U.S. patent application number 17/685957 was filed with the patent office on 2022-06-16 for power conversion apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to DENSO CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is DENSO CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Yuichi HANDA, Yuji HAYASHI, Seiji IYASU, Shuji KURAUCHI.
Application Number | 20220190732 17/685957 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006171897 |
Filed Date | 2022-06-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220190732 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KURAUCHI; Shuji ; et
al. |
June 16, 2022 |
POWER CONVERSION APPARATUS
Abstract
A power conversion apparatus connected to three or more voltage
units, includes three or more power conversion circuits connected
to respective units of the three or more voltage units; and a
multiport transformer connected to the three or more power
conversion circuits at mutually different ports, in which at least
one voltage unit of the three or more voltage units is an
electrical load.
Inventors: |
KURAUCHI; Shuji;
(Kariya-city, JP) ; HANDA; Yuichi; (Kariya-city,
JP) ; IYASU; Seiji; (Nisshin-city, JP) ;
HAYASHI; Yuji; (Nisshin-city, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
DENSO CORPORATION |
Kariya-city |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
DENSO CORPORATION
Kariya-city
JP
|
Family ID: |
1000006171897 |
Appl. No.: |
17/685957 |
Filed: |
March 3, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16587319 |
Sep 30, 2019 |
|
|
|
17685957 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60L 2210/40 20130101;
B60L 53/22 20190201; B60L 2210/30 20130101; H02M 1/00 20130101;
B60L 50/60 20190201; B60L 8/003 20130101; H02J 7/35 20130101; H02M
3/33576 20130101; H02M 1/009 20210501; H02J 7/022 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H02M 3/335 20060101
H02M003/335; H02J 7/35 20060101 H02J007/35; H02M 1/00 20060101
H02M001/00; B60L 8/00 20060101 B60L008/00; B60L 50/60 20060101
B60L050/60; B60L 53/22 20060101 B60L053/22 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 5, 2018 |
JP |
2018-189866 |
Feb 1, 2019 |
JP |
2019-016630 |
Claims
1. A power conversion apparatus connected to a plurality of voltage
units, the power conversion apparatus comprising: a plurality of
power conversion circuits, each power conversion circuit having a
first port and a second port, the first port of each power
conversion circuit being connected to a respective voltage unit of
the plurality of voltage units; and a multiport transformer
connected to the second port of each of the plurality of power
conversion circuits, wherein the plurality of power conversion
circuits and the multiport transformer are configured as a multiple
active bridge in which each of the plurality power conversion
circuits is a switching circuit configured as a voltage-voltage
type bridge circuit, the plurality of voltage units comprises a
heater, a solar power source, and a vehicle drive battery, and each
of the solar power source and the vehicle drive battery is
configured to supply power to the heater.
2. The power conversion apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
voltage-voltage type bridge circuit does not include an
inductor.
3. A power conversion apparatus connected to a plurality of voltage
units, the power conversion apparatus comprising: a plurality of
power conversion circuits, each power conversion circuit having a
first port and a second port, the first port of each power
conversion circuit being connected to a respective voltage unit of
the plurality of voltage units; and a multiport transformer
connected to the second port of each of the plurality of power
conversion circuits, wherein the plurality of power conversion
circuits and the multiport transformer are configured as a multiple
active bridge in which each of the plurality power conversion
circuits is a switching circuit configured as a voltage-voltage
type bridge circuit, the plurality of voltage units comprises a
heater, a solar power source, a vehicle drive battery, and an AC
power source, and each of the solar power source, the vehicle drive
battery, and the AC power source is configured to supply power to
the heater.
4. The power conversion apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the
voltage-voltage type bridge circuit does not include an inductor.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 16/587,319 filed Sep. 30, 2019, which is based on and claims
the benefit of priority from earlier Japanese Patent Application
Nos. 2018-189866 filed Oct. 5, 2018, and 2019-016630 filed Feb. 1,
2019, the descriptions of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND
Technical Field
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a power conversion
apparatus.
Description of the Related Art
[0003] A power conversion apparatus provided with a plurality of
batteries, and AC power input/output terminals is known. As an
example of such an apparatus, a power conversion apparatus provided
with a transformer including three coils is disclosed.
SUMMARY
[0004] The present disclosure provides a power conversion apparatus
connected to three or more voltage units, including: three or more
power conversion circuits connected to respective units of the
three or more voltage units; and a multiport transformer connected
to the three or more power conversion circuits at mutually
different ports, in which at least one voltage unit of the three or
more voltage units is an electrical load.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] In the accompanying drawings:
[0006] FIG. 1 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a first reference;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a circuit configuration of an example of a
multiport transformer and three power conversion circuit;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 4 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a second embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 5 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a second reference;
[0011] FIG. 6 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a third embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 7 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a fourth embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 8 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a third reference;
[0014] FIG. 9 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a fifth embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 10 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a fourth reference;
[0016] FIG. 11 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a fifth reference;
[0017] FIG. 12 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a sixth reference;
[0018] FIG. 13 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a sixth embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 14 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a seventh embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 15 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a seventh reference;
[0021] FIG. 16 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to an eighth embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 17 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a ninth embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 18 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a tenth embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 19 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to an eleventh embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 20 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a twelfth embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 21 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a thirteenth embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 22 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a fourteenth embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 23 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a fifteenth embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 24 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a sixteenth embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 25 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a seventeenth embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 26 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to an eighteenth embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 27 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a nineteenth embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 28 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a twentieth embodiment;
[0034] FIG. 29 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a twenty-first embodiment;
[0035] FIG. 30 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a twenty-second embodiment;
[0036] FIG. 31 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a twenty-third embodiment;
[0037] FIG. 32 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a twenty-fourth embodiment;
[0038] FIG. 33 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a twenty-fifth embodiment;
[0039] FIG. 34 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a twenty-sixth embodiment;
[0040] FIG. 35 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a twenty-seventh embodiment;
[0041] FIG. 36 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a twenty-eighth embodiment;
[0042] FIG. 37 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a twenty-ninth embodiment;
[0043] FIG. 38 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a thirtieth embodiment;
[0044] FIG. 39 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a thirty-first embodiment;
[0045] FIG. 40 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a thirty second embodiment;
[0046] FIG. 41 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a thirty-third embodiment;
[0047] FIG. 42 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a thirty-fourth embodiment;
[0048] FIG. 43 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a thirty-fifth embodiment;
[0049] FIG. 44 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a thirty-sixth embodiment;
[0050] FIG. 45 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a thirty-seventh embodiment;
[0051] FIG. 46 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a thirty-eighth embodiment;
[0052] FIG. 47 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a thirty-ninth embodiment;
[0053] FIG. 48 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a fortieth embodiment;
[0054] FIG. 49 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a forty-first embodiment;
[0055] FIG. 50 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a forty-second embodiment;
[0056] FIG. 51 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a forty-third embodiment;
[0057] FIG. 52 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a forty-fourth embodiment;
[0058] FIG. 53 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a forty-fourth embodiment;
[0059] FIG. 54 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a forty-sixth embodiment;
[0060] FIG. 55 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a forty-seventh embodiment;
[0061] FIG. 56 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a forty-eighth embodiment;
[0062] FIG. 57 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a forty-ninth embodiment;
[0063] FIG. 58 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a fiftieth embodiment;
[0064] FIG. 59 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a fifty-first embodiment;
[0065] FIG. 60 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus to which a voltage unit is connected according to the
fifty-first embodiment;
[0066] FIG. 61 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a first comparative embodiment;
[0067] FIG. 62 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to an eighth reference;
[0068] FIG. 63 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a fifty-second embodiment;
[0069] FIG. 64 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus to which a voltage unit is connected according to the
fifty-second embodiment; and
[0070] FIG. 65 is a circuit configuration of a power conversion
apparatus according to a ninth reference.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0071] As an example of a power conversion apparatus, Japanese
Patent Number 6140602 discloses a power conversion apparatus
provided with a first battery and a second battery and AC power
input/output terminals, and a transformer including three coils
which are magnetically coupled to each other (hereinafter also
referred to as a multiport transformer). However, for the power
conversion apparatus according to the above-mentioned patent
literature, the configuration of equipment to be connected to the
power conversion apparatus is significantly restricted. Hence, it
is desired to expand variation in the configuration of equipment
connected to the power conversion apparatus utilizing a multiport
transformer.
[0072] The present disclosure has been achieved in light of the
above-described circumstances and provides a power conversion
apparatus capable of expanding variation in the configuration of
equipment to be connected to the power conversion apparatus.
[0073] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a power
conversion apparatus connected to three or more voltage units,
including: three or more power conversion circuits connected to
respective units of the three or more voltage units; and a
multiport transformer connected to the three or more power
conversion circuits at mutually different ports, in which at least
one voltage unit of the three or more voltage units is an
electrical load.
