EV Charger Integrated with Light Post Solar Wind Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Distributed power grids face inefficiencies in energy usage, particularly for consumers with variable energy requirements, as excess energy generated from renewable sources like wind and solar is not optimally utilized, especially in applications such as street lighting and EV charging.
Innovation Solution
An EV charging station co-located with a light post in a populated area, connected to a distributed power grid, incorporates a solar array and wind turbine to consolidate and prioritize renewable energy sources, using a storage battery and computer control to optimize energy use, ensuring efficient charging and lighting operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If renewable energy sources (solar arrays, wind turbines) are integrated at the light post location, then energy utilization efficiency is improved by using excess grid energy locally, but device complexity increases due to multiple energy sources and consolidation systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple energy sources (grid electricity, solar arrays, wind turbines) into a single consolidated energy system at the light post location. The solar array and wind turbine are physically integrated with the light post structure, and all three energy sources are electrically connected through a common controller that consolidates and manages the combined energy output for EV charging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The light post structure serves multiple functions: it supports traditional street lighting, hosts renewable energy generation equipment (solar panels and wind turbine), provides EV charging capability, and acts as a consolidation point for energy management. This multi-functional approach allows the same physical infrastructure to handle diverse energy sources and delivery mechanisms.
2Reliability
If EV charging stations are equipped with multiple renewable energy sources, then energy independence and operational reliability are improved, but manufacturing cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The energy management system dynamically adjusts the contribution of each energy source based on real-time conditions. The controller monitors grid availability, solar generation levels, and wind turbine output, then automatically optimizes the combination of energy sources to maintain reliable EV charging operation while adapting to changing environmental and grid conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
A central controller acts as an intermediary between the multiple energy sources and the EV charging system. This controller manages the complexity of coordinating solar arrays, wind turbines, and grid connection, translating their outputs into reliable charging service while simplifying the overall system architecture and operation.
3Productivity
If excess power from distributed power grid is utilized at point of sale, then energy efficiency is improved, but power grid infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures and utilizes excess grid energy at the local level where it would otherwise go unused, specifically at light post locations. By deploying EV charging stations at these distributed points rather than requiring centralized charging facilities, the system locally converts otherwise wasted grid capacity into useful charging service.
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
This solution maximizes the use of excess energy from the grid by integrating renewable sources, ensuring efficient energy distribution for both lighting and EV charging, reducing waste and operational costs while prioritizing renewable energy use.
Implementation Method 1
a dedicated solar array for collecting solar electric energy
Implementation Method 2
a dedicated wind turbine for obtaining wind-generated electric energy
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A charging station for electric vehicles (EVs) is mounted on a public light post which receives an allotment of electric energy from a distributed power grid. In addition to its electrical connection with the distributed power grid, the charging station is electrically connected with a solar array on the light post that collects solar electric energy. Also mounted on the light post is a wind turbine that produces wind-generated electric energy. The electric energy from all three sources (i.e. solar, wind and grid) is consolidated in a storage battery at the charging station. The consolidated electric energy is then used for charging EVs, with an overriding priority given to electric energy allotted for regulated grid support requirements, such as street lighting and lighting for public venues.