Dynamic EV Charging Switch Topology for Multi-Voltage Outputs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging systems for electric vehicles are inefficient and inflexible, requiring separate charging outputs for different voltage ranges and lacking the ability to optimize power distribution across multiple charging outputs, leading to suboptimal design and limited scalability.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic charging system with a control module and dynamic module that allows for flexible connection configurations of power channels, enabling series and parallel connections to optimize power distribution based on vehicle requirements and charging conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate charging outputs are used for different voltage ranges, then charging compatibility is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system uses a single charging output that can dynamically serve multiple voltage ranges (400V and 800V) by reconfiguring the power channels between series and parallel connections. The control module detects vehicle requirements and automatically adjusts the connection topology, making one output universal for both voltage ranges instead of requiring separate dedicated outputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reconfigures the power channel connections between series and parallel topologies based on real-time vehicle charging requirements. The connection components can be opened or closed to change the electrical configuration, allowing the same hardware to adapt its characteristics dynamically rather than being fixed for a single voltage range.
2Power
If multiple independent power channels are used for simultaneous charging outputs, then charging power capacity is improved, but system complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a dynamic reconfiguration capability where connection components can switch between series and parallel connections of power channels. This allows the same physical power channels to provide different power capacities dynamically - when high power is needed, channels are connected in parallel; when voltage boosting is needed, channels are connected in series.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameters (voltage and current distribution) by reconfiguring the connection topology of existing power channels. Instead of adding more power channels to increase capacity, the system changes how the existing channels are connected, transforming their effective output characteristics to match different charging power requirements.
3Power
If a centered power unit is designed for highest possible power, then maximum charging power is improved, but the power unit becomes unfavorably big and not optimal for service providers
Solution Approach 1:
The power unit is designed with dynamic reconfiguration capability, allowing the same compact hardware to deliver different power levels by changing connection topology. The system can switch between series connections (for higher voltage, lower current) and parallel connections (for lower voltage, higher current), providing a range of power outputs from a single sized power unit rather than requiring multiple fixed-size units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the power unit by reconfiguring internal connections. The same physical power unit can operate at different power levels by switching between series and parallel configurations, effectively scaling its output without changing its physical size or requiring redundant hardware for different power levels.
4Adaptability or versatility
If series connections of power channels are used, then voltage range coverage is improved, but charging current capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between series and parallel connections based on vehicle requirements. When a high-voltage vehicle needs charging, the power channels are connected in series to boost voltage. When high current capacity is needed for other vehicles, the same channels are reconfigured to parallel connections. This dynamic switching resolves the trade-off between voltage and current capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is concerned with a system for charging electric vehicles and comprises at least one power channel (1, 1′) for receiving power from a power source. Said at least one power channel (1, 1′) is connected to a dynamic module (3), which has two or more inputs connected to the power channels (1, 1′) and further it has one or more outputs. Said one or more outputs of the dynamic module (3) are connected to one or more charging outputs (4, 4′) for feeding power to vehicles that are connected to the charging outputs (4, 4′). The dynamic module (3) enables different configurations of connections between the power channels (1, 1′) and the charging outputs (4, 4′) via the dynamic module (3) by having connection components (5-13) in said connections to be opened or closed. Said different configurations of connections between the power channels (1, 1′) and the charging outputs (4, 4′) via the dynamic module (3) include configurations, wherein two or more power channels (1, 1′) are connected in series or in parallel, and/or there are both series-and parallel-connected power channels (1, 1′). The system further comprises a control module (2) for determination of the configuration of the connections and for performing the determined configurations by opening and closing the connection components (5-13) in said connections. The invention is also concerned with a method in such a system, in which method a vehicle to be charged is connected to a charging output (4, 4′) of the system. The vehicle sends identification information and information of the charging power needed to the control module (2) of the system. The control module (2) determines the configuration of the connections in the dynamic module on the basis of the received information and optional other parameters. The connections of the dynamic module (3) are steered by the control module (2) in accordance with the determined configuration of connections. The switch arrangement of the invention in such a system comprises connection components (5-13) in the connections that can be opened and closed thereby enabling connecting of a plurality of power channels (1, 1′) in series connection, in parallel connection or in series and in parallel connection. A part of the connection components (5-13) of the parallel connection part are placed so that they can be utilized for series connection by the logic of their control.