Wireless Charging DC-DC Converter Mode Switching for EV Power Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power loss occurs due to switching operations in DC-DC converters during contactless power feeding to vehicles, which affects the efficiency of electric power supply.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle control system that switches the DC-DC converter between operating and non-operating states based on predetermined conditions, such as power reduction and fluctuation inhibition, to minimize power loss while ensuring stable power supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If voltage conversion by switching operation is performed in DC-DC converter, then stable power supply is achieved, but power loss occurs due to switching operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestable power supplyVSAvoidpower loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the DC-DC converter's switching element operate in two distinct modes: a switching operation mode for voltage conversion when stable power supply is needed, and a non-operating mode where the switching element is maintained in an on-state to reduce power loss. The control device dynamically switches between these modes based on vehicle conditions, allowing the system to adapt its behavior to minimize energy loss while maintaining reliability when necessary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the DC-DC converter by controlling the switching element to operate in different states. When the vehicle is stationary or under low power demand, the switching element is maintained in an on-state (non-operating mode) to eliminate switching losses. When voltage conversion is needed for stable power supply, the switching element performs switching operations. This parameter change allows the system to optimize between power loss and stable power supply based on real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If DC-DC converter operates in non-operating state to reduce power loss, then energy efficiency is improved, but voltage conversion capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower lossVSAvoidvoltage conversion capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the DC-DC converter's operation mode based on real-time vehicle conditions. The control device monitors parameters such as vehicle speed, power demand, and battery state of charge to determine when to switch between non-operating mode (for energy efficiency) and switching operation mode (for voltage conversion capability). This dynamic adjustment ensures that voltage conversion capability is available when needed while minimizing power loss during periods when it is not required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control device periodically evaluates vehicle conditions and switches the DC-DC converter between non-operating and operating modes based on predetermined conditions. This periodic action allows the system to maintain energy efficiency during extended periods of non-operating mode while ensuring that voltage conversion capability is restored when conditions indicate it is needed, such as when power demand increases or battery charge levels require adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Power

If switching element is switched between on-state and off-state, then voltage conversion is achieved, but power loss due to switching operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage conversionVSAvoidpower loss
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the switching element by controlling it to operate in different states based on vehicle needs. When voltage conversion is required, the switching element performs switching operations between on-state and off-state. When voltage conversion is not needed and the vehicle is stationary or under low power demand, the switching element is maintained in a continuous on-state, eliminating switching losses. This parameter change strategy optimizes the balance between voltage conversion capability and power loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically controls the switching element's operation mode based on real-time vehicle conditions. The control device adjusts the switching element's behavior between two distinct dynamic states: switching operation mode for voltage conversion and non-operating mode for energy efficiency. This dynamic control allows the system to minimize power loss by reducing switching operations when voltage conversion is not immediately required, while maintaining the capability to perform voltage conversion when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 suppresses power loss and ensures stable electric power supply by optimizing the DC-DC converter's operation, thereby enhancing energy efficiency in contactless power feeding systems.

Implementation Method 1

a power reception device including a power-receiving coil receiving electric power from a power-transmitting coil provided on a road

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250276589A1Vehicle, vehicle control device, and vehicle control method
Publication Date: 2025.09.04 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • US20250276589A1 patent drawing
  • US20250276589A1 patent drawing
  • US20250276589A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A vehicle includes: a battery; an electric load; a power receiver having a power receiving coil that receives power from a power transmission coil installed on a road; a DC/DC converter that uses a switching element to convert the voltage value of DC power output from the power receiver; and a control device that controls the DC/DC converter. On the basis of predetermined conditions, the control device switches the states of the DC/DC converter when power is supplied from the power receiver to the battery and/or the electric load via the DC/DC converter between a non-operating state in which the switching element is maintained in the on state and an operating state in which the switching element is switched between the on and off states.