WO2012054279A2

WO2012054279A2 - Combination inverter and charger

Info

Publication number: WO2012054279A2
Application number: PCT/US2011/055972
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Mazaika; Mark Arold; Derrin Olischefski; Jose Rodriguez
Original assignee: Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies, Worldwilde, Inc.
Priority date: 2010-10-21
Filing date: 2011-10-12
Publication date: 2012-04-26
Also published as: WO2012054279A3

Abstract

A combined inverter-charger includes a switch or plurality of switches configured to operate at a speed that enables reduction of accompanying charger circuitry, such as boost- buck converters, and is further able to greatly reduce switching losses that occur during operation of traditional inverter components. The combined inverter-charger manages both charging of a battery and discharge of the battery to power a motor. The combination overcomes historical obstacles that could not meet the limits of acceptable operational parameters.

Description

COMBINATION INVERTER AND CHARGER

BY

DAVID MAZAIKA, MARK AROLD, DERRIN OLISCHEFSKI, AND JOSE RODRIGUEZ

I. BACKGROUND

[0001] This application claims the full Paris Convention benefit of and priority U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/405,337, filed October 21 , 2010, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, as if fully set forth herein.

[0002] Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to hybrid vehicles. In particular, this disclosure relates to combination inverter-chargers for use with motor(s) or generator(s) and battery pack(s) of a hybrid vehicle.

II. SUMMARY

[0004] According to some exemplary implementations, disclosed is an electrical circuit, comprising: a switch; an inductor; and a control circuit which can configure the switch and the inductor in the inverter/charger to allow it to function either as an inverter or a charger, depending on other inputs.

[0005] The electrical circuit may further comprise a charger which utilizes the switch and inductor to convert an AC signal to a DC signal for charging a battery, the charger having at least one of a buck converter and/or a boost converter, which incorporates at least one inductor.

[0006] The electrical circuit may further comprise an inverter which utilizes the switch to convert a DC signal from a battery or other DC source to an AC signal for a motor.

[0007] The switch may be an insulated gate bipolar transistor. The switch may be configured to operate between about 50 and about 200 kHz during charging.

[0008] According to some exemplary implementations, disclosed is a system, comprising: a motor; a DC power source; and an electrical circuit in electrical connection between the DC power source and the motor, the electrical circuit comprising: a switch; a charger operated by the switch and configured to convert an AC signal to a DC signal for the DC power source, the charger having at least one of a buck converter and a boost converter with at least one inductor; an inverter operated by the switch and configured to convert a DC signal from the DC power source to an AC signal for the motor.

[0009] The DC power source may be a battery. The DC power source may be a generator. The switch is an insulated gate bipolar transistor. The switch may be configured to operate between about 50 and about 200 kHz.

[0010] The system may further comprise a temperature controlling component in a heat exchange relationship with at least one of the motor, the battery, and the electrical circuit.

[0011] The system may further comprise a telemetry unit configured to transmit at least one condition (i.e. metric) of the system performance to a remote device. The at least one condition may be at least one of sate of the battery, torque, voltage, current, speeds, and diagnostics.

[0012] According to some exemplary implementations, disclosed is a method, comprising: performing a charging operation comprising: alternating a switch of a combined inverter-charger while connected between a power supply and a battery, whereby AC power is provided through the combined inverter-charger to the battery as DC power; performing a discharging operation comprising: alternating the switch of the combined inverter-charger while connected between the battery and a motor, whereby DC power is provided from the battery through the combined inverter-charger to the motor as AC power.

[0013] The charging operation may further comprise converting the DC power to a voltage adapted for the battery.

[0014] The method may further comprise communicating with a remote device. The method may further comprise regulating the temperature of at least one of the battery, the combined inverter-charger, and the motor.

[0015] The power supply may be an external power supply. The power supply may be the motor operating as a generator.

