SYSTEM FOR INDUCTIVE CHARGING OF AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system for inductively charging a battery of an electric vehicle and possible uses for such a system. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for installing such a system in a floor. A system according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from WO 2013 / 142866A1 and US 2011 / 422 A1.

[0002] There are known systems for inductive charging of electric vehicles that use an induction device. In contrast to charging stations, where the vehicle must be connected to the charging station via a charging cable for charging, inductive charging is contactless. The induction device usually comprises a coil, the primary coil. When an alternating current flows through the primary coil, a magnetic field is generated around the primary coil. If a second coil of an electric vehicle (secondary coil) is located near this magnetic field, the constant reversal of the polarity of the primary coil's magnetic field, caused by the change in current direction, also induces an alternating current in the secondary coil. A rectifier converts this alternating current into direct current and feeds it to the vehicle's battery, thereby charging it.The induction device is typically located on or below the floor. To charge, the vehicle must be positioned above the induction device so that the secondary coil is within the magnetic field of the primary coil.

[0003] Such systems are often equipped with only the bare essentials: the primary coil and a power grid connection. The primary coil is frequently embedded (cast) into the road surface. Furthermore, space is required for the control and billing electronics, which are typically housed above ground in control cabinets. This further restricts the scarce public space. Installing such systems in public spaces is complex. Furthermore, it is costly, as the system must be redesigned for each installation location. These disadvantages hamper the widespread deployment of such systems. These and other systems also place a strain on the public power grid during charging, which in cities does not provide nearly enough power. This would require all power grids to be reinforced in the future, which would entail enormous financial and logistical expenditure.

[0004] The object of the invention is therefore to propose a system that can be installed inexpensively.

[0005] This object is achieved according to the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are the subject matter of the respective dependent claims and will become apparent from the following description.

[0006] The core idea of the invention is the provision of a container with the induction device located in or on part of the container wall. This creates space for the accommodation and connection of useful components. Furthermore, the use of a container offers the opportunity for standardization. The invention creates the possibility of accommodating all components in or on a single, manageable item (the container). This simplifies the installation of the system. The container is delivered to the road builders as such and they are tasked with placing it in a predefined pit according to definable, recurring rules. Apart from that, only the electrical connection of the container to the power grid is required. This can significantly reduce installation time and thus any disruption to public life.Furthermore, it is expected that standardization of installation processes will allow them to be carried out more quickly and without complications - for each new system to be installed, road builders only have to follow the same, already learned steps.

[0007] The possibility of standardization also offers advantages for manufacturers. For example, it is conceivable for manufacturers to offer only a single container size, or for example, a manageable, small number of different container sizes, which can then be mass-produced. Any questions regarding stability, material selection, or sealing can thus be addressed once and do not need to be addressed again when creating a new system. The "additional equipment" of the containers—that is, any operating devices or equipment that may be required in or on the container in addition to the induction device—can then be provided in or on the container according to customer requirements. It is therefore conceivable that some customers, for example, some municipalities or communities, only require the widespread use of a basic version, e.g.Some customers only want a version with an induction device and a connection to the power grid, while others require a more sophisticated system. Using the same, mass-produced container, these individual requests can be accommodated without having to modify the container itself (the container may therefore remain almost empty for customers who only want a basic version, which seems unnecessary, but can be remedied due to potential cost savings in mass production). Furthermore, the container offers space for other infrastructure equipment, such as power supply and fuse boxes with remote diagnostics and switching options for supplying households or telecommunications and communication equipment.

[0008] The system is suitable for inductively charging the battery of an electric vehicle. The term "electric vehicle" within the meaning of the invention encompasses all vehicles that are at least partially electrically powered. This also includes hybrid electric vehicles. Examples of possible vehicle types include passenger cars, motorcycles, or buses.

[0009] The induction device within the meaning of the invention encompasses all prior art induction devices suitable for inductive charging of a vehicle. Typically, the induction device comprises a coil through which alternating current flows, called the primary coil. The induction device is usually designed as a rectangular plate, although other shapes are conceivable. In addition to the currently known induction devices, more powerful induction devices can be retrofitted in the future.

