Charging system with selective distributed redundancy for powering electric vehicles

Abstract

Embodiments herein provide a charging system (100) comprising a plurality of dispensers (90a-90n), a plurality of converter groups (80a-80n), and a central controller (50). The central controller (50) is configured to control a plurality of active switching units (20a-20n), each active switching unit is connected to a dispenser cable of each dispenser and comprises first switching elements connected in series with second switching elements. The central controller is configured to select for each dispenser, at least one converter group from converter groups dedicated to said dispenser for connection or disconnection. Each active switching unit is configured to connect or disconnect respective dispenser to or from the selected at least one converter group by enabling connection or disconnection with at least one of transmission cables dedicated to said dispenser, said transmission cable being connected to at least one transmission bus bar of the selected at least one converter group.

Description

[0001] CHARGING SYSTEM WITH SELECTIVE DISTRIBUTED REDUNDANCY FOR POWERING ELECTRIC VEHICLES

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to charging systems for electric vehicles. More particularly, it relates to a charging system for connecting or disconnecting each of dispensers to or from at least one dedicated converter group comprising reconfigurable and redundant converters to power up electric vehicles or to allow failure tolerance.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] A charging system is an integrated system, which provides electric power / energy to charge plug-in electric vehicles, such as, but are not limited to, electric cars, electric trucks, neighbourhood electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, or the like.

[0006] Fig. 1 discloses an example charging system 100 for electric vehicles according to the prior art. As depicted in Fig. 1, the charging system 100 comprises a plurality of dispensers 90a-90n, a plurality of Alternate Current-Direct Current, AC-DC converters 70a-70n, and a central controller 50.

[0007] The plurality of dispensers 90a-90n acts as charging interfaces between the plurality of AC- DC converters 70a-70n and the electric vehicles. Each dispenser is connectable to an electric vehicle for providing electric power to an electric power storage device of the electric vehicle. Thereby, charging or powering the electric vehicle.

[0008] The plurality of AC-DC converters 70a-70n are configured for connecting an AC power source 72 to the plurality of dispensers 90a-90n to provide the electric power to the electric power storage device of the electric vehicles.

[0009] The central controller 50 is configured for monitoring, controlling, and routing of the electric power between the AC-DC converters 70a-70n and the dispensers 90a-90n.

[0010] The charging system 100 further comprises a matrix switch 40. The matrix switch 40 is configured for combining and routing the electric power from the AC-DC converters 70a-70n to each of the dispensers 90a-90n as required for charging the electric power storage device of the electric vehicle. The matrix switch 40 comprises an input structure having input bus bars (for example, m input transmission bus bars). Each of the input bus bars is connected to and extending from each of the AC-DC converters 70a-70n. The matrix switch 40 further comprises an output structure having output bus bars (for example, n output bus bars). Each of the output bus bars is connected to and extending from each of the dispensers 90a-90n. Said input structure and said output structure are arranged to form crossing points between the input bus bars and the output bus bars (for example, m by n bus bar pair crossing points). Further, electric switches are provided at the crossing points.

[0011] When the electric switches are activated by the central controller 50, the electric switches connect to its respective input bus bars and output bus bars at said crossing points. Thereby connecting the AC-DC converters 70a-70n with the respective dispensers 90a-90n. When connections are enabled between the input bus bars and the output bus bars, current flows from positive to negative when said AC-DC converters 70a-70n are active and said dispensers 90a-90n charge the electric vehicles. When the electric switches are deactivated by the central controller 50, said connection between the input bus bars and the output bus bars is terminated.

[0012] Thus, the matrix switch 40 disclosed in the prior art is fully populated with the electric switches, which may provide maximum flexibility in connecting the dispensers 90a-90n with the AC-DC converters 70a-70n. However, it increases a number of electric switches, which subsequently increases a cost of the charging system 100.

[0013] In addition, with the above described arrangement of the charging system 100, the entire charging system 100 may fail when one or more converters turn non-operable.

[0014] SUMMARY

[0015] Consequently, there is a need for a charging system with selective distribution redundancy, failure tolerance, and reduced number of electric switches.

[0016] It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide a charging system with selective distributed redundancy and failure tolerance for powering electric vehicles, to mitigate, alleviate, or eliminate all or at least some of the above-discussed drawbacks of presently known solutions. This and other objects are achieved by means of a charging system, as defined in the appended claims. The term exemplary is in the present context to be understood as serving as an instance, example or illustration.

[0017] According to the present disclosure, a charging system is provided. The charging system comprises a plurality of dispensers and a plurality of converter groups. Each dispenser is connectable to an electric vehicle for providing electric power to an electric power storage device of the electric vehicle. Each converter group is connected an Alternate Current-Direct Current, AC-DC, converter which is electrically connected to an AC power source. Each converter group comprises a plurality of converters connected in parallel to a respective transmission bus bar. Each dispenser is configured to be powered up by a dedicated number of converter groups among the plurality of converter groups. Thereby, enabling each dispenser to connect to only suitable converter groups, for example, closely positioned converter groups (neighbour converter groups).

[0018] The charging system further comprises a plurality of transmission bus bars and a plurality of transmission cables. Each transmission bus bar is connected to and extending from a respective converter group. Each dispenser is provided with a dedicated number of transmission cables, said transmission cables are permanently connected to transmission bus bars of the converter groups dedicated to said dispenser and extending towards said dispenser for electrically connecting said dispenser with said converter groups. Thus, resulting in a reduced size matrix with flexibility limited to connecting each dispenser to the closely positioned converter groups.

