Abstract

A grid-connected converter device for interfacing a grid network and coupling the grid network to a direct current (DC) source or DC Bus/Network is provided. According to this embodiment, the device includes a neutral-point-clamped inverter circuit having a voltage vdc across the DC source or DC Bus/Network, the neutral-point-clamped inverter circuit including one or more switch legs, each switch leg comprising a corresponding pair of switches having an electrical midpoint between the switches of the pair of switches. Said device further including an inductor network coupled to the neutral-point-clamped inverter circuit, the inductor network comprising a set of parallel inductor legs, each parallel inductor leg coupled to a corresponding electrical midpoint of a corresponding switch leg and also coupled to an output electrical node coupled to the grid network. In a variation, the inductor network can include cross coupled inductors, limbed inductors, or filter inductors.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02M 7/487 - Neutral point clamped inverters

Abstract

A system and method for integrated charging of an electric vehicle, the system and method being capable of transferring power wirelessly and through direct charging is proposed. The system contains a wireless transmitter containing a coil for producing a magnetic field when coupled to a first power source, and a transformer electrically coupled to a second power source. The wireless transmitter is capable of inducing a current in a shared receiver, the shared receiver having a split-phase coil containing a first node for receiving current form the transformer, and at least two output nodes. The two output nodes are electrically coupled to a shared resonant network, a shared rectifier and an energy storage device in series.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60L 53/10 - Methods of charging batteries, specially adapted for electric vehiclesCharging stations or on-board charging equipment thereforExchange of energy storage elements in electric vehicles characterised by the energy transfer between the charging station and the vehicle
• B60L 53/12 - Inductive energy transfer
• B60L 53/14 - Conductive energy transfer
• B60L 53/30 - Constructional details of charging stations
• H02J 7/02 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from AC mains by converters
• H02J 50/10 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling

Abstract

A new integration method of an onboard charger (OBC) and wireless charger (WC) is proposed. This method integrates the OBC into the wireless charging system (OIW). This method is expected to be suitable for applications where the default charging method is using WC. This method may be suited for high-power applications where multi-phase wireless charging is employed. The principles of the proposed system operation and design considerations are discussed and supported by simulation results.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60L 53/10 - Methods of charging batteries, specially adapted for electric vehiclesCharging stations or on-board charging equipment thereforExchange of energy storage elements in electric vehicles characterised by the energy transfer between the charging station and the vehicle
• B60L 53/12 - Inductive energy transfer
• B60L 53/14 - Conductive energy transfer
• B60L 53/122 - Circuits or methods for driving the primary coil, i.e. supplying electric power to the coil
• H01F 38/00 - Adaptations of transformers or inductances for specific applications or functions
• H02J 7/02 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from AC mains by converters
• H02J 50/10 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling

Abstract

A misalignment tolerant foreign object detection approach is proposed for use with wireless charger systems where sensor coils or portions thereof are mirrored about one or more axes of radial symmetry. A first variant is proposed adapted for x-axis misalignment tolerance, and a second variant is proposed for simultaneous x and y axis misalignment tolerance. Further variants are proposed with additional rotational misalignment tolerance. Detection of the foreign object despite misalignment in receiver and transmitter coils is an important safety and efficiency consideration.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02J 50/60 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power responsive to the presence of foreign objects, e.g. detection of living beings
• B60L 53/124 - Detection or removal of foreign bodies
• G01D 5/20 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying inductance, e.g. by a movable armature
• H02J 50/10 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling
• H02J 50/90 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power involving detection or optimisation of position, e.g. alignment

Abstract

When balancing cells in battery packs, the voltage induced by the balancing current across the parasitic wire resistance distorts the measured cell voltage, leading to inaccurate cell state estimation. A method and battery management system to extract a parasitic resistance of battery connection wires connecting a cell of a battery to a cell balancing circuit is disclosed. The parasitic wire resistances for a battery pack are extracted through the coordinated operation of a pack-level current source and cell-level balancing circuit. A voltage drop is imposed and measured across the parasitic resistances while maintaining zero current in the immediate battery cell. Maintaining zero current in the immediate battery cell avoids possible extraction error resulting from voltage drop across the battery cell impedance due to battery cell current flow.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01R 31/392 - Determining battery ageing or deterioration, e.g. state of health
• G01R 31/367 - Software therefor, e.g. for battery testing using modelling or look-up tables
• G01R 31/396 - Acquisition or processing of data for testing or for monitoring individual cells or groups of cells within a battery
• H01M 10/42 - Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
• H01M 10/44 - Methods for charging or discharging
• H01M 50/502 - Interconnectors for connecting terminals of adjacent batteriesInterconnectors for connecting cells outside a battery casing
• H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries

