Charging Station Air Conditioning Mode Switching for Lower Compressor Use

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Solution Overview

Problem

Air conditioning devices at electric vehicle charging stations face high electrical energy consumption and frequent maintenance due to constant operation of refrigerant compressors, especially during increased charging power, leading to increased costs and reduced lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A method to dynamically control the air conditioning device's mode between active and passive based on the thermal state and state of charge parameters of the vehicle's energy storage, reducing the need for refrigerant compressor usage by maintaining passive mode during high charge states and low energy charging scenarios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the air conditioning unit operates in active mode using a thermodynamic cycle, then the internal temperature of the charging station is effectively regulated, but electrical energy consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinternal temperature of charging stationVSAvoidelectrical energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between active and passive cooling modes based on real-time monitoring of internal temperature, ambient temperature, and state of charge parameters. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to use active cooling only when necessary while relying on passive cooling during low-risk periods, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective temperature regulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control strategy changes operational parameters (cooling mode selection) based on varying conditions including temperature thresholds and state of charge levels. By adjusting the cooling approach according to these parameters, the system optimizes the balance between temperature control effectiveness and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If the refrigerant compressor operates continuously to maintain temperature, then cooling performance is ensured, but maintenance and replacement intervals are reached quickly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling performanceVSAvoidmaintenance interval
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous operation, the refrigerant compressor operates periodically in active cooling mode based on monitored conditions. The system transitions between active and passive modes, allowing the compressor to rest during passive cooling periods. This periodic operation reduces wear and extends the maintenance interval while ensuring cooling performance is maintained when actively operated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Productivity

If charging power is increased to meet user expectations for rapid charging, then charging speed improves, but heat generation in electronic modules increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoidheat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The air conditioning system acts as an intermediary thermal management solution that handles the heat generated by high-power charging operations. By actively or passively removing heat from electronic modules during charging, the system enables higher charging powers to be used without compromising thermal safety, thus supporting improved charging speed while managing the harmful heat effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Temperature

If the air conditioning unit switches to active mode based on temperature thresholds, then temperature control is maintained, but operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature controlVSAvoidoperational cost
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors internal temperature, ambient temperature, and state of charge parameters, using this feedback to intelligently determine when active cooling is necessary. By incorporating state of charge information into the decision-making process, the system can anticipate heat generation trends and adjust cooling mode proactively, optimizing the balance between temperature control and energy cost rather than simply reacting to temperature thresholds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 maintenance intervals, and lowers maintenance and replacement costs by minimizing refrigerant compressor operation, while effectively managing temperature control during charging processes.

Implementation Method 1

dissipated by an air conditioning unit... using convection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 2

The heat generated in the charging station, particularly by electronic modules

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

Electrical energy is necessary to operate a refrigerant compressor, specifically a compressor, within the thermodynamic cycle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP4494920A1Method for operating an air conditioning device of a charging station, control device, air conditioning device, and charging station
Publication Date: 2025.01.22 ADS TEC ENERGY GMBH
  • EP4494920A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4494920A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4494920A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating an air conditioning device (7) of a charging station (1) for an electrical device, wherein the air conditioning device (7) is configured to selectively control the temperature of the charging station (1) either actively in an active mode or passively in a passive mode, with the switching between passive mode and active mode depending on a thermal state (T) of the charging station (1) and a state-of-charge parameter (L) of an electrical device energy storage device of the electrical device connected to the charging station (1). The invention further relates to a control device (3), an air conditioning device (7), and a charging station (1) for carrying out such a method, an air conditioning device (7) and a charging station (1) with such a control device (3), and a charging station (1) with such an air conditioning device (3).