III. DRAWINGS

[0016] The above-mentioned features of the present disclosure will become more apparent with reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and in which: [0017] Figure 1 A shows a graph of operation of a switch over time;

[0018] Figure 1 B shows a graph of operation of a switch over time;

[0019] Figure 2A shows a graph of operation of a switch and inductor over time;

[0020] Figure 2B shows a graph of operation of a switch and inductor over time;

[0021] Figure 3 shows a block diagram of battery-powered motor and system with combination inverter and charger;

[0022] Figure 4 shows a diagram of battery-powered motor and system with combination inverter and charger;

[0023] Figure 5 shows features of a circuit diagram for a battery-powered motor and system with combination inverter and charger.

IV. FURTHER DESCRIPTION

[0024] As used herein, a "switch" means any device or combination of devices for controlling an electrical condition. Switches include transistors, logic gates, MOSFETs, IGBTs, etc.

[0025] As used herein, "switching resistance" means intrinsic resistance to transitioning a switch from an off position to an on position, or vice versa.

[0026] As used herein, "switching time" means an amount of time required for a switch to transition from an off state to an on state, or vice versa.

[0027] As used herein, "switching loss" means consequences of transitioning a switch from an off state to an on state, or vice versa.

[0028] As used herein, "period" means an amount of time required for an alternating switch to complete a full cycle. "Period" is inversely related to the operating frequency of a switch.

[0029] As used herein, "frequency" means the number of cycles performed by a switch in a given amount of time. "Frequency" is inversely related to "period."

[0030] As used herein, "on time" means the amount of time in which a switch remains in an on state.

[0031] As used herein, "off time" means the amount of time in which a switch remains in an off state. [0032] Inverters

[0033] According to one or more exemplary implementations, many traditional battery-powered motors include an inverter to convert the direct current (DC) power from the battery into alternating current (AC) usable by the motor (e.g., synchronous motor, induction motor, etc.). Inverters (e.g., transistor-based, polyphase, etc.) generally include at least one switch to alternate the electrical path from the direct current source. A variety of switch-enabled inverters are known and shall be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art. Selection of the switch technology to be used in inverters has historically been limited to a choice of: bipolar transistors, MOSFETs or IGBTs.

[0034] The bipolar transistor was the only "real" power transistor until the MOSFET came along in the 1970's. The bipolar transistor requires a high base current to turn on, has relatively slow turn-off characteristics (known as current tail), and is liable for thermal runaway due to a negative temperature co-efficient. In addition, the lowest attainable on-state voltage or conduction loss is governed by the collector-emitter saturation voltage VCE(SAT).

[0035] The MOSFET, however, is a device that is voltage- and not current-controlled. MOSFETs have a positive temperature coefficient, stopping thermal runaway. The on-state- resistance has no theoretical limit, hence on-state losses can be far lower. The MOSFET also has a body-drain diode, which is particularly useful in dealing with limited free wheeling currents.

[0036] All these advantages and the comparative elimination of the current tail soon meant that the MOSFET became the device of choice for power switch designs. Then in the 1980s the IGBT came along. The IGBT is a cross between the bipolar and MOSFET transistors.

[0037] The IGBT has the output switching and conduction characteristics of a bipolar transistor but is voltage-controlled like a MOSFET. In general, this means it has the advantages of high- current handling capability of a bipolar with the ease of control of a MOSFET. However, the IGBT still has the disadvantages of a comparatively large current tail and no body drain diode.

[0038] The MOSFET and IGBT's semiconductor structures look very similar. The basic difference is the addition of a p substrate beneath the n substrate. The IGBT technology is certainly the device of choice for breakdown voltages above 1000V, while the MOSFET is certainly the device of choice for device breakdown voltages below 250V. [0039] Between 250 to 1000V, there are many technical papers available from manufacturers of these devices, some preferring MOSFETs, some IGBTs. However, choosing between IGBTs and MOSFETs is very application-specific and cost, size, speed and thermal requirements should all be considered.

