Charging Station Control for Multi-Source Machine Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical infrastructure often lacks the necessary capabilities to efficiently and optimally charge electrically powered machines in remote or isolated locations, leading to reliance on fossil fuels and inefficient energy use, particularly when multiple machines require simultaneous charging.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a charging station with multiple electric energy sources, a control unit, and data collection to determine a charging strategy based on machine needs and energy source status, optimizing charging for cost, CO2 emissions, productivity, and battery lifetime by selecting appropriate energy sources and power levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple electrically powered machines are charged simultaneously at a charging station, then the productivity and energy utilization are improved, but the complexity of managing charging priorities and energy distribution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes charging parameters (power allocation, charging priority, energy source selection) based on machine urgency levels, work schedules, and energy source availability. The control unit adjusts these parameters in real-time to optimize productivity while managing multiple machines efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging management system implements continuous feedback loops where the control unit monitors machine status, energy consumption patterns, and charging progress. This feedback enables automatic adjustment of charging strategies, resolving the complexity by providing adaptive control rather than static management.
2Loss of time
If fast charging is provided to meet productivity requirements, then the charging time is reduced, but the battery lifetime and energy efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The charging power level is made dynamic rather than static. The control unit continuously adjusts the charging rate based on real-time conditions including battery state of charge, temperature, machine urgency, and energy source characteristics. This dynamic approach allows the system to provide fast charging when necessary while protecting battery lifetime during normal charging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of charging needs and battery conditions before initiating charging. By evaluating machine urgency, work schedules, and battery state in advance, the control unit can determine the appropriate charging rate from the outset, preventing excessive fast charging that would harm battery lifetime while still meeting productivity requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electric energy sources are used to provide charging power, then the energy supply reliability and flexibility are improved, but the complexity of selecting and managing energy sources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station is designed with multi-functionality to accept and manage multiple types of electric energy sources (grid power, renewable energy sources, energy storage systems). The control unit provides universal management capabilities that handle different energy source characteristics through standardized interfaces and unified control logic, making the system adaptable without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit implements self-service functionality by automatically selecting appropriate energy sources based on predefined priorities, availability, and cost considerations. The system autonomously manages energy distribution from multiple sources without requiring complex manual intervention, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining high flexibility.
4Productivity
If charging priority is given to certain machines based on productivity needs, then the overall work site productivity is improved, but the fairness and equal access to charging resources deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic parameter changes in charging priority allocation based on objective criteria such as machine urgency levels, work schedules, and productivity impact. These parameters are adjusted transparently according to pre-defined rules, making the priority system fair and equitable rather than arbitrary, thus maintaining both productivity and perceived fairness.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method (100) of controlling electric charging of at least one electrically powered machine (400). The method is performed by a charging station (200) comprising a plurality of electric energy sources (210), a charging interface (220) for electrically connecting with an electrically powered machine (400), and a control unit (230). The method comprises collecting (S1) data about each one of the at least one electrically powered machine (400) and obtaining (S2) a status of each one of the plurality of electric energy sources (210). The method further comprises determining (S3) a charging strategy based on the collected data, the obtained status and on a predetermined charging focus of the charging strategy, and subsequently charging (S4) the at least one electrically powered machine (400) according to the determined charging strategy. The disclosure further relates to a control unit (230), a charging station (200) and a vehicle or vessel (300) comprising the charging station.