Description:FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to a method and system for integrating the inverter function in an electric vehicle-to-load (V2L) inverter adaptor.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
In an existing scenario with bi-directional onboard chargers, during the charging mode as shown in Figure 1A, the main supply charges the electric vehicle (EV) battery. 230Vac single phase or 415Vac three phase AC supply will be provided to EV via electric vehicle supply equipment) (EVSE)/wall box charger. As soon as the charge gun is connected to the EV, the EVSE/Wall box charger will communicate to a vehicle control unit (VCU) via a control pilot (CP), and a proximity pilot (PP) signal. Based on the available power and state of charge (SOC) demand, VCU will command onboard charging direct current (OCDC) to initiate the charging of the HV battery. During the discharging mode as shown in Figure 1B, the V2L adaptor PP resistor voltage is used to detect the V2L adaptor connection. Thereafter, the vehicle control unit (VCU) will initiate the inverter operation of the bi-directional on-board charger.
In an existing scenario with uni-directional onboard chargers, during charging mode as shown in Figure 1C, the main supply charges the EV battery. 230Vac single phase or 415Vac three phase AC supply will be provided to EV via EVSE/wall box charger. As soon as the charge gun is connected to the EV, the EVSE/Wall box charger will communicate to VCU via CP and PP signal. Based on available power and SOC demand, VCU will command OCDC to initiate the charging of the high voltage (HV) battery. During discharging mode in uni-directional onboard chargers, unidirectional on-board chargers will not allow inverter function like bi-directional chargers.
Currently, unidirectional on-board chargers of electric vehicles (EVs) do not support the inverter function of EV batteries during discharging mode.
Therefore, there is a need in the art to implement a method and system for integrating the inverter function in an electric vehicle-to-load (V2L) inverter adaptor.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
It is an object of the present disclosure to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative.
The main object of the present invention is to propose a method and system for integrating the inverter function in an electric vehicle-to-load (V2L) inverter adaptor.
Another object of the present invention is to overcome the drawback by providing a method and system for integrating inverter function in an electric vehicle-to-load (V2L) inverter adaptor so as to provide the inverter function in V2L inverter adaptor.
Yet another object of the present invention is to enable the discharging of HV batteries with unidirectional on-board charge of electric vehicles by providing a method and system for integrating inverter function in an electric vehicle-to-load (V2L) inverter adaptor.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to the design of a method and system for integrating the inverter function in an electric vehicle-to-load (V2L) inverter adaptor. The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
The present invention envisages a method for operating an electric vehicle (EV) to load inverter adaptor. The method comprises:
• receiving, by the vehicle to load (V2L) inverter adaptor, a voltage signal from a vehicle control unit (VCU) of the EV, when the VCU receives a command from a user of the EV to perform a discharging mode;
• generating, by a timer circuit of the V2L inverter adaptor, a communication signal based on the voltage signal received from the VCU;
• transmitting, by the timer circuit, the communication signal to the VCU;
• receiving, by the VCU, the communication signal from the timer circuit of the V2L inverter adaptor;
• closing, by the VCU, high voltage (HV) electric contactors of an HV battery of the EV so as to establish an electric connection of terminals of the HV battery with direct current (DC) connection pins of the V2L inverter adaptor;
• switching ON a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) of the V2L inverter adaptor when the VCU closes the HV electric contactors; and
• generating, by a logic circuit of the V2L inverter adaptor, an acknowledgment signal once the PCBA is switched ON;
• transmitting, by the logic circuit, the acknowledgment signal to the VCU regarding the successful switching ON of the PCBA; and
• receiving, by the VCU, the acknowledgment signal to maintain the HV electric contactors in a closed state.
In an aspect, the switching ON the PCBA of the V2L inverter adaptor comprises:
• receiving, by an electronic unit of the PCBA, a DC voltage from the HV battery;
• converting, by the electronic unit, the received DC voltage into AC voltage;
• supplying, by the electronic unit, the AC voltage to external loads to perform an inverter function of the V2L inverter adaptor.