[0040] IGBTs have been the preferred device under these conditions:

^• Low duty cycle

^■ Low frequency (<20kHz)

^• Narrow or small line or load variations

^• High-voltage applications (>1000V)

^■ Operation at high junction temperature is allowed (>100°C)

^■ >5kW output power

[0041] Typical IGBT applications include:

^■ Motor control: Frequency <20kHz, short circuit/in-rush limit protection

^• Uninterruptible power supply (UPS): Constant load, typically low frequency

^■ Welding: High average current, low frequency (<50kHz), ZVS circuitry

^■ Low-power lighting: Low frequency (<100kHz)

[0042] MOSFETs are preferred in:

^• High frequency applications (>200kHz)

^■ Wide line or load variations

^• Long duty cycles

^• Low-voltage applications (<250V)

^• < 500W output power

[0043] Typical MOSFET applications include:

^■ Switch mode power supplies (SMPS): Hard switching above 200kHz

^• Switch mode power supplies (SMPS): ZVS below 1000 watts

^■ Battery charging

[0044] High Power Inverters (>5kW) operating at voltages above 250V will thus favor the use of IGBTs.

[0045] The IGBT's internal diode (or an external one) is used as a free-wheeling diode, because in the majority of applications, such as 3-phase AC motor drives, bi-directional DC- motor drives, full-bridge DC/DC converters, etc., the power electronics converter consists of one or more IGBT-based half-bridges.

[0046] In a 3-Phase Motor Drive Inverter application, an arrangement of 3 pairs of IGBTs with an associated anti-parallel diode is generally used.

[0047] Switches generally have inherent switching resistance. Switching losses occur in each cycle and throughout operation of a switch. For example, in a given cycle, switching losses will be incurred when a switch is transitioned from an off state to an on state. In most circuits, a portion of the input power provided to the switch during switching time is lost during the transition; input power is also lost during the on time. For example, it may be lost as heat rather than converted to electrical output of the switch.

[0048] Switching losses increase with operating frequency. For example, a switch operated at a first speed incurs a given number of on-off events in a given amount of time (See Figure 1A). If the frequency is doubled, then the number of on-off events occurring in the same amount of time is likewise double (See Figure 1 B). Accordingly, switching losses are doubled. It should be noted that where switching time remains substantially constant across frequencies, on times and off times as disproportionately affected. For example, as shown in Figure 1A and 1 B, on time in Figure 1 B is less than half of the on time in Figure 1A because switching times are not reduced in proportion to reduction of the cycle period. Rather, switching times remain substantially constant, causing the reduction in cycle period to occur entirely at the expense of on times and off times. Because power is most efficiently used during on times and off times, the increase of frequency presents a significant problem to be overcome.

[0049] Traditionally, it has been desirable to operate inverter switches at the lowest frequencies possible in order to minimize switching losses. For example, many traditional inverters maintain switching speeds at around 2-20 kHz, which is intentionally low to reduce switching losses.

[0050] IGBT and diode power losses (Ploss), as well as power losses in any semiconductor component, can be divided in three groups:

a) Conduction losses (Pcond)

b) Switching losses (Psw)

c) Blocking (leakage) losses (Pb), normally being neglected. [0051] Therefore:

Ploss = Pcond + Psw.

[0052] IGBT conduction losses can be calculated using an IGBT approximation with a series connection of DC voltage source (UceO) representing IGBT on-state zero-current collector- emitter voltage and a collector-emitter on-state resistance (Rc):

Uce(ic) = UceO + Rc · ic

[0053] The same approximation can be used for the anti-parallel diode, giving:

Ud(id) = UdO + Rd · id

[0054] The instantaneous value of the IGBT conduction losses is:

Pct(t) = Uce(t)^■ ic(t) = UceO^■ ic(t) + Rc^■ Pc(t)

[0055] The instantaneous value of the diode conduction losses is:

Pcd(t) = Ud(t) · id(t) = UdO^■ if(t) + Rd^■ i²d(t)

[0056] The switching losses (PswT and PswD) in the IGBT and the diode are the product of switching energies and the switching frequency (Fsw):

