Capacitor-Based EV Charging Station for Rapid Energy Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric urban buses face challenges due to expensive and limited-life batteries with low power-to-weight ratios, leading to high costs and restricted size, necessitating lengthy recharging times that conflict with passenger transit schedules and requiring high-power infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A charging station equipped with a capacitor for rapid energy transfer, utilizing a low-power urban electrical network to store and transfer energy to the vehicle's capacitor during brief stops, allowing for multiple recharging points along the route and reducing the need for large batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If batteries are used for energy storage in electric vehicles, then the vehicle can operate autonomously, but the batteries are expensive, have limited lifetime, and have low power-to-weight ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system is segmented into two parts: a compact on-board battery for autonomous operation and an external stationary battery for recharging. This segmentation allows the vehicle to use a smaller, lighter battery while accessing larger energy capacity externally, resolving the contradiction between energy storage capacity and vehicle weight/cost.
Solution Approach 2:
A contactless energy transfer system using electromagnetic induction acts as an intermediary between the stationary battery and the on-board battery. This intermediary enables rapid energy transfer without physical connection, solving the contradiction by providing fast recharging that extends effective battery lifetime and operational reliability.
2Loss of time
If high-power charging infrastructure is deployed to enable fast recharging, then recharging time is reduced, but major roadworks are required to bring high-power cables to the charging station
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical connection system (physical high-power cables requiring roadworks) is replaced with an electromagnetic induction system. The stationary charger uses a transmitter coil to wirelessly transfer energy to a receiver coil on the vehicle, eliminating the need for complex physical infrastructure installation while achieving fast recharging.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system uses variable coupling coefficients and adjustable power levels to optimize energy transfer. By dynamically adjusting charging parameters based on vehicle needs and infrastructure capabilities, the system achieves fast recharging without requiring maximum-power infrastructure, reducing installation complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the vehicle stops at the charging station for recharging, then the storage means can be recharged, but the stopping time must not exceed the rise time and descent of passengers (about thirty seconds)
Solution Approach 1:
The stationary battery is pre-charged during periods when the vehicle is not at the station, using off-peak power or renewable sources. This preliminary energy storage allows rapid energy transfer to the vehicle during brief passenger transit periods, achieving fast recharging without extending passenger waiting time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous operation by maintaining energy availability through the stationary battery. While the vehicle is in service, the stationary battery remains charged and ready, allowing immediate energy transfer during brief stops. This continuity ensures that recharging does not interrupt the vehicle's operational schedule or passenger transit flow.
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 enables faster recharging, increased vehicle capacity for more passengers, extended autonomy, and reduced costs by leveraging urban infrastructure without major roadworks, ensuring safety and efficient energy transfer.
Implementation Method 1
the storage device advantageously comprising a capacitor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention concerns a recharging station (10) of an electric vehicle (50) powered by means of stored energy (52), said vehicle (50) being designed to travel along a path passing through a site where the recharging station (10) is located, said station (10) comprising recharging means (12) for recharging the storage means (52) of the electric vehicle (50) when the latter is proximate the station. The invention is characterized in that the recharging means (12) comprise a storage device (14) for storing electric power supplied by an electric power source (16), connecting means (18) for electrically connecting the storage device (14) of the station (10) to the storage means (52) of the vehicle (50) and for transferring the energy stored in the storage device (14) of the station (10) to the storage means (52) of the electric vehicle (50).