Configurable vehicle power outlet system

A vehicle includes a pair of power converters. The vehicle includes a socket having an array of power terminals arranged to accept outlets of different power terminal configurations to interconnect the pair therewith. The vehicle includes a panel having an outlet engaged with the socket. The panel includes a controller configured to communicate an electrical rating of the outlet via the socket to define a switching scheme for the pair. The communication is responsive to detecting panel and socket engagement.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the configuration of vehicle power outlets.

BACKGROUND

Vehicles may provide electrification capabilities to internal or external devices through outlets having predetermined ratings and electrical provisions. As such, outlets may only be able to power certain types of devices or a limited number of devices at a time.

SUMMARY

A vehicle includes a pair of power converters. The vehicle includes a socket having an array of power terminals arranged to accept outlets of different power terminal configurations to interconnect the pair therewith. The vehicle includes a panel having an outlet engaged with the socket. The panel includes a controller configured to communicate an electrical rating of the outlet via the socket to define a switching scheme for the pair. The communication is responsive to detecting panel and socket engagement.

A vehicle includes a socket having an array of power terminals arranged to accept outlets of different power terminal configurations to interconnect power converters therewith. The vehicle includes a panel having an outlet engaged with the socket. The vehicle includes a controller configured to operate the power converters commensurate with a load of the outlet such that the load is satisfied with one of the power converters providing more power than the other of the power converters. The operation is responsive to detecting engagement of the panel and power converters.

A vehicle includes at least one power converter. The vehicle includes a socket having an array of power terminals arranged to accept outlets of different power terminal configurations to interconnect the at least one power converter therewith. The vehicle includes a panel having an outlet engaged with the socket. The vehicle includes a controller configured to communicate an electrical rating of the outlet such that the at least one power converter satisfies a load connected to the outlet. The communication is responsive to detecting engagement of the panel and socket,

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Any type of vehicle, including boats, trains, drones, and cars may include a microgrid. The microgrid or other systems may provide power to sockets of a vehicle for consumption by user devices and systems. The sockets may be configured to receive plug and play outlets that have intrinsic or adjustable electrical ratings. For example, the outlets may be configured to provide alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) based on preconfiguration of the outlet panel. The outlets may be capable of increasing received current or voltage from the sockets such that the output meets the requirements of a load. Indeed, outlets may be swapped upon demand and configured to provide demanded power to user devices such that plug and play operation is achieved.

Referring toFIG. 1, a vehicle100is shown. Although depicted as a sport utility vehicle, any type of vehicle may be used. For example, cars, trucks, boats, planes, helicopters, and drones may include the teachings of this disclosure. The vehicle100may be an electric vehicle, hybrid-electric vehicle, battery-electric vehicle, internal combustion vehicle, or having other types of propulsion. The vehicle100includes a cargo hold114. The cargo hold114or another internal or external area of the vehicle100may provide access to sockets108,110. The sockets108,110may be electrically and communicatively connected to power converters102,104. The converters102,104may underlie the cargo area or be situated near other vehicle systems located in other areas of the vehicle (e.g., engine compartment). Additionally, the converters102,104may be duel purposed inverters associated with electric machines or integrated starter motors. The converters102,104may be otherwise associated with high-voltage or low-voltage busses configured to power main and auxiliary power systems. The converters102,104may be connected with a battery106. The battery106may be a traction battery or an auxiliary battery of the vehicle100. The battery106may be an individual battery cell or collection of battery cells.

Referring toFIG. 2, an overhead schematic is shown. The schematic includes the battery106electrically connected to converters102,104. The converters102,104are electrically and communicatively connected to the sockets108,110. The sockets108,110include an array of power terminals118,120for receiving power terminals122,124of the panel116. The panel116may include outlets125,126configured to provide electricity to loads138. As shown, the panel116is configured to be removably attached to the sockets118,120. The panel116may be configured to attach to any number of sockets118,120. That is, the panel116may be configured to electrically engage only one of the sockets118,120or additional sockets.

Now referring toFIG. 3, a sideview schematic is shown. The schematic similarly includes the converter102, socket110, and removably configured panel116. As further shown from the side view the socket110and panel116include an of power terminals118,120,122,124. It should be appreciated that the power terminals are configured to provide any type of power. The power terminals118,120,122,124may include leads for different phases from the converters102,104to connect therewith. The power terminals may include three-phase leads from one of the converters102,104. The array may include neutral and ground leads. As should be appreciated, the converters102,104may be three-phase inverters. That is, the converters102,104may supply independent three-phase or multiphase power to different outlets124,125of the panel116. The outlets124,125may be configured to conduct any type of power supplied. For example, the outlets124,125may have universal ports configured to connect to any standard plug configuration. Further, the outlets124,125may include additional connections for hot-wiring or direct wiring. A controller136of the converters102,104may drive switches134of the converter102,104to provide a desired electrical output or rating. Additionally, the controller136may provide power factor, current, and voltage correction to properly supply loads138attached to the outlets125,126.

The panel116may include a controller112in communication with the communications terminals128. The controller112may be configured to communicate via various communications methods and protocols (e.g., CAN, UART, TCP/IP). The communications terminals128,130may communicate electrical ratings and settings to a controller136of the converters102,104. The electrical ratings may include the current type required (i.e., AC, DC). The electrical ratings may include the voltage, current, power, or other electrical characteristics required. The ratings may include electrical requirements. The ratings may be based on Nation Electric Code Articles (e.g., 445, 625). The voltage rating of the outlet and the voltage characteristics as set by pertinent standards may be included. The electrical ratings may specify the number of converters to be used. As such, the electrical rating may specify any electrical or non-electrical characteristic necessary to fulfill power required by loads attached to the outlet125,126.