[0074] A second aspect of the present disclosure is a power
conversion apparatus connected to three or more voltage units,
including: three or more power conversion circuits connected to
respective units of the three or more voltage units; and a
multiport transformer connected to the three or more power
conversion circuits at mutually different ports, in which the three
or more voltage units includes at least a vehicle drive battery, a
plurality of power supply units for supplying power to the vehicle
drive battery from outside the vehicle.
[0075] A third aspect of the present disclosure is a power
conversion apparatus connected to four or more voltage units,
including four or more power conversion circuits connected to
respective units of the four or more voltage units; and a multiport
transformer connected to the four or more power conversion circuits
at mutually different ports.
[0076] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a power
conversion apparatus including: a plurality of power conversion
units each including a multiport transformer, and three or more
power conversion circuits each connected to three or more ports of
the multiport transformer; and a connection wiring that
electrically connects, to be in parallel, between at least one
power conversion circuit in one power conversion unit and at least
one power conversion circuit in another power conversion unit.
[0077] According to the power conversion apparatus of the first
aspect, at least one of the three voltage units is an electrical
load. Thus, power can be converted between three or more voltage
units including the electrical load via a multiport
transformer.
[0078] According to the power conversion apparatus of the second
aspect, the three or more voltage units include at least a vehicle
drive battery and a plurality of power supply units. Thus, power
can be supplied to the vehicle drive battery from the plurality of
power supply units via a single multiport transformer.
[0079] The power conversion apparatus of the third aspect is
connected to four or more voltage units, and includes four or more
power conversion circuits. Thus, power can be mutually converted
between four or more voltage units via a single multiport
transformer. Thus, power can be converted between a plurality of
voltage units via a single multiport transformer with a number of
combinations.
[0080] The power conversion apparatus according to the fourth
aspect includes a plurality of power conversion units and a
connection wiring. The connection wiring electrically connects at
least one power conversion unit in respective power conversion
units in parallel. Therefore, power can be exchanged between the
power conversion circuits in a plurality of power conversion units.
As a result, even if a fault occurs in some power conversion
circuits of some power conversion units, other power conversion
circuits are able to perform the function of the failure power
conversion circuit instead. Therefore, the level of redundancy of
the power conversion apparatus can be higher. Thus, variation in
the configuration of equipment which can be connected to the power
conversion apparatus can be expanded in each of the above-described
power conversion apparatuses according to first, second, third and
fourth aspects.
[0081] As described, according to the above-described aspects, the
operation mode of the power conversion apparatus can be modified in
various manners. Note that, the reference numerals in parentheses
described in the claims and the means for solving the problems
indicate the corresponding relationship between the specific means
described in the following embodiments, and do not limit the
technical range of the present invention.
[0082] In the power conversion apparatus according to the present
disclosure, a plurality of power supply units may include at least
two power supply units from among an AC power supply unit, a DC
power supply unit and a solar power supply unit. In this case, a
battery for driving vehicle can be charged by mutually different
types of power supply units.
[0083] Note that various types of power supply units and electrical
loads can be adapted for the voltage unit. For example, at least a
part of the plurality of voltage units can be a power source or an
electrical load which are mounted on the vehicle.
[0084] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, embodiments and
references of a power conversion apparatus will be described.
First Reference
[0085] As shown in FIG. 1, the first reference is an embodiment of
a power conversion apparatus 100 including three voltage units 4
connected thereto. The power conversion apparatus includes three
power conversion circuits 21, 22 and 23, and a multiport
transformer 3. The three power conversion circuits 21, 22 and 23
are connected to respective three voltage units 4. The multiport
transformer 3 is connected to the three power conversion circuits
21, 22 and 23 at mutually different ports. According to the present
embodiment, the three voltage units 4 are an AC power source ACS, a
storage battery BL and a vehicle drive battery BH.
[0086] The storage battery BL may be utilized for an auxiliary
battery mounted on a vehicle. The voltage of the storage battery BL
may be set to be 12 V, for example. However, it is not limited
thereto. The voltage of the storage battery BL may be set to be 7V,
or 48V, for example. Further, the storage battery BL may be
configured of a capacitor or the like.
[0087] Also, a plurality of storage batteries (BL1, BL2) may be
used and connected to the power conversion apparatus. In this case,
for example, the plurality of storage batteries may have the same
voltage or mutually different voltages. For example, the voltage of
one storage battery BL1 may be set to be 12V, and the voltage of
the other storage battery BL2 may be set to be 12V, or a voltage
other than 12V.
[0088] The vehicle drive battery BH (high voltage battery BH) is
mounted on a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid
vehicle, stores power for driving the vehicle, and outputs the
stored power. The vehicle drive battery BH is a high voltage
battery of which the voltage is higher than that of the storage
battery BL. For example, the voltage may be set to be higher than
or equal to 200V. In the following description, the vehicle drive
battery is also referred to as a high voltage battery BH.
[0089] AC power source ACS is one of power supply units for
supplying power to the high voltage battery BH from outside the
vehicle. In other words, as the AC power source ACS, for example,
AC charger apparatus in a power station or the like is expected.
Although illustration is omitted, an AC output port can be
connected in parallel to the AC power source ACS. The AC power
source ACS and the AC output port is configured, for example, such
that the AC power having an effective voltage 100V can be inputted
and outputted. Further, the AC output port may include a relay unit
capable of switching between conduction and cutoff. In the
following embodiments and references, the AC power source ACS
refers to a configuration including an AC output port unless
otherwise specified.
[0090] The power conversion apparatus 100 is mounted on a vehicle
such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. The high voltage
battery BH and the storage battery BL are also mounted on the
vehicle together with the power conversion apparatus 100.
[0091] The multiport transformer 3 includes three or more coils
which are magnetically coupled to each other. Three voltage units 4
are connected to the both terminals of respective three coils.
[0092] Each of the power conversion circuits 21, 22 and 23 may
include a plurality of power conversion elements. As a power
conversion element, for example, a MOSFET (i.e. metal oxide
semiconductor (MOS) type field effect transistor) or IGBT (i.e.
insulated gate bipolar transistor), or a switching element such as
a diode having a switching function may be used. However, it is not
limited thereto. In the following description, the power conversion
circuits 21, 22 and 23 may be also referred to as switching
circuits 21, 22, 23.
[0093] As shown in FIG. 2, the switching circuits 21, 22 and 23
each include a bridge circuit configuration. In other words, the
power conversion apparatus 100 configures MAB (i.e. multiple active
bridge) with the multiport transformer 3 and three switching
circuits 21, 22 and 23.
[0094] For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the switching circuits 21,
22 and 23 may constitute a full bridge circuit. Moreover, these
switching circuits 21, 22 and 23 may be configured as a half bridge
circuit. Alternatively, a part of three switching circuits 21, 22
and 23 may be configured as a full bridge circuit and the rest part
of the switching circuits 21, 22 and 23 may be configured as a full
bridge circuit.
[0095] According to the present embodiment, a power conversion can
be performed between the AC power source ACS, the storage battery
BL and the high voltage battery BH. For example, power can be
supplied to the AC output port of the AC power source ACS from the
high voltage battery BH, while charging the storage battery BL from
the high voltage battery BH. Further, the storage battery BL can be
charged while charging the high voltage battery BH from the AC
power source ACS. Then, the power conversion between the
above-described three voltage units 4 can be accomplished with a
single multiport transformer 3 which has been made compact and a
small scaled switching circuits 21, 22 and 23. Note that the small
scale refers to small number of components or a small sized
body.
[0096] The three voltage units 4 in the first reference may be
appropriately modified to be other type of voltage unit, that is,
various power sources or loads, thereby constituting embodiments or
references. As the voltage unit connected to the power conversion
apparatus, other than the vehicle drive battery BH, the AC power
source ACS and the storage battery BL as described in the first
reference, for example, the following a DC power source DCS, a load
LD and a solar power source SS are can be used. Specifically, as
described in the latter embodiments or the like, three or more
various voltage units are appropriately combined via the power
conversion apparatus, whereby the power conversion between a
plurality of voltage units can be accomplished via a single
multiport transformer.
[0097] The solar power source SS is one of power supply units for
supplying power to the high voltage battery BH from outside the
vehicle. For example, the solar power source SS can be configured
as a solar power generator including a solar panel disposed on the
roof of the vehicle. The solar power source SS can be configured as
a solar power generator provided with MPPT (i.e. maximum power
point tracking). The solar power source SS can be also configured
as a solar power generator provided with a PWM (pulse width
modulation) control function.
[0098] Note that since an operational condition of the solar power
source SS is limited depending on the time of day, weather or the
like, the solar power source SS is often used together with other
power sources. Hence, the solar power source SS is configured to be
capable of connecting with a plurality of other voltage units via a
single multiport transformer, whereby the number of components and
the size can be reduced as a whole system such as vehicle power
source system.
