EV Fast Charger Power Module Addressing for Easy Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation and exchange of power modules in existing quick charging stations for electric vehicles are cumbersome and prone to errors due to the complex cabling and manual entry of contact information, such as serial numbers, required for integrating modules into the communication network.

Innovation Solution

Assigning each power module an individual assignment variable via a manual input arrangement, which is known to the control unit, allowing direct communication without manual entry of contact information, and using a display and input system to facilitate error detection and simplify integration into the communication network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If individual communication paths are established between the control unit and each power module, then individual control and data retrieval are enabled, but cabling complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIndividual control capabilityVSAvoidCabling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple individual communication paths are merged into a single bus system. The control unit and all power modules share a common communication bus, eliminating the need for separate point-to-point connections while maintaining individual addressability through assignment variables.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication bus serves as a universal communication medium for all devices in the system. A single bus infrastructure enables communication between the control unit and any number of power modules, making the system scalable and reducing cabling complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If contact information is manually entered into the control unit during installation, then communication integration is achieved, but installation time increases and errors occur

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCommunication integrationVSAvoidInstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The power module automatically provides its contact information through the communication bus without requiring manual entry. The module self-configures into the communication network by responding to identification requests from the control unit, eliminating manual data entry tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Contact information is prepared and made available in advance within the power module's internal memory or identification circuitry. The information is ready for automatic retrieval during installation, eliminating the need for manual transcription and reducing installation errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If serial numbers are manually entered and compared, then correct module identification is achieved, but the process becomes cumbersome and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveModule identification accuracyVSAvoidInstallation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Manual mechanical data entry and comparison processes are replaced with automated electronic communication. The control unit electronically queries power modules for their assignment variables and automatically verifies them against stored information, eliminating manual typing and comparison errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements automated feedback mechanisms where the control unit requests identification data from power modules, verifies the information, and confirms correct integration. This automated verification loop ensures accurate module identification without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4545350A1Quick charging station for electric vehicles
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 COMPLEO CHARGING SOLUTIONS GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4545350A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4545350A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4545350A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a fast charging station for electric vehicles (2), wherein the fast charging station (1) has several power modules (3) and several module slots (4), wherein the power modules (3) are arranged in the module slots (4) in the assembled state, wherein the fast charging station (1) has a control unit (5), wherein the fast charging station (1) has a communication network (6), wherein the power modules (3) and the control unit (5) are integrated into the communication network (6) in such a way that the control unit (5) and the power modules (3) can communicate with each other in terms of data.It is proposed that, as part of a setup routine, each of the performance modules (3) is assigned an individual assignment variable (7) via an input arrangement (8), in particular a manual one, and that the control unit (5) communicates with the performance modules (3) individually on the basis of the respective assignment variable (7) within the communication network (6).