[0019] Each dispenser comprises a dispenser cable and a connection port. The dispenser cable of each dispenser is connected to an active switching unit of a plurality of active switching units. A first end of each active switching unit is connected to the transmission cables dedicated to said dispenser and a second end of each active switching unit is connected to the dispenser cable of said dispenser. Each active switching unit has a dedicated number of first switching elements and a dedicated number of second switching elements for protection. Thereby, eliminating a requirement of complex arrangement of electric switches at converters for connecting each dispenser with the one or more converters. The charging system further comprises a central controller configured to control the plurality of active switching units. The central controller is further configured to select for each dispenser, at least one convertergroup from the convertergroups dedicated to said dispenser for connection, in accordance with a maximum power output to be delivered by said dispenser. Each active switching unit is configured to connect electrically said dispenser to the selected at least one converter group by enabling connection with at least one of the transmission cables dedicated to said dispenser, wherein said at least one transmission cable is connected to at least one transmission bus bar of the selected at least one converter group. Thereby, powering said dispenser.

[0020] Advantageously, the proposed charging system allows:

[0021] - selective distributed redundancy: Each dispenser may be powered by the one or more dedicated converter groups comprising reconfigurable and redundant converters, reaching various power levels (for example, reaching Combined Charging System, CCS-Megawatt Charging System, MCS, standards). Thereby, allowing reconfigurability and failure tolerance; and

[0022] - reconfigurability prior charge: Each dispenser with various connection ports / connector types may readapt a number of connected converter groups for fulfilling the charging function.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the central controller is further configured to select for the respective dispenser, at least one converter group from the converter groups dedicated to said dispenser for disconnection, when a total maximum power output of the at least one converter group is to be higher than the maximum power output of said dispenser and / or in accordance with detection of a failure of the at least one converter group. Each active switching unit is further configured to disconnect electrically said dispenser from the selected at least one converter group by disabling connection with at least one of the transmission cables dedicated to said dispenser. Said at least one transmission cable is connected to at least one transmission bus bar of the selected at least one converter group. Thereby, operating said dispenser safely, and / or bypassing the failed at least one converter group through an arrangement of the active switching units. With bypassing feature, if one converter groups turns non-operable, the other converter groups may still power the dispenser. Such a failure tolerance approach allows the charging system to operate even in the failure or non-operability of the one or more converter groups. Further, the bypassed at least one converter group may be removed for being replaced while the charging system is in operation. Thereby, hotswap is possible if proper safety procedure is in place.

[0024] Thus, the proposed charging system comprises the converter groups that are in the modular reconfiguration arrangement and the dispensers that may be connected to the dedicated converter groups through reconfiguration rooting points / configu rations that allow:

[0025] - parallel connection of the converter groups with the dispenser with on-demand reconfigurability; and

[0026] - bypass of failed converter groups, allowing failure tolerance and hotswap.

[0027] According to some embodiments, each active switching unit of the respective dispenser comprises the dedicated number of first switching elements and the dedicated number of second switching elements. A first end of each first switching element is connected to one of the transmission cables dedicated to said dispenser and a second end of each first switching element is connectable to a respective second switching element in series. The second switching elements are connected in series with each other and the series combination of the second switching elements is connected to the dispenser cable of said dispenser.

[0028] According to some embodiments, each first switching element in each active switching unit of the respective dispenser is configured to connect the respective second switching element which is connected to the dispenser cable of said dispenser with one of the transmission cables dedicated to said dispenser, wherein said transmission cable is connected to a transmission bus bar of one of the converter groups dedicated to said dispenser. Thereby, connecting said dispenser with said converter group. Each first switching element is further configured to disconnect the respective second switching element which is connected to the dispenser cable of said dispenser from one of the transmission cables dedicated to said dispenser, wherein said transmission cable is connected to a transmission bus bar of one of the converter groups dedicated to said dispenser. Thereby, disconnecting said dispenser from said converter group.

[0029] According to some embodiments, each second switching element in each active switching unit of the respective dispenser is configured to break when said dispenser is powered up by the at least one converter group with an electric power that is higher than the maximum power output of said dispenser. Thereby, disconnecting the respective second switching element from the dispenser cable of said dispenser, which protects said dispenser. As a result, if one dispenser turns operable, it does not impact other dispensers to work.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the first switching element comprises a contactor. 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.

[0031] According to some embodiments, the second switching element comprises a fuse. According to some embodiments, the second switching element comprises a pyrofuse. According to some embodiments, the second switching element comprises a pyroswitch.

[0032] According to some embodiments, each active switching unit of the respective dispenser is configured to operate in a first switching configuration to connect or disconnect electrically said dispenser to or from a converter group selected from the converter groups dedicated to said dispenser. In the first switching configuration, one of the first switching elements connected to one of the transmission cables dedicated to said dispenser is configured to connect or disconnect the respective second switching element connected to the dispenser cable of the dispenser to or from said transmission cable, wherein said transmission cable is connected to a transmission bus bar of the selected converter group.