[0099] For example, the load LD is mounted on the vehicle, and can
be configured as a heater, for example. The heater may be disposed
in the exhaust system in a hybrid vehicle or the like and used for
heating an electrically heated catalyst. Further, the heater may be
used for heating seats in the vehicle or may be used for heating a
battery such as a high voltage battery BH. Alternatively, the
heater may be used as a water heating heater for heating cooling
water of the high voltage battery. The load LD may be utilized,
other than a heater, as an active body control (e.g. suspension),
an electrical supercharger, an engine cooling fan, an ai compressor
for air conditioner or the like. The voltage of the load LD may be
set to be higher than that of the storage battery BL. Also, the
voltage of the load may be set to be higher than that of the high
voltage battery BH.
[0100] The DC power source DCS is one of power supply units for
supplying power to the high voltage battery BH from outside the
vehicle. The DC power source DCS may be configured as a charger
power source capable of charging with a DC power. As the DC power
source DCS, for example, a DC charger in a power station or the
like is expected.
First Embodiment
[0101] As shown in FIG. 3, a power conversion apparatus 1 according
to the first embodiment is connected to three voltage units 4
including a solar power source SS, a load LD and a high voltage
battery BH.
[0102] According to the present embodiment, a power conversion can
be accomplished between three or more voltage units 4 including the
load LD via a multiport transformer. For example, the power can be
supplied to both of the load LD and the high voltage battery BH
from the solar power source SS via the multiport transformer 3.
Also, the power can be supplied to the solar power source SS side
from the high voltage battery BH.
[0103] The first embodiment has configuration and effects and
advantages similar to the first reference. In the reference numbers
used in embodiments and references after the first embodiment,
reference numbers same as those used in existing embodiment
indicate the same constituents as those in the existing embodiments
or references unless otherwise specified.
Second Embodiment
[0104] As shown in FIG. 4, a power conversion apparatus 1 according
to the second embodiment is connected to three voltage units 4
including a storage battery BL, a load LD and a high voltage
battery BH. As the storage battery BL, it is not limited to a
battery having voltage of 12V, but a battery having other voltage
may be used.
[0105] According to the present embodiment, power can be supplied
to the load LD from both of the storage battery BL and the high
voltage battery BH. Also, power can be mutually exchanged between
the storage battery BL and the high voltage battery BH. A power
arbitration may be performed therebetween. Thereafter, power can be
supplied to the load LD from either the storage battery BL or the
high voltage battery BH. Hence, energy efficiency is likely to be
improved in the whole system through the power conversion apparatus
1. Further, the present embodiment has similar configuration and
advantages to those in the first reference.
Second Reference
[0106] As shown in FIG. 5, a power conversion apparatus 100
according to the second reference is connected to three voltage
units 4 including a solar power source SS, a storage battery BL and
a high voltage battery BH. According to the second reference, for
example, power can be supplied to both of the storage battery BL
and the high voltage battery BH from the solar power source SS via
the multiport transformer 3. Also, the power can be supplied to the
solar power source SS side from the high voltage battery BH.
[0107] The power can be mutually exchanged between the storage
battery BL and the high voltage battery BH. A power arbitration may
be performed therebetween. Thereafter, the power can be supplied to
either the storage battery BL or the high voltage battery BH from
the solar power source SS. Hence, energy efficiency is likely to be
improved in the whole system through the power conversion apparatus
1. Further, the second reference has similar configuration and
advantages to those in the first reference.
Third Embodiment
[0108] As shown in FIG. 6, a power conversion apparatus 1 according
to the third embodiment is connected to three voltage units 4
including a DC power source DCS, a load LD and a high voltage
battery BH. According to the third embodiment, for example, power
can be supplied to both of the load LD and the high voltage battery
BH from the DC power source DCS via the multiport transformer 3. In
other words, while the high voltage battery BH is being charged by
the DC power source DCS, the power can also be supplied to the load
LD from the DC power source DCS. Thus, in the case where the load
LD is a heater, the heater promptly performs heating operation. In
particular, the heater may be heated during the charging of the
high voltage battery BH before starting the vehicle, whereby the
temperature of the catalyst or the like can be increased. Further,
the present embodiment has similar configuration and advantages to
those in the first embodiment.
Forth Embodiment
[0109] As shown in FIG. 7, a power conversion apparatus 1 according
to the fourth embodiment is connected to three voltage units 4
including a solar power source SS, a DC power source DCS and a high
voltage battery BH. In other words, the power conversion apparatus
1 according to the present embodiment includes at least a vehicle
drive battery (i.e. high voltage battery BH) and a plurality of
power supply units (i.e. DC power source DCS and solar power source
SS) for supplying power to the vehicle drive battery from outside
the vehicle.
[0110] Thus, the power can be supplied to the vehicle drive battery
from the plurality of power supply units via the single multiport
transformer 3. According to the present embodiment, the power can
be supplied to the high voltage battery BH from the solar power
source SS while the high voltage battery BH is being charged by the
DC power source DCS. Thus, the charging time of the high voltage
battery BH can be shortened. Further, the present embodiment has
similar configuration and advantages to those in the first
embodiment.
Third Reference
[0111] As shown in FIG. 8, a power conversion apparatus 100
according to the third reference is connected to three voltage
units 4 including the storage battery BL, the DC power source DCS
and the high voltage battery BH. According to the third reference,
it is possible to charge the high voltage battery BH by the storage
battery BL while the DC power source DCS is charging the high
voltage battery BH. Also, power can be supplied to both of the
storage battery BL and the high voltage battery BH from the DC
power source DCS via a single multiport transformer 3. Further, the
third reference has similar configuration and advantages to those
in the first reference.
Fifth Embodiment
[0112] As shown in FIG. 9, a power conversion apparatus 1 according
to the fifth embodiment is connected to three voltage units 4
including a storage battery BL, a load LD and a high voltage
battery BH. According to the present embodiment, the storage
battery BL can be a storage battery for 12V system.
[0113] According to the present embodiment, the power can be
supplied to the load LD from both of the storage battery BL and the
high voltage battery BH via a single multiport transformer 3.
Hence, in the case where the load LD is a heater, for example, a
heating period of the heater can be shortened. Also, the power from
the storage battery BL can be used for a power controlling the
heater. Further, the fifth embodiment has similar configuration and
advantages to those in the first embodiment.
Fourth Reference
[0114] As shown in FIG. 10, the power conversion apparatus 100
according to the fourth reference is connected to three voltage
units 4 including to a storage battery BL, a solar power source SS
and a high voltage battery BH. According to the present embodiment,
both of the high voltage battery BH and the storage battery BL can
be simultaneously charged via a single multiport transformer 3.
Thus, rate of utilization of the solar energy can be improved.
Further, deterioration of the storage battery BL used for an
auxiliary battery can be suppressed. Also, power from the storage
battery BL can be used for a power controlling the heater. Further,
the fourth reference has similar configuration and advantages to
those in the first embodiment.
Fifth Reference
[0115] As shown in FIG. 11, a power conversion apparatus 100
according the fifth reference is connected to three voltage units 4
including two storage batteries BL1 and BL2, and a high voltage
battery BH. According to the present embodiment, the voltage of the
storage battery BL1 may be set to be 12V. The voltage of the
storage battery BL2 may be the same 12V as that of the storage
battery BL1, or may be set to be different voltage such as 7V or
48V.
[0116] According to the fifth reference, power can be exchanged
between the storage battery BL1, the storage battery BL2 and the
high voltage battery BH, via a single multiport transformer 3.
Then, a power arbitration can be performed between these storage
battery BL1, the storage battery BL2 and the high voltage battery
BH. For example, the power of the storage batteries BL1 and BL2 can
be supplied to the high voltage BH and used for driving vehicle.
Thus, fuel efficiency can be improved. The fifth reference has
similar configuration and advantages to those in the first
reference.
Sixth Reference
[0117] As shown in FIG. 12, a power conversion apparatus 100
according to the sixth reference is connected to three voltage
units 4 including a storage battery BL, a DC power source DCS and a
high voltage battery BH. According to the sixth reference, while
charging the high voltage BH from the DC power source DCS, the high
voltage battery BH can be supplied with power from the storage
battery BL. Thus, the charging time of the high voltage battery BH
can be shortened. Also, both of the high voltage BH and storage
battery BL can be supplied with power from the DC power source DCS.
The sixth reference has similar configuration and advantages to
those in the first reference.
Sixth Embodiment
[0118] As shown in FIG. 13, a power conversion apparatus 1 of the
sixth embodiment is connected to three voltage units 4 including an
AC power source ACS, a load LD and a high voltage battery BH.
