Description:DESCRIPTION:
Field of the invention:
The present disclosure generally relates to the technical field of power electronics, and in specific relates to a dual-input integrated dc-dc power converter for a charging station application which caters the needs of multiple light electric vehicles (LEVs) by providing different levels of voltages based on selective applications, thereby minimizing cost and complexity while enhancing efficiency and reliability.
Background of the invention:
The dc-dc converters are particularly useful in various applications which includes photovoltaic (PV) systems, battery storage-based systems, dc-bus power distribution systems, micro-grids with multiple energy sources, and hybrid electrical vehicles (HEVs). The rapid growth of electric vehicles (EVs) presents a significant challenge to existing charging infrastructure. One such critical challenge is the diverse charging needs of different EV types. In specific, the electric vehicles (EVs) require charging at different voltage levels depending on battery type and capacity. For example, two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and four-wheelers require distinct voltage levels for charging, necessitating separate charging stations with dedicated converters. This leads to increased infrastructure complexity, higher implementation costs, and space limitations, especially in urban areas.

The traditional charging stations often rely on single-input single-output (SISO) dc-dc converters for each EV type. The SISO dc-dc converters are relatively simple but however they require multiple units and controllers for diverse charging demands, leading to increased cost and complexity, limited flexibility and scalability which is due to expanding charging stations becomes cumbersome and expensive. In addition, dedicated converters for each EV type often remain underutilized, leading to wasted resources and energy.

At present, there are existing dual-input dc-dc converters to address some of the mentioned challenges. These converters can combine power from two sources to provide a single output voltage. However, the existing dual-input dc-dc converters focus on single output which cater to the needs of only one type of EV, limiting their versatility. The existing dual-input dc-dc converters often use a higher number of components and controllers, increasing cost and complexity. Furthermore, the existing dual-input dc-dc converters have lower efficiency due to energy losses.

Therefore, there is a need for a dual-input integrated dc-dc power converter for a charging station application which caters the needs of multiple light electric vehicles (LEVs) by providing different levels of voltages based on selective applications. There is also a need for a dual-input integrated dc-dc power converter that minimizes infrastructure complexity. There is also a need for a dual-input integrated dc-dc power converter that enhances performance, efficiency and reliability.

There is also a need for a dual-input integrated dc-dc power converter that enhances flexibility and scalability. There is also a need for a dual-input integrated dc-dc power converter that provides a more convenient and seamless charging experience for users, thereby enhancing user experience due to the adaptability to different EV types. There is also a need for a dual-input integrated dc-dc power converter that is economical and easy to operate.
Objectives of the invention:
The primary objective of the invention is to provide a dual-input integrated dc-dc power converter for a charging station application which caters the needs of multiple light electric vehicles (LEVs) by providing different levels of voltages based on selective applications.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a dual-input integrated dc-dc power converter that minimizes infrastructure complexity.

The other objective of the invention is to provide a dual-input integrated dc-dc power converter that enhances performance, efficiency and reliability.

The other objective of the invention is to provide a dual-input integrated dc-dc power converter that enhances flexibility and scalability.

Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a dual-input integrated dc-dc power converter that provides a more convenient and seamless charging experience for users, thereby enhancing user experience due to the adaptability to different EV types.

Further objective of the invention is to provide a dual-input integrated dc-dc power converter that is economical and easy to operate.
Summary of the invention:
The present disclosure proposes a dual-input lower-order high-gain dc-dc power converter for electric vehicle charging applications. The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

In order to overcome the above deficiencies of the prior art, the present disclosure is to solve the technical problem to provide a dual-input integrated dc-dc power converter for a charging station application which caters the needs of multiple light electric vehicles (LEVs) by providing different levels of voltages based on selective applications, thereby minimizing cost and complexity while enhancing efficiency and reliability.

According to an aspect, the invention provides a dual input integrated dc-dc power converter. The dual input integrated dc-dc power converter comprises a pair of input voltage sources, plurality of energy storage elements, plurality of switching elements, plurality of diodes and a controller. The dual-input integrated dc-dc power converter is configured to operate at a switching frequency of at least 50 kHz.

In one embodiment, the pair of input voltage sources comprises a first input source and a second input source. The plurality of energy storage elements comprises a pair of inductors and a pair of capacitors. In specific, the pair of inductors comprises a first inductor and a second inductor and the pair of capacitors comprises a first capacitor and a second capacitor. In specific, the pair of inductors and the pair of capacitors are substantially identical in terms of inductance value and capacitance value, respectively.