[0033] According to some embodiments, each active switching unit of the respective dispenser is further configured to operate in a second switching configuration to connect or disconnect electrically said dispenser to or from at least two converter groups selected from the converter groups dedicated to said dispenser. In the second switching configuration, at least two of the first switching elements connected to at least two of the transmission cables dedicated to said dispenser are configured to connect or disconnect the respective at least two second switching elements connected to the dispenser cable of the dispenser to or from said at least two transmission cables, wherein said at least two transmission cables are connected to at least two transmission bus bars of the selected at least two converter groups.

[0034] According to some embodiments, each active switching unit of the respective dispenser is further configured to operate in a third switching configuration to connect or disconnect electrically said dispenser to or from all the selected converter groups dedicated to said dispenser. In the third switching configuration, all the first switching elements connected to all the transmission cables dedicated to said dispenser are configured to connect or disconnect the respective second switching elements connected to the dispenser cable of the dispenser to orfrom said transmission cables, wherein said transmission cables are connected to the transmission bus bars of the selected at least two converter groups.

[0035] Thus, providing different rooting points / switching configurations for connecting or disconnecting the dispenser to or from the one or more dedicated converter groups.

[0036] According to some embodiments, said dispenser is connected to the at least two or all the converter groups sequentially or simultaneously. Thereby, powering said dispenser by different converter groups sequentially or simultaneously.

[0037] According to some embodiments, the plurality of converters in each converter group comprises converters for fulfilling the maximum electric power to at least one dispenser and a converter for redundancy. Said plurality of converters comprises current controlled DC / DC converters.

[0038] According to some embodiments, each of the converters being operable for redundancy. Thus, each converter may turn OFF or non-operable in accordance with the electric power required for powering the dispensers, which leads to use of DC / DC converters in various possible configurations for reaching various power levels.

[0039] According to some embodiments, the central controller is configured to enable connection of one converter group among the plurality of converter groups with only one dispenser at a time through a respective active switching unit, wherein said convertergroup being dedicated to said dispenser.

[0040] In some embodiments, any of the above aspects may additionally have features identical with or corresponding to any of the various features as explained above for any of the other aspects.

[0041] Other advantages may be readily apparent to one having skill in the art. Certain embodiments may have some, or all of the recited advantages. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particular description of the example embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the example embodiments.

[0043] Fig. 1 discloses an example charging system according to the prior art;

[0044] Fig. 2 discloses an example charging system according to some embodiments;

[0045] Fig. 3 discloses an example arrangement of an active switching system in a charging system according to some embodiments;

[0046] Figs. 4A, 4B, and 4C disclose different switching configurations for selectively connecting a dispenser with one or more dedicated converter groups according to some embodiments;

[0047] Fig. 5 discloses an example illustration of powering / charging different dispensers at a time according to some embodiments; and

[0048] Fig. 6 discloses example converter groups and their connectively with dispensers in a charging system according to some embodiments.

[0049] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Aspects of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. A charging system disclosed herein can, however, be realized in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the aspects set forth herein. Like numbers in the drawings refer to like elements throughout.

[0051] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects of the disclosure only and is not intended to limit the invention. It should be emphasized that the term "comprises / comprising" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Fig. 2 discloses an example charging system 100. The charging system 100 referred herein may be an integrated system, which provides electric power to charge plug-in electric vehicles, such as, but are not limited to, electric cars, electric trucks, neighbourhood electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, or the like.

[0052] The charging system 100 comprises a plurality of dispensers 90a-90n. Each dispenser is connectable to an electric vehicle for providing electric power to an electric power storage device of the electric vehicle. Thus, each dispenser may act as a plug charging interface for offering e-Mobility and providing grid to plug (Grid-eMotion) solution for the electric vehicle with an elevated high-power charging experience. In some examples, each dispenser may serve charging point operators, particularly those addressing a highway corridor with Direct Current, DC, fast charging and electric vehicle fleets requiring high power charging with a premium user experience.

[0053] According to the prior art, as depicted in Fig. 1, the charging system 100 comprises a matrix switch, which is configured for combining and routing the electric power from Alternate Current-Direct Current, AC-DC, converters to each of the dispensers 90a-90n as required for charging the electric power storage of the electric vehicle. However, the matrix switch disclosed in the prior art is fully populated with electric switches, which may provide maximum flexibility in connecting the dispensers 90a-90n with the AC-DC converters, but increases a number of electric switches. Thus, increasing a cost of the charging system 100.

[0054] Therefore, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the charging system 100 with selective distributed redundancy, failure tolerance, and reduced number of electric switches is provided for powering the electric vehicles.

[0055] As depicted in Fig. 2, the charging system 100 comprises a plurality of 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). Thereby, the plurality of converter groups 80a-80n and the AC-DC converter 70 form a converter cabinet 85.

[0056] Each converter group comprises a plurality of converters 60 connected in parallel to a respective transmission bus bar. Thus, providing the converter groups 80a-80n in a modular arrangement. According to some embodiments, the plurality of converters 60 comprises current controlled DC-DC converters.

[0057] According to some embodiments, the plurality of converters 60 comprises operable converters for fulfilling maximum electric power to at least one dispenser and a converter for redundancy. Herein, the term "redundancy" may be referred to as a non-operable state of the converter. In some examples, the operable converter groups may reach various different power levels (i.e., may have different maximum electric power output).

[0058] According to some embodiments, any of the converters 60 in each converter group may operate for redundancy (i.e., turn OFF / non-operable) in accordance with the maximum electric power to be fulfilled for the at least one dispenser.