Abstract

This application is directed to approaches for addressing technical problems that arise due to common-mode (CM) leakage currents. CM leakage currents may or may not be present depending on grid architecture, and if not addressed, can lead to operational issues relating to electrical safety mechanisms (e.g., nuisance tripping). A circuit topology approach and corresponding methods and circuit operation control instruction programming are proposed where an additional predominantly inductive branch is included as a parallel impedance branch to provide an equivalent parallel CM impedance at the grid frequency.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02J 3/00 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
• B60L 53/24 - Using the vehicle's propulsion converter for charging

Abstract

The proposed system can be utilized in the field of electric and hybrid vehicles, and in particular, provide an improved traction-to-auxiliary converter topology, circuit, and control approach that can be utilized for inverter-based vehicles (e.g., cars, ships, airplanes) that controls charging of different batteries such that an auxiliary vehicle battery (e.g., for headlamps, air conditioning, electrical subsystems) can be charged. A proposed approach is utilized for introducing a controlled phase shift/delay between operation of the inverter(s) for charging the auxiliary vehicle battery.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02J 7/34 - Parallel operation in networks using both storage and other DC sources, e.g. providing buffering
• B60L 50/60 - Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using power supplied by batteries
• B60L 53/22 - Constructional details or arrangements of charging converters specially adapted for charging electric vehicles
• B60R 16/033 - Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided forArrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric for supply of electrical power to vehicle subsystems characterised by the use of electrical cells or batteries
• H02M 1/00 - Details of apparatus for conversion
• H02M 3/335 - Conversion of DC power input into DC power output with intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode to produce the intermediate AC using devices of a triode or a transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only

Abstract

An integrated charging topology is introduced for drivetrain solutions operating split-phase machines with variations are proposed both for single phase and multi phase variants. An active power decoupling variant is introduced using a single-input space vector decomposition and the usage of a power ripple phasor. This variant approach enables closed-loop control of the harmonic output power ripple (e.g., second harmonic), compensating for unmeasured effects, such as the interfacing inductance periodic energy storage, and allowing for a near-total reduction in the experimental setting. In operation, the control approach can include controlling the average power transfer between the grid and the battery and/or attenuating a second harmonic power ripple.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02J 7/14 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from dynamo-electric generators driven at varying speed, e.g. on vehicle
• B60L 53/24 - Using the vehicle's propulsion converter for charging

Abstract

A family of integrated onboard and wireless chargers are proposed in a number of embodiments. The chargers are adapted to utilize the same rectifier for both on board charging and wireless charging, providing significant cost, weight, and volume savings, which are important considerations for improving the adoption of electric technology where energy storage devices need to be charged. Variations are also proposed with respect to other shared resonant components and connection variants.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02J 7/02 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from AC mains by converters
• B60L 53/12 - Inductive energy transfer
• H02J 50/10 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling
• H02J 50/12 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling of the resonant type
• H02M 1/42 - Circuits or arrangements for compensating for or adjusting power factor in converters or inverters

Abstract

A DC charging circuit includes a first inverter module corresponding to a first battery; a second inverter module corresponding to second battery; and DC terminals tapping off a high-side of the first inverter module and a low-side of the second inverter module. A front-end switching circuit is also described. The front-end switching circuit controls charging input from a DC source to at least one inverter circuit, each inverter circuit corresponding to at least one respective battery. The front-end switching circuit is an add-on for interfacing to high voltage DC inputs.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60L 53/10 - Methods of charging batteries, specially adapted for electric vehiclesCharging stations or on-board charging equipment thereforExchange of energy storage elements in electric vehicles characterised by the energy transfer between the charging station and the vehicle
• H02J 7/14 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from dynamo-electric generators driven at varying speed, e.g. on vehicle
• H02J 7/34 - Parallel operation in networks using both storage and other DC sources, e.g. providing buffering
• H02M 3/44 - Conversion of DC power input into DC power output with intermediate conversion into AC by combination of static with dynamic convertersConversion of DC power input into DC power output with intermediate conversion into AC by combination of dynamo-electric with other dynamic or static converters

Abstract

A misalignment tolerant foreign object detection approach is proposed for use with wireless charger systems where sensor coils or portions thereof are mirrored about one or more axes of radial symmetry. A first variant is proposed adapted for x-axis misalignment tolerance, and a second variant is proposed for simultaneous x and y axis misalignment tolerance. Further variants are proposed with additional rotational misalignment tolerance. Detection of the foreign object despite misalignment in receiver and transmitter coils is an important safety and efficiency consideration.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02J 50/60 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power responsive to the presence of foreign objects, e.g. detection of living beings
• H02J 7/02 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from AC mains by converters
• H02J 50/90 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power involving detection or optimisation of position, e.g. alignment