According to the sixth embodiment, power is supplied to the high
voltage battery BH and also the load LD from the AC power source
ACS. In other words, the load LD such as a heater can be operated
by an AC power ACS while the high voltage battery BH is being
charged by an AC power source ACS. Further, the high voltage
battery BH is able to supply power to the load LD and an AC output
port of the AC power source ACS. The sixth embodiment has similar
configuration and advantages to those in the first embodiment.
Seventh Embodiment
[0119] As shown in FIG. 14, a power conversion apparatus 1 of the
seventh embodiment is connected to three voltage units 4 including
an AC power source ACS, a solar power source SS and a high voltage
battery BH. According to the present embodiment, the solar power
source SS is able to charge the high voltage battery BH while the
high voltage battery BH is being charged by the AC power source
ACS. Thus, the charging time of the high voltage battery BH can be
shortened. The seventh embodiment has similar configuration and
advantages to those in the fourth embodiment.
Seventh Reference
[0120] As shown in FIG. 15, a power conversion apparatus 1 is
connected to three voltage units 4 including an AC power source
ACS, a storage battery BL and a high voltage battery BH.
Specifically, according to the present seventh reference, as the
storage battery BL, a storage battery other than the one of 12 V
system can be adopted.
[0121] According to the present reference, while charging the high
voltage battery BH from the AC power source ACS, the high voltage
battery BH can also be charged from the storage battery BL. Thus,
the charging time can be shortened.
Eighth Embodiment
[0122] As shown in FIG. 16, a power conversion apparatus 1 is
connected to three voltage units 4 including an AC power source
ACS, a DC power source DCS and a high voltage battery BH. According
to the eighth embodiment, the high voltage battery BH can be
charged from both of the AC power source ACS and the DC power
source DCS. Thus, the charging time of the high voltage battery BH
can be shortened. The seventh embodiment has similar configuration
and advantages to those in the fourth embodiment.
Ninth Embodiment
[0123] As shown in FIG. 17, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the ninth embodiment is connected to four voltage
units 4. The power conversion unit 1 includes four power conversion
circuits (i.e. switching circuits 21, 22, 23 and 24) connected to
respective four voltage units, and a multiport transformer 3
connected to the four switching circuits 21, 22, 23 and 24 at
mutually different ports. According to the present embodiment, the
multiport transformer 3 has magnetically coupled four coils.
[0124] According to the present embodiment, as the four voltage
units 4, the AC power source ACS, the load LD, the storage battery
BL and the high voltage battery BH are connected to the power
conversion apparatus 1.
[0125] The power conversion apparatus 1 is connected to the four
voltage units 4 and includes four power conversion circuits (i.e.
switching circuits 21, 22, 23 and 24). Thus, power can be mutually
exchanged between four voltage units 4 via a single multiport
transformer 3. Hence, power conversion can be accomplished between
a plurality of voltage units 4 via a single multiport transformer 3
with a number of combinations.
[0126] Specifically, when four voltage units 4 are present, six
combinations are possible for two units as a single pair.
Therefore, the power conversion can be accomplished between four
voltage units with six combination of units via the single
multiport transformer. Therefore, power can be exchanged between
the voltage units 4 having a significantly large number of
combinations, while suppressing an increase in the number of
components and expansion of the size thereof.
[0127] Since the AC power source ACS, the load LD, the storage
battery BL, and the high voltage battery BH are connected to the
power conversion apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment,
for example, charging from the AC power source ACS to the high
voltage battery BH together with the storage battery BL can be
performed, and further, the load LD can be supplied with power. The
ninth embodiment has similar configuration and advantages to those
in the first embodiment.
Tenth Embodiment
[0128] As shown in FIG. 18, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the tenth embodiment is connected to four voltage
units 4 including a solar power source SS, a storage battery BL, a
load LD and a high voltage battery BH. According to the present
embodiment, the high voltage battery BH is charged from the solar
power source SS and also, power can be supplied to the load LD and
the storage battery BL. Also, the power of the solar power source
SS, the storage battery BL, and the high voltage battery BH can be
supplied to the load LD. Thus, when the load LD is a heater, for
example, heating time of the heater can be shortened. The tenth
embodiment has similar configuration and advantages to those in the
ninth embodiment.
Eleventh Embodiment
[0129] As shown in FIG. 19, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the eleventh embodiment is connected to four voltage
units 4 including a solar power source SS, a DC power source DCS, a
load LD and a high voltage battery BH. According to the present
embodiment, power can be supplied to the load LD from the solar
power source SS while charging the high voltage battery BH from the
DC power source BH. For example, when the load LD is a heater that
heats the high voltage battery BH, the high voltage battery BH can
be charged while heating the high voltage battery BH by the heater
of the load LD using a power supplied by the solar power source SS.
Thus, the charging speed is improved so that the charging time can
be shortened. The eleventh embodiment has similar configuration and
advantages to those in the ninth embodiment.
Twelfth Embodiment
[0130] As shown in FIG. 20, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the twelfth embodiment is connected to four voltage
units 4 including a storage battery BL, a DC power source DCS, a
load LD and a high voltage battery BH. According to the present
embodiment, the load LD can be supplied with power from the storage
battery BL, while charging the high voltage battery BH from the DC
power source DCS. For example, when the load LD is a heater that
heats the high voltage battery BH, the high voltage battery BH can
be charged, while heating the high voltage battery BH by the heater
of the load LD using a power supplied by the storage battery BL.
Thus, the charging speed is improved so that the charging time can
be shortened. The twelfth embodiment has similar configuration and
advantages to those in the ninth embodiment.
Thirteenth Embodiment
[0131] As shown in FIG. 21, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the thirteenth embodiment is connected to four voltage
units 4 including a storage battery BL, a DC power source DCS, a
solar power source SS and a high voltage battery BH. According to
the present embodiment, the high voltage battery BH can be supplied
with power by the storage battery BL and the solar power source SS,
while charging the high voltage battery BH from the DC power source
DCS. Thus, the high voltage battery BH can be charged in a short
period of time. The thirteenth embodiment has similar configuration
and advantages to those in the ninth embodiment.
Fourteenth Embodiment
[0132] As shown in FIG. 22, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the fourteenth embodiment is connected to four voltage
units 4 including a storage battery BL, a load LD, a solar power
source SS and a high voltage battery BH. According to the present
embodiment, as the storage battery BL, a 12V system can be used.
According to the present embodiment, the storage battery BL and the
load LD can be charged from the solar power source SS, while
charging the high voltage battery BH from the solar power source
SS. The fourteenth embodiment has similar configuration and
advantages to those in the ninth embodiment.
Fifteenth Embodiment
[0133] As shown in FIG. 23, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the fifteenth embodiment is connected to four voltage
units 4 including two storage batteries BL1 and BL2, a load LD, and
a high voltage battery BH. According to the present embodiment, as
one storage battery BL1, a 12V system can be used. For the other
storage battery BL, a 12V system or other system can be used.
[0134] According to the present embodiment, the load LD can be
supplied with power from the two storage batteries BL1 and BI2, and
the high voltage battery BH. Thus, when the load LD is a heater,
the heating time of the heater can be shortened. The fifteenth
embodiment has similar configuration and advantages to those in the
ninth embodiment.
Sixteenth Embodiment
[0135] As shown in FIG. 24, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the sixteenth embodiment is connected to four voltage
units 4 including two storage batteries BL1 and BL2, a solar power
source SS, and a high voltage battery BH. According to the present
embodiment, the two storage batteries BL1 and BL2, and the high
voltage battery BH can be charged from the solar power source SS.
In other words, the solar power source SS is able to simultaneously
supply power to all of the two storage batteries BL1 and BL2, and
the high voltage battery BH. Also, the solar power source SS is
able to selectively charge one or two units from among these four
units. Moreover, the high voltage battery BH can be charged from at
least one of the two storage batteries BL1 and BL2, and the solar
power source SS. In other words, redundant power source units can
be configured. The sixteenth embodiment has similar configuration
and advantages to those in the ninth embodiment.
Seventeenth Embodiment
[0136] As shown in FIG. 25, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the seventeenth embodiment is connected to four
voltage units 4 including two storage batteries BL1 and BL2, a
solar power source SS, and a high voltage battery BH. According to
the present embodiment, the load LD can be supplied with power from
the storage battery BL, while charging the high voltage battery BH
from the DC power source DCS. Moreover, the same effects and
advantages as those in the eleventh embodiment can be obtained. The
seventeenth embodiment has similar configuration and advantages to
those in the ninth embodiment.