[0059] Thereby, providing the converter groups 80a-80n, each comprising reconfigurable and redundant DC-DC converters 60.

[0060] Further, each dispenser is configured to be powered up by a dedicated number of converter groups among the plurality of converter groups 80a-80n. Herein, "configured to be powered up by a dedicated number of converter groups" may be referred to as "connectable to the dedicated number of converter groups". For example, a dispenser 90a is configured to be powered up by a dedicated number of converter groups 80a-80c among the plurality of converter groups 80a-80n. That is the dispenser 90a may be connectable only to one or more of the converter groups 80a-80c.

[0061] In some examples, for each dispenser, the dedicated number of converter groups may be selected based on positioning of the dispenser and the converter groups, usage of the dispenser, and so on.

[0062] Thus, providing a first level of fixed grouping, which enables each dispenser to connect only to suitable and optimized number of converter groups, for example, closely positioned converter groups (neighbour converter groups).

[0063] The charging system 100 further comprises a plurality of transmission bus bars 40a-40n and a plurality of transmission cables 30a-30n. The transmission bus bars 40a-40n may be aligned and fixed parallel to each other. The transmission bus bars 40a-40n are connected to and extending from the respective converter groups 80a-80n. For example, a transmission bus bar 40a is connected to and extending from a respective converter group 80a.

[0064] Each dispenser of the plurality of dispensers 90a-90n is provided with a dedicated number of transmission cables among the plurality of transmission cables 30a-30n. According to some embodiments, the transmission cables 30a-30n are permanently connected to the transmission bus bars 40a-40n of the converter groups 80a-80n and extending towards the dispensers 90a-90n for electrically connecting the dispensers 90a-90n with one or more converter groups dedicated to the dispensers 90a-90n. Thus, results in a reduced size matrix (i.e., a requirement of electric switches may be reduced) with flexibility limited to connecting each dispenser to the closely positioned converter groups.

[0065] Further, each dispenser comprises a dispenser cable and a connection port (shown in Fig. 3). The dispenser cable of each dispenser is connected to an active switching unit of a plurality of active switching units 20a-20n. A first end of each active switching unit is connected to the transmission cables dedicated to the respective dispenser and a second end of each active switching unit is connected to said dispenser. Each active switching unit has a dedicated number of first switching elements 15 and a dedicated number of second switching elements 10 for protection.

[0066] Further, the charging system 100 comprises a central controller 50, which is configured to control the plurality of active switching units 20a-20n.

[0067] According to some embodiments, the central controller 50 is further configured to select for each dispenser, at least one converter group from the converter groups dedicated to each dispenser, in accordance with a maximum power output to be delivered by each dispenser. In some examples, the central controller 50 selects for each dispenser, the at least one converter group on basis of data of the electric power storage data of the electric vehicle connected to the dispenser, power data of the different converter groups dedicated to each dispenser, actual functioning state of the converters in each converter group dedicated to each dispenser, and power data of each dispenser which indicates the maximum power output to be delivered by each dispenser.

[0068] Thus, providing a second level of flexible grouping with selective distributed redundancy, which allows to make a selection of which dedicated converter group or groups to be connected to each dispenser, wherein each converter group comprises reconfigurable and redundant converters.

[0069] The central controller 50 further configures each active switching unit of each dispenser to connect electrically said dispenser to the selected at least one converter group. Each active switching connects electrically the respective dispenser to the selected at least one converter group by enabling connection with at least one of the transmission cables dedicated to said dispenser, wherein the at least one transmission cable is connected to at least one transmission bus bar of the selected at least one converter group. Thereby, powering the dispenser with on-demand reconfigurability.

[0070] According to some embodiments, the central controller 50 is further configured to select for each dispenser, at least one converter group from the converter groups dedicated to each dispenser for disconnection. The central controller 50 selects for each dispenser, at least one converter group for disconnection, when a total maximum power output of the at least one converter group is higher than the maximum power output of said dispenser and / or in accordance with detection of a failure of the at least one converter group.

[0071] The central controller 50 further configures each active switching unit of each dispenser to disconnect electrically said dispenser from the selected at least one converter group. Each active switching disconnects electrically the respective dispenser from the selected at least one converter group by disabling connection with at least one of the transmission cables dedicated to said dispenser, wherein the at least one transmission cable is connected to at least one transmission bus bar of the selected at least one converter group. Thereby, operating said dispenser safely and / or bypassing the failed at least one converter group through an arrangement of the respective active switching unit. The bypassed at least one converter group may be removed for being replaced while the charging system 100 is in operation. Thereby, allowing failure tolerance and hotswap.

[0072] Fig. 3 discloses an example arrangement of an active switching system in a charging system. Although the embodiments described herein may be equally applicable for a plurality of active switching units connected to dispenser cables of the plurality of dispensers, the embodiments herein are described by considering an active switching unit 20a among the plurality of active switching units. The active switching unit 20a is provided for a dispenser

[0073] 90a.

[0074] The active switching 20a is controlled by a central controller of the charging system. The central controller configures the active switching unit 20a for connecting or disconnecting the dispenser 90a to or from at least one of the converter groups dedicated to the dispenser 90a. Herein, the at least one converter group for connection or disconnection is selected by the central controller.

