Charging system with selectively distributed redundancy for supplying electric vehicles
The charging system addresses high costs and fault susceptibility by using converter groups with reconfigurable and redundant inverters, ensuring cost-effective and fault-tolerant electrical supply to electric vehicles.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HITACHI ENERGY LTD
- Filing Date
- 2023-07-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-11
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL AREA
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to charging systems for electric vehicles. In particular, it relates to a charging system for connecting or disconnecting each of the output units with or from at least one associated converter group, which includes reconfigurable and redundant converters for supplying electrical power to electric vehicles or for enabling fault tolerance. BACKGROUND
[0002] A charging system is an integrated system that provides electrical power / energy for charging plug-in electric vehicles, such as, but not limited to, electric cars, electric trucks, neighborhood electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, or the like.
[0003] Fig. Figure 1 discloses an exemplary charging system 100 for electric vehicles according to the state of the art. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the charging system comprises 100 multiple output units 90a-90n, multiple AC-DC converters 70a-70n and a central control unit 50.
[0004] The multiple output units 90a-90n act as charging interfaces between the multiple AC-DC converters 70a-70n and the electric vehicles. Each output unit can be connected to an electric vehicle to supply electrical energy to the vehicle's electrical energy storage device. This charges or powers the electric vehicle.
[0005] The multiple AC-DC converters 70a-70n are designed to connect an AC power source 72 to the multiple output units 90a-90n in order to supply electrical energy to the electric vehicle's electrical energy storage device.
[0006] The central control unit 50 is designed to monitor, control and direct the electrical power between the AC-DC converters 70a-70n and the output units 90a-90n.
[0007] The charging system 100 further includes a matrix switch 40. The matrix switch 40 is designed to combine and direct the electrical power from the AC-DC converters 70a-70n to each of the output units 90a-90n, as required for charging the electric vehicle's electrical energy storage device.
[0008] The matrix switch 40 comprises an input structure with input busbars (for example, m input transfer busbars). Each input busbar is connected to and extends from the respective AC-DC converter 70a-70n. The matrix switch 40 further comprises an output structure with output busbars (for example, n output busbars). Each output busbar is connected to and extends from a respective output unit 90a-90n. The input and output structures are arranged such that they form intersection points between the input and output busbars (e.g., m x n busbar pair intersection points). Electrical switches are also provided at the intersection points.
[0009] When the electrical switches are activated by the central control unit 50, the electrical switches at the intersection points are connected to their respective input and output busbars. This connects the AC-DC converters 70a-70n to the respective output units 90a-90n. When connections between the input and output busbars are enabled, current flows from positive to negative when the AC-DC converters 70a-70n are active and the output units 90a-90n are charging the electric vehicles. When the electrical switches are deactivated by the central control unit 50, the connection between the input and output busbars is terminated.
[0010] Thus, the matrix switch 40 disclosed in the prior art is fully equipped with electrical switches, which can provide maximum flexibility when connecting the output units 90a-90n to the AC-DC converters 70a-70n. However, this increases the number of electrical switches, which consequently increases the cost of the charging system 100.
[0011] Furthermore, in the above-described arrangement of the charging system 100, the entire charging system 100 can fail if one or more inverters become inoperable. SUMMARY
[0012] Therefore, there is a need for a charging system with selective distribution redundancy, fault tolerance and a reduced number of electrical switches.
[0013] It is therefore an objective of the present disclosure to provide a charging system with selectively distributed redundancy and fault tolerance for the electrical supply of electric vehicles in order to mitigate, reduce or eliminate all or at least some of the disadvantages of the currently known solutions discussed above.
[0014] These and other tasks are solved by a loading system as defined in the attached claims. The term "exemplary" in this context is to be understood as an instance, an example, or an illustration.
[0015] According to the present disclosure, a charging system is provided. The charging system comprises several output units and several converter groups. Each output unit can be connected to an electric vehicle to supply electrical energy to a device of the electric vehicle for storing electrical energy. Each converter group is connected to an AC-DC converter, which is electrically connected to an AC power source. Each converter group comprises several converters connected in parallel to a respective transmission busbar. Each output unit is designed to be electrically supplied by a fixed number of converter groups among the several converter groups. This ensures that each output unit can only be connected to suitable converter groups, for example, converter groups located close to it (adjacent converter groups).
[0016] The charging system further comprises several busbars and transmission cables. Each busbar is connected to and extends from a specific converter group. Each output unit is equipped with a fixed number of transmission cables, which are permanently connected to the busbars of the converter groups assigned to the output unit and extend towards that output unit to electrically connect it to the converter groups. This results in a compact matrix with flexibility limited to connecting each output unit to the nearby converter groups.
[0017] Each output unit comprises an output unit cable and a connection terminal. The output unit cable of each output unit is connected to one of several active switching units. A first end of each active switching unit is connected to the transmission cables assigned to the output unit, and a second end of each active switching unit is connected to the output unit cable of the output unit. Each active switching unit has a fixed number of first switching elements and a fixed number of second switching elements for protection. This eliminates the need for a complex arrangement of electrical switches on inverters to connect each output unit to the one or more inverters.
