Energy Aggregation Bus for EV Charging and Grid Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of electric buses into public transit systems poses challenges due to the high power requirements of electric bus supply equipment, which can affect existing power distribution infrastructure, and the inconsistent availability and connectivity of electric vehicle loads for grid power delivery, making it difficult to schedule charging sessions and balance power distribution.
Innovation Solution
An energy aggregation system comprising a bus connected to power sources, energy storage systems, electric vehicle charging stalls, and a control module that monitors and controls power flow to balance power distribution, using equations to manage power exchange between the bus, renewable sources, and electric vehicle loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high power electric bus supply equipment is deployed to meet charging demands, then charging capacity is improved, but power distribution infrastructure performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the high power charging load into multiple parallel charging stalls (e.g., 4 stalls of 125 kW each instead of one 500 kW stall), allowing the total power demand to be distributed across multiple smaller units that can be managed independently to reduce impact on power distribution infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system that manages power flow between the utility grid, energy storage systems, and multiple charging stalls. This intermediary layer balances power distribution and prevents infrastructure overload by coordinating charging sessions and utilizing energy storage as a buffer
2Power
If electric vehicle loads are used for vehicle-to-grid power delivery, then grid power delivery capability is improved, but power consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple electric vehicle loads into a single aggregated power source connected to the utility grid. By combining the output of several vehicles through a common bus and control system, the aggregate power delivery becomes more consistent and reliable than individual vehicle outputs
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors the state of charge and power output capability of each electric vehicle load, using feedback signals to adjust charging/discharging rates and coordinate with energy storage systems to maintain consistent aggregate power delivery to the grid
3Productivity
If mass deployment of electric buses is implemented, then transportation electrification is improved, but connectivity and coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed with universal functionality to manage multiple charging stalls, energy storage systems, and electric vehicle loads through a single integrated platform. This multi-functional approach simplifies coordination complexity by providing unified control rather than separate systems for each component
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary scheduling and monitoring of charging sessions before they begin, pre-coordinating power allocation and connectivity requirements. This advance planning reduces real-time coordination complexity during actual charging operations
Data Source
AI summary
An energy aggregation system comprises a bus configured to receive power from one or more power sources and to deliver power to a grid connected to the bus; at least one energy storage system connected to the bus and configured either to draw power from the bus or discharge power to the bus; at least one electric vehicle charging stall connected to the bus and configured to deliver power, from an electric vehicle load connected to the at least one electric vehicle charging stall, to the bus; and at least one control module configured to monitor power on the bus and control delivery of power from the bus to the grid.