Distributed EV Charger Power Sharing for Over-Rated Fast Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle charging systems are inefficient in rapidly charging vehicles, especially when the maximum charging power required exceeds the rated output power of a single charger, leading to prolonged charging times.
Innovation Solution
A distributed power sharing type electric vehicle charging system that connects multiple chargers through a network, allowing power sharing between neighboring chargers when one is unoccupied, and utilizing both the power from the occupied charger and shared power to rapidly charge electric vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a single charger is used to charge an electric vehicle, then the charging system is simple and reliable, but the charging time is prolonged when the vehicle's maximum charging power exceeds the charger's rated output power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple chargers (first charger and second charger) to form a charging system that can deliver higher power to the electric vehicle. When the vehicle's maximum charging power exceeds a single charger's capacity, the system merges power from both chargers through interconnected sharing ports, reducing charging time from what would be achievable with a single charger while managing complexity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The chargers are designed with dual functionality: they can operate independently as standalone charging units or connect to neighboring chargers to form a combined high-power charging system. The sharing ports enable chargers to serve both as power sources and as power receivers, providing universal adaptability to different charging scenarios and vehicle power requirements.
2Productivity
If multiple chargers are connected to share power, then the charging speed increases, but the system complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control units in each charger automatically detect the charging requirements of the electric vehicle and the availability of neighboring chargers. The system self-manages the power sharing configuration by having control units communicate through the network to determine optimal power distribution, eliminating the need for external complex control systems and reducing overall system control complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where control units continuously monitor the charging status, power availability, and occupancy of connected vehicles. Based on this real-time feedback, the control units dynamically adjust power distribution and switch configurations to optimize charging speed while managing system complexity through intelligent decision-making.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a charger operates at its rated output power, then the charger design is straightforward, but it cannot meet the higher power requirements of vehicles with maximum charging power greater than the charger's rated output
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system transitions from a static single-charger configuration to a dynamic multi-charger configuration based on real-time requirements. The sharing ports and switches enable the system to dynamically reconfigure power pathways, allowing chargers to operate in isolation or in combination, thereby adapting the total power capacity to match the electric vehicle's charging needs without requiring complex pre-planned configurations.
4Loss of time
If chargers are interconnected for power sharing, then idle chargers can be utilized to reduce charging time, but the coordination and communication requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network as an intermediary communication channel between chargers. Control units exchange occupancy status and power availability information through this network, enabling coordinated power sharing without requiring direct complex point-to-point communication between all charger pairs. The network mediates information flow, reducing the communication burden on individual chargers while enabling efficient utilization of idle chargers.
Data Source
AI summary
A distributed power-sharing electric vehicle (EV) charging. The system comprises multiple chargers connected via a network. Each charger includes a power module configured to store direct current (DC) power, an output port for supplying power to an electric vehicle, and a sharing port for exchanging power with at least one neighboring charger. First and second switches are positioned between the power module and the output port, and between the power module and the sharing port. A control unit is configured to control the operation of the power module and the switches in response to an EV charging request. When the maximum charging power required by the EV exceeds the rated output power of a single charger, the system delivers power from both the power module and the neighboring charger in an idle state.