Depot Charging Electrodes for Electric Vehicle Fleets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Charging a fleet of electric vehicles efficiently and cost-effectively at a depot, while minimizing infrastructure and utility costs, is challenging due to the need for multiple charging stations and high demand charges during peak energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system with multiple charging electrodes and a control system that couples these electrodes to an electric utility grid, allowing for simultaneous charging of multiple vehicles using alternating current, and utilizing a secondary power delivery system to manage energy distribution and reduce peak demand charges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple charging stations are deployed to charge a large fleet of electric vehicles, then the charging capacity and productivity are improved, but the infrastructure cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple charging electrodes into a single integrated charging system that can simultaneously charge multiple vehicles. The charging system integrates power distribution, control, and monitoring functions into one unified infrastructure, reducing the need for separate charging stations while maintaining high charging capacity for large fleets.
2Productivity
If charging occurs during peak energy consumption periods, then the productivity and speed of charging are improved, but the utility cost and energy loss increase due to demand charges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic charging schedules that distribute charging loads across different time periods. The control system monitors energy consumption patterns and schedules charging operations to avoid peak demand periods, utilizing off-peak hours when utility rates are lower. This periodic action reduces demand charges while maintaining overall charging productivity.
3Productivity
If the number of charging electrodes is increased to charge more vehicles simultaneously, then the productivity is improved, but the use of energy and utility cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal charging system where a single charging electrode can serve multiple vehicles sequentially or simultaneously through intelligent power distribution. The charging system performs multiple functions including power delivery, energy storage management, and load balancing, allowing one infrastructure element to replace what would traditionally require multiple dedicated charging stations.
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 decreases charging-related costs by increasing parking density and optimizing energy usage, thereby reducing utility bills and infrastructure requirements while ensuring efficient and safe charging of electric vehicle fleets.
Implementation Method 1
multiple charging electrodes adapted to direct electric power to the electric vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
Vehicle depots or yards adapted to charge multiple electric vehicles include multiple charging electrodes to simultaneously direct power to multiple electric vehicles. The charging electrodes may direct power to the electric vehicles from an utility grid or from a secondary power source.