[0018] The charging system further includes a central control unit designed to manage the multiple active switching units. The central control unit is also designed to select at least one converter group from among those assigned to each output unit, based on the maximum power output to be supplied by the output unit. Each active switching unit is designed to electrically connect the output unit to the selected converter group by providing a connection to at least one of the transmission cables assigned to the output unit, with the transmission cable being connected to at least one busbar of the selected converter group. This provides electrical power to the output unit.
[0019] Advantageously, the proposed charging system allows the following: - Selective distributed redundancy: Each output unit can be electrically powered by one or more assigned inverter groups, which include reconfigurable and redundant inverters capable of achieving different power levels (e.g., according to the Combined Charging System, CCS Megawatt Charging System, MCS standards). This enables reconfigurability and fault tolerance; as well as - Reconfigurability before charging: Each output unit with different connection ports / connection types can reconfigure a number of connected inverter groups to provide the charging function.
[0020] According to some embodiments, the central control unit is further configured to select at least one converter group from among those assigned to the output unit for isolation if the maximum total power output of the at least one converter group will be higher than the maximum power output of the output unit, and / or depending on the detection of a failure of the at least one converter group. Each active switching unit is further configured to electrically isolate the output unit from the selected at least one converter group by deactivating the connection to at least one of the transmission cables assigned to the output unit. This at least one transmission cable is connected to at least one transmission busbar of the selected at least one converter group.This ensures the safe operation of the output unit and / or bypasses the failed at least one converter group through an arrangement of the active switching units. Regarding the bypass feature, if one converter group becomes inoperable, the other converter groups can still supply the output unit with electricity. This fault tolerance approach allows the charging system to operate even if one or more converter groups fail or are inoperable. Furthermore, the bypassed at least one converter group can be removed for replacement during operation of the charging system. This enables hot-swapping, provided appropriate safety precautions are taken.
[0021] Thus, the proposed charging system comprises the inverter groups in a modular reconfiguration arrangement and the output units, which can be connected to the assigned inverter groups via reconfiguration routing points / configurations, enabling the following: - Parallel connection of the converter groups with the output unit with demand-based reconfigurability; and - Bypassing failed inverter groups, thereby enabling fault tolerance and hot-swapping.
[0022] According to some embodiments, each active switching unit of the respective output unit comprises a fixed number of first switching elements and a fixed number of second switching elements. A first end of each first switching element is connected to one of the transmission cables assigned to the output unit, and a second end of each first switching element can be connected in series with a respective second switching element. The second switching elements are connected in series with each other, and the series connection of the second switching elements is connected to the output unit cable of the output unit.
[0023] According to some embodiments, each first switching element in each active switching unit of the respective output unit is configured to connect the respective second switching element, which is connected to the output unit's cable, to one of the transmission cables assigned to the output unit, wherein the transmission cable is connected to a transmission busbar of one of the converter groups assigned to the output unit. This connects the output unit to the converter group. Each first switching element is further configured to disconnect the respective second switching element, which is connected to the output unit's cable, from one of the transmission cables assigned to the output unit, wherein the transmission cable is connected to a transmission busbar of one of the converter groups assigned to the output unit. This disconnects the output unit from the converter group.
[0024] According to some embodiments, every second switching element in each active switching unit of the respective output unit is designed to be triggered when the output unit is electrically supplied by the at least one converter group with an electrical power higher than the maximum power output of the output unit. This disconnects the respective second switching element from the output unit cable, thereby protecting the output unit. This ensures that when an output unit becomes operational, it has no effect on the function of other output units.
[0025] According to some embodiments, the first switching element comprises a contact element. According to some embodiments, the first switching element comprises an active switch. According to some embodiments, the first switching element comprises a mechanical switch. According to some embodiments, the first switching element comprises a semiconductor switch.
[0026] In some embodiments, the second switching element includes a fuse. In some embodiments, the second switching element includes a pyrotechnic fuse. In some embodiments, the second switching element includes a pyrotechnic switch.
[0027] According to some embodiments, each active switching element of the respective output unit is designed to operate in a first switching configuration to electrically connect or disconnect the output unit from a converter group selected from those assigned to the output unit. One of the first switching elements, connected to one of the transmission cables assigned to the output unit, is designed, in the first switching configuration, to connect or disconnect the respective second switching element, connected to the output unit cable of the output unit, from the transmission cable, wherein the transmission cable is connected to a transmission busbar of the selected converter group.
[0028] According to some embodiments, each active switching unit of the respective output unit is further configured to operate in a second switching configuration to electrically connect or disconnect the output unit from at least two converter groups selected from those assigned to the output unit. At least two of the first switching elements, which are connected to at least two of the transmission cables assigned to the output unit, are configured, in the second switching configuration, to connect or disconnect the respective at least two second switching elements, which are connected to the output unit cable of the output unit, from the at least two transmission cables, wherein the at least two transmission cables are connected to at least two transmission busbars of the selected at least two converter groups.
[0029] According to some embodiments, each active switching unit of the respective output unit is further designed to operate in a third switching configuration to electrically connect or disconnect the output unit from all selected converter groups associated with the output unit. All first switching elements connected to all transmission cables associated with the output unit are designed, in the third switching configuration, to connect or disconnect the respective second switching elements connected to the output unit's output cable from the transmission cables, wherein the transmission cables are connected to the transmission busbars of the selected at least two converter groups.
