Distributed Power Node Modules for EV Charging in Low-Power MURBs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) lack adequate electrical infrastructure to support fast charging for electric vehicles, as they were constructed before the advent of EVs and often have insufficient power distribution to handle Level 2 charging, requiring costly upgrades or new power lines.
Innovation Solution
A distributed power distribution system using battery modules that connect to the existing electrical grid, store energy during low demand, and dispense it at higher power levels for EV charging, enabling Level 2 charging without extensive infrastructure modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If Level 2 chargers are installed in MURBs, then charging speed is improved, but infrastructure cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the charging infrastructure into distributed power node modules, each serving specific parking locations. Instead of requiring centralized high-capacity power distribution throughout the building, each node independently manages its own battery storage and power conversion, segmenting the overall system into manageable, localized units that can be deployed incrementally
Solution Approach 2:
Battery modules serve as intermediary energy storage devices between the existing low-power electrical infrastructure and the high-power Level 2 chargers. These batteries absorb power during low-demand periods and discharge during charging, mediating the mismatch between available infrastructure capacity and required charging power
2Power
If new power lines are constructed in MURBs, then power capacity is improved, but installation cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Battery modules are pre-installed at parking locations before charger deployment. This preliminary action allows the system to utilize existing electrical infrastructure without requiring subsequent construction of new power lines, as the batteries are already in position to provide necessary power capacity when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power delivery parameters by using battery modules to convert and boost power from low-voltage existing infrastructure to high-voltage Level 2 charging levels. This parameter transformation allows adequate power capacity to be achieved through electrical conversion rather than physical infrastructure expansion
3Ease of operation
If distributed 120 V outlets are installed throughout parking areas, then charging accessibility is improved, but infrastructure cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the power conversion and storage functionality from the central electrical infrastructure and places it at the point of use through standalone power node modules. This allows charging accessibility to be improved at specific locations without requiring widespread installation of upgraded electrical outlets throughout the entire parking area
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 allows for efficient and cost-effective EV charging in MURBs by utilizing existing low-power infrastructure, reducing the need for new wiring and enabling faster charging sessions using stored energy, while also providing backup power and energy management through a networked control system.
Implementation Method 1
battery modules for storing electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for implementing a power distribution system for electric vehicles charging within a structure that includes a battery for storing electrical energy. A power node module connects to an electrical grid of the structure at a preexisting load point to receive an electric current at a first power level. The power node module charges the battery responsive to the received electric current at the first power level and generates a charging current at a second power level for charging a connected electric vehicle using the stored electrical energy of the battery responsive to a received charging control signal. At least one charger connector connected to the power node module connects the connected electric vehicle to receive the charging current.