Adaptive EV Charging Network for Ferries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing EV charging systems for medium to large-scale applications face inefficiencies due to the stochastic arrival and departure times of vehicles and varying energy needs, leading to underutilization of infrastructure and high costs, with most solutions limiting the ability to charge multiple EVs simultaneously and being inflexible in configuration.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive charging method and network utilizing an intelligent switching device that forms a reconfigurable power network, allowing multiple EV chargers to charge a larger number of vehicles in parallel, with an intelligent control system optimizing power flow and resource allocation based on real-time data and AI methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple EV chargers are deployed to serve incoming vehicles, then the charging capacity is improved, but the infrastructure underutilization increases due to stochastic arrival and departure times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple EV chargers into a single shared charging infrastructure where one charger can sequentially serve multiple vehicles. The charger includes multiple power outlets that can be dynamically allocated to different EVs based on their charging needs, eliminating the need for separate dedicated chargers for each vehicle slot.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reconfigures power distribution among multiple vehicles through a controllable power switch matrix. The power outlets can be dynamically connected to different EVs based on real-time charging demands, arrival patterns, and energy needs, optimizing infrastructure utilization while maintaining service capacity.
2Quantity of substance
If a single EV charger supplies power to multiple EVs via several power outlets, then the equipment needs are reduced, but the ability to charge multiple EVs simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The EV charger is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple purposes: it can charge one EV at high power, multiple EVs at reduced power simultaneously, or sequentially serve different EVs. The power switch matrix enables flexible configuration of power distribution to accommodate various charging scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes power distribution parameters dynamically by adjusting the state of power switches to connect different combinations of power outlets to different EVs. This allows the single charger to adapt its charging capacity and configuration based on the number and requirements of connected vehicles.
3Device complexity
If existing solutions with fixed power outlets are used, then the system structure is simplified, but the flexibility for extensions or reconfiguration is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The power switch matrix provides dynamic reconfigurability, allowing the system to adapt its topology based on operational requirements. New power outlets or EV connections can be integrated by simply configuring the switch matrix without requiring fixed hardwired connections, enabling easy system expansion and reconfiguration.
4Reliability
If dedicated EV chargers are assigned to each vehicle slot, then the charging service reliability is improved, but the cost of ownership and maintenance increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple vehicle service slots share a single EV charger infrastructure, reducing the total number of chargers required. The shared charger maintains reliability by providing dedicated power outlets and controlled power distribution to each connected EV, ensuring service quality while reducing capital and maintenance costs.
Data Source
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AI summary
An adaptive charging method generates a charging profile for charging of electrical vehicles (EVs) on a ferry carrying vehicles from a limited power source. The charging profile comprises, for each of the EVs, a vehicle charging power trajectory over time. The method comprises: • determining an estimated future power availability trajectory, that is, power available from the power source over time; • determining an estimated total energy demand for the plurality of EVs; • performing an optimisation procedure, to determine, for an optimisation time window, an optimal charging profile that minimises an objective function subject to constraints on the total power available, charging limit constraints imposed by the EVs and a time window in which each EV is present and can be charged.