[0075] The active switching unit 20a comprises a dedicated number of first switching elements and a dedicated number of second switching elements. For simplicity, the active switching unit 20a comprising three first switching elements 15a, 15b, and 15c and three second switching elements 10a, 10b, and 10c is depicted in Fig. 3. According to some embodiments, the first switching element (15a-15c) comprises a contactor. 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 (lOa-lOc) comprises a fuse. According to some embodiments, the second switching element (lOa-lOc) comprises one of: a pyrofuse and a pyroswitch.

[0076] Although the embodiments described herein may be equally applicable for all the first switching elements 15a, 15b, and 15c, the embodiments herein are described by considering the first switching element 15a.

[0077] As depicted in Fig. 3, a first end of the first switching element 15a is connected to a transmission cable 30a-l among transmission cables 30a-l, 30a-2, and 30a-3 dedicated to the dispenser 90a. A second end of the first switching element 15a is connected to the second switching element 10a in series.

[0078] The first switching element 15a is configured to connect the respective second switching element 10a which is connected to a dispenser cable 82 of the dispenser 90a to the transmission cable 30a-l dedicated to the dispenser 90a. The transmission cable 30a-l is connected to one of transmission bus bars of one of the converter groups dedicated to the dispenser 90a. Thereby, connecting the dispenser 90a with the dedicated converter group. The first switching element 15a is also configured to disconnect the respective second switching element 10a which is connected to the dispenser cable 82 of the dispenser 90a from the transmission cable 30a-l dedicated to the dispenser 90a. The transmission cable 30a-l is connected to one of transmission bus bars of one of the converter groups dedicated to the dispenser 90a. Thereby, disconnecting the dispenser 90a with the dedicated converter group.

[0079] The second switching elements 10a, 10b, and 10c are connected in series with each other. The series combination of the second switching elements 10a, 10b, and 10c is connected to the dispenser cable 82 of the dispenser 90a. The dispenser cable 82 is further connected to a connection port (for example, a plug / socket) 84 of the dispenser 90a. The connection port 84 may be connected to a connection device of an electric vehicle for charging an electric power storage device 86 of the electric vehicle.

[0080] The second switching elements lOa-lOc are configured to break when the dispenser 90a is powered up by the dedicated converter groups with an electric power that is higher than a maximum power output of the dispenser 90a. Thereby, the second switching elements 10a- 10c are disconnected from the dispenser cable 82 of the dispenser 90a, which further protects the dispenser 90a.

[0081] Thus, the proposed arrangement of the active switching unit may eliminate a need of a complex arrangement of electric switches / matrix switch (as shown in Fig. 1) for connecting the dispenser with converters.

[0082] Figs. 4A, 4B, and 4C disclose different switching configurations for selectively connecting a dispenser 90a to one or more dedicated converter groups 80a-80c. As depicted in Figs. 4A, 4B, and 4C, the charging system 100 comprises converter groups 80a-80n, a central controller 50, and a dispenser 90a.

[0083] In an example herein, consider that the dispenser 90a is configured to be powered up by a dedicated converter groups 80a-80c, for example, comprising 5-100 Kilowatt, KW, DC-DC converters. The DC-DC converters may reach 500 Ampere, A, 1000A or 1500A (i.e., Combined Charging System, CCS, 1, 2, Megawatt Charging System, MCS, 1, 2). In such a scenario, when the dispenser 90a is to be powered up, the central controller 50 selects at least one of the converter groups 80a-80c, based on maximum power output of the dispenser 90a. The central controller 50 further enables an active switching unit 20a connected to a dispenser cable of the dispenser 90a to connect the dispenser 90a to the selected at least one of the converter groups 80a-80c. Thereby, providing selective distributed redundancy, which allows powering the dispenser 90a from the converter groups 80a, and / or 80b, and / or 80c.

[0084] The central controller 50 further selects for the dispenser 90a, the at least one of the converter groups 80a-80c for disconnection, when a total maximum power output of the at least one converter group is to be higher than the maximum power output of the dispenser 90a and / or in accordance with detection of a failure of the at least one converter group 80a- 80c. The central controller 50 further enables the active switching unit 20a to disconnect the dispenser 90a from the selected at least one of the converter groups 80a-80c.

[0085] The central controller 50 is further configured to operate the active switching unit 20a in different switching configurations to connect or disconnect the dispenser 90a to or from the at least one of the dedicated converter groups.

[0086] Embodiments herein describe different switching configurations in conjunction with Figs. 4A, 4B, and 4C, in which the active switching unit 20a may operate for connecting the dispenser with the at least one dedicated converter group (80a-80c). As depicted in Figs. 4A, 4B, and 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-l, 30a-2, and 30a-3 dedicated to the dispenser 90a, respectively. The second switching elements 10a, 10b, and 10c are connected in series and connected to the dispenser cable of the dispenser 90a.

[0087] As depicted in Fig. 4A, the active switching unit 20a is configured to operate in a first switching configuration to connect electrically the dispenser 90a to a converter group 80a. The converter group 80a is selected for the dispenser 90a by the central controller 50 for connection. In the first switching configuration, the first switching element 15a connected to the transmission cables 30a-l is configured to connect the respective second switching element 10a to the transmission cable 30a-l. Herein, the transmission cable 30a-l is connected to a transmission bus bar 40a of the converter group 80a. Thereby, charging or powering up the dispenser 90a using the converter group 80a.