In an aspect, the method further comprises controlling the functions of the electronic unit of the PCBA by a microcontroller unit (MCU).
In an aspect, the method further comprises controlling the functions of the logic circuit of the V2L inverter adaptor by the microcontroller unit (MCU).
In an aspect, the method further comprises operating the logic circuit of the V2L inverter adaptor through a DC-DC converter receiving power from the electronic unit of the PCBA.
In an aspect, the receiving of the acknowledgment signal by the VCU is performed within a predefined time once the VCU closes the HV electric contactors.
In an aspect, the communication signal generated by the timer circuit is a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal.
In an aspect, the generated acknowledgment signal is transmitted through a control pilot (CP) pin of the V2L inverter adaptor.
In an aspect, the voltage signal is coming from a proximity pilot (PP) pin of the VCU of the EV.
In an aspect, the voltage signal is a 4.5 voltage signal.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the system for integrating inverter function in an electric vehicle-to-load (V2L) inverter adaptor comprises a proximity pilot, PP pin communicably coupled with a timing circuit and is configured to communicate with a vehicle control unit (VCU) of an electric vehicle (EV) through generating a communication signal. The proximity pilot (PP) pin is further configured to receive a voltage signal from the VCU. A control pilot (CP) pin is communicably coupled with a logic circuit and is configured to communicate with the VCU of the EV by generating an acknowledgment signal. The control pilot (CP) pin is further configured to provide the acknowledgment signal to the VCU. Direct current (DC) connection pins are communicably coupled with the high voltage (HV) electric contactors of the EV and are configured to establish an electric connection of terminals of the HV battery of the EV once the VCU closes the HV electric contactors of the EV. A microcontroller unit (MCU) is communicably coupled with the logic circuit and is configured to control the functions of the logic circuit of the V2L inverter adaptor. An electronics unit is communicably coupled with the direct current, and DC connection pin and is configured to perform an inverter function. The electronics unit supplies power to an external load by converting the received DC voltage into AC voltage.
In an aspect, the electronics unit consists of an AC/DC converter, MOSFETs, drivers, and a DC-to-DC converter.
In an aspect, the HV Battery, the VCU, HV electric contactors, a unidirectional onboard charger, and a charging port are placed in the EV.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
A method and system for integrating inverter function in an electric vehicle-to-load (V2L) inverter adaptor of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1A illustrates an isometric view of conventional/existing bi-directional on-board chargers - during charging mode, in accordance with an embodiment of the prior art;
Figure 1B illustrates an isometric view of conventional/existing bi-directional on-board chargers - during discharging mode, in accordance with an embodiment of the prior art;
Figure 1C illustrates an isometric view of conventional/existing uni-directional on-board chargers - during charging mode, in accordance with an embodiment of the prior art;
Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of a system for integrating inverter function in an electric vehicle-to-load (V2L) inverter adaptor, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2A illustrates a flow diagram of a method for integrating inverter function in an electric vehicle-to-load (V2L) inverter adaptor, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2B illustrates a flow diagram of a method for integrating inverter function in an electric vehicle-to-load (V2L) inverter adaptor, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 2C illustrates a flow diagram of a method for integrating inverter function in an electric vehicle-to-load (V2L) inverter adaptor, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 Apparatus
1000-1009, 2001-2003, 3001-3003 Method Steps
101 Vehicle-To-Load (V2L) Inverter Adaptor
102 Vehicle Control Unit (VCU)
103 Electric Vehicle (EV)
104 Timer Circuit
105 High Voltage (HV) Electric Contactors
106 High Voltage (HV) Battery
107 Direct Current (DC) Connections Pins
108 Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA)
109 Logic Circuit
110 Electronics Unit
111 Microcontroller Unit (MCU)
112 Control Pilot (CP) Pin
113 Proximity Pilot (PP) Pin
115 DC-DC Converter
116 Uni-Directional On-Board Charger
117 Charge Port

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a,” "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," “including,” and “having,” are open-ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, modules, units, and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
The present disclosure relates, in general, to the field of power electronic devices. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a method and system for integrating the inverter function in an electric vehicle-to-load (V2L) inverter adaptor.