Abstract

dcdc across the DC source or DC Bus / Network, the neutral-point-clamped inverter circuit including one or more switch legs, each switch leg comprising a corresponding pair of switches having an electrical midpoint between the switches of the pair of switches. Said device further including an inductor network coupled to the neutral-point-clamped inverter circuit, the inductor network comprising a set of parallel inductor legs, each parallel inductor leg coupled to a corresponding electrical midpoint of a corresponding switch leg and also coupled to an output electrical node coupled to the grid network. In a variation, the inductor network can include cross coupled inductors, limbed inductors, or filter inductors.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02J 3/38 - Arrangements for parallelly feeding a single network by two or more generators, converters or transformers
• B60L 55/00 - Arrangements for supplying energy stored within a vehicle to a power network, i.e. vehicle-to-grid [V2G] arrangements
• H02M 7/487 - Neutral point clamped inverters

Abstract

There is described a wireless power transfer system utilizing a new excitation-quadrature-quadrature transmitter pad which includes one excitation coil and at least two decoupled quadrature auxiliary coils. A described resonant tank design method is proposed for constant-current charging and zero phase angle conditions. When there is a lateral misalignment in the receiver pad, the auxiliary coil that is better coupled with the receiver pad conducts more current than the more distant auxiliary coil does, reducing the leakage magnetic field in the surrounding area and/or improving transmission efficiency.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02J 50/90 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power involving detection or optimisation of position, e.g. alignment
• B60L 53/122 - Circuits or methods for driving the primary coil, i.e. supplying electric power to the coil
• B60L 53/39 - Means for automatic or assisted adjustment of the relative position of charging devices and vehicles specially adapted for charging by inductive energy transfer with position-responsive activation of primary coils
• H02J 50/12 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling of the resonant type
• H02J 50/40 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using two or more transmitting or receiving devices

Abstract

When balancing cells in battery packs, the voltage induced by the balancing current across the parasitic wire resistance distorts the measured cell voltage, leading to inaccurate cell state estimation. A method and battery management system to extract a parasitic resistance of battery connection wires connecting a cell of a battery to a cell balancing circuit is disclosed. The parasitic wire resistances for a battery pack are extracted through the coordinated operation of a pack-level current source and cell-level balancing circuit. A voltage drop is imposed and measured across the parasitic resistances while maintaining zero current in the immediate battery cell. Maintaining zero current in the immediate battery cell avoids possible extraction error resulting from voltage drop across the battery cell impedance due to battery cell current flow.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01R 27/16 - Measuring impedance of element or network through which a current is passing from another source, e.g. cable, power line
• H01M 10/42 - Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
• H01M 10/48 - Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte
• H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
• G01R 31/66 - Testing of connections, e.g. of plugs or non-disconnectable joints

Abstract

An approach for controlling operation of an electrically symmetrical electric power circuit is described herein to reduce common mode leakage currents. The approach can include, for example, a controller circuit configured to control a plurality of switches of the electrically symmetrical electric power circuit, such that one or more electrically symmetrical pairs of switches of the plurality of switches are operated at a same operational state when the power circuit is coupled to an electrical grid to reduce the common mode leakage current. A variant is also described that is adapted for current ripple and overall THD distortion reduction, which can be useful for vehicle to grid power transfer situations.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02M 5/458 - Conversion of AC power input into AC power output, e.g. for change of voltage, for change of frequency, for change of number of phases with intermediate conversion into DC by static converters using discharge tubes or semiconductor devices to convert the intermediate DC into AC using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only
• B60L 53/14 - Conductive energy transfer
• H02M 1/12 - Arrangements for reducing harmonics from AC input or output
• H02M 1/42 - Circuits or arrangements for compensating for or adjusting power factor in converters or inverters

Abstract

An approach for wireless / contactless charging of electric vehicles is described where, instead of using additional components or electrical modules to conduct the charging, other components can be re-purposed to support the wireless charging. A specific control approach is also described that can be used to operate a dual-inverter drive as a DC-DC converter for regulating power into the batteries. This approach is beneficial as not only can there be less electronic components, but power delivery control can occur at the vehicle side.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60L 53/12 - Inductive energy transfer
• B60L 53/20 - Methods of charging batteries, specially adapted for electric vehiclesCharging stations or on-board charging equipment thereforExchange of energy storage elements in electric vehicles characterised by converters located in the vehicle
• B60L 53/24 - Using the vehicle's propulsion converter for charging
• B60L 53/62 - Monitoring or controlling charging stations in response to charging parameters, e.g. current, voltage or electrical charge
• B60L 53/66 - Data transfer between charging stations and vehicles
• H02J 7/02 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from AC mains by converters
• H02J 50/10 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling

Abstract

The proposed system can be utilized in the field of electric and hybrid vehicles, and in particular, provide an improved traction-to-auxiliary converter topology, circuit, and control approach that can be utilized for inverter-based vehicles (e.g., cars, ships, airplanes) that controls charging of different batteries such that an auxiliary vehicle battery (e.g., for headlamps, air conditioning, electrical subsystems) can be charged. A proposed approach is utilized for introducing a controlled phase shift / delay between operation of the inverter(s) for charging the auxiliary vehicle battery.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 16/033 - Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided forArrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric for supply of electrical power to vehicle subsystems characterised by the use of electrical cells or batteries
• B60R 16/03 - Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided forArrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric for supply of electrical power to vehicle subsystems
• H02J 15/00 - Systems for storing electric energy
• H02M 1/00 - Details of apparatus for conversion