In one embodiment, the plurality of switching elements comprises a primary switch, a secondary switch and a tertiary switch. The plurality of diodes comprises a first diode, a second diode and a third diode for conducting current from and blocking current to the input voltage sources. In specific, the plurality of switching elements include MOSFETs, IGBTs, and GaN transistors. The plurality of diodes include Schottky diodes, PIN diodes, and ultrafast recovery diodes.

In one embodiment, the first input source is connected in series with a drain end of the primary switch. The source end of the primary switch is in connection with one end of the first inductor and the first diode. The other end of the first inductor is connected with the third diode and the tertiary switch. The third diode is connected to one end of the first capacitor and a load resistor.

In one embodiment, the second input source is connected to one end of the second inductor, and the other end of the second inductor is connected in series with the second capacitor and is connected to the drain end of the secondary switch. Furthermore, the other end of the second capacitor is in connection with the second diode, the source end of the tertiary switch, other end of the second capacitor and the load resistor. Furthermore, the first capacitor is connected in parallel with the load resistor and is configured to determine output voltage of the dual input integrated dc-dc power converter.

The controller is configured to generate multiple output voltages at an output terminal for charging multiple electric vehicles based on selection of the input voltage sources and plurality of switching elements. In specific, the controller is configured to generate four distinct operating modes for the dual-input integrated dc-dc power converter based on the duty cycles of the plurality of switching elements. The controller is configured to generate three distinct output voltage levels at the load resistor of an output terminal based on three predetermined combinations of the first input source 102A and the second input source 102B.

In one embodiment, the dual-input integrated dc-dc power converter 100 comprises a pair of source selector switches and plurality of load selector switches which are configured to make or break the circuit for selective operation. The pair of source selector switches comprises a first source selector switch and a second source selector switch. The first source selector switch is connected to the first input source. The second source selector switch is connected to the second input source. The first source selector switch and the second source selector switch are operatively connected to the controller to selectively enable or disable the connection of the first input source and the second input source to the first inductor and the second inductor, respectively. When one of the sources is not connected or disabled means the voltage source maintained at zero.

Further, objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from a study of the following portion of the specification, the claims, and the attached drawings.
Detailed description of drawings:
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention, and, together with the description, explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1A illustrates a schematic view of topology of a dual-input lower-order high-gain dc-dc power converter, in accordance of an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1B illustrates a schematic view of topology of the dual-input lower-order high-gain dc-dc power converter in first mode of operation, in accordance of an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1C illustrates a schematic view of topology of the dual-input lower-order high-gain dc-dc power converter in second mode of operation, in accordance of an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1D illustrates a schematic view of topology of the dual-input lower-order high-gain dc-dc power converter in third mode of operation, in accordance of an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1E illustrates a schematic view of topology of the dual-input lower-order high-gain dc-dc power converter in fourth mode of operation, in accordance of an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic view of the dual-input lower-order high-gain dc-dc power converter for charging electric vehicles, in accordance of an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic view of the dual-input lower-order high-gain dc-dc power converter for charging four-wheeler electric vehicles, in accordance of an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2C illustrates a schematic view of the dual-input lower-order high-gain dc-dc power converter for charging three-wheeler electric vehicles, in accordance of an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2D illustrates a schematic view of the dual-input lower-order high-gain dc-dc power converter for charging two-wheeler electric vehicles, in accordance of an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
Detailed invention disclosure:
Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps.

The present disclosure has been made with a view towards solving the problem with the prior art described above, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a dual-input integrated dc-dc power converter for a charging station application which caters the needs of multiple light electric vehicles (LEVs) by providing different levels of voltages based on selective applications, thereby minimizing cost and complexity while enhancing efficiency and reliability.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 1A refers to a schematic view of topology of a dual-input lower-order high-gain dc-dc power converter 100. The proposed integrated power converter 100 for a charging station application caters the needs of multiple light electric vehicles (LEVs) by providing different levels of voltages based on selective applications. The proposed integrated power converter 100 minimizes infrastructure complexity. The proposed integrated power converter 100 enhances performance, efficiency and reliability. The proposed integrated power converter 100 enhances flexibility and scalability. The proposed integrated power converter 100 provides a more convenient and seamless charging experience for users, thereby enhancing user experience due to the adaptability to different EV types. The proposed integrated power converter 100 is economical and easy to operate.