In an existing scenario with bi-directional onboard chargers, during the charging mode as shown in Figure 1A, the main supply charges the electric vehicle (EV) battery. 230Vac single phase or 415Vac three phase AC supply will be provided to EV via electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE)/wall box charger. As soon as the charge gun is connected to the EV, the EVSE/Wall box charger will communicate to a vehcile control unit (VCU) via a control pilot (CP) and a proximity pilot (PP) signal. Based on the available power and state of charge (SOC) demand VCU will command onboard charging direct current (OCDC) to initiate the charging of the HV battery. During the discharging mode as shown in Figure 1B, the V2L adaptor PP resistor voltage is used to detect the V2L adaptor connection. Thereafter, the VCU will initiate the inverter operation of the bi-directional on-board charger.
In an existing scenario with uni-directional onboard chargers, during charging mode as shown in Figure 1C, the main supply charges the EV battery. 230Vac single phase or 415Vac three phase AC supply will be provided to EV via EVSE/wall box charger. As soon as the charge gun is connected to the EV, the EVSE/Wall box charger will communicate to VCU via CP and PP signal. Based on available power and state of charge (SOC) demand, VCU will command onboard charging direct current (OCDC) charger to initiate the charging of the HV battery. During discharging mode in uni-directional onboard chargers, the unidirectional on-board chargers will not allow inverter function like bi-directional chargers.
Currently, the unidirectional on-board chargers of electric vehicles (EVs) do not support an inverter function of the EV battery during the discharging mode.
Therefore, there is a need in the art to implement a method and system (herein referred to as an apparatus “100”) for integrating the inverter function in an electric vehicle-to-load (V2L) inverter adaptor.
Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of the system for integrating the inverter function in an electric vehicle-to-load (V2L) inverter adaptor 101. The apparatus 100 for a vehicle to load (V2L) inverter adaptor 101 comprises a proximity pilot (PP) pin 113 communicably coupled with a timing circuit 104 and is configured to communicate with a vehicle control unit (VCU) 102 of an electric vehicle (EV) 103 through generating a communication signal. In an aspect, the communication signal generated by the timer circuit 104 is a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal. The PP pin 113 is further configured to receive a voltage signal from the VCU 102. In an aspect, the voltage signal is a 4.5 voltage signal. A control pilot (CP) pin 112 is communicably coupled with a logic circuit 109 and is configured to communicate with the VCU 102 of the EV through generating an acknowledgment signal. The CP pin 112 is further configured to provide the acknowledgment signal to the VCU 102. Direct current (DC) connection pins 107 are communicably coupled with the high voltage (HV) electric contactors 105 of the EV 103 and are configured to establish an electric connection of terminals of the HV battery 106 of the EV 103 once the VCU 102 closes the HV electric contactors 105 of the EV 103. A microcontroller unit (MCU) 111 is communicably coupled with the logic circuit 109 and is configured to control the functions of the logic circuit 109 of the V2L inverter adaptor 101. An electronics unit 110 is communicably coupled with the DC connection pin 107 and is configured to perform an inverter function. The electronics unit supplies power to an external load by converting the received DC voltage into AC voltage. In an aspect, the electronics unit 110 consists of an AC/DC converter, MOSFETs, drivers, and a DC-to-DC converter 115.
