Integrated EV Charger Luminaire With Shared AC Power Split
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of separate electric vehicle chargers and outdoor luminaires is costly and inefficient, as they require distinct installations and occupy more space, lacking integration.
Innovation Solution
An electric vehicle charger device integrated with an overhead luminaire or bollard luminaire, utilizing a splitter or step-down converter to provide both Level 2 charging voltage and power for lighting, sharing a single AC circuit and reducing the footprint by combining charging and lighting functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate EV chargers and outdoor luminaires are installed independently, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but installation costs increase and more space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the EV charger and outdoor luminaire into a single integrated unit, where the charger housing incorporates mounting structures for the luminaire. This merging eliminates the need for separate installations, reducing labor costs and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining both functions' operational effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: the EV charger provides electrical charging while the integrated luminaire provides outdoor lighting. The shared power supply system and common mounting structure enable one device to fulfill multiple roles, reducing overall system complexity and installation requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate EV chargers and outdoor luminaires are installed independently, then each device can operate autonomously, but the total space occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The luminaire is nested within or mounted on the EV charger housing structure. The charger's existing housing, mounting points, and power supply infrastructure are utilized to accommodate the luminaire, allowing one device to occupy the spatial envelope of the other without requiring additional ground space or structural support
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate installations are performed for EV chargers and luminaires, then installation flexibility is maintained, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The luminaire is pre-integrated into the charger housing during manufacturing, with mounting brackets, electrical connections, and structural supports already in place. This preliminary integration eliminates the need for separate installation steps on-site, reducing installation time and complexity while maintaining the flexibility to install the complete unit at various locations
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 integration reduces installation costs and space requirements by combining the functions of electric vehicle charging and outdoor lighting, allowing for flexible installation options and efficient use of resources.
Implementation Method 1
a splitter provides for electrical communication from the AC circuit to the first and second interface. In some embodiments, the splitter provides for splitting the neutral and line cables of the AC input into two branches
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a splitter or step-down converter to provide both Level 2 charging voltage and power for lighting
Data Source
AI summary
An electric vehicle supply equipment that includes a form factor fitting a charging station including one interface for charging electric vehicles and at a second interface for powering street lighting. The first interface including a voltage for supporting level 2 charging. The electric vehicle supply equipment can also include an electrical box mounted to the structure with a form factor fitting the charging station that includes a connection to grid power. The electrical box includes an AC circuit, wherein a splitter provides for electrical communication from the AC circuit to the first and second interface, wherein the splitter provides for splitting the neutral and line cables of the AC input into a first branch that provides electrical communication to the first interface having the voltage for supporting level 2 charging, and a second branch that provides electrical communication to the second interface for powering the luminaire.