[0030] Thus, different routing points / switching configurations are provided for connecting or disconnecting the output unit from one or more assigned converter groups.
[0031] According to some embodiments, the output unit is connected sequentially or simultaneously to at least two or all of the converter groups. This allows the output unit to be electrically supplied sequentially or simultaneously by different converter groups.
[0032] According to some embodiments, the multiple converters in each converter group include converters for providing maximum electrical power to at least one output unit and a converter for redundancy. The multiple converters include current-controlled DC / DC converters.
[0033] According to some embodiments, each of the converters can be operated for redundancy. Thus, each converter can shut down or become inoperative according to the electrical power required to supply the output units, which leads to the use of DC / DC converters in various possible configurations to achieve different power levels.
[0034] According to some embodiments, the central control is designed to enable a connection of one converter group among the several converter groups, each with only one output unit, via a respective active switching unit, wherein the converter group is assigned to the output unit.
[0035] In some embodiments, any of the above aspects may additionally have features that are identical to or correspond to any of the various features, as explained above for any of the other aspects.
[0036] Further advantages are readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Certain embodiments may exhibit some or all of the aforementioned advantages. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037] The foregoing will become apparent from the following more detailed description of the exemplary embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals refer to the same parts in all the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; rather, the focus is on illustrating the exemplary embodiments. Fig. 1 discloses an exemplary charging system in accordance with the state of the art; Fig. 2 discloses an exemplary charging system according to some embodiments; Fig. 3 discloses an exemplary arrangement of an active switching system in a charging system according to some embodiments; Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B and Fig. 4C disclose different switching configurations for selectively connecting an output unit to one or more associated converter groups according to some embodiments; Fig. Figure 5 discloses an exemplary illustration of the simultaneous electrical supply / charging of various output units according to some embodiments; and Fig. Section 6 discloses exemplary converter groups and their connectivity to output units in a charging system according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] Aspects of the present disclosure are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, a charging system disclosed here can be implemented in many different forms and should not be interpreted as being limited to the aspects presented here. Identical numbers in the drawings consistently refer to identical elements.
[0039] The terminology used herein serves only to describe certain aspects of the disclosure and is not intended to limit the invention. It should be emphasized that the term "comprises / comprising," when used in this description, is intended to specify the presence of the cited features, integers, steps, or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," "one," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0040] Fig. Figure 2 discloses an exemplary charging system 100. The charging system 100 referred to here can be an integrated system that provides electrical power for charging plug-in electric vehicles, such as, but not limited to, electric cars, electric trucks, neighborhood electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids or the like.
[0041] The Charging System 100 comprises several output units, 90a-90n. Each output unit can be connected to an electric vehicle to supply electrical energy to the vehicle's electrical energy storage device. Thus, each output unit can serve as a plug-in charging interface, enabling e-mobility and providing a grid-to-plug (Grid-eMotion) solution for electric vehicles with an enhanced high-performance charging experience. In some scenarios, each output unit can support charging station operators, particularly those serving highway corridors with DC fast charging and electric vehicle fleets that require high-performance charging with a premium user experience.
[0042] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, according to the prior art, the charging system 100 comprises a matrix switch designed to combine and route the electrical power from AC-DC converters to each of the output units 90a-90n, as required for charging the electric vehicle's electrical energy storage system. However, the matrix switch disclosed in the prior art is fully equipped with electrical switches, which, while providing maximum flexibility in connecting the output units 90a-90n to the AC-DC converters, increases the number of electrical switches. This, in turn, increases the cost of the charging system 100.
[0043] Therefore, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the charging system 100 is provided with selectively distributed redundancy, fault tolerance and a reduced number of electrical switches for the electrical supply of the electric vehicles.
[0044] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the charging system 100 comprises several converter groups 80a-80n. Each converter group is connected to an AC-DC converter 70, which is electrically connected to an AC power source (not shown). Thus, the several converter groups 80a-80n and the AC-DC converter 70 form a converter cabinet 85.
[0045] Each converter group comprises several converters 60, which are connected in parallel to a respective transmission busbar. Thus, converter groups 80a-80n are provided in a modular arrangement.
[0046] According to some embodiments, the multiple converters comprise 60 current-controlled DC-DC converters.
[0047] According to some embodiments, the multiple converters comprise 60 operational converters for providing maximum electrical power to at least one output unit, plus one converter for redundancy. Here, the term "redundancy" can be defined as a non-operational state of the converter. In some examples, the operational converter groups can achieve several different power levels (i.e., they can have different maximum electrical power outputs).
[0048] According to some embodiments, any of the converters 60 in each converter group can be operated for redundancy (i.e. switched off / not operational) according to the maximum electrical power to be provided for the at least one output unit.
[0049] This provides the converter groups 80a-80n, each comprising reconfigurable and redundant DC-DC converters 60.
[0050] Furthermore, each output unit is designed to be electrically powered by a fixed number of converter groups among the multiple converter groups 80a-80n. Here, "designed to be electrically powered by a fixed number of converter groups" can be interpreted as "connectable to the fixed number of converter groups." For example, an output unit 90a is designed to be electrically powered by a fixed number of converter groups 80a-80c among the multiple converter groups 80a-80n. This means that output unit 90a can be connected to one or more of the converter groups 80a-80c.