[0088] Alternatively, the active switching unit 20a is configured to operate in the first switching configuration to disconnect electrically the dispenser 90a from the converter group 80a (not shown). The converter group 80a is selected for the dispenser 90a by the central controller 50 for disconnection. In the first switching configuration, the first switching element 15a connected to the transmission cables 30a-l is configured to disconnect the respective second switching element 10a from the transmission cable 30a-l. Herein, the transmission cable 30a- 1 is connected to the transmission bus bar 40a of the converter group 80a. Thereby, disconnecting the dispenser 90a from the converter group 80a.

[0089] As depicted in Fig. 4B, the active switching unit 20a is configured to operate in a second switching configuration to connect electrically the dispenser 90a to at least two dedicated converter groups, for example herein, the converter groups 80a and 80b. The converter groups 80a and 80b are selected for the dispenser 90a by the central controller 50 from the converter groups 80a-80c dedicated to the dispenser 90a for connection. In the second switching configuration, the first switching elements 15a and 15b connected to the transmission cables 30a-l and 30a-2 are configured to connect second switching element 10a and 10b to the transmission cables 30a-l and 30a-2. Herein, the transmission cables 30a-l and 30a-2 are connected to transmission bus bars 40a and 40b of the converter groups 80a and 80b. Thereby, charging or powering up the dispenser 90a using the two different converter groups 80a and 80b. In some examples, the dispenser 90a may be powered up using the two different converter groups 80a and 80b sequentially or simultaneously.

[0090] Alternatively, the active switching unit 20a is configured to operate in the second switching configuration to disconnect electrically the dispenser 90a from the at least two converter groups 80a and 80b. The converter groups 80a and 80b are selected for the dispenser 90a by the central controller 50 from the converter groups 80a-80c dedicated to the dispenser 90a for disconnection. In the second switching configuration, the first switching elements 15a and 15b connected to the transmission cables 30a-l and 30a-2 are configured to disconnect the second switching element 10a and 10b from the transmission cables 30a-l and 30a-2. Herein, the transmission cables 30a-l and 30a-2 are connected to transmission bus bars 40a and 40b of the converter groups 80a and 80b. Thereby, disconnecting the dispenser 90a from two different converter groups 80a and 80b.

[0091] As depicted in Fig. 4C, the active switching unit 20a is configured to operate in a third switching configuration to connect electrically the dispenser 90a to all the converter groups 80a-80c dedicated to the dispenser 90a. The converter groups 80a, 80b, and 80c are selected for the dispenser 90a by the central controller 50 for connection. In the third switching configuration, the first switching elements 15a, 15b, and 15c connected to the respective transmission cables 30a-l, 30a-2, and 30a-3 are configured to connect the second switching element 10a, 10b, and 10c to the transmission cables 30a-l, 30a-2, and 30a-3. Herein, the transmission cables 30a-l. 30a-2, and 30a-3 are connected to transmission bus bars 40a, 40b, and 40c of the converter groups 80a, 80b, and 80c. Thereby, charging or powering up the dispenser 90a using all the dedicated converter groups 80a-80c. In some examples, the dispenser 90a may be powered up using all the different converter groups 80a, 80b, and 80c sequentially or simultaneously.

[0092] Alternatively, the active switching unit 20a is configured to operate in a third switching configuration to disconnect electrically the dispenser 90a from all the converter groups 80a- 80c dedicated to the dispenser 90a. The converter groups 80a, 80b, and 80c are selected for the dispenser 90a by the central controller 50 for disconnection. In the third switching configuration, the first switching elements 15a, 15b, and 15c connected to the dedicated transmission cables 30a-l, 30a-2, and 30a-3 are configured to disconnect the second switching element 10a, 10b, and 10c from the transmission cables 30a-l, 30a-2, and 30a-3. Herein, the transmission cables 30a-l, 30a-2, and 30a-3 are connected to transmission bus bars 40a, 40b, and 40c of the converter groups 80a, 80b, and 80c. Thereby, disconnecting the dispenser 90a from all the dedicated converter groups 80a-80c.

[0093] Fig. 5 discloses an example illustration of powering different dispensers at a time in a charging system 100. As depicted in Fig. 5, the charging system 100 comprises converter groups 80a- 80n, a central controller 50, and dispensers 90a-90b. The charging system 100 further comprises transmission bus bars 40a-40d connected to and extending from the converter groups 80a-80d. Further, the dispenser 90a is provided with dedicated dispenser cables 30a- 1, 30a-2, and 30a-3 and the dispenser 90b is provided with dedicated dispenser cables 30b-l, 30b-2, and 30b-3. The dispenser 90a comprises the dispenser cable and connection port, wherein the dispenser cable is connected to an active switching unit 20a. Similarly, the dispenser 90b comprises the dispenser cable and connection port, wherein the dispenser cable is connected to an active switching unit 20b. The active switching units 20a and 20b are controlled by the central controller 50. The active switching unit 20a or 20b comprises first switching elements 15a-15c connected in series with second switching elements lOa-lOc. According to some embodiments, the central controller 50 is configured to select and enable connection of one converter group among the plurality of converter groups with only one dispenser at a time through the respective active switching unit. Said converter group is dedicated to the dispenser.

