EV Charger Relay Control Using Ammeter Feedback Under Limited Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
The growing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) creates a challenge in distributing sufficient electricity for recharging, as existing infrastructure is inadequate for the increased demand, particularly in car park areas designed for lighting rather than EV charging, leading to limitations in installing EV chargers and managing electricity supply.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing power controllers and relays to schedule and allocate electricity to EV chargers based on scheduler instructions and ammeter measurements, enabling and disabling relays to manage the distribution efficiently, with features like user authentication, payment calculation, and time slot management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If electricity supply infrastructure is expanded to meet growing EV charging demand, then electricity availability for EV chargers is improved, but infrastructure cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments electricity distribution control into multiple relays, each controlling individual EV charger circuits. The controller independently manages each relay based on ammeter measurements, dividing the complex task of overall electricity management into simpler, independent switching decisions for each charger circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurement of electricity supply capacity using ammeters before allocating power to EV chargers. The controller pre-assesses available electricity supply and proactively manages relay switching to prevent overloads, rather than reacting after problems occur.
2Productivity
If multiple EV chargers are installed in limited car park spaces, then charging accessibility is improved, but risk of electricity overload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors electricity supply and consumption using ammeters connected to each EV charger circuit. The controller receives real-time feedback on current draw and dynamically adjusts relay states to maintain safe operating levels, preventing overload conditions while maximizing charger utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay switching system dynamically adapts to changing electricity supply conditions and charger demands. The controller continuously adjusts which relays are closed based on real-time ammeter measurements, creating a flexible power distribution system that responds to varying loads rather than operating on fixed allocations.
3Speed
If electricity is allocated to scheduled EV chargers without monitoring, then distribution speed is improved, but measurement precision for payment calculation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts measurement functionality into separate ammeter devices dedicated to each EV charger circuit. These ammeters independently measure current draw for each charger, providing precise measurement data to the controller for payment calculation while the controller simultaneously manages relay switching for rapid electricity distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses methods and systems for scheduling and distributing power for electric vehicle chargers, through enabling and disabling a plurality of relays at a system. One of the criteria to allow an authenticated user to use an electric vehicle charger is whether there is enough electricity capacity. When the user is allowed to use a scheduled electric vehicle charger, its location is then sent to the user. Alert messages can be generated if charging does not begin within a first time limit and the cancellation of a reservation will take place if the second time limit is reached.