Abstract

An innovative power electronic control system suitable for various applications, such as for electric vehicles is provided. The system, in some embodiments, is configured for the purposes of on-board AC fast charging (e.g., single phase or multi-phase) when an object is not in use (e.g., a vehicle is stationary) and use as a drive (e.g., for a vehicle, an EV drivetrain) when in motion. The innovative power electronic control system enables, among others, the ability to obtain fast-charging from existing grid infrastructure.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02M 7/5387 - Conversion of DC power input into AC power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only, e.g. single switched pulse inverters in a bridge configuration
• B60L 15/00 - Methods, circuits or devices for controlling the propulsion of electrically-propelled vehicles, e.g. their traction-motor speed, to achieve a desired performanceAdaptation of control equipment on electrically-propelled vehicles for remote actuation from a stationary place, from alternative parts of the vehicle or from alternative vehicles of the same vehicle train
• B60L 50/50 - Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells
• B60L 53/22 - Constructional details or arrangements of charging converters specially adapted for charging electric vehicles
• B60L 53/24 - Using the vehicle's propulsion converter for charging
• H02J 7/02 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from AC mains by converters
• H02J 15/00 - Systems for storing electric energy

Abstract

There is described a wireless power transfer system utilizing a new excitation-quadrature-quadrature transmitter pad which includes one excitation coil and at least two decoupled quadrature auxiliary coils. A described resonant tank design method is proposed for constant-current charging and zero phase angle conditions. When there is a lateral misalignment in the receiver pad, the auxiliary coil that is better coupled with the receiver pad conducts more current than the more distant auxiliary coil does, reducing the leakage magnetic field in the surrounding area and/or improving transmission efficiency.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02J 50/10 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling
• H02J 50/40 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using two or more transmitting or receiving devices
• H02J 50/70 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power involving the reduction of electric, magnetic or electromagnetic leakage fields
• H02J 50/90 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power involving detection or optimisation of position, e.g. alignment

Abstract

A dual inverter drivetrain having an energy storing fuel cell integrated into an electric vehicle is disclosed. A method of operating the dual inverter drivetrain using a power sharing control approach is described, which allows the key requirements of a fuel cell to be achieved without compromising the dynamic performance of the electric vehicle drive system. In particular, the ability of this control approach to ensure unidirectional power transfer from the fuel cell even in the event of regenerative braking, and a slowly changing fuel cell power despite fast motor torque transients were exhibited.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60L 50/75 - Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using propulsion power supplied by both fuel cells and batteries
• B60L 58/40 - Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for controlling a combination of batteries and fuel cells
• H01M 16/00 - Structural combinations of different types of electrochemical generators
• H02J 9/00 - Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting
• H02M 7/44 - Conversion of DC power input into AC power output without possibility of reversal by static converters
• H02P 23/26 - Power factor control [PFC]

Abstract

An electric vehicle fast charger and methods thereof are described, adapted for re-use of magnetic components of an electric vehicle having traction converters when the electric vehicle is stationary and connected to a power grid. A switching stage provided by one or more sets of switches is controlled complementarily with the switches of the traction converters to (i) provide inversion of a grid voltage and (ii) shape current of the grid current between the electric vehicle and the power grid to track a waveshape of the grid voltage. A single switching stage and a dual switching stage circuit are contemplated, along with switch controller circuits, and instruction sets for switch control. Variants provide for energy transfer to accommodate for energy imbalances between storage devices.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02J 3/32 - Arrangements for balancing the load in a network by storage of energy using batteries with converting means
• H02J 50/10 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling
• B60L 58/12 - Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling batteries responding to state of charge [SoC]
• B60L 53/122 - Circuits or methods for driving the primary coil, i.e. supplying electric power to the coil

Abstract

An approach for controlling operation of an electrically symmetrical electric power circuit is described herein to reduce common mode leakage currents. The approach can include, for example, a controller circuit configured to control a plurality of switches of the electrically symmetrical electric power circuit, such that one or more electrically symmetrical pairs of switches of the plurality of switches are operated at a same operational state when the power circuit is coupled to an electrical grid to reduce the common mode leakage current. A variant is also described that is adapted for current ripple and overall THD distortion reduction, which can be useful for vehicle to grid power transfer situations.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02M 1/00 - Details of apparatus for conversion
• B60L 53/22 - Constructional details or arrangements of charging converters specially adapted for charging electric vehicles
• H02J 15/00 - Systems for storing electric energy
• H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
• H02M 1/12 - Arrangements for reducing harmonics from AC input or output

