Dryer Outlet Power Splitter for Simultaneous EV Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current home charging units for electric vehicles (EVs) often require invasive installations and cannot facilitate simultaneous use of high-power appliances like dryers and EV charging, limiting their practicality for renters and those without access to necessary electrical modifications.
Innovation Solution
A power splitting device with a main body, power inlet, dryer outlet, EV outlet, stepped battery, and control unit that allows simultaneous operation of a dryer and EV charging, increasing EV charging amperage and ensuring safe, efficient power distribution through overcurrent and overheating protection, while also providing backup power during outages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a power splitter is used to allow simultaneous operation of dryer and EV charging, then the usability and convenience are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power splitting device divides the incoming power into separate channels for the dryer and EV charger, with independent control circuits for each outlet. This segmentation allows simultaneous operation while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit acts as an intermediary between the power source and the two loads, intelligently managing power distribution. The device includes intermediate components such as relays, circuit breakers, and monitoring systems that mediate the power flow to enable simultaneous operation safely
2Productivity
If the EV outlet provides higher amperage than the input power outlet, then the charging speed is improved, but the power loss and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of the input power capacity and pre-calculates the maximum safe output amperage for the EV charger. The control circuit is pre-configured with protection parameters to prevent excessive power conversion that would cause harmful heat generation
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit continuously monitors the input power draw and output current, providing real-time feedback to adjust the power conversion. This feedback mechanism ensures the EV outlet provides high amperage for fast charging while preventing energy loss and heat generation by dynamically adjusting output based on input capacity
3Reliability
If the device provides overcurrent and overheating protection, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates preemptive protection mechanisms including circuit breakers and thermal fuses that are built into the power distribution pathways. These components provide automatic overcurrent and overheating protection before dangerous conditions can develop, enhancing safety through passive protective elements
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature sensors and current monitors provide continuous feedback to the control circuit, enabling active management of safety parameters. The system automatically adjusts or disconnects loads based on real-time conditions, providing intelligent protection that balances safety with operational flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
A power splitting device, including a main body, a power inlet disposed on the main body to connect the main body to a power outlet, a dryer outlet disposed on at least a portion of the main body to receive a connection from a dryer therein and provide power received from the power inlet to the dryer, an electric vehicle outlet disposed on the main body to receive a connection from an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) therein and provide power received from the power inlet to the EVSE, such that the power output of the EV outlet is greater than the dryer outlet, a stepped battery disposed within the main body to send power to the EV outlet, and a control unit disposed within the main body to monitor power output from the dryer outlet or the EV outlet, and adjust the power output based on a setting.