In one embodiment herein, the dual input integrated dc-dc power converter 100 comprises a pair of input voltage sources, plurality of energy storage elements (104A, 104B, 106A, 106B), plurality of switching elements (108A, 108B, 108C), plurality of diodes (110A, 110B, 110C) and a controller 114. The dual-input integrated dc-dc power converter 100 is configured to operate at a switching frequency of at least 50 kHz.

In one embodiment herein, the pair of input voltage sources comprises a first input source 102A and a second input source 102B. The plurality of energy storage elements (104A, 104B, 106A, 106B) comprises a pair of inductors (104A, 104B) and a pair of capacitors (106A, 106B). In specific, the pair of inductors (104A, 104B) comprises a first inductor 104A and a second inductor 104B and the pair of capacitors (106A, 106B) comprises a first capacitor 106A and a second capacitor 106B. In specific, the pair of inductors (104A, 104B) and the pair of capacitors (106A, 106B) are substantially identical in terms of inductance value and capacitance value, respectively.

In one embodiment herein, the plurality of switching elements (108A, 108B, 108C) comprises a primary switch 108A, a secondary switch 108B and a tertiary switch 108C. The plurality of diodes (110A, 110B, 110C) comprises a first diode 110A, a second diode 110B and a third diode 110C for conducting current from and blocking current to input voltage sources 102. In specific, the plurality of switching elements (108A, 108B, 108C) include MOSFETs, IGBTs, and GaN transistors. The plurality of diodes (110A, 110B, 110C) include Schottky diodes, PIN diodes, and ultrafast recovery diodes.

In one embodiment herein, the first input source 102A is connected in series with a drain end of the primary switch 108A. The source end of the primary switch 108A is in connection with one end of the first inductor 104A and the first diode 110A. The other end of the first inductor 104A is connected with the third diode 110C and the tertiary switch 108C. The third diode 110C is connected to one end of the first capacitor 106A and a load resistor 112.

In one embodiment herein, the second input source 102B is connected to one end of the second inductor 104B, and the other end of the second inductor 104B is connected in series with the second capacitor 106B and is connected to the drain end of the secondary switch 108B. Furthermore, the other end of the second capacitor 106B is in connection with the second diode 110B, the source end of the tertiary switch 108C, other end of the second capacitor 106B and the load resistor 112. Furthermore, the first capacitor 106A is connected in parallel with the load resistor 112 and is configured to determine output voltage of the dual input integrated dc-dc power converter 100.

The controller 114 is configured to generate multiple output voltages at an output terminal for charging multiple electric vehicles based on selection of the input voltage sources (102A, 102B) and plurality of switching elements (108A, 108B, 108C). In specific, the controller 114 is configured to generate four distinct operating modes for the dual-input integrated dc-dc power converter 100 based on the duty cycles of the plurality of switching elements (108A, 108B, 108C). The controller 114 is configured to generate three distinct output voltage levels at the load resistor 112 of an output terminal based on three predetermined combinations of the first input source 102A and the second input source 102B.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 1B refers to a schematic view of topology of the dual-input lower-order high-gain dc-dc power converter 100 in first mode of operation. In the first mode of operation, the plurality of switching elements (108A, 108B, 108C) are in ON state, and the plurality of diodes (110A, 110B, 110C) are in OFF state. The first inductor 104A and the second capacitor 106B charges from the first input source 102A. The second inductor 104B charges from the second input source 102B. Finally, the load resistor 112 is powered from the first capacitor 106A.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 1C refers to a schematic view of topology of the dual-input lower-order high-gain dc-dc power converter 100 in second mode of operation. In the second mode of operation, the primary switch 108A, the second diode 110B, and the tertiary switch 108C are in ON state. The first diode 110A, the secondary switch 108B, and the third diode 110C are in OFF state. The first inductor 104A charges from the first input source 102A. The second inductor 104B and the second capacitor 106B charges from the second input source 102B. Finally, the load resistor 112 is powered from the first capacitor 106A.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 1D refers to a schematic view of topology of the dual-input lower-order high-gain dc-dc power converter 100 in third mode of operation. In the third mode of operation, the first diode 110A, the second diode 110B, and the tertiary switch 108C are in ON state. The primary switch 108A, the secondary switch 108B, and the third diode 110C are in OFF state. The first inductor 104A is discharged through tertiary switch 108C, the first diode 110A, and the second diode 110C. The second inductor 104B and the second capacitor 106B charges from the second input source 102B. Finally, the load resistor 112 is powered from the first capacitor 106A.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 1E refers to a schematic view of topology of the dual-input lower-order high-gain dc-dc power converter 100 in fourth mode of operation. In the fourth mode of operation, the plurality of diodes (110A, 110B, 110C) are in ON state and the plurality of switching elements (108A, 108B, 108C) are in OFF state. The first inductor 104A is discharged through the load resistor 112. The second inductor 104B, and the second capacitor 106B aids in charging the first capacitor 106A from the second input source 102B. Therefore, the integrated dc-dc power converter 100 is under continuous conduction mode of operation.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 2A refers to a schematic view of the dual-input lower-order high-gain dc-dc power converter 100 for charging electric vehicles. FIG. 2B refers to a schematic view of the dual-input lower-order high-gain dc-dc power converter 100 for charging four-wheeler electric vehicles. FIG. 2C refers to a schematic view of the dual-input lower-order high-gain dc-dc power converter 100 for charging three-wheeler electric vehicles. FIG. 2D refers to a schematic view of the dual-input lower-order high-gain dc-dc power converter 100 for charging two-wheeler electric vehicles.