Figure 2A illustrates a flow diagram of a method for integrating the inverter function in an electric vehicle-to-load (V2L) inverter adaptor 101, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method comprises the following steps:
• receiving 1001, by the vehicle to load (V2L), inverter adaptor 101, a voltage signal from a vehicle control unit (VCU) 102 of the electric vehicle (EV) 103, when the VCU 102 receives a command from a user of the EV 103 to perform a discharging mode;
• generating 1002, by a timer circuit 104 of the V2L inverter adaptor 101, a communication signal based on the voltage signal received from the VCU 102;
• transmitting 1003, by the timer circuit 104, the communication signal to the VCU 102;
• receiving 1004, by the VCU 102, the communication signal from the timer circuit 104 of the V2L inverter adaptor 101;
• closing 1005, by the VCU 102, high voltage (HV) electric contactors 105 of a high voltage (HV) battery 106 of the EV 103 so as to establish an electric connection of terminals of the HV battery 106 with direct current, (DC) connections pins 107 of the V2L inverter adaptor 101;
• switching-ON 1006, a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 108, of V2L inverter adaptor 101 when the VCU 102 closes the HV electric contactors 105; and
• generating 1007, by a logic circuit 109 of the V2L inverter adaptor 101, an acknowledgment signal once the PCBA 108 is switched ON;
• transmitting 1008, by the logic circuit 109, the acknowledgment signal to the VCU 102 regarding the successful switching ON of the PCBA 108; and
• receiving 1009, by the VCU 102, the acknowledgment signal to maintain the HV electric contactors 105 in a closed state.
Figure 2B illustrates a flow diagram of a method for integrating the inverter function in an electric vehicle-to-load (V2L) inverter adaptor 101, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The switching-ON the PCBA (108) of the V2L inverter adaptor (101) comprises the following steps:
• receiving 2001, by an electronic unit 110 of the PCBA 108, a DC voltage from the HV battery 106;
• converting 2002, by the electronic unit 110, the received DC voltage into AC voltage;
• supplying 2003, by the electronic unit 110, the AC voltage to external loads to perform an inverter function of the V2L inverter adaptor 101.
Figure 2C illustrates a flow diagram of a method for integrating the inverter function in an electric vehicle-to-load (V2L) inverter adaptor 101, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method further comprises the following steps:
• controlling 3001 the functions of the electronic unit 110 of the PCBA 108 by a microcontroller unit 111;
• controlling 3002 the functions of the logic circuit 109 of the V2L inverter adaptor 101 by the microcontroller unit 111;
• operating 3003 the logic circuit 109 of the V2L inverter adaptor 101 through a DC-DC converter 115 receiving power from the electronic unit 110 of the PCBA 108.
In an aspect, the receiving of the acknowledgment signal by the VCU 102 is performed within a predefined time once the VCU 102 closes the HV electric contactors 105.
In an aspect, the generated acknowledgment signal is transmitted through a control pilot, CP pin 112 of the V2L inverter adaptor 101.
In an aspect, the voltage signal is coming from the proximity pilot, PP pin 113 of the VCU 102 of the EV 103.
In an aspect, the HV Battery 106, the VCU 102, HV electric contactors 105, a unidirectional on-board charger 116, and a charging port 117 are placed in the EV 103.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS AND ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, a method and a system for integrating inverter function in an electric vehicle-to-load (V2L) inverter adaptor that:
• provides an inverter function in the V2L inverter adaptor;
• enable the discharging of HV batteries with unidirectional on-board charge of electric vehicles;
• discharges the 3.3KW power from the HV battery of the EV;
• is easily replaceable;
• provide double protection; and
• allows to addition of multiple V2L inverter adopters and use for multiple AC loads.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveals the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles, or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions, or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation. , Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A method (1000) for operating an electric vehicle-to-load inverter adaptor (101), said method (101) comprises:
receiving (1001), by the vehicle to load (V2L) inverter adaptor (101), a voltage signal from a vehicle control unit (VCU) (102) of the electric vehicle (EV) (103), when the VCU (102) receives a command from a user of the EV (103) to perform a discharging mode;
generating (1002), by a timer circuit (104) of the V2L inverter adaptor (101), a communication signal based on the voltage signal received from the VCU (102);
transmitting (1003), by the timer circuit (104), the communication signal to the VCU (102);
receiving (1004), by the VCU (102), the communication signal from the timer circuit (104) of the V2L inverter adaptor (101);
closing (1005), by the VCU (102), high voltage (HV) electric contactors (105) of a high voltage (HV) battery (106) of the EV (103) so as to establish an electric connection of terminals of the HV battery (106) with direct current (DC) connections pins (107) of the V2L inverter adaptor (101);
switching-ON (1006), a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) (108), of V2L inverter adaptor (101) when the VCU (102) closes the HV electric contactors (105); and
generating (1007), by a logic circuit (109) of the V2L inverter adaptor (101), an acknowledgment signal once the PCBA (108) is switched ON;
transmitting (1008), by the logic circuit (109), the acknowledgment signal to the VCU (102) regarding the successful switching ON of the PCBA (108); and
receiving (1009), by the VCU (102), the acknowledgement signal to maintain the HV electric contactors (105) in a closed state.