PswT = (EonT + EoffT)^■ Fsw

PswD = (EonD + EoffD)^■ Fsw, or approximately = EonD^■ Fsw

[0057] where Eon is the turn-on energy loss in the IGBT ("T") or the diode ("D"). Power losses in the IGBT and the free-wheeling diode can be expressed as the sum of the conduction and switching losses giving:

Pt = Pet + Pswt = UceO^■ icav + Rc- Perms + (EonT + EoffT)^■ Fsw

Pd = Pcd + Pswd = UdO^■ idav) + Rd^■ Pdrms + EonD · Fsw

[0058] Because high power inverters rely on IGBTs with Power Losses, some aspects of which can be calculated as shown above, it has traditionally been desirable to operate the IGBTs at the lowest frequencies possible in order to minimize switching losses while maintaining adequate control of the inductive load. For example, many traditional inverters maintain switching speeds at around 2-20 kHz, which is intentionally low to reduce switching losses. Conducted losses are minimized by selecting an IGBT with low resistance (Rc). [0059] Chargers

[0060] Chargers generally include one or both of a buck converter and a boost converter to provide an output voltage that is either greater than (boost) or less than (buck) an input voltage. Buck-boost converters generally utilize inductors to provide a voltage as the inductor is charging or discharging. Current to the inductors is variably provided via a switch. The switch alternates within its range of available frequencies. As shown in Figure 2A, as the switch alternates, the inductor alternates between a charging state and a discharging state, with a contiguous charging state and discharging state defining a cycle period. Whether the charging state occurs while the switch is on or off depends on the configuration of the circuit (i.e., whether it is a buck converter or a boost converter).

[0061] According to some aspects of exemplary implementations, as shown in Figure 2A, the output current varies within an envelope. Output current peaks at l_max when the inductor alternates from a charging state to a discharging state. Output current drops to l_min when the inductor alternates from a discharging state to a charging state. I_max and l_min define acceptable limits of output current from the inductor, and may vary depending on applications, needs, or preferences.

[0062] According to some aspects of exemplary implementations, the inductor of a buck-boost converter is selected with sufficient inductance such that, for a given cycle period (defined by the operating frequency of a switch), the output current does not exceed the limits defined by l_max and l_min. For example, where the switch operates at a higher frequency, as shown in Figure 2B, the inductor may have less inductance and thereby allow faster transitions from l_max to l_min, and vice versa. An inductor having lower inductance will more rapidly approach l_max in the charging state and l_min in the discharging state (indicated by the slope steepness of segments). Thus, a switch operating at higher frequency enables the use of a smaller inductor. Generally, smaller inductors are desirable to reduce requirements such as cost, weight, and space, inter alia. For example, in automotive and other vehicle applications, these factors present significant considerations that must be resolved. For example, many traditional chargers maintain switching speeds at around 40-200 kHz, which is intentionally high to facilitate use of smaller inductors. [0063] Traditional Systems

[0064] Traditionally, applications that required high switching speeds were required to tolerate high switching losses. In a combination inverter-charger, this would have rendered the inverting function highly inefficient. For example, a switch operating at speeds optimized for chargers (i.e., 40-200 kHz) would introduce prohibitively high switching losses when used as an inverter.

[0065] Alternatively, traditional applications that could not tolerate high switching loses were required to operate within low switching speeds. For example, a switch operating at speeds optimized for inverters (i.e., 2-20 kHz) would require prohibitively large inductors for any boost or buck conversion when used as a charger. Such inductors would impose high cost, weight, and space requirements.

[0066] Accordingly, inverters and chargers seek different and mutually exclusive goals in terms of switching functionality. For these reasons, system having both an inverter and a charger have traditionally separated the two components to provide independent switching functionality.

[0067] In traditional applications, power may be provided to a battery via a charger while in a charging state. The battery may provide its stored energy to a motor via an inverter while in a discharging state, converting the DC supply from the battery to an AC supply for use by the motor.

[0068] Communication between the disparate parts may rely on connections as shown, as well as other as needed or desired for functionality of such a system. The number of connections required for communication increases with the number of separate system components.