Abstract

The present disclosure provides electrical architecture for electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). An EIS circuit comprises at least two current regulators and an electrical energy storage device, which are connected with one or more electrochemical cells in a configuration that decouples power flowing into the respective current regulators. The presence of the electrical energy storage device enables each regulator to operate simultaneously at lower power levels while inducing the desired EIS perturbation current. Operation at low power allows lower volume and cost for the same current compared to only dissipative or non-dissipative current regulators. Further, the electrical energy storage device allows the power flowing through the current regulators to be varied independently in order to achieve the desired EIS perturbation current while a minimum amount of heat is generated in the circuit, thus allowing the circuit to occupy minimal size and incur minimal cost.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01R 31/389 - Measuring internal impedance, internal conductance or related variables
• G01R 31/396 - Acquisition or processing of data for testing or for monitoring individual cells or groups of cells within a battery
• H01M 10/42 - Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
• H01M 10/48 - Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte

Abstract

A powertrain for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle applications with integrated three-phase AC charging featuring buck-boost operation and optional vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capability, along with corresponding methods and machine instruction sets for switch control. The powertrain can include of a three-phase current source converter (CSC) front-end with an associated input filter, a polarity inversion module, and in an embodiment, a dual-inverter motor drive. The dual-inverter drive is the source of both the back emf and requisite DC inductance for the CSC. A compact design is thus provided as no additional magnetics are required and the on-board cooling system required for traction mode can be re-deployed for charging and V2G mode. The powertrain is mode shifted between charging and V2G mode through an optional polarity inversion module.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60L 53/22 - Constructional details or arrangements of charging converters specially adapted for charging electric vehicles
• H02M 1/14 - Arrangements for reducing ripples from DC input or output
• H02M 5/458 - Conversion of AC power input into AC power output, e.g. for change of voltage, for change of frequency, for change of number of phases with intermediate conversion into DC by static converters using discharge tubes or semiconductor devices to convert the intermediate DC into AC using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only
• H02M 7/5387 - Conversion of DC power input into AC power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only, e.g. single switched pulse inverters in a bridge configuration
• H02P 27/08 - Arrangements or methods for the control of AC motors characterised by the kind of supply voltage using variable-frequency supply voltage, e.g. inverter or converter supply voltage using DC to AC converters or inverters with pulse width modulation
• B60L 53/18 - Cables specially adapted for charging electric vehicles

Abstract

A switching circuit for controlling charging input from a DC source to at least one inverter circuit, each inverter circuit corresponding to at least one respective battery, the switching circuit is provided with a switching device which when positioned in series with the inverter circuit and the DC source, the switching device configured to control the charging input provided to the at least one respective battery, the switching device controllable in conjunction with switches in the at least one inverter circuit based on at least one voltage of the at least one respective battery.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
• B60L 53/10 - Methods of charging batteries, specially adapted for electric vehiclesCharging stations or on-board charging equipment thereforExchange of energy storage elements in electric vehicles characterised by the energy transfer between the charging station and the vehicle
• H02J 7/14 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from dynamo-electric generators driven at varying speed, e.g. on vehicle
• H02J 7/34 - Parallel operation in networks using both storage and other DC sources, e.g. providing buffering
• H02M 3/44 - Conversion of DC power input into DC power output with intermediate conversion into AC by combination of static with dynamic convertersConversion of DC power input into DC power output with intermediate conversion into AC by combination of dynamo-electric with other dynamic or static converters

Abstract

A system for providing both driving and charging functionality by using a plurality of traction inverters and a plurality of energy storage devices coupled to one another across the electric motor; an AC/DC converter front-end circuit interfacing the first/second traction inverters and the power source; a controller circuit configured to control operating characteristics of the AC/DC converter front-end circuit, wherein the first/second traction inverters are provided gating signals to one or more switching gates of the first/second traction inverters to shape power characteristics of power delivered to the first/second energy storage devices, from the power source.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02M 7/5387 - Conversion of DC power input into AC power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only, e.g. single switched pulse inverters in a bridge configuration
• B60L 50/50 - Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells
• B60L 53/22 - Constructional details or arrangements of charging converters specially adapted for charging electric vehicles
• B60L 53/24 - Using the vehicle's propulsion converter for charging
• B60L 15/00 - Methods, circuits or devices for controlling the propulsion of electrically-propelled vehicles, e.g. their traction-motor speed, to achieve a desired performanceAdaptation of control equipment on electrically-propelled vehicles for remote actuation from a stationary place, from alternative parts of the vehicle or from alternative vehicles of the same vehicle train