[0051] In some examples, the fixed number of converter groups assigned to each output unit can be selected based on the positioning of the output unit and converter groups, the use of the output unit, and so on.
[0052] This provides a first level of fixed grouping that allows each output unit to be connected only to a suitable and optimized number of converter groups, for example, closely positioned converter groups (adjacent converter groups).
[0053] The charging system 100 further comprises several transmission busbars 40a-40n and several transmission cables 30a-30n. The transmission busbars 40a-40n can be aligned parallel to each other and fixed in place. The transmission busbars 40a-40n are connected to and extend from the respective converter groups 80a-80n. For example, a transmission busbar 40a is connected to and extends from a respective converter group 80a.
[0054] Each output unit of the multiple output units 90a-90n is provided with a fixed number of transmission cables among the multiple transmission cables 30a-30n. According to some embodiments, the transmission cables 30a-30n are permanently connected to the transmission busbars 40a-40n of the converter groups 80a-80n and extend to the output units 90a-90n to electrically connect the output units 90a-90n to one or more of the converter groups associated with the output units 90a-90n. This results in a reduced-size matrix (i.e., the need for electrical switches can be reduced), with flexibility limited to connecting each output unit to the converter groups located nearby.
[0055] Furthermore, each output unit includes an output unit cable and a connection port (in Fig. (3 shown). The output unit cable of each output unit is connected to an active switching unit of several active switching units 20a-20n. A first end of each active switching unit is connected to the transmission cables assigned to the respective output unit, and a second end of each active switching unit is connected to the output unit. Each active switching unit has a fixed number of first switching elements 15 and a fixed number of second switching elements 10 for protection.
[0056] Furthermore, the charging system 100 includes a central control unit 50, which is designed to control the multiple active switching units 20a-20n.
[0057] According to some embodiments, the central control unit 50 is further designed to select at least one converter group for each output unit from the converter groups assigned to that output unit, based on the maximum power output to be supplied by the respective output unit. In some examples, the central control unit 50 selects the at least one converter group for each output unit based on data from the electrical energy storage data of the electric vehicle connected to the output unit, power data of the various converter groups assigned to the respective output unit, the actual operating state of the converters in each converter group assigned to the respective output unit, and power data of each output unit that indicates the maximum power output to be supplied by the respective output unit.
[0058] This provides a second level of flexible grouping with selectively distributed redundancy, which makes it possible to choose which assigned converter group(s) should be connected to the respective output unit, with each converter group comprising reconfigurable and redundant converters.
[0059] The central control unit 50 further configures each active switching unit of each output unit to electrically connect the output unit to the selected at least one converter group. Each active switch electrically connects the respective output unit to the selected at least one converter group by enabling a connection to at least one of the transmission cables assigned to the output unit, wherein the at least one transmission cable is connected to at least one transmission busbar of the selected at least one converter group. This provides the output unit with on-demand electrical power reconfigurability.
[0060] According to some embodiments, the central control unit 50 is further designed to select at least one inverter group for isolation from the inverter groups assigned to each output unit. The central control unit 50 selects at least one inverter group for isolation for each output unit if the maximum total power output of the at least one inverter group is higher than the maximum power output of the output unit and / or depending on the detection of a failure of the at least one inverter group.
[0061] The central control unit 50 further configures each active switching unit of each output unit to electrically isolate the output unit from the selected at least one converter group. Each active switching operation electrically isolates the respective output unit from the selected at least one converter group by deactivating a connection to at least one of the transmission cables assigned to the output unit, wherein the at least one transmission cable is connected to at least one transmission busbar of the selected at least one converter group. This ensures the safe operation of the output unit and / or bypasses the failed at least one converter group by means of an arrangement of the respective active switching unit. The bypassed at least one converter group can be removed for replacement during operation of the charging system 100. This enables fault tolerance and hot-swapping.
[0062] Fig. Figure 3 discloses an exemplary arrangement of an active switching system in a charging system. Although the embodiments described here can be applied equally to several active switching units connected to output unit cables of the multiple output units, the embodiments are described here with consideration of one active switching unit 20a among the multiple active switching units. The active switching unit 20a is provided for an output unit 90a.
[0063] The active circuit 20a is controlled by a central control unit of the charging system. The central control unit configures the active switching unit 20a to connect or disconnect the output unit 90a to or from at least one of the inverter groups assigned to the output unit 90a. The central control unit selects the at least one inverter group to be connected or disconnected.
[0064] The active switching unit 20a comprises a fixed number of first switching elements and a fixed number of second switching elements. For simplicity, the active switching unit 20a, which comprises three first switching elements 15a, 15b and 15c and three second switching elements 10a, 10b and 10c, is in Fig. Figure 3 shows. According to some embodiments, the first switching element (15a-15c) comprises a contact element. According to some embodiments, the first switching element (15a-15c) comprises one of: an active switch, a mechanical switch, and a semiconductor. According to some embodiments, the second switching element (10a-10c) comprises a fuse. According to some embodiments, the second switching element (10a-10c) comprises one of: a pyrotechnic fuse and a pyrotechnic switch.