[0010] The induction device is located in or on the container wall. It can be located entirely inside the container wall or partially inside the container wall and protrude from the container wall. An arrangement in which the induction device is attached to the container wall is also conceivable. The embodiment in which the induction device is located partially inside the container wall and protrudes from the container wall towards the outside of the container, as well as the embodiment in which the induction device is arranged on the outer container wall, have the advantage that the position of the induction device is visible, which facilitates the positioning of a vehicle over the induction device.In the embodiment in which the container is located entirely within the container wall and is therefore invisible from the outside, the part of the container wall over which the induction device extends (extension area) can be identified by marking the extension area. Marking an induction device that is invisible from the outside may not be necessary if a display is provided in the vehicle or in an interface device, e.g. a smartphone or a navigation system, that shows the result of an alignment test that checks the position of the vehicle relative to the induction device. An alignment test can determine the position of the secondary coil relative to the primary coil via the interaction between a primary coil in the induction device and a secondary coil on the vehicle, and thus determine the orientation of the vehicle relative to the induction device.An alignment test can also be provided by other means, such as pressure sensors or light barriers. Future autonomous vehicles will be automatically moved to the optimal loading position using a control signal from a device located in the container. Subsequent loading and billing will then also be carried out using devices located in the container.

[0011] The container can, in principle, have any shape. It is conveniently cuboid-shaped, which simplifies the storage of equipment and materials within the container, as well as its transport and installation in a pit. Furthermore, a cuboid-shaped container has the property of having flat sides. This is advantageous when one of its sides is used as a parking area or road surface. Its size is advantageously based on the parking area in which it is installed. A typical size (length x width x height) is approximately 5 m x 1.5 m x 0.6 m.

[0012] The term "container wall" within the meaning of the invention encompasses all surfaces that delimit the container to the outside, including, for example, the floor.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment, a portion of the container wall forms a lid for opening and closing the container, with the portion of the container wall in or on which the induction device is located (container wall portion) serving as the lid. In a preferred embodiment, the container comprises a closed tub and the lid. The closed tub can be perforated by conduit openings and / or ventilation openings and / or a water outlet.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the lid rests on a shoulder formed by additional parts of the container, in particular a tray provided in a preferred embodiment. A step can be formed as part of the shoulder. Providing a step can simplify sealing the container.

[0015] The term "container wall part" within the meaning of the invention thus encompasses the part of the container wall in or on which the induction device is located. It is not necessarily limited to the extended area. The container wall part encompasses the extended area, but is usually larger than it.

[0016] Because the container wall has a lid, the container can be opened and closed as needed. Such a need may arise, for example, when defective devices need to be replaced or new components added. Since the lid advantageously serves as part of a parking area or road surface, it expediently has a flat shape. The lid can be a plate, particularly a concrete plate. It can also be made up of several parts, e.g., to close off various chambers within the container.

[0017] The lid and the rest of the container can be made of the same material or of different materials. Suitable materials include, for example, concrete, reinforced concrete, fiber concrete, aluminum, steel, plastic or reinforced plastic. Advantageously, the material is waterproof. In a preferred embodiment, the container is at least partially coated on its outer walls or its inner walls, particularly preferably on the lid. For example, if the surface of the lid forms part of the roadway or part of a parking space, it may be necessary for the lid to provide special friction values that allow a vehicle to drive over it properly. If these friction values are compared with the material from which the lid is made, the container can be made of a waterproof material.for design reasons (load-bearing capacity, stability, durability) or cost reasons (use of materials), they can be achieved by providing a coating on the lid without losing the advantages achieved by the material actually used.

[0018] The container contains a battery for operating the induction device. This provides an additional energy source in addition to the power grid. Electric vehicles can thus be charged even in the event of a power grid failure, which increases the reliability of the system. In principle, any battery suitable for charging an electric vehicle can be used. Explosive gases can form in some batteries, particularly lead-acid batteries. In this case, it is expedient for the system to provide a venting option. The system can also have at least one chamber-forming partition in the container, which allows the battery to be housed separately in a chamber.