Abstract

A power-hub for an electric vehicle and operating modes thereof are disclosed herein. The disclosed power-hub is designed to operate in the Vehicle-to Grid (V2G), Grid-to-Vehicle (G2V), Vehicle-to-Home (V2H), and Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) operating modes. When operating in the V2V mode, the power-hub is configured to allow for sending DC power through a conventional AC power port, with all the associated ratings and constraints from the AC design, in order to achieve higher power transfer and efficiency for V2V operation. A digital Hysteretic Current Mode Control (HCMC) scheme is disclosed and the efficiency and loss distribution of four operating modes are disclosed for the power-hub: 1) DC-AC Boundary Conduction Mode (BCM), 2) DC-AC Continuous Conduction Mode (CCM)/BCM hybrid, 3) DC-DC BCM, and 4) DC-DC CCM. A low-frequency commutation scheme is also disclosed that allows for reducing the peak junction temperature.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60L 53/22 - Constructional details or arrangements of charging converters specially adapted for charging electric vehicles
• B60L 55/00 - Arrangements for supplying energy stored within a vehicle to a power network, i.e. vehicle-to-grid [V2G] arrangements
• B60L 53/53 - Batteries
• B60L 53/16 - Connectors, e.g. plugs or sockets, specially adapted for charging electric vehicles
• H02M 1/12 - Arrangements for reducing harmonics from AC input or output
• H02M 3/335 - Conversion of DC power input into DC power output with intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode to produce the intermediate AC using devices of a triode or a transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only
• H02M 7/5387 - Conversion of DC power input into AC power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only, e.g. single switched pulse inverters in a bridge configuration
• H02M 1/00 - Details of apparatus for conversion
• H02M 1/42 - Circuits or arrangements for compensating for or adjusting power factor in converters or inverters

Goods & Services

Chargers for electric batteries; inverters for electric automobiles; downloadable computer programs for monitoring, optimizing and regulating the use of power from batteries for electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and for management and analyis of data relating to battery and energy usage; downloadable computer software applications for monitoring, optimizing and regulating the use of power from batteries for electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and for management and analyis of data relating to battery and energy usage; downloadable mobile applications to monitor, optimize and regulate the storage, and discharge of stored energy to and from electric storage batteries, manage battery and energy usage, monitor and manage of vehicle operation and fleet operations and to manage and analyze data relating to battery and energy usage; control panels for electric automobiles; electronic frequency converters; pneumatic-electrical control device; electronic control unit for controlling and regulating drivetrains in automobiles; variable-frequency drives (VFD) for high-speed electrical motors for use in automobiles; electric control equipment for controlling and regulating the use of power from batteries for electric vehicles; charging stations for electric vehicles; mobile rechargeable batteries for electric automobiles; electric batteries for vehicles; electric batteries for powering electric vehicles; battery charging devices, namely, charging docks and charging bays for electric automobiles; charging stations for electric motor vehicles; charging devices for rechargeable batteries; wireless chargers for electric vehicles Engines for land vehicles; automotive engines; electric cars; electric motors for land vehicles; driving motors for land vehicles; engines for automobiles; electric vehicles Computer software design in the fields of controlling the storage and discharge of stored electricity for the operation of electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage; computer software research and development in the fields of controlling the storage and discharge of stored electricity for the operation of electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage; update and maintenance of computer software in the fields of controlling the storage and discharge of stored electricity for the operation of electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage; upgrading and maintenance of computer software in the fields of controlling the storage and discharge of stored electricity for the operation of electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage; technological research in the fields of stored electricity and the operation of electric vehicles; research and development of new products for others in the fields of stored electricity and the operation of electric vehicles; scientific laboratory services in the fields of stored electricity and the operation of electric vehicles; machine function testing in the fields of stored electricity and the operation of electric vehicles; product testing in the fields of stored electricity and the operation of electric vehicles; software as a service featuring software for consolidating and analyzing data regarding the storage and discharge of stored electricity for the operation of electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and for management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage; platform as a service featuring computer software platforms for consolidating and analyzing data regarding the storage and discharge of stored electricity for the operation of electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and for management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage; development of computer platforms in the fields of stored electricity and the operation of electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage; Design and development of application software for mobile phones for the purposes of controlling the storage and discharge of stored electricity for the operation of electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and for management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage; research in the field of Artificial Intelligence; Software as a service (SAAS) services featuring operating software for consolidating and analyzing data regarding the storage and discharge of stored electricity for the operation of electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage; design and development of computer software for others in the fields of stored electricity and the operation of electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage

