Bidirectional EV Charging Stations for Backup AC Load Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backup generator systems are expensive, require regular maintenance, and are not widely installed due to space and infrastructure requirements, limiting their availability for providing supplemental or backup power to non-charging loads at charging sites.
Innovation Solution
The system enables charge transfers between electric vehicle chargers and local non-charging loads at a charging site by using bidirectional inverters to convert DC energy stored in vehicle charging system batteries into AC power, which is then supplied to non-charging loads via a local AC circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional backup generator systems are installed at charging sites, then reliability of power supply to non-charging loads is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station battery system is designed to perform multiple functions: charging electric vehicles during normal operation and providing backup power to non-charging loads during grid disruptions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate backup generator systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the backup power function with the existing charging station infrastructure by integrating the battery energy storage system. Instead of installing separate generator equipment, the charging station's battery system is merged to serve dual purposes: vehicle charging and critical load backup power supply.
2Reliability
If on-site generators or battery backup systems are installed, then power supply reliability is improved, but space requirements and infrastructure changes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station battery system serves dual purposes: charging electric vehicles and providing backup power to non-charging loads. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated backup power equipment and associated space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup power capability is merged into the existing charging station footprint. The same battery infrastructure that supports vehicle charging also provides backup power, eliminating the need for additional space for separate generator or battery backup systems.
3Productivity
If conventional charging stations are installed, then electric vehicle charging capability is provided, but installation cost and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station battery system performs multiple functions including vehicle charging, energy storage, and backup power provision. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate infrastructure systems, simplifying installation while maintaining full charging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges backup power functionality with the charging station infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate generator installations and reducing overall installation complexity and cost while preserving charging productivity.
4Use of energy by moving object
If bidirectional energy transfer is enabled, then energy utilization efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bidirectional inverter is designed to perform multiple functions: converting AC to DC for battery charging during normal operation and converting DC to AC for backup power delivery during grid disruptions. This multi-functionality improves energy utilization while the integrated design manages the complexity within the charging station framework.
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 provides a cost-effective and efficient means to supply backup power to non-charging loads during grid disruptions, eliminating the need for expensive on-site generators or battery systems and reducing infrastructure requirements.
Implementation Method 1
converting the input electric power into a direct current (DC) energy storage current by a bidirectional inverter of the vehicle charging system; and in response to determining occurrence of the triggering condition, controlling the bidirectional inverter of the vehicle charging system to convert a DC current from the battery into an AC output current
Data Source
AI summary
In order to provide power for non-charging loads located at charging sites, the systems and methods disclosed herein provide for controlling electric vehicle charging stations to provide alternating current (AC) power to the non-charging loads from power stored in their batteries. One or more charging stations are configured to charge their batteries from an AC power source that also powers a non-charging load at the charging site. Each charging station includes a battery, a bidirectional inverter, and a system controller configured to determine occurrence of a triggering condition associated with availability of the AC power source and to control the bidirectional inverter to convert a direct current (DC) power from the battery into an AC output current to provide to the non-charging load via a local AC circuit at the charging site. The non-charging load may thus be powered without drawing power from the AC power source.