EV Charger Distributed Power Converter Arbitration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle chargers with multiple power converters lack advanced control methods to efficiently manage power distribution for quick charging multiple vehicles simultaneously, especially with increasing communication demands.
Innovation Solution
A charger with multiple power exchange ports and a data communication bus allows each power converter to communicate directly with vehicles, enabling autonomous power management, eliminating the need for a master controller, and using a deterministic algorithm to allocate power efficiently among converters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a central system level controller is used to control multiple power converters, then the control structure is simple and centralized, but the charger cannot efficiently charge multiple vehicles simultaneously and lacks adaptability to individual vehicle requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized control system into multiple autonomous power converter modules, each with its own controller. Each converter independently manages power delivery to connected vehicles through direct communication via the data bus, eliminating the single-point control bottleneck while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Each power converter controller autonomously negotiates power parameters with connected vehicles through direct communication on the data bus. The controllers self-manage power allocation, waveform generation, and parameter adjustment without requiring centralized arbitration, enabling each module to serve its connected vehicle independently.
2Productivity
If each power converter has its own controller with direct vehicle communication, then adaptability and efficiency are improved, but the communication infrastructure and control coordination become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal data bus communication infrastructure that all power converter controllers and vehicle interfaces can directly access. This single communication medium handles multiple functions including power requests, availability indications, parameter negotiation, and coordination messages, eliminating the need for separate dedicated communication channels between each converter and vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The data bus serves as an intermediary communication medium that facilitates direct interaction between vehicle interfaces and power converter controllers. Through standardized communication protocols on this shared bus, vehicles can directly request power and negotiate parameters with any available converter without requiring complex point-to-point communication wiring.
3Loss of time
If power converters autonomously negotiate with vehicles via data bus, then response time and adaptability improve, but power allocation arbitration among multiple converters becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
Each power converter controller continuously monitors the data bus for power requests and maintains readiness to negotiate with connecting vehicles. Converters proactively indicate their power availability status on the bus before vehicles connect, enabling immediate power allocation decisions without waiting for centralized arbitration when a vehicle plugs in.
Solution Approach 2:
The data bus enables real-time feedback communication where power converter controllers continuously broadcast their power availability status and receive immediate feedback from vehicle interfaces about power requests. This bidirectional feedback loop allows converters to dynamically adjust their power delivery and availability indications based on real-time system conditions and vehicle requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a charger for electric vehicles, comprising at least two power exchange ports for vehicles, each port comprising a data communication connection for at least receiving a power request from a vehicle, and a power exchange connection for delivering power to a vehicle; at least one grid connection for receiving electric power; a data communication bus, for communicating the power request from the vehicles to a plurality of autonomously controllable power converters, each for converting power from the grid connection to a suitable level for charging a vehicle; and each of the power converters comprises a data communication device, connected to the data bus, and configured for receiving power requests from vehicles; and configured for indicating its available power via the data bus.