Vehicle Power Transfer Controller for Cross-Vehicle Charging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles, particularly electric and hybrid vehicles, lack the ability to transfer power from one vehicle to another due to non-standard voltage ratings and lack of appropriate interface controls, leading to reduced performance, inability to start engines, and the need for external charging or towing when on-board energy is depleted.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an energy source, power converter, and transfer switch, controlled by a controller that receives parameter data from an external apparatus to determine and provide conditioned power, enabling power transfer between vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If power transfer capability is added to electric and hybrid vehicles, then operational capability is extended and external assistance is reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional control systems and interface requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The power converter and transfer switch system enables the vehicle's energy storage unit to serve multiple functions: both standard vehicle operation and external power transfer. The controller manages different operational modes (normal drive, power output, charging) through a unified control architecture, allowing the same hardware to perform diverse functions without requiring separate dedicated systems for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the energy storage unit and external apparatus, managing the complex interface requirements. It receives apparatus parameter data, determines power requirements, and controls the transfer switch and power converter to provide conditioned power. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system by centralizing the control logic for power transfer operations.
2Reliability
If standard voltage ratings and interface controls are implemented, then power transfer between vehicles becomes possible, but adaptability to different vehicle types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts electrical parameters (voltage, current, frequency) based on the external apparatus requirements. The controller receives apparatus parameter data and modifies the power output parameters accordingly, transforming the fixed voltage output into an adaptive output that matches the recipient vehicle's needs. This parameter transformation enables reliable power transfer across different vehicle types with varying electrical specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The power transfer system transitions from a static, fixed-voltage architecture to a dynamic, adaptive system. The controller continuously monitors apparatus parameter data and adjusts the power converter operation in real-time. The transfer switch dynamically routes power based on determined requirements, creating a flexible system that adapts its behavior to match different external apparatus characteristics while maintaining reliable power transfer.
3Adaptability or versatility
If power converter and transfer switch are added, then conditioned power can be provided to meet external power requirements, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the power converter and transfer switch functions into the existing vehicle electrical architecture, combining them with the energy storage unit and controller. Rather than adding completely separate systems, the invention merges power transfer capabilities with the vehicle's existing electrical components, reducing the number of discrete parts and simplifying the manufacturing process while still providing the required power provision capability.
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 controlled power transfer between vehicles, allowing for engine cranking or battery charging, thereby extending operational capabilities and reducing the need for external assistance.
Implementation Method 1
a power converter electrically connected to the energy source to receive the power output and output a conditioned power
Implementation Method 2
a transfer switch configured to selectively couple the conditioned power to an external apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for determining and providing a controlled power from a first apparatus to another apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an energy source configured to generate a power output, a power converter electrically connected to the energy source to receive the power output and to output a conditioned power, and a transfer switch configured to selectively couple the conditioned power to an external apparatus. The apparatus also includes a controller in communication with the external apparatus and configured to receive apparatus parameter data related to the external apparatus, determine a power requirement of the external apparatus based on the apparatus parameter data, operate the power convertor to output conditioned power that meets the power requirement of the external apparatus, and control the transfer switch to couple the conditioned power that meets the power requirement to the external apparatus.