2. The method (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switching ON the PCBA (108) of the V2L inverter adaptor (101) comprises:
receiving (2001), by an electronic unit (110) of the PCBA (108), a DC voltage from the HV battery (106);
converting (2002), by the electronic unit (110), the received DC voltage into AC voltage;
supplying (2003), by the electronic unit (110), the AC voltage to external loads to perform an inverter function of the V2L inverter adaptor (101).
3. The method (1000) as claimed in claim 2, comprises controlling (3001) the functions of the electronic unit (110) of the PCBA (108) by a microcontroller unit (MCU) (111).
4. The method (1000) as claimed in claim 3, comprises controlling (3002) the functions of the logic circuit (109) of the V2L inverter adaptor (101) by the microcontroller unit (111); and the method comprises operating (3003) the logic circuit (109) of the V2L inverter adaptor (101) through a DC-DC converter (115) receiving power from the electronic unit (110) of the PCBA (108).
5. The method (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the receiving of the acknowledgment signal by the VCU (102) is performed within a predefined time once the VCU (102) closes the HV electric contactors (105).
6. The method (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication signal generated by the timer circuit (104) is a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal.
7. The method (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the generated acknowledgment signal is transmitted through a control pilot (CP) pin (112) of the V2L inverter adaptor (101).
8. The method (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the voltage signal is coming from a proximity pilot (PP) pin (113) of the VCU (102) of the EV (103), wherein the voltage signal is a 4.5 voltage signal.
9. An apparatus (100) for a V2L inverter adaptor (101) comprising:
a proximity pilot (PP) pin (113) communicably coupled with a timing circuit (104), configured to communicate with a VCU (102) of an EV (103) through generating a communication signal and is further configured to receive a voltage signal from the VCU (102);
a control pilot (CP) pin (112) communicably coupled with a logic circuit (109), configured to communicate with the VCU (102) of EV (103) through generating an acknowledgment signal and is further configured to provide the acknowledgment signal to the vehicle control unit (VCU) (102);
direct current (DC) connections pins (107) communicably coupled with the HV electric contactors (105) of the EV (103), configured to establish an electric connection of terminals of the HV battery (106) of the EV (103) once the VCU (102) closes the HV electric contactors (105) of the EV (103);
a microcontroller unit (MCU) (111) communicably coupled with the logic circuit (109), configured to control the functions of the logic circuit (109) of the V2L inverter adaptor (101); and
an electronics unit (110) communicably coupled with the DC connection pins (107), configured to perform an inverter function and supply power to an external load by converting the received DC voltage into AC voltage.
10. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the electronics unit (110) consists of an AC/DC converter, MOSFETs, drivers, and a DC to DC converter.

Dated this 21st day of February, 2024

_______________________________
MOHAN RAJKUMAR DEWAN, IN/PA – 25
OF R.K.DEWAN & CO.
AUTHORIZED AGENT OF APPLICANT

TO,
THE CONTROLLER OF PATENTS
THE PATENT OFFICE, AT MUMBAI