[0019] The accumulator is designed to store energy from the power grid and feed it back into the grid. Experts have long been striving to find a solution to the problem of power grid fluctuations. This problem is exacerbated by the increasing share of renewable energies in electricity generation. Because electricity generation from renewable energy sources is particularly dependent on the unpredictable weather, there is often a surplus of electricity that cannot be fed into the grid without jeopardizing grid stability. For example, wind turbines have to be switched off even when there is sufficient wind. Pumped storage power plants offer a solution to this problem, but these usually require the presence of two large neighboring lakes at different elevations. A comprehensive solution cannot therefore be achieved with them.

[0020] However, a comprehensive solution can be achieved using this embodiment of the invention, which could significantly accelerate the development of network stabilization technology in the future and thus harness the full potential of renewable energy sources. The accumulator can store energy from the power grid when power generation exceeds power consumption (e.g., due to excess energy from wind and solar power) and feed energy into the power grid when power generation is lower than power consumption (e.g., at night). It thus contributes to network stability. This solution is particularly effective when systems for inductive charging of electric vehicles equipped with such an accumulator are widely available. This can be expected in the future: It is becoming apparent that, on the one hand, electromobility will increase significantly in the coming years, and with it the need for charging stations.On the other hand, it is also becoming apparent that inductive charging will become the dominant charging technology due to its advantages over the charging stations still widely used today, simply because inductive charging systems can be deployed almost anywhere. Inductive devices can essentially be installed under any road, allowing charging at any time while the vehicle is parked or stopped at a traffic light without the driver having to get out and plug in a charging cable. Furthermore, charging cables are not required, so there is no need to worry about accidents, such as tripping over them. Cables also become increasingly brittle over time, posing a risk of electric shock to road users.

[0021] The modalities for storing energy from the power grid and feeding it back into the grid can be coordinated with the energy suppliers as needed. These may include, for example, the technical and financial conditions as well as the energy quantities for feeding in and feeding back into the grid.

[0022] The container preferably has at least one operating device. The term "operating device" within the meaning of the invention encompasses devices and means for the useful operation of the system, which, however, are not absolutely necessary for the charging process itself. An operating device can, for example, serve the purpose of billing the customer or controlling and regulating the system. Therefore, the term operating device encompasses, in particular, electrical and electronic devices, devices for control, regulation, measurement, and monitoring technology, and software technology devices and means. Examples of these include a charger for the accumulator, inverters, DC-DC converters, and power connectors for connecting multiple systems in parallel, as well as means for cooling electronic devices.Another example of an operating device is software for implementing the modalities agreed upon with the energy supplier for storing energy from the power grid and feeding it back into the power grid. Other examples of operating devices include a charge level indicator for displaying the vehicle's charge level and an operating status indicator for displaying the system's operating status.

[0023] Depending on requirements, the system can be constructed modularly using the container. Its components include, in particular, the operating devices, the accumulator, and equipment (see below).

[0024] In another embodiment, the cover can have a projection that can be a curb. This eliminates the need for a curb at the edge of the parking space or roadway prior to installation of the system, but rather allows it to be installed simultaneously with the system. Furthermore, the curb can serve as a useful support for system elements.

[0025] For example, it is advantageous for the charge level indicator and / or the operating status indicator to be located on the projection so that the driver can see the charge level indicator during charging without having to leave the vehicle and / or can see the operating status of the system before or when approaching the parking space.

[0026] In a further embodiment, part of the operating device is a drainage device. The drainage device can comprise a gravel bed arranged beneath the container. The gravel bed can be approximately 20 cm high. The drainage device can also comprise drainage pipes that can conduct water from the interior of the container to the outside, in particular toward the gravel bed. The drainage device can comprise means for measuring the water level in the container and a pump for pumping the water out of the container.

[0027] The system is conveniently designed so that the lid seals the container watertight. Since the system is typically located underground, there is a risk of its components suffering water damage due to seeping rain or floodwater. A tight cover helps prevent such damage.

