Soft-switching three-phase AC/DC converter for EV charging
This technology is a smarter control method for power converters that move electricity between AC power systems (like the grid) and DC systems (like batteries or EV chargers). It works by strategically 'pausing' one of three electrical phases while intelligently varying how the other two operate — switching between two efficiency modes called critical conduction and discontinuous conduction — within each cycle. This approach reduces switching losses and electromagnetic interference compared to conventional hard-switching methods. The result is a more efficient, quieter, and thermally manageable bidirectional converter that can both draw from and push power back into the grid.
What you could build
A high-efficiency bidirectional onboard or off-board EV charger, or a grid-tied battery storage inverter, that achieves lower losses and reduced filtering requirements; power electronics OEMs, EV charging infrastructure companies, and industrial UPS manufacturers would be the buyers.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia-based defense contractors, naval facilities, and data center operators requiring efficient bidirectional power conversion and UPS systems would have direct interest.
Readiness: Prototype likely
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Zhengrong Huang, Zhengyang Liu, Fred C. Lee, Qiang Li, Furong Xiao
- Granted
- May 14, 2019
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 10291109
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.