In one embodiment herein, the dual-input integrated dc-dc power converter 100 can produce three different levels of output voltages based on magnitude of the first input source 102A and the second input source 102B. The dual-input integrated dc-dc power converter 100 comprises a pair of source selector switches (116A, 116B) and plurality of load selector switches (118A, 118B, 118C) which are configured to make or break the circuit for selective operation. The pair of source selector switches (116A, 116B) comprises a first source selector switch 116A and a second source selector switch 116B.

In one embodiment herein, the first source selector switch 116A is connected to the first input source 102A. The second source selector switch 116B is connected to the second input source 102B. The first source selector switch 116A and the second source selector switch 116B are operatively connected to the controller 114 to selectively enable or disable the connection of the first input source 102A and the second input source 102B to the first inductor 104A and the second inductor 104B, respectively.

In one embodiment herein, the four-wheeler electrical vehicle is charged, when the first source selector switch 116A, the second source selector switch 116B are in ON state and the load selector switch 118A is in ON state. Here, the load selector switches (118B, 118C) are in OFF state while charging the four-wheeler electrical vehicle as shown in the FIG. 2B.

In one embodiment herein, the three-wheeler electrical vehicle is charged, when the first source selector switch 116A is in ON state, the second source selector switch 116B is in OFF state and the load selector switch 118C is in ON state. Here, the load selector switches (118A, 118B) are in OFF state while charging the three-wheeler electrical vehicle as shown in the FIG. 2C.

In one embodiment herein, the two-wheeler electrical vehicle is charged, when the first source selector switch 116A is in OFF state, the second source selector switch 116B is in ON state and the load selector switch 118B is in ON state. Here, the load selector switches (118A, 118C) are in OFF state while charging the two-wheeler electrical vehicle as shown in the FIG. 2D.

In one embodiment herein, Table 1 shows the experimental results of the current delivering capability of the dual-input integrated dc-dc power converter 100.

Table 1:
d1=0.5; d2=0.45; d3=0.7
Vg1 Vg2 V0 Current Delivering Capability
24 24 96 High
24 12 72 Medium
12 24 60 Medium
24 0 60 Low
12 12 48 Low
0 12 24 Low

In one embodiment herein, the voltage gain expression of the dual-input integrated dc-dc power converter 100 is as follows:
V_0=(d_1 V_g1)/(1-d_3 )+(d_2 V_g2)/((1-d_2 )(1-d_3))
where,
Vg1 is the first input source,
Vg2 is the second input source,
V0 is output voltage,
d1, d2, and d3 are duty ratios of the primary switch, the secondary switch and the tertiary switch, respectively.

Numerous advantages of the present disclosure may be apparent from the discussion above. In accordance with the present disclosure, a dual input lower-order high-gain Buck-SEPIC dc-dc power converter 100 for electric vehicles charging applications is disclosed. The proposed integrated power converter 100 for a charging station application caters the needs of multiple light electric vehicles (LEVs) by providing different levels of voltages based on selective applications.