[0094] For example herein, the central controller 50 selects the converter groups 80a and 80b for the dispenser 90a for charging / powering up. As the converter groups 80a and 80b are selected for the dispenser 90a, the central controller 50 selects the converter groups 80c and 80d for the dispenser 90b for charging / powering up. Therefore, a specific converter group may be selected for only one dispenser at a time.

[0095] After selection, the central controller 50 enables the active switching unit 20a to connect the dispenser 90a with the selected converter groups 80a and 80b. To connect the dispenser 90a with the converter groups 80a and 80b, the first switching elements 15a and 15b connect the transmission cables 30a-l and 30a-2 to the second switching elements 10a and 10b which are connected to the dispenser cable of the dispenser 90a. The transmission cables 30a-l and 30a-2 are connected to transmission bus bars 40a and 40b of the converter groups 80a and 80b.

[0096] The central controller 50 enables the active switching unit 20b to connect the dispenser 90b with the selected converter groups 80c and 80d. To connect the dispenser 90a with 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 dispenser cable of the dispenser 90b. The transmission cables 30b-2 and 30b-3 are connected to transmission bus bars 40c and 40d of the converter groups 80a and 80b.

[0097] Thus, the specific converter group may be connected to only one dispenser at a time.

[0098] Fig. 6 discloses example converter groups and their connectivity with dispensers in a charging system 100. The charging system 100 comprises a plurality of converter groups, which is connected to an AC-DC converter for powering up / charging a plurality of dispensers. For simplicity, the charging system 100 comprising converter groups 80a and 80b is depicted in Fig. 6. Each converter group (80a, 80b) comprises a plurality of converters (60a, 60b), which are connected in parallel in a fixed manner. The plurality of converters (60a, 60b) referred herein comprises current controlled DC-DC converters.

[0099] According to some embodiments, the plurality of converters (60a, 60b) comprises converters 60a for fulfilling the maximum electric power to at least one dispenser and a converter 60b for redundancy. According to some embodiments, each of the converters 60a is operable for redundancy that is each converter 60a may be turned OFF / non-operable.

[0100] For example, each of the converter groups 80a and 80b comprising four converters 60a for fulfilling the maximum electric power to at least one dispenser and a converter 60b for redundancy is depicted in Fig. 6. The converters 60a and 60b are connected in parallel in a fixed configuration. Further, a combination of the converters 60a and 60b connected in parallel is connected to a respective transmission bus bar.

[0101] Each of the converter groups 80a and 80b may be connected to only one dispenser at a time. For example, as depicted in Fig. 6, the converter group 80a is connected to the dispenser 90a through a respective active switching unit 20a and the converter group 80b is connected to the dispenser 90g through a respective active switching unit 20g.

[0102] Thus, the proposed charging system comprises the converter groups that are in the modular reconfiguration arrangement and the dispensers that may be connected to the dedicated converter groups through reconfiguration rooting points / configu rations that allow:

[0103] - parallel connection of the converter groups with the dispenser with on-demand reconfigurability; and

[0104] - bypass of failed converter groups, allowing failure tolerance and hotswap.

[0105] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and / or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A charging system (100) comprising:- a plurality of dispensers (90a-90n), each being connectable to an electric vehicle for providing electric power to an electric power storage device (86) of the electric vehicle;- a plurality of converter groups (80a-80n), each converter group being connected to an Alternate Current-Direct Current, AC-DC, converter (70) which is electrically connected to an AC power source, wherein- each converter group comprises a plurality of converters (60) connected in parallel to a respective transmission bus bar (40a-40n), and- each dispenser (90a) is configured to be powered up by a dedicated number of converter groups (80a-80c) among the plurality of converter groups (80a- 80n); and a plurality of transmission bus bars (40a-40n) and a plurality of transmission cables (30a-30n), wherein- each transmission bus bar (40a) is connected to and extending from a respective converter group (80a),- wherein each dispenser (90a) is provided with a dedicated number of transmission cables (30a), said transmission cables (30a) are permanently connected to transmission bus bars (40a-40c) of the converter groups (80a-80c) dedicated to said dispenser (90a) and extending towards said dispenser (90a) for electrically connecting said dispenser (90a) with said convertergroups (80a-80c), wherein each dispenser (90) comprises a dispenser cable (82) and a connection port (84), wherein the dispenser cable (82) of each dispenser (90a) being connected to an active switching unit (20a) of a plurality of active switching units (20a-20n), wherein a first end of each active switching unit (20a) is connected to the transmission cables (30a) dedicated to said dispenser (90a) and a second end of each active switching unit (20a) is connected to the dispenser cable (82) of said dispenser (90a), wherein each active switching unit (20a) has a dedicated number of first switching elements (15) and a dedicated number of second switching elements (10) for protection,wherein the charging system (100) further comprises a central controller (50) being configured to control the plurality of active switching units (20a-20n), wherein the central controller (50) is further configured to:- select for each dispenser (90a), at least one converter group from the converter groups dedicated to said dispenser (90a) for connection, in accordance with a maximum power output to be delivered by said dispenser (90a); wherein each active switching unit (20a) is configured to:- connect electrically said dispenser (90a) to the selected at least one converter group by enabling connection with at least one of the transmission cables (30a) dedicated to said dispenser (90a), said at least one transmission cable being connected to at least one transmission bus bar of the selected at least one converter group, thereby powering said dispenser (90a).

