BESS Power Distribution for Multi-EV Charging Without Grid Upgrades
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electrical power systems in automobile dealerships face challenges in accommodating multiple electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, requiring costly and time-consuming upgrades to handle high current demands, leading to increased energy bills and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising battery energy storage systems (BESS) and a power distribution module (PCM) that stores electrical energy and distributes it to EV chargers, allowing independent operation and scheduling to avoid peak usage times, thereby increasing AC power capacity without upgrading the existing electrical system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple EV charging stations are installed to meet customer demand, then EV charging capability is improved, but the electrical system requires costly and time-consuming upgrades to handle high current demands
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-charges batteries during off-peak hours when electrical demand is low, storing energy in advance for later use during peak hours. This preliminary energy storage action eliminates the need for immediate electrical system upgrades, as the stored battery energy is used to meet peak charging demands without requiring the facility's electrical infrastructure to handle high current loads during busy periods.
2Power
If electrical system is upgraded to accommodate multiple charging stations, then power capacity is improved, but cost and installation time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The battery storage system acts as an intermediary between the electrical grid and the EV charging stations. During off-peak hours, batteries charge from the grid at lower rates. During peak hours, the batteries discharge to power the charging stations, effectively mediating the power flow and eliminating the need for expensive electrical system upgrades. This intermediary energy storage solution provides the necessary power capacity without requiring infrastructure modifications.
3Ease of operation
If charging stations operate during peak business hours, then customer service is improved, but energy costs increase due to peak rate billing
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic charging cycles where batteries are charged during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower, and discharged during peak hours when charging stations operate. This periodic action pattern separates the charging and discharging functions in time, allowing the facility to maintain continuous customer service while avoiding peak rate billing by using stored energy during expensive periods.
4Power
If high-current components are installed to support multiple charging stations, then power delivery capability is improved, but lead time for procurement and installation extends by several months
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses relatively small, modular battery storage units that can be quickly deployed and installed, replacing the need for expensive, large-scale electrical infrastructure upgrades. These battery systems provide sufficient power delivery capability for multiple charging stations without requiring the installation of high-current components, transformers, or upgraded service equipment that would take months to procure and install.
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
Enables simultaneous charging of multiple EVs without upgrading the dealership's electrical system, reducing energy costs and operational pressures by utilizing stored energy during peak hours and optimizing energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
each include a plurality of batteries for storing energy and a bidirectional inverter which is operable to charge the batteries from the incoming AC power and to convert energy stored in the batteries to AC power
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage and distribution system includes one or more battery energy storage systems (BESS) for storing electrical energy in batteries, and a power distribution module (PCM) for distributing power from the batteries to AC and/or DC electric vehicle chargers for charging electric vehicles (EVs). Incoming AC power is provided to each BESS, which may be connected or disconnected from the incoming AC power. In one embodiment, two BESS systems may be independently isolated from the incoming AC power such that the batteries in one BESS system may be charging while the other BESS is providing output power from its batteries. In another embodiment, connection to the incoming AC power is scheduled to allow the batteries to be charged during off-peak times. In another embodiment, connection to the incoming AC power is combined with the BESS stored electrical power to provide a higher available capacity that either operating alone.