Goods & Services

(1) Chargers for batteries for electric and hybrid vehicles; inverters for electric automobiles; downloadable computer programs for monitoring, optimizing and regulating the use of power from batteries for electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and for management and analyis of data relating to battery and energy usage; downloadable computer software applications for monitoring, optimizing and regulating the use of power from batteries for electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and for management and analyis of data relating to battery and energy usage; downloadable mobile applications to monitor, optimize and regulate the storage, and discharge of stored energy to and from electric storage batteries, manage battery and energy usage, monitor and manage of vehicle operation and fleet operations and to manage and analyze data relating to battery and energy usage; control panels for electric automobiles; electronic frequency converters; electrical controller for pneumatic devices, namely steering and braking systems for electric and hybrid vehicles; electronic control unit for controlling and regulating drivetrains in automobiles; variable-frequency drives (VFD) for high-speed electrical motors for use in automobiles; electric control equipment for controlling and regulating the use of power from batteries for electric vehicles; charging stations for electric vehicles; mobile rechargeable batteries for electric automobiles; electric batteries for vehicles; electric batteries for powering electric vehicles; battery charging devices, namely charging docks and charging bays for electric automobiles; charging stations for electric motor vehicles; charging devices for rechargeable batteries, namely electric vehicle charging stations; wireless chargers for electric vehicles (2) Engines for land vehicles; automotive engines; electric cars; electric motors for land vehicles; driving motors for land vehicles; engines for automobiles; electric vehicles (1) Computer software design in the fields of controlling the storage and discharge of stored electricity for the operation of electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage; computer software research and development in the fields of controlling the storage and discharge of stored electricity for the operation of electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage; update and maintenance of computer software in the fields of controlling the storage and discharge of stored electricity for the operation of electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage; upgrading and maintenance of computer software in the fields of controlling the storage and discharge of stored electricity for the operation of electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage; technological research in the fields of stored electricity and the operation of electric vehicles; research and development of new products for others in the fields of stored electricity and the operation of electric vehicles; scientific laboratory services in the fields of stored electricity and the operation of electric vehicles; machine function testing in the fields of stored electricity and the operation of electric vehicles; product testing in the fields of stored electricity and the operation of electric vehicles; software as a service [SaaS] featuring software for consolidating and analyzing data regarding the storage and discharge of stored electricity for the operation of electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and for management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage; platform as a service [PaaS] featuring computer software platforms for consolidating and analyzing data regarding the storage and discharge of stored electricity for the operation of electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and for management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage; development of computer platforms in the fields of stored electricity and the operation of electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage; Design and development of application software for mobile phones for the purposes of controlling the storage and discharge of stored electricity for the operation of electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and for management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage; research in the field of Artificial Intelligence; software operating service featuring software for consolidating and analyzing data regarding the storage and discharge of stored electricity for the operation of electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage; design and development of computer software for others in the fields of stored electricity and the operation of electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage

Goods & Services

Chargers for electric batteries; inverters for electric automobiles; downloadable computer programs for monitoring, optimizing and regulating the use of power from batteries for electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and for management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage; downloadable computer software applications for monitoring, optimizing and regulating the use of power from batteries for electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and for management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage; downloadable mobile applications to monitor, optimize and regulate the storage, and discharge of stored energy to and from electric storage batteries, manage battery and energy usage, monitor and manage of vehicle operation and fleet operations and to manage and analyze data relating to battery and energy usage; control panels for electric automobiles; electronic frequency converters; pneumatic-electrical control device; electronic control unit for controlling and regulating drivetrains in automobiles; variable-frequency drives (VFD) for high-speed electrical motors for use in automobiles; electric control equipment for controlling and regulating the use of power from batteries for electric vehicles; charging stations for electric vehicles; mobile rechargeable batteries for electric automobiles; electric batteries for vehicles; electric batteries for powering electric vehicles; battery charging devices, namely, charging docks and charging bays for electric automobiles; charging stations for electric motor vehicles; charging devices for rechargeable batteries; wireless chargers for electric vehicles Engines for land vehicles; automotive engines; electric cars; electric motors for land vehicles; driving motors for land vehicles; engines for automobiles; electric vehicles Computer software design in the fields of controlling the storage and discharge of stored electricity for the operation of electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage; computer software research and development in the fields of controlling the storage and discharge of stored electricity for the operation of electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage; update and maintenance of computer software in the fields of controlling the storage and discharge of stored electricity for the operation of electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage; upgrading and maintenance of computer software in the fields of controlling the storage and discharge of stored electricity for the operation of electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage; technological research in the fields of stored electricity and the operation of electric vehicles; research and development of new products for others in the fields of stored electricity and the operation of electric vehicles; scientific laboratory services in the fields of stored electricity and the operation of electric vehicles; machine function testing in the fields of stored electricity and the operation of electric vehicles; product testing in the fields of stored electricity and the operation of electric vehicles; software as a service featuring software for consolidating and analyzing data regarding the storage and discharge of stored electricity for the operation of electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and for management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage; platform as a service featuring computer software platforms for consolidating and analyzing data regarding the storage and discharge of stored electricity for the operation of electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and for management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage; development of computer platforms in the fields of stored electricity and the operation of electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage; Design and development of application software for mobile phones for the purposes of controlling the storage and discharge of stored electricity for the operation of electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and for management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage; research in the field of Artificial Intelligence; Software as a service (SAAS) services featuring operating software for consolidating and analyzing data regarding the storage and discharge of stored electricity for the operation of electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage; design and development of computer software for others in the fields of stored electricity and the operation of electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage

