Automated EV Charging Installation for Station Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional charging installations for electrical vehicles face inefficiencies such as long waiting times during congestion, ineffective use of fast-charging infrastructure, and unpredictable charging times due to the lack of automated vehicle movement and driver presence, leading to blocked charging stations and inefficient energy storage unit charging.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor system moves vehicles automatically between pickup, charging, and waiting areas, allowing for strategic use of fast and normal charging stations based on energy storage unit state and charging needs, optimizing vehicle logistics and avoiding station blockages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vehicles are manually driven to charging stations by drivers, then drivers can monitor charging status and control the process, but charging stations become blocked when vehicles finish charging and drivers do not immediately remove them, reducing overall charging efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated charging station management where the conveyor system automatically retrieves vehicles after charging completion without requiring driver intervention. The control unit coordinates the conveyor to transport vehicles from charging positions to exit areas, allowing the system to serve itself by automatically freeing up charging stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical action of drivers driving vehicles away with an automated conveyor system. The conveyor mechanically transports vehicles from charging stations to waiting areas, substituting human-operated vehicle movement with an automated material handling system.
2Device complexity
If multiple vehicles are served by a limited number of charging stations, then charging infrastructure cost is reduced, but vehicles must wait longer during congestion times, increasing loss of time
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system performs preliminary actions by transporting vehicles to charging stations before they are needed, and by proactively retrieving vehicles immediately after charging completion. This preliminary retrieval action prevents charging station blockage and ensures stations are ready for the next vehicle, reducing waiting time during congestion.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system enables continuous operation by continuously moving vehicles through the charging process without interruption. While one vehicle is charging, the conveyor can simultaneously transport other vehicles to and from charging stations, maintaining continuous useful action and minimizing idle time for both vehicles and charging infrastructure.
3Speed
If fast-charging stations are used for all vehicles, then charging speed is maximized, but energy consumption and operational costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically assigns vehicles to appropriate charging stations based on real-time conditions and vehicle requirements. The control unit determines whether a vehicle should use fast-charging or normal-charging infrastructure, allowing the charging strategy to adapt dynamically rather than using a fixed approach for all vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the charging parameter (charging power level) based on vehicle needs and system conditions. Vehicles can be directed to fast-charging stations for high-speed charging when time is critical, or to normal-charging stations when energy efficiency is prioritized, thereby optimizing the balance between charging speed and energy consumption.
4Productivity
If vehicles are automatically conveyed through the charging installation, then driver presence is not required and charging efficiency increases, but the system complexity and automation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system serves multiple functions: it transports vehicles to charging stations, retrieves vehicles after charging, moves vehicles between different charging station types, and coordinates with the control unit for automated management. This multi-functionality justifies the automation complexity by providing comprehensive charging station management in a single integrated system.
Data Source
AI summary
An installation for charging electrical energy storage devices of motor vehicles includes a plurality of charging stations by way of which the energy storage devices can be supplied with electrical energy and thus charged. The installation also includes a conveying system by way of which each motor vehicle can be automatically conveyed from a collection region spaced apart from the charging stations to the relevant charging station, from at least a first charging station of the charging stations to at least a second charging station of the charging stations and from the relevant charging station to a waiting region spaced apart from the charging stations and from the collection region.