Eighteenth Embodiment
[0137] As shown in FIG. 26, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the eighteenth embodiment is connected to four voltage
units 4 including a storage battery BL, a solar power source SS, a
DC power source DCS and a high voltage battery BH. According to the
present embodiment, the high voltage battery BH can be supplied
with power from the solar power SS, while charging the high voltage
battery BH from the DC power source DCS. Thus, the high voltage
battery BH can be charged in a short period of time. Moreover, the
storage battery BL and the high voltage battery BH can be
simultaneously charged. Thus, the high voltage battery BH can be
charged faster. Also, the storage battery BL can be charged from
the high voltage battery BH, the DC power source DCS and the solar
power source SS. The eighteenth embodiment has similar
configuration and advantages to those in the ninth embodiment.
Nineteenth Embodiment
[0138] As shown in FIG. 27, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the nineteenth embodiment is connected to four voltage
units 4 including two storage batteries BL1 and BL2, a DC power
source DCS and a high voltage battery BH. According to the present
embodiment, the high voltage battery BH can be supplied with power
from at least one of two storage batteries BL1 and BL2, while
charging the high voltage battery BH from the DC power source DCS.
Thus, the high voltage battery BH can be charged in a short period
of time. Instead of the charging from the DC power source DCS to
the high voltage battery BH, charging may be performed from at
least one of the two storage batteries BL1 and BL2 to the high
voltage battery BH. In other words, redundant power source units
can be configured. The nineteenth embodiment has similar
configuration and advantages to those in the ninth embodiment.
Twentieth Embodiment
[0139] As shown in FIG. 28, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the twentieth embodiment is connected to four voltage
units 4 including an AC power source ACS, a load LD, a solar power
source SS and a high voltage battery BH. According to the present
embodiment, the load LD can be charged by the solar power source
SS, while charging the high voltage battery BH from the AC power
source ACS. Thus, the same effects and advantages as those in the
eleventh embodiment can be obtained. The twentieth embodiment has
similar configuration and advantages to those in the ninth
embodiment.
Twenty-First Embodiment
[0140] As shown in FIG. 29, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the twenty-first embodiment is connected to four
voltage units 4 including an AC power source ACS, a load LD, a
storage battery BL and a high voltage battery BH. According to the
present embodiment, the load LD can be supplied with power from the
storage battery BL, while charging the high voltage battery BH from
the AC power source ACS. Thus, the same effects and advantages as
those in the eleventh embodiment can be obtained. The twenty-first
embodiment has similar configuration and advantages to those in the
ninth embodiment.
Twenty-Second Embodiment
[0141] As shown in FIG. 30, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the twenty-second embodiment is connected to four
voltage units 4 including an AC power source ACS, a solar power
source SS, a storage battery BL and a high voltage battery BH.
According to the present embodiment, at least one of the high
voltage battery BH or the storage battery BL can be charged from
the solar power source SS, while charging the high voltage battery
VH from the AC power source ACS. Also, the storage battery BL can
be charged from at least one of the AC power source ACS, the solar
power source SS and the high voltage battery BH. The twenty-second
embodiment has similar configuration and advantages to those in the
ninth embodiment.
Twenty-Third Embodiment
[0142] As shown in FIG. 31, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the twenty-third embodiment is connected to four
voltage units 4 including an AC power source ACS, a load LD, a DC
power source DCS and a high voltage battery BH. According to the
present embodiment, both of the AC power source ACS and the DC
power source DCS are able to charge the high voltage battery BH and
supply power to the load LD. The twenty-third embodiment has
similar configuration and advantages to those in the ninth
embodiment.
Twenty-Fourth Embodiment
[0143] As shown in FIG. 32, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the twenty-fourth embodiment is connected to four
voltage units 4 including an AC power source ACS, a solar power
source SS, a DC power source DCS and a high voltage battery BH.
According to the present embodiment, the high voltage battery BH
can be charged by the AC power source ACS, the DC power source DCS
and the solar power source SS. The twenty-fourth embodiment has
similar configuration and advantages to those in the ninth
embodiment.
Twenty-Fifth Embodiment
[0144] As shown in FIG. 33, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the twenty-fifth embodiment is connected to four
voltage units 4 including an AC power source ACS, a storage battery
BL, a DC power source DCS and a high voltage battery BH. According
to the present embodiment, the storage battery BL can be a storage
battery using a voltage system other than 12V system. According to
the present embodiment, both of the AC power source ACS and the DC
power source DCS are able to charge the high voltage battery BH and
the storage battery BL. Also, the AC power source ACS, the DC power
source DCS and the storage battery BL are able to charge the high
voltage battery BH. The twenty-fifth embodiment has similar
configuration and advantages to those in the ninth embodiment.
Twenty-Sixth Embodiment
[0145] As shown in FIG. 34, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the twenty-sixth embodiment is connected to four
voltage units 4 including an AC power source ACS, a solar power
source SS, a storage battery BL, and a high voltage battery BH.
According to the present embodiment, the high voltage battery BH
can be charged from the solar power source SS, while charging the
high voltage battery BH from the AC power source ACS. Further, at
least one of the AC power source ACS, the solar power source SS and
the high voltage battery BH are able to charge the storage battery
BL. The twenty-sixth embodiment has similar configuration and
advantages to those in the ninth embodiment.
Twenty-Seventh Embodiment
[0146] As shown in FIG. 35, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the twenty-seventh embodiment is connected to four
voltage units 4 including an AC power source ACS, a storage
batteries BL1 and BL2, and a high voltage battery BH. According to
the present embodiment, at least one of two storage batteries BL1
and BL2 are able to supply power to the high voltage battery BH,
while charging the high voltage battery BH from the AC power source
ACS. Thus, the high voltage battery BH can be charged in a short
period of time. Further, instead of the charging from the AC power
source ACS to the high voltage battery BH, a charging may be
performed from at least one of the two storage batteries BL1 and
BL2 to the high voltage battery BH. In other words, redundant power
source units can be configured. Further, in addition to the
charging of the high voltage battery BH from the AC power source
ACS, at least one of the storage batteries BL1 and BL2 can be
charged. The twenty-seventh embodiment has similar configuration
and advantages to those in the ninth embodiment.
Twenty-Eighth Embodiment
[0147] As shown in FIG. 36, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the twenty-eighth embodiment is connected to four
voltage units 4 including an AC power source ACS, a storage battery
BL, a DC power source DCS and a high voltage battery BH. According
to the present embodiment, the storage battery BL can be a storage
battery for 12V system. According to the present embodiment, the
high voltage battery BH and the storage battery BL can be charged
from both of the AC power source ACS and the DC power source DCS.
Further, the high voltage battery BH can be charged from the AC
power source ACS, the DC power source DCS and the storage battery
BL. The twenty-eighth embodiment has similar configuration and
advantages to those in the ninth embodiment.
Twenty-Ninth Embodiment
[0148] As shown in FIG. 37, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the twenty-ninth embodiment is connected to five
voltage units 4. The power conversion unit 1 includes five power
conversion circuits (i.e. switching circuits 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25)
connected to respective five voltage units, and a multiport
transformer 3 connected to the five switching circuits 21, 22, 23,
24 and 25 at mutually different ports. According to the present
embodiment, the multiport transformer 3 has five magnetically
coupled coils.
[0149] According to the present embodiment, as the five voltage
units 4, a DC power source DCS, an AC power source ACS, a load LD,
two storage batteries BL1 and BL2, a high voltage battery BH are
connected to the power conversion apparatus 1.
[0150] According to the power conversion apparatus 1 of the present
embodiment, power can be exchanged between five voltage units 4 via
a single multiport transformer. Hence, power conversion can be
accomplished between a plurality of voltage units 4 via a single
multiport transformer 3 with a number of combinations.
[0151] Specifically, in the case where five voltage units 4 are
present, as a combination of a pair of two units, 10 combinations
are possible. Hence, power conversion between the voltage units 4
can be performed with 10 combinations of units via the single
multiport transformer 3. Therefore, power can be exchanged between
the voltage units 4 having significantly large number of
combinations, while suppressing an increase in the number of
components and expansion of the size thereof.
[0152] In the power conversion apparatus 1 according to the present
embodiment, the high voltage battery BH can be charged from the AC
power source ACS, the DC power source DCS and two storage batteries
BL1 and BL2. As a power for the charging control, for example,
either one storage battery, e.g. storage battery BL1 (e.g. 12V
system) can be used. The twenty-ninth embodiment has similar
configuration and advantages to those in the ninth embodiment.
Thirtieth Embodiment
[0153] As shown in FIG. 38, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the thirtieth embodiment is connected to five voltage
units 4 including a DC power source DCS, a solar power source SS, a
storage battery BL, a load LD and a high voltage battery BH.
According to the present embodiment, the load LD can be charged
from the solar power source SS and the storage battery BL, while
charging the high voltage battery BH from the DC power source DCS.
Thus, in the case where the load LD is a heater for example, the
heater can be heated quickly. Further, the power of the solar power
source SS and the storage battery BL are able to assist the
charging of the high voltage battery BH from the DC power source
DCS. The thirtieth embodiment has similar configuration and
advantages to those in the twenty-ninth embodiment.