2. The charging system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the central controller (50) is further configured to: select for the respective dispenser (90a), at least one converter group from the converter groups dedicated to said dispenser (90a) for disconnection, when a total maximum power output of the at least one converter group is to be higher than the maximum power output of said dispenser and / or in accordance with detection of a failure of the at least one converter group; wherein each active switching unit (20a) is further configured to: disconnect electrically said dispenser (90a) from the selected at least one converter group by disabling connection with at least one of the transmission cables (30a) dedicated to said dispenser (90a), said at least one transmission cable being connected to at least one transmission bus bar of the selected at least one converter group, thereby, operating said dispenser (90a) safely, and / or bypassing the failed at least one converter group.

3. The charging system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each switching unit (20a) of the respective dispenser (90a) comprises the dedicated number of first switching elements (15) and the dedicated number of second switching elements (10), whereina first end of each first switching element (15) is connected to one of the transmission cables (30a) dedicated to said dispenser (90a) and a second end of each first switching element (15) is connectable to a respective second switching element (10) in series; and the second switching elements (10) are connected in series with each other and the series combination of the second switching elements (10) is connected to the dispenser cable (82) of said dispenser (90a).

4. The charging system (100) according to claim 3, wherein each first switching element (15) in each active switching unit (20a) of the respective dispenser (90a) is configured to: connect the respective second switching element (10) which is connected to the dispenser cable (82) of said dispenser (90a) with one of the transmission cables (30a) dedicated to said dispenser (90a), wherein said transmission cable being connected to a transmission bus bar of one of the converter groups dedicated to said dispenser (90a), thereby connecting said dispenser (90a) with said converter group; or disconnect the respective second switching element (10) which is connected to the dispenser cable (82) of said dispenser (90a) from one of the transmission cables (30a) dedicated to said dispenser (90a), wherein said transmission cable being connected to a transmission bus bar of one of the converter groups dedicated to said dispenser (90a), thereby disconnecting said dispenser (90a) from said converter group.

5. The charging system (100) according to any of claims 3-4, wherein each second switching element (10) in each active switching unit (20a) of the respective dispenser (90a) is configured to: break when said dispenser (90a) is powered up by the at least one converter group with an electric power that is higher than the maximum power output of said dispenser, thereby disconnecting the respective second switching element from the dispenser cable (82) of said dispenser (90a), thereby protecting said dispenser (90a).

6. The charging system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the first switching elements (15) comprises one of: a contactor, an active switch, a mechanical switch, and a semiconductor switch; andeach of the second switching elements (10) comprises one of: a fuse, a pyrofuse, and a pyroswitch.

7. The charging system (100) according to claims 1-2, wherein each active switching unit (20a) of the respective dispenser (90a) is configured to operate in a first switching configuration to connect or disconnect electrically said dispenser (90a) to or from a convertergroup selected from the converter groups (80a-80c) dedicated to said dispenser (90a), wherein in the first switching configuration, one of the first switching elements (15) connected to one of the transmission cables (30a) dedicated to said dispenser (90a) is configured to connect or disconnect the respective second switching element (10) connected to the dispenser cable (82) of the dispenser (90a) to or from said transmission cable, wherein said transmission cable being connected to a transmission bus bar of the selected converter group.

8. The charging system (100) according to claims 1-2 and 7, wherein each active switching unit (20a) of the respective dispenser (90a) is further configured to operate in a second switching configuration to connect or disconnect electrically said dispenser (90a) to or from at least two converter groups selected from the converter groups (80a-80c) dedicated to said dispenser (90a), wherein in the second switching configuration, at least two of the first switching elements (15) connected to at least two of the transmission cables (30a) dedicated to said dispenser (90a) are configured to connect or disconnect the respective at least two second switching elements (10) connected to the dispenser cable (82) of the dispenser (90a) to or from said at least two transmission cables, respectively, wherein said at least two transmission cables being connected to at least two transmission bus bars of the selected at least two converter groups.

9. The charging system (100) according to claims 1-2 and 7-8, wherein each active switching unit (20a) of the respective dispenser (90a) is further configured to operate in a third switching configuration to connect or disconnect electrically said dispenser (90a) to or from all the selected converter groups (80a-80c) dedicated to said dispenser (90a),wherein in the third switching configuration, all the first switching elements (15) connected to all the transmission cables (30a) dedicated to said dispenser (90a) are configured to connect all the respective second switching elements (10) connected to the dispenser cable (82) of the dispenser (90a) with said transmission cables (30), respectively, wherein said transmission cables (30) being connected to the transmission bus bars of the selected converter groups.

10. The charging system (100) according to claims 8 or 9, wherein said dispenser (90a) is connected to the at least two or all the converter groups sequentially or simultaneously, thereby powering said dispenser by different converter groups sequentially or simultaneously.

11. The charging system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of converters (60) in each converter group (80a) comprises: converters (60a) for fulfilling the maximum electric power to at least one dispenser and a converter (60b) for redundancy, wherein the plurality of converters (60) comprises current controlled DC / DC converters.

12. The charging system (100) according to claim 11, wherein each of the converters (60a) being operable for redundancy.

13. The charging system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the central controller (50) is configured to enable connection of one converter group among the plurality of converter groups (80a-80n) with only one dispenser at a time through a respective active switching unit, wherein said converter group being dedicated to said dispenser.

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