EV Charger Connector Allocation for Depot Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for optimizing charging load on electric vehicle chargers at depots are inadequate, particularly in scenarios where space is limited, such as dense urban areas. Current algorithms do not effectively address the challenges of allocating charging connectors based on energy requirements and availability, leading to potential delays and inefficiencies in charging operations.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that maps the occupancy of charging connectors at each electric vehicle charger within a depot, prioritizes un-occupied charging connectors based on assigned priorities, and allocates charging connectors using a normalized stress metric to balance load distribution across chargers, ensuring efficient charging operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If sequential charging scheme is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to inability to supply multiple charging connectors simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic charging scheme selection that adapts between sequential and parallel charging based on real-time conditions. The system dynamically determines whether to use sequential or parallel charging for each vehicle based on battery state, available power, and time constraints, thereby optimizing charging throughput without requiring fixed complex infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting charging power distribution and connector allocation based on vehicle requirements. By modifying charging parameters (power levels, time allocation, connector assignment) rather than physical infrastructure, the system achieves parallel charging capabilities where needed while maintaining simplicity elsewhere
2Productivity
If more charging infrastructure is installed, then productivity is improved, but area of stationary object worsens due to limited depot space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing charging infrastructure multi-functional by enabling chargers to serve multiple vehicles through sequential and parallel charging modes. A single charger can sequentially serve multiple vehicles or parallel charge multiple vehicles simultaneously depending on conditions, effectively increasing charging capacity without adding physical infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds the time dimension to charging capacity by implementing intelligent scheduling and allocation algorithms. Instead of increasing spatial capacity through more chargers, the system optimizes temporal utilization of existing chargers, allowing the same physical infrastructure to deliver higher overall charging throughput through improved time management
3Ease of operation
If charging connectors are allocated without optimization, then ease of operation is maintained, but loss of time increases due to congestion and delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging allocation and routing decisions before vehicles arrive at charging positions. By pre-calculating optimal charger assignments, power levels, and timing based on vehicle schedules and battery states, the system eliminates on-site decision-making complexity while preventing congestion and delays through advance planning
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer-implemented method of optimising charging load on electric vehicle chargers and allocation of charging connectors to a fleet of electric vehicles at a depot and a charging management system for an electric vehicle depot are described.