DC Charging Distribution Unit With Switchable Power Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional DC charging systems lack flexibility in adapting to increasing or decreasing power outlet needs, with existing units and systems being inflexible and inefficient in power distribution.
Innovation Solution
A DC charging distribution unit with a primary-side terminal, secondary-side DC vehicle connection terminal, and a current distributor that allows for vehicle-charging and power-sharing configurations, enabling flexible power distribution and modular connectivity between units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional all-in-one charger configuration is used, then system structure is simple, but flexibility in adapting power outlets to changing needs is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is divided into separate functional modules: power units and distribution units. Each distribution unit can be independently configured and connected to power units via DC links, allowing flexible adaptation to changing power outlet needs without redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
Distribution units are designed with universal interfaces and configurations that allow them to serve multiple functions - they can be connected to one or more power units, support multiple vehicle charging outlets, and adapt to different power distribution scenarios through modular assembly.
2Productivity
If conventional split system with central power unit feeding multiple user units is used, then power distribution capability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a single central power unit feeding all outlets, the system segments power distribution into multiple independent distribution units, each handling a subset of outlets. This reduces the complexity of any single power unit while maintaining overall distribution capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a new dimensional approach by allowing distribution units to be connected to multiple power units simultaneously through DC links, creating a multi-dimensional power distribution network rather than a single hierarchical structure.
3Reliability
If multiple separate DC links are used to connect power units to distribution units, then reliability is improved, but system complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The DC link is designed as a universal connection interface that can connect distribution units to one or more power units. This standardized multi-functional interface simplifies installation while maintaining reliable electrical connections across the system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If distribution units are placed close to power outlets, then adaptability to changing needs is improved, but power unit positioning flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the power conversion function (in power units) from the distribution function (in distribution units placed near outlets). This segmentation allows distribution units to be positioned close to outlets for adaptability, while power units can be located wherever grid connectivity and cooling conditions are favorable.
Data Source
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Figure 3a~4b
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AI summary
A DC charging distribution unit (UU1) includes a first primary-side terminal (UU1F1) for receiving a first input current from a power unit (PU, PU1, PU2), a secondary-side DC vehicle connection terminal (UU1S2) connectible to a vehicle for providing a vehicle charging current (id1), a first secondary-side power sharing terminal (UU1S3) connectible to another DC charging distribution unit for providing a sharing current to the other DC charging distribution unit, and a current distributor (S1; S1-1, S1-2, S1-3) being operable to select between a vehicle-charging configuration in which the first input current is used to feed the secondary-side DC vehicle connection terminal (UU1S2) with the vehicle charging current and a power-sharing configuration in which the first input current is used to feed the first secondary-side power sharing terminal with the sharing current. A DC charging system includes at least one power unit (PU, PU1, PU2) and at least a first distribution unit (UU1) and a second distribution unit (UU2), wherein each power unit (PU, PU1, PU2) includes at least one power terminal (PT1...PT8), wherein the distribution units (UU1, UU2) are each spaced apart from the power unit by at least a first distance (d1) and wherein neighboring ones of the distribution units are spaced apart from each other by at most a second distance (d2), wherein neighboring ones of the distribution units (UU1, UU2) are connected to one another, at their secondary-side power sharing terminals (UU1S1, UU1S3; UU2S1, UU2S3), via a first secondary-side link (SSL1), and wherein at least one of the primary-side terminals (UU1F1, UU1F2; UU2F1, UU2F2) of the first and second distribution units (UU1, UU2) is electrically connected, via a primary-side link (FSL11, FSL12; FSL21, FSL22), to the power terminal (PT1...PT8) of the at least one power unit (PU, PU1, PU2).