The electrical ratings may further suggest the lead lines to supply with power. For example, the electrical ratings may specify that two-phase power is required and that the hot lead lines should be L2and L3. The electrical ratings may specify that three-phase power is required and that the hot lead lines should be L1and L2. The electrical ratings may specify any necessary characteristics to ensure proper function of the system. It should be appreciated that any number or combination of controllers112,136may be used. A single controller may be used located at either the outlet124,125or the converters102,104. Further, the controllers112,136may be located offboard the system and located on a controller of the vehicle (not shown). Additionally, the converters102,104may be any type of power transformer or power providing apparatus. The converters102,104may be transformers, inverters, DC-DC converters, buck converters, boost converters, voltage regulators, or other types of devices configured to alter current and voltage of the source.

Referring toFIGS. 4A-B, switching scheme200,300for converter switches134, is shown. The controller136controls the switches134according to a pulse width modulation signal202such that the output204is an alternating current signal. It should be appreciated that the pulse width modulation signal202may be shown as consolidated between multiple corresponding switches134such that the pair of corresponding switches has a resulting signal202, as shown. Accordingly, the controller136may control actuation of the switches134as known in the art to produce an alternating current signal. Similarly, the controller136may operate the switches134to produce a DC signal with a requested output voltage.

Referring toFIGS. 5A-C, a schematic of non-limiting examples of panel116configurations are shown.FIG. 5Ashows an internal wiring diagram that arranges the power terminals122,124drawing power from the socket power terminals (not shown). The power terminals122,124are connected in series with outlet126. As shown, the negative lead122A of power terminal122is connected with the negative lead126A of outlet126. The positive lead122B of power terminal122is connected with the negative lead124A of power terminal124. The positive lead124A of power terminal124is connected with the positive lead126A of the outlet126. Thus, the socket connections via power terminals122,124are connected in series. It should be appreciated that different phase leads of power terminals122,124may be similarly connected in series when the phases are aligned.

FIG. 5Bshows an internal wiring diagram that arranges the power terminals122,124drawing power from the socket power terminals (not shown). The power terminals122,124are connected in parallel with outlet126. As shown, the negative lead122A of power terminal122is connected with the negative lead124A of power terminal124and negative lead126A of outlet126. The positive lead122B of power terminal122is connected with the positive lead124B of power terminal124and positive lead126B of outlet126. Thus, the socket connections via power terminals122,124are connected in parallel. It should be appreciated that different phase leads of power terminals122,124may be similarly connected in parallel when the phases are aligned.

FIG. 5Cdepicts controller112being configured to rearrange the connections of power terminals122,124and outlet126such that the power terminals122,124can be in series or parallel with the outlet126upon demand. The controller may be further configured to isolate the power terminals122,124such that each power terminal is associated with a specific outlet125,126(not shown). The controller112may configure the switches and circuitry132upon command by the converter controller136. The converter controller136may reach maximum power, voltage, or current limits on one of the pairs of switches134and request a change in configuration by controller112. As discussed, the communications may be provided via communications terminals128,130or other sources.

Referring toFIG. 6, an algorithm400is shown. The algorithm400starts in step402. The algorithm400may include additional steps or omit steps. The steps may be organized in a different order or be executed by a controller at the same time. Any of the controllers112,136may be employed to perform any or all of the steps. In step404, the controller determines whether the outlet is engaged. Such engagement may be determined through a variety of means (e.g., resistance sensing, communications).

In step406, the electrical rating of the outlet is communicated to the converters102,104. In step408, if the panel current rating is higher than the one of the power converters102,104satisfying the load, the panel may be configured in parallel (FIG. 5B) in order to operate both converters102,104or switches134therein to provide the necessary current. Similarly, in step412if the panel voltage rating received is more than the one of the converters102,104engaged, the controllers112,136may configure the terminals122,125in series to provide the necessary voltage.

In step416, the power converters102,104are operated commensurate with a load of the outlet126. That is, voltage and current may be properly generated via the switches134based on power factor or other factors (e.g., voltage) to ensure the load is properly satisfied. The production of electricity may be managed to ensure that only the power converters102,104or switches134necessary are used. For example, if total current drawn is less current production for one of the converters102,104, in step418, the controller may send a signal to the other controller112to disconnected one of the converters and operate the converters102,104such that one provides more of the power than the other or all of the power. In step422, the algorithm400ends or repeats.

The processes, methods, logic, or strategies disclosed may be deliverable to and/or implemented by a processing device, controller, or computer, which may include any existing programmable electronic control unit or dedicated electronic control unit. Similarly, the processes, methods, logic, or strategies may be stored as data and instructions executable by a controller or computer in many forms including, but not limited to, information permanently stored on various types of articles of manufacture that may include persistent non-writable storage media such as ROM devices, as well as information alterably stored on writeable storage media such as floppy disks, magnetic tapes, CDs, RAM devices, and other magnetic and optical media. The processes, methods, logic, or strategies may also be implemented in a software executable object. Alternatively, they may be embodied in whole or in part using suitable hardware components, such as Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), state machines, controllers or other hardware components or devices, or a combination of hardware, software and firmware components.