[0069] A temperature control component (heating/cooling) may be provided. The number of channels required for heating/cooling to occur increases with the number of separate system components.

[0070] Combination inverter-charger

[0071] According to aspects of some exemplary implementations, disclosed is a combination inverter-charger that addresses and overcomes the historical needs presented by traditional systems.

[0072] According to some aspects of exemplary implementations, power may be provided to and from the battery via a combination inverter-charger. Certain circuit components allow the use of IGBTs as the power switches for both modes of operation: Inverter Mode with high power up to 150kW and low speed switching (2-20kHz) of the traction motor's inductive load, or Charger Mode with low power up to 3.3kW and high speed switching (up to 200kHz) of a small inductor inside the inverter-charger module.

[0073] When in Inverter mode, the module will operate in very much the same manner as a regular power inverter based on IGBTs. When switching operation to Charger mode, the module will use the same IGBTs but at a much higher frequency (200kHz) to make efficient use of the small inductor included in the module for the Charger mode.

[0074] Use of the same IGBT for both modes translates into significant cost and space savings advantage.

[0075] When in Charger mode, the higher operating frequency will not translate into a large switching power loss as in a traditional design, because the IGBT used is sized to handle almost 50 times more power demanded of it in Inverter mode, and can easily operate at higher frequencies. In Charger mode, operating current of the IGBT will be 50 times smaller, which when combined with a low Rc will translate into a very small conduction loss, due to the relationship of conduction losses to the square of operating current.

[0076] The switching losses will simultaneously enable low switching resistance and low switching losses. For example, insulated gate bipolar transistors ("IGBT") are capable of providing high-speed switching (50-200 kHz) for reduction of inductor size (in chargers) without the adverse effect on the same circuitry when used as inverters. The IGBT may be capable of handling high power applications (i.e., for example at least about 50 kW and exceeding about 150 kW).

[0077] Examples of IGBTs commercially available include those provided by Semikron® (Hudson, New Hampsire) and Infineon® (Milpitas, California).

[0078] Implementations of the present disclosure indicate switching time may be reduced in new IGBTs by a factor of about 3. The inductor size can be reduced by a factor of 10 or greater, depending upon the change in switching frequency.

[0079] The combined inverter-charger with these capabilities satisfies a long-felt need for meeting the needs of both inverters and chargers in a single circuit.

[0080] Generally, a battery is either in a charging state or a discharging state. Accordingly, either a charger is operating to charge the battery or another component is receiving power from the battery (e.g., an inverter). Because the battery is not simultaneously charging and discharging, time allocation is not an obstacle to combining a charger and an inverter. Accordingly, as shown in Figure 3, the combination inverter-charger 20 is a single unit that operates at any given time as either a charger or an inverter. As shown in Figure 3, power may be provided to a battery 30 or other power source via the combination inverter-charger 20 while in a charging state. As shown in Figure 3, the battery 30 may provide its stored energy to a motor 40 via the combination inverter-charger 20 while in a discharging state, converting the DC supply from the battery 30 to an AC supply for use by the motor 40.

[0081] According to some exemplary implementations, an external power supply 10 may provide power for charging the battery 30. The power supplied may be AC power, with the combination inverter-charger 20 providing DC power to the battery 30. For example, the external power supply 10 may be any electrical outlet. The combination inverter-charger 20 or another component in series may be configured to convert, receive, and utilize power from any known or detectable external power supply 10.

[0082] According to aspects of some exemplary implementations, the motor 40 may selectably operate as a generator. Operation of the motor 40 as a generator may be based on inertial motion or a rotor, an external or supplemental power source, or other means. With operation of the motor 40 as a generator, the battery 30 may be provided with power through the charger 20.

[0083] According to aspects of some exemplary implementations, as shown in Figure 4, the combination inverter-charger 20 is part of a hybrid vehicle system, wherein one of a variety of power sources may provide power to the combination inverter-charger 20.