[0028] To further prevent water damage to the electrical devices, they can be designed to be waterproof. Humidity monitoring is also conceivable. Embedding the electrical devices in waterproof gel is also possible. Alternatively, the electrical devices (with the exception of the induction device located in or on the container wall) can be arranged outside the container, which is particularly suitable in flood-prone areas. For example, the accumulators provided in a preferred embodiment can also be arranged outside the container and at a higher level in such an arrangement.Although this increases the cost of setting up the system with regard to accumulators arranged in the container, the advantages gained through the possibility of standardisation in the design of the induction device, the container and / or the connection to the power grid can still be used even with such an arrangement.

[0029] In a further embodiment, the system comprises at least one further induction device. This makes it possible to provide an additional charging point. For example, the induction device located in the container can be used to charge a vehicle in one parking space, while a second induction device can be used to charge a vehicle in an adjacent parking space. An advantage of this embodiment is that the supply from the accumulator and the operating devices can be provided in the container, so that a second container with its entire contents is not necessary for the second induction device. For example, it is conceivable to provide an additional lid next to the container of the system according to the invention, in or on which the second induction device is provided, and to install only this additional lid and connect it electrically to the container closed by a first lid with an induction device.However, in a system with two induction devices, it is particularly preferred to provide two containers: a first container in or on the container wall of which the first induction device is located, and a second container in or on the container wall of which the second induction device is located. If a system with two induction devices and two containers is used, a preferred embodiment can provide electrical connections between the containers so that, for example, both induction devices can be connected to a single accumulator, or both induction devices can be controlled, for example, with a single controller. Embodiments are also conceivable in which mechanical connecting elements, in particular plug-in systems, are provided, with which two containers can be plugged together for electrical coupling.These can be used in particularly weak power grids.

[0030] In a further embodiment, the system comprises at least one piece of equipment for roads and parking lots or a connection for this piece of equipment. Examples of equipment for roads and parking lots include street lighting, street signs, and barriers. Examples of street lighting include LED street lamps with dimming control. Equipment that requires electrical energy, such as street lamps and illuminated street signs, can be supplied by the accumulator and the operating devices. The system, in particular the equipment, preferably has a charging connection for charging electric vehicles and devices. For example, electric bicycles, motorcycles, or cell phones can be charged. The power supply is preferably also provided by the accumulator. The equipment to which the charging connection is attached can be, for example, a barrier.A boundary bar can, for example, be a bar that is intended to protect vegetation, in particular to protect trees at the edges of parking spaces.

[0031] The invention also provides for the use of the system according to the invention as a base for a parking space, wherein the container wall portion, in particular the lid, serves as part of the parking space area. A parking space is understood here to be an area for parking a vehicle. In this case, the term thus also includes parking spaces. A parking lot, on the other hand, comprises several parking spaces.

[0032] Advantageously, the container wall section is flush with the parking space, with the remainder of the container being arranged below the parking space. The container wall section can encompass part or all of the parking space. The container wall section preferably has the size of a standard parking space, which is regulated, for example, in the garage regulations or special building regulations of the German federal states and depends, for example, on the type of installation (e.g., longitudinal or inclined installation).

[0033] The invention also provides a use of the system according to the invention, wherein the system is part of the roadway and the container wall portion, in particular the lid, forms part of the road surface. Advantageously, the container wall portion is flush with the road surface, with the remainder of the container being arranged below the road surface. Preferably, the container wall portion forms the part of the road surface at the location where vehicles typically come to a stop, such as at a traffic light or a zebra crossing. As a result, the stationary vehicle is above the induction device for a longer period of time, so that the charging time can be increased.

[0034] The invention also provides a method for installing the system according to the invention in the ground, wherein a pit is excavated and the system is inserted into the pit. The ground can be, in particular, the subsurface of parking spaces and road surfaces. The system can be inserted into the pit in such a way that it is completely or partially embedded in the ground. If necessary, the pit is closed, e.g., by asphalting or paving. If the container wall portion, in particular the lid, forms part of the ground, this preferably serves at least partially to close the pit.