Thirty-First Embodiment
[0154] As shown in FIG. 39, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the thirty-first embodiment is connected to five
voltage units 4 including two storage batteries BL1 and BL2, a
solar power source SS, a load LD and a high voltage battery BH.
According to the present embodiment, the solar power source SS is
able to charge the two storage batteries BL1 and BL2, and the high
voltage battery BH. Moreover, the solar power source SS is able to
supply power to the load LD. Furthermore, the storage batteries BL1
and BL2 are able to supply power to the load LD.
Thirty-Second Embodiment
[0155] As shown in FIG. 40, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the thirty-second embodiment is connected to five
voltage units 4 including a storage battery BL, a solar power
source SS, a DC power source DCS, a load LD and a high voltage
battery BH. According to the present embodiment, the load LD can be
supplied with power from the solar power source SS, while charging
the high voltage battery BH from the DC power source DCS. Thus, in
the case where the load LD is a heater, the heating time of the
heater can be shortened. Further, the storage battery BL can be
charged from the DC power source DCS and the solar power source SS.
The thirty-second embodiment has similar configuration and
advantages to those in the twenty-ninth embodiment.
Thirty-Third Embodiment
[0156] As shown in FIG. 41, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the thirty-third embodiment is connected to five
voltage units 4 including two storage batteries BL1 and BL2, a DC
power source DCS, a load LD, and a high voltage battery BH.
According to the present embodiment, the load LD can be supplied
with power from the storage batteries BL1 and BL2, while charging
the high voltage battery BH from the DC power source DCS. Further,
the load LD can be supplied with power from the DC power source
DCS. The thirty-third embodiment has similar configuration and
advantages to those in the twenty-ninth embodiment.
Thirty-Fourth Embodiment
[0157] As shown in FIG. 42, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the thirty-fourth embodiment is connected to five
voltage units 4 including two storage batteries BL1 and BL2, a DC
power source DCS, a solar power source SS, and a high voltage
battery BH. According to the present embodiment, the high voltage
battery BH can be charged from the solar power source SS, while
charging the high voltage battery BH from the DC power source DCS.
At this moment, further, the storage batteries BL1 and BL2 are able
to charge the high voltage battery BH. Instead of the charging from
the DC power source DCS and the solar power source SS, a charging
may be performed from at least one of the two storage batteries BL1
and BL2 to the high voltage battery BH. In other words, redundant
power source units can be configured. The thirty-fourth embodiment
has similar configuration and advantages to those in the
twenty-ninth embodiment.
Thirty-Fifth Embodiment
[0158] As shown in FIG. 43, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the thirty-fifth embodiment is connected to five
voltage units 4 including a load LD, a storage battery BL, an AC
power source ACS, a solar power source SS and a high voltage
battery BH. According to the present embodiment, the load LD can be
supplied with power from the solar power source SS, while charging
the high voltage battery BH from the AC power source ACS. Thus, in
the case where the load LD is a heater, the heating time of the
heater can be shortened. Further, the storage battery BL can be
charged from the AC power source ACS and the solar power source SS.
Also, the high voltage battery BH can be charged by the power of
the storage battery BL. The thirty-fifth embodiment has similar
configuration and advantages to those in the twenty-ninth
embodiment.
Thirty-Sixth Embodiment
[0159] As shown in FIG. 44, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the thirty-sixth embodiment is connected to five
voltage units 4 including a load LD, a DC power source DCS, an AC
power source ACS, a solar power source SS and a high voltage
battery BH. According to the present embodiment, the high voltage
battery BH can be charged from the DC power source DCS and the
solar power source SS, while charging the high voltage battery BH
from the AC power source ACS. Alternatively, the load LD can be
supplied with power from the solar power source SS, while charging
the high voltage battery BH from the AC power source ACS or the
like. The thirty-sixth embodiment has similar configuration and
advantages to those in the twenty-ninth embodiment.
Thirty-Seventh Embodiment
[0160] As shown in FIG. 45, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the thirty-seventh embodiment is connected to five
voltage units 4 including a load LD, a DC power source DCS, an AC
power source ACS, a storage battery BL and a high voltage battery
BH. According to the present embodiment, the storage battery BL can
be a storage battery using a voltage system other than 12V system.
Also, according to the present embodiment, the AC power source ACS
and the DC power source DCS are able to charge the high voltage
battery BH. In this case, the load LD can be supplied with power
from the storage battery BL. Further, the power from at least one
of the AC power source ACS and the DC power source DCS can be
supplied to the load LD. The thirty-seventh embodiment has similar
configuration and advantages to those in the ninth embodiment.
Thirty-Eighth Embodiment
[0161] As shown in FIG. 46, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the thirty-eighth embodiment is connected to five
voltage units 4 including a load LD, a DC power source DCS, an AC
power source ACS, a storage battery BL and a high voltage battery
BH. According to the present embodiment, the high voltage battery
BH can be charged from the AC power source ACS, the DC power source
DCS and the solar power source SS. Further, at least one of the AC
power source ACS, the DC power source DCS and the solar power
source SS is able to charge the storage battery BL. The
thirty-eighth embodiment has similar configuration and advantages
to those in the ninth embodiment.
Thirty-Ninth Embodiment
[0162] As shown in FIG. 47, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the thirty-ninth embodiment is connected to five
voltage units 4 including a solar power source SS, a storage
battery BL, an AC power source ACS, a load LD, and a high voltage
battery BH. According to the present embodiment, the high voltage
battery BH can be charged from the solar power source SS, while
charging the high voltage battery BH from the AC power source ACS.
Also, at least one of the AC power source ACS and the solar power
source SS is able to supply power to the load LD. Further, at least
one of the AC power source ACS and the solar power source SS is
able to charge the storage battery BL. The thirty-ninth embodiment
has similar configuration and advantages to those in the
twenty-ninth embodiment.
Fortieth Embodiment
[0163] As shown in FIG. 48, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the fortieth embodiment is connected to five voltage
units 4 including two storage batteries BL1 and BL2, an AC power
source ACS, a load LD, and a high voltage battery BH. According to
the present embodiment, the load LD can be supplied with power from
the storage batteries BL1 and BL2, while charging the high voltage
battery BH from the AC power source ACS. Further, the power from
the storage battery BL1 can be used as a control power for
controlling the load LD. The thirty-seventh embodiment has similar
configuration and advantages to those in the ninth embodiment.
Forty-First Embodiment
[0164] As shown in FIG. 49, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the forty-first embodiment is connected to five
voltage units 4 including two storage batteries BL1 and BL2, an AC
power source ACS, a solar power source SS and a high voltage
battery BH.
[0165] According to the present embodiment, the high voltage
battery BH can be charged also from the solar power source SS,
while charging the high voltage battery BH from the AC power source
ACS. Also, at least one of the AC power source ACS and the solar
power source SS is able to charge the storage batteries BL1 and
BL2. Further, any one of the AC power source ACS, the solar power
source SS, two storage batteries BL1 and BL2 may charge the high
voltage battery BH. In other words, redundant power source units
can be configured. The forty-first embodiment has similar
configuration and advantages to those in the twenty-ninth
embodiment.
Forty-Second Embodiment
[0166] As shown in FIG. 50, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the forty-second embodiment is connected to five
voltage units 4 including a DC power source DCS, a storage battery
BL, an AC power source ACS, a load LD and a high voltage battery
BH. According to the present embodiment, the storage battery BL can
be a storage battery for 12V system.
[0167] According to the present embodiment, the AC power source ACS
and the DC power source DCS are able to charge the high voltage
battery BH. In this case, the load LD can be supplied with power
from at least one of the AC power source ACS and the DC power
source DCS. Also, the power of the storage battery BL can be used
as an output for controlling the operation of the load LD. The
forty-second embodiment has similar configuration and advantages to
those in the twenty-ninth embodiment.
Forty-Third Embodiment
[0168] As shown in FIG. 51, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the forty-third embodiment is connected to five
voltage units 4 including a DC power source DCS, a storage battery
BL, an AC power source ACS, a solar power source SS and a high
voltage battery BH.
[0169] According to the present embodiment, the high voltage
battery BH can be charged from the AC power source ACS, the DC
power source DCS and the solar power source SS. In other words, at
least one of three power sources are able to charge the high
voltage battery BH. Also, at least one of three power sources are
able to charge the storage battery BL. The power of the storage
battery BL can be used as power for a charging control of the high
voltage battery BH from the AC power source ACS. The forty-third
embodiment has similar configuration and advantages to those in the
twenty-ninth embodiment.