[0084] According to aspects of some exemplary implementations, as shown in Figure 4, a combustion engine 70 is powered by fuel and configured to generate electrical power via combustion. Torque from combustion engine 70 is provided to generator 80 to produce the electrical power, which is sent to the combination inverter-charger 20, battery 30, or other auxiliary systems 110 directly or via other components. For example, where power from inverter 90 is used by motor 40, the power may be converted by the combination inverter- charger 20. Where the power from inverter 90 is used by auxiliary systems 110, the power may be converted to another voltage by the DC/DC converter 100.

[0085] According to aspects of some exemplary implementations, as shown in Figure 4, motor 40 may receive power from battery 30 through the combination inverter-charger 20, from generator 80, or both. During this process, the combination inverter-charger 20 acts as an inverter for motor 40. The amount of power provided may be determined by a system control 130 based on a pedal position sensor 120.

[0086] According to aspects of some exemplary implementations, as shown in Figure 4, motor 40 or a regenerative braking component may produce electrical power and provide the power through the combination inverter-charger 20 to battery 30. During this process, the combination inverter-charger 20 acts as a charger for battery 30.

[0087] According to aspects of some exemplary implementations, the combination inverter- charger may include appropriate control devices. For example, circuitry or active control mechanisms may be provided to operate switches or other components. Switching may be controlled to selectably operate the combination inverter-charger for either its charging functionality or its inverting functionality. Controls may include hardware, software, or other aspects to achieve desired results. The combination inverter-charger may be configured to controllably manage torque, speed, or voltage to a motor.

[0088] According to aspects of some exemplary implementations, as shown in Figure 5, the combination inverter-charger is a 3-phase IGBT bridge. The combination inverter-charger may be configured to receive or generate a 3-phase alternative current. According to some exemplary implementations, sensors are provided to monitor the combination inverter-charger. For example, voltage sensors, current sensors, and temperature sensors, inter alia, may be monitor states of the combination inverter-charger. Sensors may provide output to a controller, such as an embedded controller, of the system.

[0089] According to aspects of some exemplary implementations, as shown in Figure 5, the motor is a 3-phase motor. The motor (or generator) may be configured to receive or generate a 3-phase alternative current. According to one or more exemplary implementations, sensors are provided to monitor the motor. For example, a position sensor and a temperature sensor, inter alia, may be monitor states of the motor. Sensors may provide output to a controller, such as an embedded controller, of the system.

[0090] According to aspects of some exemplary implementations, as shown in Figure 5, at least one AC power source may be provided by connection to the system. AC power sources may be connected to buck/boost inductor(s) and relay circuit(s). According to one or more exemplary implementations, circuit components are provided between AC source(s) and the buck/boost inductor(s) and relay circuit(s). For example, line filters, rectifiers, and power factor correction components may be provided. The AC power sources may correspond to an external power supply selectably connected to a vehicle.

[0091] According to aspects of some exemplary implementations, as shown in Figure 5, a battery is provided to supply power to a power supply when discharging. The battery may also receive power from the 3-phase IGBT bridge when charging. The battery may be connected to the 3-phase IGBT bridge with filtering via a DC-link capacitor.

[0092] According to aspects of some exemplary implementations, as shown in Figure 5, a power supply provides power to components of the system. For example, the power supply may provide power to an embedded controller, a gate driver for an IGBT bridge, etc.

[0093] According to aspects of some exemplary implementations, as shown in Figure 5, an embedded controller controls operations of a combination inverter-charger system. For example, the embedded controller may control operation of a gate driver for the IGBT bridge, as well as interface with other systems, such as the hybrid vehicle controller.

[0094] According to aspects of some exemplary implementations, as shown in Figure 5, a cooling system controls temperature of components during operation. For example, the cooling system may transfer heat to or from the IGBT bridge or the capacitor via a heatsink, inter alia. The cooling system may be controlled by the hybrid vehicle controller or the embedded controller.