Goods & Services

(1) Chargers for batteries for electric and hybrid vehicles; inverters for electric automobiles; downloadable computer programs for monitoring, optimizing and regulating the use of power from batteries for electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and for management and analyis of data relating to battery and energy usage; downloadable computer software applications for monitoring, optimizing and regulating the use of power from batteries for electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and for management and analyis of data relating to battery and energy usage; downloadable mobile applications to monitor, optimize and regulate the storage, and discharge of stored energy to and from electric storage batteries, manage battery and energy usage, monitor and manage of vehicle operation and fleet operations and to manage and analyze data relating to battery and energy usage; control panels for electric automobiles; electronic frequency converters; electrical controller for pneumatic devices, namely steering and braking systems for electric and hybrid vehicles; electronic control unit for controlling and regulating drivetrains in automobiles; variable-frequency drives (VFD) for high-speed electrical motors for use in automobiles; electric control equipment for controlling and regulating the use of power from batteries for electric vehicles; charging stations for electric vehicles; mobile rechargeable batteries for electric automobiles; electric batteries for vehicles; electric batteries for powering electric vehicles; battery charging devices, namely charging docks and charging bays for electric automobiles; charging stations for electric motor vehicles; charging devices for rechargeable batteries, namely electric vehicle charging stations; wireless chargers for electric vehicles (2) Engines for land vehicles; automotive engines; electric cars; electric motors for land vehicles; driving motors for land vehicles; engines for automobiles; electric vehicles (1) Computer software design in the fields of controlling the storage and discharge of stored electricity for the operation of electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage; computer software research and development in the fields of controlling the storage and discharge of stored electricity for the operation of electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage; update and maintenance of computer software in the fields of controlling the storage and discharge of stored electricity for the operation of electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage; upgrading and maintenance of computer software in the fields of controlling the storage and discharge of stored electricity for the operation of electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage; technological research in the fields of stored electricity and the operation of electric vehicles; research and development of new products for others in the fields of stored electricity and the operation of electric vehicles; scientific laboratory services in the fields of stored electricity and the operation of electric vehicles; machine function testing in the fields of stored electricity and the operation of electric vehicles; product testing in the fields of stored electricity and the operation of electric vehicles; software as a service [SaaS] featuring software for consolidating and analyzing data regarding the storage and discharge of stored electricity for the operation of electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and for management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage; platform as a service [PaaS] featuring computer software platforms for consolidating and analyzing data regarding the storage and discharge of stored electricity for the operation of electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and for management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage; development of computer platforms in the fields of stored electricity and the operation of electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage; Design and development of application software for mobile phones for the purposes of controlling the storage and discharge of stored electricity for the operation of electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and for management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage; research in the field of Artificial Intelligence; software operating service featuring software for consolidating and analyzing data regarding the storage and discharge of stored electricity for the operation of electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage; design and development of computer software for others in the fields of stored electricity and the operation of electric vehicles, management of battery and energy usage, monitoring and management of vehicle operation and fleet operations and management and analysis of data relating to battery and energy usage

Abstract

An electric vehicle fast charger and methods thereof are described, adapted for re-use of magnetic components of an electric vehicle having traction converters when the electric vehicle is stationary and connected to a power grid. A switching stage provided by one or more sets of switches is controlled complementarily with the switches of the traction converters to (i) provide inversion of a grid voltage and (ii) shape current of the grid current between the electric vehicle and the power grid to track a waveshape of the grid voltage. A single switching stage and a dual switching stage circuit are contemplated, along with switch controller circuits, and instruction sets for switch control. Variants provide for energy transfer to accommodate for energy imbalances between storage devices.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02J 3/32 - Arrangements for balancing the load in a network by storage of energy using batteries with converting means
• H02J 50/10 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling
• B60L 58/12 - Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling batteries responding to state of charge [SoC]
• B60L 53/122 - Circuits or methods for driving the primary coil, i.e. supplying electric power to the coil

Abstract

A method for transferring power between two DC circuits, each circuit being bipolar or connected at the midpoint thereof, involves: coupling the high voltage bus across a pair of inductors, arranged in parallel; coupling the low voltage bus across the pair of inductors; coupling the high voltage bus, the low voltage bus and the inductors by active switches and diodes, to provide for: (i) a storage configuration, wherein energy is transferred from one of the buses and stored in the inductors; and (ii) a release configuration, wherein energy is released from the inductors and transferred to the other of the buses.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02M 3/07 - Conversion of DC power input into DC power output without intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using resistors or capacitors, e.g. potential divider using capacitors charged and discharged alternately by semiconductor devices with control electrode
• H02M 3/158 - Conversion of DC power input into DC power output without intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only with automatic control of output voltage or current, e.g. switching regulators including plural semiconductor devices as final control devices for a single load
• H02M 3/155 - Conversion of DC power input into DC power output without intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only