Multi-Mode EV Charger Grid Support via Controllable Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicle (EV) chargers are typically inactive and unused when not connected to a vehicle, limiting their potential for providing support services such as reactive power and power quality improvement.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel, multi-mode EV AC to DC charger system with controllable switches and a controller that allows the charger to perform various functions like charging, power redirection, real or reactive power injection, active AC filtering, and phase balancing, even when not connected to a vehicle, by utilizing its resident power electronics to support the grid and other devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the EV charger is kept in sleep mode when not connected to a vehicle, then energy consumption is reduced, but the charger cannot provide grid support services
Solution Approach 1:
The EV charger is designed to perform multiple functions: it can charge vehicles during connected mode and provide grid support services (reactive power compensation, active filtering, phase balancing) during non-charging mode. The power electronic components and control system are configured to switch between these different operational modes, allowing the same hardware to serve dual purposes and eliminate idle time.
2Device complexity
If the EV charger remains inactive when not connected to a vehicle, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and utility are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The charger system employs dynamic switching between different operational states (charging mode, grid support mode, sleep mode) based on connection status and grid conditions. The control system dynamically adjusts the operational mode of power electronic components, enabling the charger to transition from a static inactive state to an active grid support provider without requiring additional hardware complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the charger electronics are activated for non-charging functions, then grid support services are provided, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charger maintains continuous useful action by utilizing its power electronic components for grid support services during periods when vehicle charging is not occurring. Rather than remaining completely idle, the system continuously provides reactive power compensation, active filtering, and phase balancing services to the grid, transforming what would be wasted capacity into valuable utility contributions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the charger to provide reactive power support, active filtering, phase balancing, and adjustable DC power services, improving grid stability and efficiency, and reducing energy consumption by utilizing the charger's electronics when not in charging mode.
Implementation Method 1
A multi-channel, multi-mode electric vehicle (EV) AC to DC charger is provided, comprising: at least two power channels, each power channel containing an AC/DC converter connected to a corresponding DC/DC regulator
Implementation Method 2
each power channel containing an AC/DC converter connected to a corresponding DC/DC regulator
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of a multi-channel, multi-mode electric vehicle (EV) AC to DC charger has power channels, each power channel contains an AC/DC converter and corresponding DC/DC regulator. Each channel is configured to supply DC power to a channel-connected EV. The charger also has a controllable bridging switch, connected in parallel between the power channels and disposed before or after the DC/DC regulators, and provides an intermediary path between the power channels. It also contains controllable series switches, after the DC/DC regulators to provide a break in a power channel output path. A controller controls the AC/DC converters, DC/DC regulators, bridging and series switches. The charger is multi-mode capable, enabling (a) charging an EV, (b) directing power from one channel's connected end device to another channel's connected end device, (c) injecting real or reactive power back to an AC power source, (d) active AC filtering, and (d) phase balancing.