[0035] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures, which show only advantageous embodiments of the invention. In these figures: Fiq. 1a a perspective view of an exemplary system for inductive charging of an electric vehicle Fig. 1b a cross-section of the exemplary system according to Fig. 1a Fig. 2 a cross-section of a second exemplary system

[0036] Figur 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary system 1 for inductively charging an electric vehicle. It comprises a container 10, which has two chambers 4a and 4b separated by a partition wall 4. Part of the container wall forms a lid 2. In this exemplary embodiment, the lid is in two parts. One part of the lid 2a closes the chamber 4a, the other part of the lid 2b closes the chamber 4b. The system 1 further comprises an induction device 3 in the form of a rectangular charging plate and an accumulator 5 located in the chamber 4b. The accumulator 5 is connected to a power grid (not shown) and is designed such that it can store energy from the power grid and feed energy into the power grid. It can thereby contribute to stabilizing the power grid. In this exemplary embodiment, the induction device 3 is connected to both the power grid and the accumulator 5.Thus, if one energy source fails (e.g. power grid failure or insufficient current grid power), another energy source (accumulator 5) can be used to operate the induction device.

[0037] The system further comprises various operating devices, which in the present embodiment are predominantly housed in a box 7 in chamber 4a. These include, for example, the power electronics and software technology. Furthermore, the system includes a drainage device. This has a water outlet 11 and a gravel bed 8 so that water can drain from the container.

[0038] The system also includes an LED lamp 12 with dimming control as an accessory for streets and parking lots. This lamp is connected to the system via the container and is powered by the battery 5 or the power grid, as well as operated by the operating devices. Another accessory is a barrier bar 6. This is equipped with two charging ports 13, allowing electric vehicles such as e-bikes and electronic devices such as cell phones to be charged. The charging ports 13 are also connected to the power grid or the battery.

[0039] Fig. 1b shows a cross section of the embodiment according to Fig. 1a . In this embodiment, the induction device 3 is located entirely in the cover wall.

[0040] Fig. 2shows a cross-section of a second exemplary embodiment of the system. It differs from the first embodiment in that the container 10 has a projection 9, which can be a curb edge.

Claims

1. Modular system for the inductive charging of a battery of an electric vehicle, comprising an induction device (3), a connection for a power grid to supply the induction device (3) and a container (10), wherein ∘ in a basic version of the system, the induction device (3) is located in or on the container wall, wherein a part of the container wall forms a lid (2) for opening and closing the container (10), wherein the part of the container wall in or on which the induction device (3) is located (container wall section) is the lid (2), characterised in that space is created within the container (10) for housing and connecting additional components, namely space is created within the container (10) for housing and connecting a storage battery (5) for operating the induction device (3), wherein the storage battery (5) is configured to be able to store energy from the power grid and feed energy back into the power grid and space is created in or on the container (10) for housing and connecting at least one of the elements listed below ∘ a power supply box or fuse box with remote diagnostics and switching capabilities for supplying households or telecommunications and communication facilities, ∘ an equipment means for roads and parking spaces or a connection for the equipment means, namely a street lighting means and / or an illuminated road sign and / or a charging connection (13) different from the induction device (3) for charging electric vehicles and appliances.

2. System according to Claim 1, wherein the container (10) comprises a storage battery (5) for operating the induction device (3), wherein the storage battery (5) is configured so as to be able to store energy from the power grid and feed energy back into the power grid.

3. System according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein an equipment means for roads and parking spaces or a connection for the equipment means is provided, namely a street lighting means and / or an illuminated road sign and / or a charging connection (13) different from the induction device (3) for charging electric vehicles and appliances.

4. System according to Claim 2, characterised in that the container (10) comprises a sealed basin and a lid (2).

5. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (10) comprises an operating device.

6. System according to Claim 5, wherein a part of the operating device is a drainage device.

7. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system (1) is configured in such a manner that the lid (2) seals the container (10) in a watertight manner.

8. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (10) has a protrusion (9) which may be a kerbstone.

9. System according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a second induction device for charging a second vehicle.

10. System according to Claim 1, wherein the equipment means requires electrical energy and can be supplied via the power grid connection and / or by the storage battery (5).

11. Use of the system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims as a base for a parking space, wherein the container wall section acts as part of the parking surface.

12. Use of the system (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, wherein the system is part of a roadway, wherein the container wall section forms part of the road surface.

13. Method for installing the system (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 10 in the ground, wherein a pit is excavated and the system (1) is inserted into the pit.