Forty-Fourth Embodiment
[0170] As shown in FIG. 52, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the forty-fourth embodiment is connected to six
voltage units 4. The power conversion apparatus 1 includes six
power conversion circuits (i.e. switching circuits 21,22,23,24,25
and 26) which are connected to respective six voltage units 4, and
a multiport transformer 3 connected to the six switching circuits
21, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26 at mutually different ports thereof.
According to the present embodiment, the multiport transformer 3
includes mutually and magnetically coupled six coils.
[0171] According to the present embodiment, as the six voltage
units 4, two storage batteries BL1 and BL2, a load LD, an AC power
source ACS, a DC power source DCS and a high voltage battery BH are
connected to the power conversion apparatus 1.
[0172] In the power conversion apparatus 1 according to the present
embodiment, a power conversion can be performed between six power
conversion units 4 from each other via a single multiport
transformer 3. Hence, power conversion can be accomplished between
a plurality of voltage units 4 via the single multiport transformer
3 with a number of combinations.
[0173] Specifically, in the case where six voltage units 4 are
present, as a combination of a pair of two units, 15 combinations
are possible. Hence, power conversion between the voltage units 4
can be performed with 15 combinations of units via the single
multiport transformer 3. Therefore, power can be exchanged between
the voltage units 4 having significantly large number of
combinations, while suppressing an increase in the number of
components and expansion of the size thereof.
[0174] According to the present embodiment, the high voltage
battery BH can be charged by the AC power source ACS, the DC power
source DCS and the two storage batteries BL1 and BL2. Also, the
load LD can be charged from the AC power source ACS, the DC power
source DCS, and two storage batteries BL1 and BL2. Also, as the
power for controlling the charging, or the power for controlling
the operation of the load LD, one storage battery, for example, the
storage battery BL1 (e.g. 12V system) can be used. The forty-fourth
embodiment has similar configuration and advantages to those in the
twenty-ninth embodiment.
Forty-Fifth Embodiment
[0175] As shown in FIG. 53, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the forty-fifth embodiment is connected to six voltage
units 4 including a DC power source DCS, two storage batteries BL1
and BL2, a solar power source SS, a load LD and a high voltage
battery BH.
[0176] According to the present embodiment, the high voltage
battery BH can be charged from at least one of the solar power
source SS, the storage batteries BL1 and BL2, while charging the
high voltage battery BH from the DC power source DCS. Also, the
load LD can be supplied with power from the DC power source DCS,
the solar power source SS, the storage batteries BL1 and BL2.
Further, as the power for the charging control or the power for
controlling the operation of the load LD, power of one of storage
batteries, for example, the storage battery BL1 can be used. The
forty-fifth embodiment has similar configuration and advantages to
those in the forty-fourth embodiment.
Forty-Sixth Embodiment
[0177] As shown in FIG. 54, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the forty-sixth embodiment is connected to six voltage
units 4 including a DC power source DCS, a load LD, a solar power
source SS, a storage battery BL, an AC power source ACS and a high
voltage battery BH.
[0178] According to the present embodiment, the high voltage
battery BH can be charged from the DC power source DCS, the AC
power source ACS, and the solar power source SS. Further, the
storage battery BL can also charge the high voltage battery BH.
Furthermore, the load LD can be supplied with power from the DC
power source DCS, the AC power source ACS, the solar power source
SS and the storage battery BL. The forty-sixth embodiment has
similar configuration and advantages to those in the forty-fourth
embodiment.
Forty-Seventh Embodiment
[0179] As shown in FIG. 55, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the forty-seventh embodiment is connected to six
voltage units 4 including two storage batteries BL1 and BL2, a load
LD, a solar power source SS, an AC power source ACS and a high
voltage battery BH.
[0180] According to the present embodiment, the high voltage
battery BH can be charged from the AC power source ACS and the
solar power source SS. Further, the storage batteries BL1 and BL2
are able to charge the high voltage battery BH. Also, the load LD
can be supplied with power from the AC power source ACS and the
solar power source SS, and the storage batteries BL1 and BL2. The
forty-seventh embodiment has similar configuration and advantages
to those in the forty-fourth embodiment.
Forty-Eighth Embodiment
[0181] As shown in FIG. 56, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the forty-eighth embodiment is connected to six
voltage units 4 including a storage battery BL, a load LD, a solar
power source SS, an AC power source ACS, a DC power source DCS and
a high voltage battery BH.
[0182] According to the present embodiment, the high voltage
battery BH can be charged from the DC power source DCS, the AC
power source ACS and the solar power source SS. Further, the DC
power source DCS, the AC power source ACS, the solar power source
SS and the storage battery BL are also able to supply power to the
load LD. Further, as the power for the charging control or the
power for controlling the operation of the load LD, power of the
storage battery BL (e.g. 12V system) can be used. The forty-eighth
embodiment has similar configuration and advantages to those in the
forty-fourth embodiment.
Forty-Ninth Embodiment
[0183] As shown in FIG. 57, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the forty-ninth embodiment is connected to six voltage
units 4 including two storage batteries BL1 and BL2, a solar power
source SS, an AC power source ACS, a DC power source DCS and a high
voltage battery BH.
[0184] According to the present embodiment, the high voltage
battery BH can be charged from the DC power source DCS, the AC
power source ACS and the solar power source SS. Also, the power of
controlling the charging, power of one of storage batteries BL1 and
BL2, for example, power of the storage battery BL1 (e.g. 12V
system) can be used. Further, the storage batteries BL1 and BL2 can
be charged from the DC power source DCS, the AC power source ACS,
and the solar power source SS. The forty-ninth embodiment has
similar configuration and advantages to those in the forty-fourth
embodiment.
Fiftieth Embodiment
[0185] As shown in FIG. 58, a power conversion apparatus 1
according to the fiftieth embodiment is connected to seven voltage
units 4. The power conversion apparatus 1 includes seven power
conversion circuits (i.e. switching circuits 21,22,23,24,25, 26 and
27) which are connected to respective seven voltage units 4, and a
multiport transformer 3 connected to the seven switching circuits
21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27 at mutually different ports thereof.
According to the present embodiment, the multiport transformer 3
includes mutually and magnetically coupled seven coils.
[0186] According to the present embodiment, as the seven voltage
units 4, two storage batteries BL1 and BL2, a solar power source
SS, an AC power source ACS, a DC power source DCS, a load LD and a
high voltage battery BH are connected to the power conversion
apparatus 1.
[0187] In the power conversion apparatus 1 according to the present
embodiment, a power conversion can be performed between seven power
conversion units 4 from each other via a single multiport
transformer 3. Hence, power conversion can be accomplished between
a plurality of voltage units 4 via the single multiport transformer
3 with a number of combinations.
[0188] Specifically, in the case where seven voltage units 4 are
present, as a combination of a pair of two units, 21 combinations
are possible. Hence, power conversion between the voltage units 4
can be performed with 21 combinations of units via the single
multiport transformer 3. Therefore, power can be exchanged between
the voltage units 4 having a significantly large number of
combinations, while suppressing an increase in the number of
components and expansion of the size thereof.
[0189] According to the power conversion apparatus 1 of the present
embodiment, the high voltage battery BH can be charged from the AC
power source ACS, the DC power source DCS, the solar power source
SS and two storage batteries BL1 and BL2. Also, the load LD can be
supplied with power from the AC power source ACS, the DC power
source DCS, the solar power source SS, and two storage batteries
BL1 and BL2. Further, as the power for the charging control or the
power for controlling the operation of the load LD, power of one
storage battery BL1, for example (e.g. 12V system) can be used. The
fiftieth embodiment has similar configuration and advantages to
those in the forty-fourth embodiment.
Fifty-First Embodiment
[0190] As shown in FIG. 59, a power conversion apparatus 10
according to the fifty-first embodiment includes a plurality of
power conversion units 1a and 1b, and a connection wiring 5. The
power conversion units 1a and 1b each includes a multiport
transformer 3a and 3b and three or more power conversion circuits
21a, 22a, 23a, 21b, 22b, and 23b. The three more power conversion
units 21a, 22a, 23a, 21b, 22b, and 23b are each connected to three
or more ports in the multiport transformer 3a and 3b. The
connection wiring 5 electrically connects at least one pair of
power conversion circuits 21a, 22a, 23a, 21b, 22b, and 23b in the
respective power conversion units 1a and 1b to be in parallel.
[0191] According to the power conversion apparatus 10 shown in FIG.
59, the connection wiring 5 electrically connects a single power
conversion circuit 22a in one power conversion unit 1a and a single
power conversion circuit 22b in the other power conversion unit 1b
to be in parallel.
[0192] Further, in the power conversion unit 10 according to the
present embodiment, the connection wiring 5 is disposed at
terminals to be opposite to the multiport transformers 3a and 3b in
the respective power conversion circuits 21a and 22b. For example,
the respective power conversion units 1a and 1b can be configured
as same as that of the power conversion apparatus 1 of the first
embodiment.
