Adaptive Charging Network Power Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) puts additional stress on the smart grid due to their high power demand, which can overwhelm existing charging infrastructure, particularly in large-scale deployments where traditional EVSEs are cost-prohibitive and physically limiting.

Innovation Solution

Adaptive charging networks with intelligent adaptive charging stations (ACSs) that communicate capacity information using energy discovery protocols and power line or wireless communications, dynamically controlling power distribution and incorporating sensors for parking space occupancy detection, and utilizing integrated transformers to reduce installation costs and enhance flexibility in topology.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If traditional EVSEs are deployed to meet high power demand, then charging capacity is improved, but installation cost and physical limitations increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging capacityVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the charging network into multiple adaptive charging stations that can independently manage and share power capacity. Each station communicates with others via energy discovery protocols, allowing the network to dynamically allocate power resources without requiring each individual station to have high power capacity, thus reducing installation costs while maintaining overall charging capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Adaptive charging stations are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as power distribution nodes and as communication relays in the network. They can dynamically adjust their function based on network needs, either distributing power to connected EVs or relaying capacity information to other stations, thereby maximizing resource utilization and reducing the need for additional dedicated infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If more EVs are integrated into the grid, then EV adoption is improved, but stress load on the grid increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEV adoption rateVSAvoidgrid stress load

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The adaptive charging network implements dynamic power distribution where charging stations continuously adjust power allocation based on real-time grid conditions and capacity information exchanged between stations. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to accommodate more EVs by efficiently distributing available power and delaying or prioritizing charges based on grid stress, thereby supporting higher EV adoption without proportionally increasing grid stress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through energy discovery protocols that allow charging stations to communicate capacity information and grid status to each other and to connected EVs. This feedback enables the network to respond to changing conditions, optimize power distribution, and manage load strategically, supporting increased EV integration while maintaining grid stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If adaptive charging stations communicate capacity information dynamically, then power distribution optimization is improved, but communication infrastructure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower distribution efficiencyVSAvoidcommunication infrastructure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Adaptive charging stations perform self-service by autonomously discovering and communicating their capacity information to other stations in the network using standardized energy discovery protocols. Each station independently manages its own communication and power distribution decisions based on locally available information and protocol-defined interactions, eliminating the need for complex centralized communication infrastructure while achieving optimized power distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution optimizes EV charging infrastructure by dynamically managing power distribution, reducing installation costs, and improving the accuracy of EVSE availability information, thereby supporting the integration of more EVs into the grid without overwhelming existing infrastructure.

Implementation Method 1

a transformer that steps down the high voltage supply

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11171509B2Adaptive charging network using adaptive charging stations for electric vehicles

Publication Date: 2021.11.09 ENERGY ADAPTIVE NETWORKS CORP

AI summary

Adaptive charging networks in accordance with embodiments of the invention enable the optimization of electric design of charging networks for electric vehicles. One embodiment includes an electrical supply; a plurality of adaptive charging stations; wherein at least one adaptive charging station distributes power to at least one other adaptive charging station; wherein at least one adaptive charging station is configured to communicate capacity information to a controller; and wherein the controller is configured to control the distribution of power to the plurality of adaptive charging stations based upon the capacity information received from at least one adaptive charging station.