DC Charging Column Network With Centralized DC-DC Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DC charging systems for electric vehicles often fail to achieve maximum power consumption during charging due to the need for large and expensive converters for high-performance AC charging, and there is a need for improved interaction between multiple DC charging stations and a central unit.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a central unit and multiple DC charging stations with DC-DC converters, control units, and communication interfaces to manage input and output DC voltages, and communicate with electric vehicles, allowing for efficient power management and compatibility with various charging standards like CCS, Chademo, and Tesla Supercharger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If AC charging with converters is used in every electric vehicle, then charging capability is provided, but the converter becomes large and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the DC-DC conversion function from individual vehicle chargers and centralizes it in a DC charging station. The station includes a DC source that generates DC voltage directly, eliminating the need for large AC-DC converters in every vehicle while maintaining charging capability through centralized power conversion infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The DC charging station acts as an intermediary between the AC power grid and electric vehicles. It converts AC to DC centrally and distributes DC power to multiple vehicles simultaneously, serving as a mediator that resolves the contradiction between avoiding large vehicle converters and providing charging capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple DC charging stations are deployed, then charging availability is improved, but interaction and coordination between stations becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple DC charging stations into a coordinated network under centralized control. The control units of different stations communicate with each other and with a central management system, combining their operations to improve overall charging availability while managing complexity through unified coordination protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The control units implement feedback mechanisms to monitor and coordinate the status, load, and performance of multiple DC charging stations. This feedback system enables automatic adjustment and optimization of charging operations across the network, improving availability while simplifying interaction through rule-based coordination.
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 solution enables efficient energy management, improved power delivery, and compatibility with different electric vehicle standards, enhancing the interaction between DC charging stations and central units, thus facilitating faster and more efficient charging while reducing the need for expensive converters.
Implementation Method 1
a first DC-DC converter (106) for converting an input DC voltage with a first voltage range into an output DC voltage with a second voltage range
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A DC charging station (100; 200; 300) for charging an electric vehicle is described. The DC charging station (100; 200; 300) comprises two DC charging station input terminals (102, 104) for an input DC voltage (VE) with a first voltage range provided by a central unit; a first DC-DC converter (106; 302) for converting the input DC voltage (VE) into an output DC voltage (VA) with a second voltage range; two DC charging station output terminals (108, 110) for providing the output DC voltage (VA) to the electric vehicle; and a control unit (112) with a first communication interface (114) for communication between the DC charging station (100; 200; 300) and the central unit. (Fig. 3)