[0065] Although the embodiments described here can be applied equally to all first switching elements 15a, 15b and 15c, the embodiments are described here with reference to the first switching element 15a.
[0066] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, a first end of the first switching element 15a is connected to a transmission cable 30a-1 below the transmission cables 30a-1, 30a-2 and 30a-3, which are assigned to the output unit 90a. A second end of the first switching element 15a is connected in series with the second switching element 10a.
[0067] The first switching element 15a is designed to connect the respective second switching element 10a, which is connected to an output unit cable 82 of the output unit 90a, to the transmission cable 30a-1 assigned to the output unit 90a. The transmission cable 30a-1 is connected to one of the transmission busbars of one of the converter groups assigned to the output unit 90a. This connects the output unit 90a to the assigned converter group.
[0068] The first switching element 15a is also designed to disconnect the respective second switching element 10a, which is connected to the output unit cable 82 of the output unit 90a, from the transmission cable 30a-1 assigned to the output unit 90a. The transmission cable 30a-1 is connected to one of the transmission busbars of one of the converter groups assigned to the output unit 90a. This disconnects the output unit 90a from the assigned converter group.
[0069] The second switching elements 10a, 10b, and 10c are connected in series. This series connection of the second switching elements 10a, 10b, and 10c is connected to the output unit cable 82 of the output unit 90a. The output unit cable 82 is further connected to a connection terminal 84 (for example, a plug / socket) of the output unit 90a. The connection terminal 84 can be connected to a charging device of an electric vehicle for a device 86 of the electric vehicle for storing electrical energy.
[0070] The second switching elements 10a-10c are designed to be triggered when the output unit 90a is supplied with electrical power by the associated converter groups that exceeds the maximum power output of the output unit 90a. This disconnects the second switching elements 10a-10c from the output unit cable 82 of the output unit 90a, thus providing additional protection for the output unit 90a.
[0071] Thus, the proposed arrangement of the active switching unit can eliminate the need for a complex arrangement of electrical switches / matrix switches (as in Fig. 1) to connect the output unit to inverters.
[0072] The Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B and Fig. 4C reveals different switching configurations for selectively connecting an output unit 90a to one or more associated converter groups 80a-80c. As shown in the Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B and Fig. As shown in Figure 4C, the charging system comprises 100 converter groups 80a-80n, a central control unit 50 and an output unit 90a.
[0073] In this example, consider that output unit 90a is designed to be powered by an associated inverter group 80a-80c, which may include, for example, 5-100 kilowatt (kW) DC-DC converters. The DC-DC converters can deliver 500 amperes, 1000 A, or 1500 A (i.e., Combined Charging System, CCS, 1, 2, Megawatt Charging System, MCS, 1, 2). In such a scenario, when output unit 90a is to be powered, the central controller 50 selects at least one of the inverter groups 80a-80c based on the maximum power output of output unit 90a. The central controller 50 further enables an active switching unit 20a, connected to an output unit cable of output unit 90a, to connect output unit 90a to the selected at least one of the inverter groups 80a-80c.This provides selectively distributed redundancy, enabling the electrical supply of the output unit 90a from the converter groups 80a and / or 80b and / or 80c.
[0074] The central control unit 50 further selects at least one of the inverter groups 80a-80c for disconnection of the output unit 90a if the maximum total power output of the at least one inverter group is higher than the maximum power output of the output unit 90a and / or depending on the detection of a failure of the at least one inverter group 80a-80c. The central control unit 50 also enables the active switching unit 20a to disconnect the output unit 90a from the selected at least one of the inverter groups 80a-80c.
[0075] The central control unit 50 is also designed to operate the active switching unit 20a in various switching configurations in such a way as to connect or disconnect the output unit 90a from at least one of the assigned converter groups.
[0076] The embodiments described here are different switching configurations in conjunction with the Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B and Fig. 4C, wherein the active switching unit 20a can be operated to connect the output unit to the at least one associated converter group (80a-80c). As in the Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B and Fig. As shown in Figure 4C, the active switching unit 20a comprises first switching elements 15a, 15b, and 15c, and second switching elements 10a, 10b, and 10c. The first switching elements 15a, 15b, and 15c are connected to transmission cables 30a-1, 30a-2, and 30a-3, respectively, which are assigned to the output unit 90a. The second switching elements 10a, 10b, and 10c are connected in series and to the output unit cable of the output unit 90a.
[0077] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4A, the active switching unit 20a is designed to operate in a first switching configuration to electrically connect the output unit 90a to a converter group 80a. The converter group 80a is selected for connection by the central control unit 50 for the output unit 90a. The first switching element 15a, connected to the transmission cable 30a-1, is designed to connect the respective second switching element 10a to the transmission cable 30a-1 in the first switching configuration. The transmission cable 30a-1 is connected here to the transmission busbar 40a of the converter group 80a. This allows the output unit 90a to be charged or electrically supplied using the converter group 80a.