[0095] According to aspects of some exemplary implementations, as shown in Figure 5, a system may include a DC power source that includes a battery and/or a generator. A battery and a generator may be provided and work in unison or in tandem. DC power from at least one of the battery and the generator may be provided to the inverter, which provides 3-phase AC power or other AC power to a motor, which delivers power to driven wheels. DC power from at least one of the battery and the generator may be provided to system controls and other DC- operated components. Where necessary, a DC/DC converter may be provided to convert provided DC power to a usable form. Regenerative features, such as from the motor, may be utilized to restore power through the inverter to the battery, for example. [0096] Benefits

[0097] According to aspects of one or more exemplary implementations, communication is simplified with use of a combination inverter-charger. As shown in Figure 3, with fewer components, fewer connections are required to interconnect the components. Components may communicate according to controller-area network or other standards that are available or appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art.

[0098] According to aspects of some exemplary implementations, at least one of an encoder and a resolver may be provided at the interface between the motor/generator 40 and the combination inverter-charger 20. Information provided by the encoder or resolver may indicate relative rotational position of a portion of the motor/generator 40, which may in turn be used for operation of the inverter-charger 20, inter alia.

[0099] According to aspects of some exemplary implementations, at least one remote device may be provided in communication with at least one component of the system. For example, a telemetry unit may be provided separate from or integrated with any component of the system. As shown in Figure 3, a remote device 60 may have telemetry capabilities for communication with the combination inverter-charger 20. The remote device 60 may provide a user-interface for delivering information to a user regarding a state of the system or components thereof. For example, the remote device 60 may be a cell phone, PDA, or an onboard device of a vehicle. According to one or more exemplary implementations, the remote device 60 may report whether the combination inverter-charger 20 is in a charging state or a discharging state. The remote device 60 may also receive information relating to inverter-charger performance metrics, including but not limited to torque, voltage, current, speeds, diagnostics, etc.

[00100] According to aspects of one or more exemplary implementations, a temperature control component 50 (heating/cooling) may be more efficient and effective with use of a combination inverter-charger 20. As shown in Figure 3, with fewer components that require separate temperature regulation, fewer pathways are required.

[00101] According to aspects of one or more exemplary implementations, a combination inverter-charger reduces weight and space requirements by providing one component instead of two. A combination inverter-charger that also avoids a need for larger inductors reduces weight incurred by robust magnetic components. In mobile application, such as vehicles (e.g., automotive), additional weight incurs a high cost as it relates to fuel efficiency. [00102] According to aspects of one or more exemplary implementations, cost is reduced with a reduction of the number of components required.

[00103] While the method and agent have been described in terms of what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred implementations, it is to be understood that the disclosure need not be limited to the disclosed implementations. It is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the claims, the scope of which should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structures. The present disclosure includes any and all implementations of the following claims.

[00104] It should also be understood that a variety of changes may be made without departing from the essence of the disclosure. Such changes are also implicitly included in the description. They still fall within the scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that this disclosure is intended to yield a patent covering numerous aspects of the disclosure both independently and as an overall system and in both method and apparatus modes.

[00105] Further, each of the various elements of the disclosure and claims may also be achieved in a variety of manners. This disclosure should be understood to encompass each such variation, be it a variation of an implementation of any apparatus implementation, a method or process implementation, or even merely a variation of any element of these.

[00106] Particularly, it should be understood that as the disclosure relates to elements of the disclosure, the words for each element may be expressed by equivalent apparatus terms or method terms— even if only the function or result is the same.

[00107] Such equivalent, broader, or even more generic terms should be considered to be encompassed in the description of each element or action. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this disclosure is entitled.

[00108] It should be understood that all actions may be expressed as a means for taking that action or as an element which causes that action.

[00109] Similarly, each physical element disclosed should be understood to encompass a disclosure of the action which that physical element facilitates.

[00110] Any patents, publications, or other references mentioned in this application for patent are hereby incorporated by reference. In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unless its utilization in this application is inconsistent with such interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood as incorporated for each term and all definitions, alternative terms, and synonyms such as contained in at least one of a standard technical dictionary recognized by artisans and the Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, latest edition are hereby incorporated by reference.