The proposed integrated power converter 100 minimizes infrastructure complexity. The proposed integrated power converter 100 enhances performance, efficiency and reliability. The proposed integrated power converter 100 enhances flexibility and scalability. The proposed integrated power converter 100 provides a more convenient and seamless charging experience for users, thereby enhancing user experience due to the adaptability to different EV types. The proposed integrated power converter 100 is economical and easy to operate.

It will readily be apparent that numerous modifications and alterations can be made to the processes described in the foregoing examples without departing from the principles underlying the invention, and all such modifications and alterations are intended to be embraced by this application.
, Claims:CLAIMS:
I / We Claim:
1. A dual input integrated dc-dc power converter (100), comprising:
a pair of input voltage sources comprises a first input source (102A) and a second input source (102B);
plurality of energy storage elements (104A, 104B, 106A, 106B) comprises a pair of inductors (104A, 104B) and a pair of capacitors (106A, 106B), wherein
said pair of inductors (104A, 104B) comprises a first inductor (104A) and a second inductor (104B); and
said pair of capacitors (106A, 106B) comprises a first capacitor (106A) and a second capacitor (106B);
plurality of switching elements (108A, 108B, 108C) comprises a primary switch (108A), a secondary switch (108B) and a tertiary switch (108C);
plurality of diodes (110A, 110B, 110C) comprises a first diode (110A), a second diode (110B) and a third diode (110C) for conducting current from and blocking current to said input voltage sources (102), wherein
said first input source (102A) is connected in series with a drain end of the primary switch (108A), wherein source end of the primary switch (108A) is in connection with one end of the first inductor (104A) and the first diode (110A), wherein
other end of said first inductor (104A) is connected with the third diode (110C) and the tertiary switch (108C), wherein said third diode (110C) is connected to one end of the first capacitor (106A) and a load resistor (112); and
said second input source (102B) is connected to one end of the second inductor (104B), wherein other end of the second inductor (104B) is connected in series with the second capacitor (106B) and is connected to the drain end of the secondary switch (108B), wherein
other end of the second capacitor (106B) is in connection with the second diode (110B), the source end of the tertiary switch (108C), other end of the second capacitor (106B) and the load resistor (112); and
a controller (114) configured to generate multiple output voltages at an output terminal for charging multiple electric vehicles based on selection of the input voltage sources (102A, 102B) and plurality of switching elements (108A, 108B, 108C).
2. The dual-input integrated dc-dc power converter (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dual-input integrated dc-dc power converter (100) comprises:
a first source selector switch (116A) connected to the first input source (102A); and
a second source selector switch (116B) connected to the second input source (102B), wherein the first source selector switch (116A) and the second source selector switch (116B) are operatively connected to the controller (114) to selectively enable or disable the connection of the first input source (102A) and the second input source (102B) to the first inductor (104A) and the second inductor (104B), respectively.
3. The dual-input integrated dc-dc power converter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first capacitor (106A) is connected in parallel with the load resistor (112) and is configured to determine output voltage of the dual input integrated dc-dc power converter (100).
4. The dual-input integrated dc-dc power converter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pair of inductors (104A, 104B) and the pair of capacitors (106A, 106B) are substantially identical in terms of inductance value and capacitance value, respectively.
5. The dual-input integrated dc-dc power converter (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (114) is configured to generate four distinct operating modes for the dual-input Integrated dc-dc power converter (100) based on the duty cycles of the plurality of switching elements (108A, 108B, 108C).
6. The dual-input integrated dc-dc power converter (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (114) is configured to generate three distinct output voltage levels at the load resistor (112) of an output terminal based on three predetermined combinations of the first input source 102A and the second input source 102B.
7. The dual-input integrated dc-dc power converter (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dual-input integrated dc-dc power converter (100) is configured to operate at a switching frequency of at least 50 kHz.
8. The dual-input integrated dc-dc power converter (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of switching elements (108A, 108B, 108C) include MOSFETs, IGBTs, and GaN transistors.
9. The dual-input integrated dc-dc power converter (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of diodes (110A, 110B, 110C) include Schottky diodes, PIN diodes, and ultrafast recovery diodes.