[0078] Alternatively, the active switching unit 20a is designed to be operated in the first switching configuration to electrically isolate the output unit 90a from the (not shown) converter group 80a. The converter group 80a is selected for isolation by the central control unit 50 for the output unit 90a. The first switching element 15a, connected to the transmission cables 30a-1, is designed to isolate the respective second switching element 10a from the transmission cable 30a-1 in the first switching configuration. The transmission cable 30a-1 is connected here to the transmission busbar 40a of the converter group 80a. This isolates the output unit 90a from the converter group 80a.
[0079] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4B, the active switching unit 20a is designed to operate in a second switching configuration for the electrical connection of the output unit 90a with at least two associated converter groups, for example, converter groups 80a and 80b. Converter groups 80a and 80b are selected by the central controller 50 from the converter groups 80a-80c assigned to output unit 90a for connection to output unit 90a. The first switching elements 15a and 15b, which are connected to the transmission cables 30a-1 and 30a-2, are designed to connect the second switching element 10a and 10b to the transmission cables 30a-1 and 30a-2 in the second switching configuration. The transmission cables 30a-1 and 30a-2 are connected to the transmission busbars 40a and 40b of the converter groups 80a and 80b. This allows the output unit 90a to be charged or electrically supplied using the two different converter groups 80a and 80b.In some examples, the output unit 90a can be supplied with electricity sequentially or simultaneously using the two different converter groups 80a and 80b.
[0080] Alternatively, the active switching unit 20a is designed to operate in the second switching configuration to isolate the output unit 90a from the at least two converter groups 80a and 80b. The converter groups 80a and 80b are selected by the central controller 50 from the converter groups 80a-80c assigned to output unit 90a for isolation. The first switching elements 15a and 15b, which are connected to the transmission cables 30a-1 and 30a-2, are designed to isolate the second switching element 10a and 10b from the transmission cables 30a-1 and 30a-2 in the second switching configuration. The transmission cables 30a-1 and 30a-2 are connected to the transmission busbars 40a and 40b of the converter groups 80a and 80b. This separates the output unit 90a from two different converter groups 80a and 80b.
[0081] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4C, the active switching unit 20a is designed to operate in a third switching configuration for the electrical connection of the output unit 90a to all of the converter groups 80a-80c assigned to the output unit 90a. The converter groups 80a, 80b, and 80c are selected for connection by the central controller 50 for the output unit 90a. The first switching elements 15a, 15b, and 15c, which are connected to the respective transmission cables 30a-1, 30a-2, and 30a-3, are designed to connect the second switching element 10a, 10b, and 10c to the transmission cables 30a-1, 30a-2, and 30a-3 in the third switching configuration. Here, the transmission cables 30a-1, 30a-2, and 30a-3 are connected to the transmission busbars 40a, 40b, and 40c of the converter groups 80a, 80b, and 80c. This allows the output unit 90a to be charged or electrically supplied using all associated converter groups 80a-80c.In some examples, the output unit 90a can be electrically supplied sequentially or simultaneously using all the different converter groups 80a, 80b and 80c.
[0082] Alternatively, the active switching unit 20a is designed to operate in a third switching configuration for the electrical isolation of the output unit 90a from all of the converter groups 80a-80c assigned to the output unit 90a. The converter groups 80a, 80b, and 80c are selected for isolation by the central control unit 50 for the output unit 90a. The first switching elements 15a, 15b, and 15c, which are connected to the assigned transmission cables 30a-1, 30a-2, and 30a-3, are designed to isolate the second switching element 10a, 10b, and 10c from the transmission cables 30a-1, 30a-2, and 30a-3 in the third switching configuration. Here, the transmission cables 30a-1, 30a-2, and 30a-3 are connected to the transmission busbars 40a, 40b, and 40c of the converter groups 80a, 80b, and 80c. This isolates the output unit 90a from all of the assigned converter groups 80a-80c.
[0083] Fig. Figure 5 reveals an exemplary illustration of the simultaneous electrical supply of various output units in a charging system 100. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the charging system comprises 100 converter groups 80a-80n, a central control unit 50, and output units 90a-90b. The charging system 100 further comprises transmission busbars 40a-40d, which are connected to and extend from the converter groups 80a-80d. Furthermore, the output unit 90a is provided with associated output unit cables 30a-1, 30a-2, and 30a-3, and the output unit 90b is provided with associated output unit cables 30b-1, 30b-2, and 30b-3. The output unit 90a comprises the output unit cable and the connection terminal, the output unit cable being connected to an active switching unit 20a. Similarly, the output unit 90b comprises the output unit cable and the connection terminal, the output unit cable being connected to an active switching unit 20b. The active switching units 20a and 20b are controlled by the central control unit 50. The active switching unit 20a or 20b...20b comprises first switching elements 15a-15c, which are connected in series with second switching elements 10a-10c.
[0084] According to some embodiments, the central control unit 50 is designed to select one converter group from among the several converter groups and to enable its connection to only one output unit via the respective active switching unit. This converter group is assigned to the output unit.
[0085] Here, the central control unit 50 selects, for example, inverter groups 80a and 80b for output unit 90a for charging / electrical supply. While inverter groups 80a and 80b are selected for output unit 90a, the central control unit 50 selects inverter groups 80c and 80d for output unit 90b for charging / electrical supply. Therefore, a specific inverter group can only be selected for one output unit at a time.