[00111] Finally, all referenced listed in the Information Disclosure Statement or other information statement filed with the application are hereby appended and hereby incorporated by reference; however, as to each of the above, to the extent that such information or statements incorporated by reference might be considered inconsistent with the patenting of this/these disclosure(s), such statements are expressly not to be considered as made by the applicant(s).

[00112] In this regard it should be understood that for practical reasons and so as to avoid adding potentially hundreds of claims, the applicant has presented claims with initial dependencies only.

[00113] Support should be understood to exist to the degree required under new matter laws— including but not limited to United States Patent Law 35 USC 132 or other such laws - to permit the addition of any of the various dependencies or other elements presented under one independent claim or concept as dependencies or elements under any other independent claim or concept.

[00114] To the extent that insubstantial substitutes are made, to the extent that the applicant did not in fact draft any claim so as to literally encompass any particular implementation, and to the extent otherwise applicable, the applicant should not be understood to have in any way intended to or actually relinquished such coverage as the applicant simply may not have been able to anticipate all eventualities; one skilled in the art, should not be reasonably expected to have drafted a claim that would have literally encompassed such alternative implementations.

[00115] Further, the use of the transitional phrase "comprising" is used to maintain the "open- end" claims herein, according to traditional claim interpretation. Thus, unless the context requires otherwise, it should be understood that the term "compromise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", are intended to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of elements or steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of elements or steps. [00116] Such terms should be interpreted in their most expansive forms so as to afford the applicant the broadest coverage legally permissible.

Claims

1. An electrical circuit, comprising:

a switch;

an inductor;

a control circuit which can configure the switch and the inductor in an inverter/charger to allow it to function either as an inverter or a charger, depending on other inputs.

2. The electrical circuit of claim 1 , further comprising a charger which utilizes the switch and inductor to convert an AC signal to a DC signal for charging a battery, the charger having at least one of a buck converter and/or a boost converter, which incorporates at least one inductor.

3. The electrical circuit of claim 1 , further comprising an inverter which utilizes the switch to convert a DC signal from a battery or other DC source to an AC signal for a motor.

4. The electrical circuit of claim 1 , wherein the switch is an insulated gate bipolar transistor.

5. The electrical circuit of claim 1 , wherein the switch is configured to operate between about 50 and about 200 kHz during charging.

6. An system, comprising:

a motor;

a DC power source;

an electrical circuit in electrical connection between the DC power source and the motor, the electrical circuit comprising: a switch; a charger operated by the switch and configured to convert an AC signal to a DC signal for the DC power source, the charger having at least one of a buck converter and a boost converter with at least one inductor; an inverter operated by the switch and configured to convert a DC signal from the DC power source to an AC signal for the motor.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the DC power source is a battery.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein the DC power source is a generator.

9. The system of claim 6, wherein the switch is an insulated gate bipolar transistor.

10. The system of claim 6, wherein the switch is configured to operate between about 50 and about 200 kHz.

11. The system of claim 6, further comprising a temperature controlling component in a heat exchange relationship with at least one of the motor, the battery, and the electrical circuit.

12. The system of claim 6, further comprising a telemetry unit configured to transmit at least one condition of the system to a remote device.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the at least one condition is at least one of state of the battery, torque, voltage, current, speeds, and diagnostics.

14. A method, comprising:

performing a charging operation comprising: alternating a switch of a combined inverter-charger while connected between a power supply and a battery, whereby AC power is provided through the combined inverter-charger to the battery as DC power;

performing a discharging operation comprising: alternating the switch of the combined inverter-charger while connected between the battery and a motor, whereby DC power is provided from the battery through the combined inverter-charger to the motor as AC power.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the charging operation further comprises:

converting the DC power to a voltage adapted for the battery.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising: communicating with a remote device.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising: regulating the temperature of at least one of the battery, the combined inverter-charger, and the motor.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the power supply is an external power supply.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein the power supply is the motor operating as a generator.

20. The system of claim 12, wherein the one or more conditions are utilized to track performance metrics.