Charging Station Climate Control With SoC-Based Cooling Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Climate conditioning devices in electric vehicle charging stations consume high electrical energy in active mode, leading to increased costs and frequent maintenance due to the constant use of refrigerant compressors, which is inefficient and costly.

Innovation Solution

A method to control the climate conditioning device's mode based on the thermal state and state of charge parameters of the vehicle's energy storage system, switching to passive mode when the state of charge is high to reduce energy consumption and prolong compressor lifespan.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the climate conditioning device operates in active mode to control temperature, then temperature control reliability is improved, but electrical energy consumption increases and compressor maintenance frequency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control reliabilityVSAvoidelectrical energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between active and passive cooling modes based on real-time thermal state and state of charge parameters. The climate conditioning device adapts its operation mode (active compressor-based cooling or passive convection cooling) according to charging power levels and temperature conditions, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining temperature control reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters of the climate conditioning device by introducing state of charge parameters (current SoC, maximum possible charging capacity, remaining SoC) as decision criteria for mode switching. This parameter-based control strategy allows the system to adjust cooling intensity and mode based on the battery's charging state, reducing unnecessary energy consumption during high SoC conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the climate conditioning device operates in active mode to control temperature, then temperature control reliability is improved, but maintenance costs increase due to frequent compressor servicing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control reliabilityVSAvoidcompressor maintenance frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts compressor operation by switching between active and passive modes based on thermal state and state of charge parameters. During high SoC charging phases, the system prefers passive cooling when possible, reducing compressor runtime and wear. This dynamic adaptation extends compressor maintenance intervals while maintaining adequate temperature control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements periodic monitoring of thermal state and state of charge parameters to determine mode switching timing. By using periodic assessment of charging power levels and temperature conditions, the system optimizes compressor activation patterns, reducing continuous operation and associated maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Use of energy by moving object

If the climate conditioning device uses passive mode for cooling, then electrical energy consumption is reduced, but temperature control capability deteriorates under high thermal load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical energy consumptionVSAvoidtemperature control capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects between passive and active cooling modes based on real-time thermal state and state of charge parameters. When thermal load is low and SoC is high, passive convection cooling suffices, saving energy. When thermal load increases or SoC is low, the system transitions to active compressor-based cooling, ensuring temperature control capability is maintained across all operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs feedback control by continuously monitoring thermal state parameters and state of charge parameters. This feedback mechanism enables the system to assess whether passive cooling is adequate or if active cooling is required, ensuring temperature control capability is maintained while optimizing energy consumption based on actual system needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Productivity

If the charging capacity is increased to meet user demand, then charging speed is improved, but heat generation increases requiring more frequent active cooling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoidcooling energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the control parameters for climate conditioning by incorporating state of charge parameters (current SoC, maximum possible charging capacity, remaining SoC) alongside thermal state parameters. This multi-parameter control strategy allows the system to optimize cooling energy consumption based on both thermal load and charging phase, reducing cooling energy use during high SoC fast charging when passive cooling may suffice.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts cooling mode selection to match charging power levels and battery state. During high-power fast charging phases with high SoC, the system evaluates whether passive cooling can handle the thermal load, reducing active cooling energy consumption. This dynamic adaptation allows high charging productivity while optimizing cooling energy use based on real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 approach reduces electrical energy consumption, delays the need for compressor maintenance, and lowers operational and material costs by avoiding unnecessary active mode operation when the state of charge is high.

Implementation Method 1

The heat generated in the charging station, in particular by electronic modules, in particular by power electronics, is usually dissipated by a climate conditioning device in the charging station. It is known to operate such a climate conditioning device in an active mode, in particular using a thermodynamic cycle process, and in a passive mode, in particular using convection.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS20250018814A1Method for operating a climate conditioning device of a charging station, a control device, climate conditioning device and charging station
Publication Date: 2025.01.16 ADS TEC ENERGY GMBH
  • US20250018814A1 patent drawing
  • US20250018814A1 patent drawing
  • US20250018814A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating a climate conditioning device of a charging station for an electrical device, wherein the climate conditioning device is configured to control the temperature of the charging station either actively in an active mode or passively in a passive mode, wherein, depending on a thermal state of the charging station and a state of charge parameter of an electrical device energy storage system of the electrical device connected to the charging station, a switch is made between the passive mode and the active mode.The invention also relates to a control device, a climate conditioning device and a charging station for carrying out such a method, a climate conditioning device and a charging station having such a control device, and a charging station having such a climate conditioning device.