structure of a vehicle is provided. The method includes measuring battery voltage of a vehicle and transmitting the measured voltage to a first charger. Output voltage of the first charger is matched with the transmitted voltage and provided to a charging controller via communication between the charging controller and the first charging port to which the first charger is coupled. The vehicle is then charged by connecting a high-voltage relay to be connected to a first charging port to which the first charger is coupled. The process is repeated while the vehicle is being charged between the charging controller and a second charger by connecting to a second charging port to which a second charger is coupled.