[0086] After selection, the central control unit 50 of the active switching unit 20a enables the output unit 90a to be connected to the selected converter groups 80a and 80b. To connect the output unit 90a to the converter groups 80a and 80b, the first switching elements 15a and 15b connect the transmission cables 30a-1 and 30a-2 to the second switching elements 10a and 10b, which are connected to the output unit cable of output unit 90a. The transmission cables 30a-1 and 30a-2 are connected to the transmission busbars 40a and 40b of the converter groups 80a and 80b.
[0087] The central control unit 50 enables the active switching unit 20b to connect the output unit 90b to the selected converter groups 80c and 80d. To connect the output unit 90a to the converter groups 80c and 80d, the first switching elements 15b and 15c connect the transmission cables 30b-2 and 30b-3 to the second switching elements 10b and 10c, which are connected to the output unit cable of output unit 90b. The transmission cables 30b-2 and 30b-3 are connected to the transmission busbars 40c and 40d of the converter groups 80a and 80b.
[0088] Thus, each converter group can be connected to only one output unit.
[0089] Fig. Figure 6 discloses exemplary converter groups and their connectivity to output units in a charging system 100. The charging system 100 comprises several converter groups connected to an AC-DC converter for electrically supplying / charging multiple output units. For simplicity, the charging system 100 comprising converter groups 80a and 80b is shown in Figure 6. Fig. 6 shown.
[0090] Each converter group (80a, 80b) comprises several converters (60a, 60b) that are permanently connected in parallel. The multiple converters (60a, 60b) referenced here include current-controlled DC-DC converters.
[0091] According to some embodiments, the multiple converters (60a, 60b) comprise converter 60a for providing maximum electrical power to at least one output unit and converter 60b for redundancy. According to some embodiments, each of the converters 60a is operable for redundancy, that is, each converter 60a can be switched off / disabled.
[0092] For example, each of the converter groups 80a and 80b, which comprise four converters 60a to provide maximum electrical power for at least one output unit and one converter 60b for redundancy, is in Fig. Figure 6 shows that inverters 60a and 60b are connected in parallel in a fixed configuration. Furthermore, a combination of the parallel-connected inverters 60a and 60b is connected to a respective transmission busbar.
[0093] Each of the converter groups 80a and 80b can be connected to only one output unit. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the converter group 80a is connected to the output unit 90a via one active switching unit 20a each, and the converter group 80b is connected to the output unit 90g via one active switching unit 20g each.
[0094] Thus, the proposed charging system comprises the inverter groups in a modular reconfiguration arrangement and the output units, which can be connected to the assigned inverter groups via reconfiguration routing points / configurations, enabling the following: - Parallel connection of the converter groups with the output unit with demand-based reconfigurability; and - Bypassing failed inverter groups, thereby enabling fault tolerance and hot-swapping.
[0095] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments thus fully discloses the general nature of the present embodiments, so that others, by applying the current state of knowledge, can readily modify and / or adapt such specific embodiments for various applications without deviating from the generic concept. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are to be understood as falling within the scope and equivalence of the disclosed embodiments. It is understood that the language or terminology used here serves the purpose of description and not limitation. Although the present embodiments have been described with reference to preferred embodiments, the person skilled in the art will therefore recognize that the present embodiments can be exercised with modifications within the scope of protection of the disclosure.
Claims
[1] Charging system (100), comprising: - several output units (90a-90n) which can each be connected to an electric vehicle to supply electrical energy to a device (86) of the electric vehicle for storing electrical energy. - several converter groups (80a-80n), each converter group being connected to an AC-DC converter (70) which is electrically connected to an AC power source (72), wherein - each converter group comprises several converters (60) connected in parallel with a respective transmission busbar (40a-40n), and - each output unit (90a) is designed to be electrically supplied by a fixed number of converter groups (80a-80c) among the multiple converter groups (80a-80n); and - several transmission busbars (40a-40n) and several transmission cables (30a-30n), wherein - each transmission busbar (40a) is connected to and extends from a respective converter group (80a), - wherein each output unit (90a) is equipped with a fixed number of transmission cables (30a), the transmission cables (30a) being permanently connected to transmission busbars (40a-40c) of the converter groups (80a-80c) assigned to this output unit (90a) and extending to the output unit (90a) to electrically connect the output unit (90a) to the converter groups (80a-80c), - wherein each output unit (90) comprises an output unit cable (82) and a connection terminal (84), wherein the output unit cable (82) of each output unit (90a) is connected to an active switching unit (20a) of several active switching units (20a-20n), wherein a first end of each active switching unit (20a) is connected to the transmission cables (30a) associated with the output unit (90a) and a second end of each active switching unit (20a) is connected to the output unit cable (82) of the output unit (90a), wherein each active switching unit (20a) has, for protection, a fixed number of first switching elements (15) and a fixed number of second switching elements (10), wherein - each of the first switching elements (15) comprises one of the following: a contact element, an active switch, a mechanical switch and a semiconductor switch; and - each of the second switching elements (10) comprises one of the following: a fuse, a pyrotechnic fuse and a pyrotechnic switch, - wherein a first end of each first switching element (15) is connected to one of the transmission cables (30a) assigned to the output unit (90a), and a second end of each first switching element (15) can be connected in series with a respective second switching element (10); and - wherein the second switching elements (10) are connected to the output unit cable (82) of the output unit (90a), and - wherein every second switching element (10) in each active switching unit (20a) of the respective output unit (90a) is designed to: trigger when the output unit (90a) is activated by at least one The converter group is supplied with an electrical power that is higher than the maximum power output of the output device, thereby disconnecting the respective second switching element from the output device cable (82) of the output device (90a) and thus protecting the output device (90a), - wherein the charging system (100) further comprises a central control unit (50) designed to control the multiple active switching units (20a-20n), wherein the central control unit (50) is further designed to: - for each output unit (90a) to select at least one converter group from the converter groups assigned to the output unit (90a) according to a maximum power output to be supplied by the output unit (90a); where each active switching unit (20a) is designed to: - to electrically connect the output unit (90a) to the selected at least one converter group by enabling a connection to at least one of the transmission cables (30a) assigned to the output unit (90a), wherein the at least one transmission cable is connected to at least one transmission busbar of the selected at least one converter group, thereby supplying the output unit (90a) with electricity, - wherein the central control (50) is designed to enable a connection of a converter group among the several converter groups (80a-80n) with only one output unit each by means of a respective active switching unit, wherein the converter group is assigned to the output unit. [2] Charging system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the central control (50) is further designed to: - to select at least one converter group from the converter groups assigned to the output unit (90a) for separation if the maximum total power output of the at least one converter group is to be higher than the maximum power output of the output unit, and / or depending on the detection of a failure of the at least one converter group; wherein each active switching unit (20a) is further designed to: - to electrically disconnect the output unit (90a) from the selected at least one converter group by disabling the connection with at least one of the transmission cables (30a) assigned to the output unit (90a), wherein the at least one transmission cable is connected to at least one transmission busbar of the selected at least one converter group, thereby ensuring the safe operation of the output unit (90a) and / or bypassing the failed at least one converter group. [3] Charging system (100) according to claim 1, wherein each first switching element (15) in each active switching unit (20a) of the respective output unit (90a) is designed to: - to connect the respective second switching element (10), which is connected to the output unit cable (82) of the output unit (90a), to one of the transmission cables (30a) assigned to the output unit (90a), wherein the transmission cable is connected to a transmission busbar of one of the converter groups assigned to the output unit (90a), thereby connecting the output unit (90a) to the converter group; or - to disconnect the respective second switching element (10) which is connected to the output unit cable (82) of the output unit (90a) from one of the transmission cables (30a) assigned to the output unit (90a), wherein the transmission cable is connected to a transmission busbar of one of the converter groups assigned to the output unit (90a), thereby disconnecting the output unit (90a) from the converter group. [4] Charging system (100) according to claims 1-2, wherein each active switching unit (20a) of the respective output unit (90a) is designed to be operated in a first switching configuration to electrically connect or disconnect the output unit (90a) from a converter group selected from the converter groups (80a-80c) assigned to the output unit (90a), - wherein one of the first switching elements (15) connected to one of the transmission cables (30a) associated with the output unit (90a) is designed to connect or disconnect the respective second switching element (10) connected to the output unit cable (82) of the output unit (90a) in the first switching configuration, the transmission cable being connected to a transmission busbar of the selected converter group. [5] Charging system (100) according to claims 1-2 and 4, wherein each active switching unit (20a) of the respective output unit (90a) is further designed to be operated in a second switching configuration in order to electrically connect or disconnect the output unit (90a) from at least two converter groups selected from the converter groups (80a-80c) assigned to the output unit (90a), - wherein at least two of the first switching elements (15) which are connected to at least two of the transmission cables (30a) assigned to the output unit (90a) are designed to connect or disconnect the respective at least two second switching elements (10) which are connected to the output unit cable (82) of the output unit (90a) from the at least two transmission cables in the second switching configuration, wherein the at least two transmission cables are connected to at least two transmission busbars of the selected at least two converter groups. [6] Charging system (100) according to claims 1-2 and 4-5, wherein each active switching unit (20a) of the respective output unit (90a) is further designed to be operated in a third switching configuration in order to electrically connect or disconnect the output unit (90a) from all of the selected converter groups (80a-80c) assigned to the output unit (90a), - wherein all of the first switching elements (15) that are connected to all of the transmission cables (30a) assigned to the output unit (90a) are designed to connect, in the third switching configuration, all of the respective second switching elements (10) that are connected to the output unit cable (82) of the output unit (90a) to the respective transmission cables (30), wherein the transmission cables (30) are connected to the transmission busbars of the selected converter groups. [7] Charging system (100) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the output unit (90a) is connected sequentially or simultaneously to the at least two or all converter groups, whereby the output unit is supplied electrically sequentially or simultaneously by different converter groups. [8] Charging system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the multiple converters (60) in each converter group (80a) comprise: converters (60a) for providing maximum electrical power for at least one output unit and converters (60b) for redundancy, wherein the multiple converters (60) comprise current-controlled DC / DC converters. [9] Charging system (100) according to claim 8, wherein each of the inverters (60a) is operable for redundancy.