[0193] As shown in FIG. 60, for example, as the power conversion
units 4, a high voltage battery BH, a storage battery BL, a load LD
and a solar power source SS may be connected to respective power
conversion circuits 21a, 22a, 23a, 21b, 22b and 23b in the power
conversion unit 1a and 1b. Specifically, the power conversion
circuits 21a and 21b of the two power conversion units 1a and 1b
are connected in parallel to the high voltage battery BH. The power
conversion circuit 22a of the power conversion unit 1a is connected
to the storage battery BL, and the power conversion circuit 23a is
connected the load LD. Moreover, the power conversion circuit 23b
of the power conversion unit 1b is connected to the solar power
source SS. Since the power conversion circuit 22b of the power
conversion unit 1b is connected to the power conversion circuits
22a of the power conversion unit 1a via the connection wiring 5,
these power conversion circuits 22a and 22b are also connected to
the storage battery BL. In other words, two power conversion
circuits 22a and 22b are parallel-connected to the storage battery
BL.
[0194] The power conversion apparatus 10 according to the present
embodiment includes a plurality of power conversion units 1a and
1b, and the connection wiring 5. The connection wiring 5
electrically connects the power conversion circuits 22a and 22b in
the respective power conversion units 1a and 1b to be in parallel.
Hence, power can be exchanged between the power conversion circuits
22a and 22b in the plurality of power conversion units 1a and 1b.
As a result, even in the case where fault has occurred in a part of
power conversion circuits (e.g. power conversion circuit 21a) of a
part of the power conversion unit (e.g. power conversion unit 1a),
other power conversion circuit (e.g. power conversion circuit 21b)
is able to substitute the function of the fault circuit. As a
result, level of redundancy of the power conversion apparatus 10
can be higher.
[0195] In more detail, for example, as shown in FIG. 60, in the
power conversion apparatus 10 including a plurality of voltage
units 4, when a fault has occurred in the power conversion circuit
21a of the power conversion unit 1a, power cannot be supplied to
the storage battery BL from the high voltage battery BH via the
multiport transformer 3a. However, even in this case, power can be
supplied to the storage battery BL through the power conversion
circuits 21b and 22b of the multiport transformer 3b in the power
conversion unit 1b. Thus, power of the ECU (i.e. electronic control
unit) required for travelling the vehicle can be secured, thereby
continuing the travelling.
[0196] In the above-described case, the high voltage battery is
unable to supply power to the load LD via the power conversion
circuit 21a of the power conversion unit 1a. However, it is
possible to supply power to the load LD via the power conversion
unit 1b, the connection wiring 5, and the power conversion circuits
22a and 23a of the power conversion unit 1a. Thus, level of
redundancy of the power conversion apparatus 10 can be higher.
Comparative Example 1
[0197] As shown in FIG. 61, a comparative example is illustrated in
which two regular transformers having two ports are provided. In
this power conversion apparatus 9, power conversion circuits 921a
and 922a are connected to two ports of one transformer 93a, and
power conversion circuits 921b and 922b are connected to two ports
of the other transformer 93b. A high voltage battery BH is
connected to the power conversion circuits 921a and 921b, a storage
battery BL is connected to a power conversion circuit 922a, and a
load LD is connected to a power conversion circuit 922b. According
to the comparative example, when a fault occurs in the power
conversion circuit 921a, the high voltage battery BH is unable to
supply power to the storage battery BL.
[0198] In contrast, as described above, according to the power
conversion apparatus 10 of the fifty-first embodiment, even if a
fault occurs in the power conversion circuit 21a, the high voltage
battery BH is able to continue to supply power to the storage
battery BL (See FIG. 60). Therefore, compared to a comparative
example 1, according to the power conversion apparatus 10 of the
fifty-first embodiment, the level of redundancy can be higher.
Eighth Reference
[0199] As shown in FIG. 62, as a reference embodiment, a case will
be described in which a multiport transformers 3a and 3b are
arranged to be in parallel, and no connection wiring 5 is disposed
in a power conversion apparatus 90. Also, according to a power
conversion apparatus 90 of the eighth reference, if a fault occurs
in the power conversion circuit 21a, power cannot be supplied to
the storage battery BL from the high voltage battery BH. Therefore,
even with the power conversion apparatus 90 of the eighth
reference, the redundancy level can be higher.
[0200] Further, as shown in FIG. 60, according to the power
conversion apparatus 10 of the fifty-first embodiment, the storage
battery BL is connected to the connection wiring 5. In other words,
the power conversion circuits 22a and 22b connected in parallel by
the connection wiring 5, is connected to the storage battery BL.
Thus, even if a fault occurs in the power conversion circuit 21a or
the like, causing a momentary power failure, power can be supplied
to the load LD, the solar power source SS and the high voltage
battery BH. Therefore, the level of redundancy of the power
conversion apparatus 10 can be further enhanced.
[0201] In the power conversion apparatus 10 according to the
fifty-first embodiment, power can be mutually exchanged between the
power conversion circuits 22a and 22b which are mutually connected
by the connection wiring 5. Accordingly, the temperature of power
conversion elements in the power conversion circuits 22a and 22b
can be appropriately increased so that the cooling water can be
warmed in the case where the temperature of the cooling water of
the power conversion circuit is like to be excessively lowered, for
example, when starting in a cold region.
[0202] Although the illustration is omitted, the respective power
conversion units 1a and 1b may have a multiport transformer having
four or more ports, and four or more power conversion circuits. In
this case, the respective power conversion units 1a and 1b may be
the same as the power conversion apparatus 1 in the ninth
embodiment.
[0203] Also, the connection wiring 5 may have an uncoupling
mechanism. Specifically, a relay, or a semiconductor switch as the
uncoupling mechanism capable of electrically switching between
connection and cutoff, may be provided in a part of the connection
wiring 5. Thus, power can be exchanged between the power conversion
units 1a and 1b by ON/OFF switching of the uncoupling
mechanism.
Fifty-Second Embodiment
[0204] As shown in FIG. 63, according to the present embodiment,
the connection wiring 5 is connected to the multiport transformers
3a and 3b side. Other configurations are the same as those in the
fifty-first embodiment.
[0205] In this case, for example, assuming that a fault occurs in
either one of the power conversion circuit 21a or the power
conversion circuit 21b, the other power conversion circuit where no
fault has occurred, serves the function of the failure power
conversion circuit. For example, in the case where the voltage
units 4 are provided as shown in FIG. 64, the following operation
can be made. For example, in the case where a fault occurs in the
power conversion circuit 21a, power can be supplied to the storage
battery BL via the power conversion circuit 21b, the multiport
transformer 3b and the power conversion circuit 22a.
[0206] Further, the power conversion circuit 23a can be supplied
with power from the power conversion circuits 21b and 22b via the
connection wiring 5 and the multiport transformer 3a so as to
operate the load LD1. Furthermore, even when the power supplied to
the storage battery BL from the high voltage battery BH is cutoff,
the storage battery BL can be supplied with power from the solar
power source SS via the power conversion circuit 23b, the multiport
transformer 3b, the connection wiring 5 and the power conversion
circuit 22a. The fifty-second embodiment has similar configuration
and advantages to those in the fifty-first embodiment.
Ninth Reference
[0207] As shown in FIG. 65, according to the present reference, two
power conversion circuits 21a and 23a, 21b and 23b are connected to
respective multiport transformers 3a and 3b each including three
ports. In the multiport transformers 3a and 3b, ports having no
power conversion circuits are connected by a coupling wiring 51. In
other words, one wiring in one multiport transformer is
electrically connected to one wiring of the other multiport
transformer.
[0208] According to the present embodiment, power can be exchanged
between a plurality of power conversion units 9a and 9b via the
coupling wiring 51 with the ports having no power conversion
circuits.
[0209] These embodiments may be modified in various manners other
than the above-described embodiments. Also, in the above-described
embodiments and references, only a part of effects and advantages
which are obtained from respective embodiments are described.
However, the effects and advantages obtained from the respective
embodiments and references are not limited thereto, and further
effects and advantages can be obtained. The respective embodiments
and references may produce various effects and advantages which can
be obtained from the specification and drawings of the present
disclosure.
[0210] According to the above-described embodiments and references,
the switching circuit (i.e. power conversion circuits) is directly
connected to the voltage unit. However, the switching circuit and
the voltage unit may include a PFC circuit (i.e. power factor
improvement circuit) interposed therebetween. Also, a relay circuit
may be provided on the positive/negative wirings between the
switching circuit (i.e. power conversion circuit) and the load or
the storage battery. As the relay circuit, for example, a
mechanical relay, a semiconductor relay may be used. Alternatively,
instead of using the relay circuit, a power cutoff mechanism having
the same function as the relay circuit may be provided.
[0211] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described
embodiments, but may be applied to various embodiments without
departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
* * * * *