Interconnected EV Charger Network Power Routing

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric vehicle chargers are often overdimensioned to handle peak demands, leading to inefficiency and vulnerability to power outages and disruptions, as well as being unable to effectively share power between units.

Innovation Solution

A network of chargers that can be interconnected via multiple power connections, allowing for power sharing and routing through a controllable power switch and controller, enabling each charger to draw additional power from neighboring units, thus optimizing power distribution and reducing the need for overdimensioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If chargers are overdimensioned to handle peak demands, then maximum charging power availability is improved, but system efficiency deteriorates and vulnerability to power outages increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaximum charging powerVSAvoidsystem efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple chargers are interconnected through a coupling mechanism that allows them to operate as a unified system. When one charger experiences power disruption, other chargers can provide power through the coupling, ensuring continuous operation without requiring each individual charger to be overdimensioned for peak demands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts power distribution among interconnected chargers based on real-time operational conditions. The controller monitors power availability and automatically routes power through appropriate pathways, allowing the system to adapt to changing demands and disruptions without fixed overdimensioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Power

If chargers are overdimensioned to handle peak demands, then maximum charging power availability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to vulnerability to power outages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaximum charging powerVSAvoidresilience to power outages

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple chargers are interconnected through a coupling mechanism that allows them to operate as a unified system. When one charger experiences power disruption, other chargers can provide power through the coupling, ensuring continuous operation without requiring each individual charger to be overdimensioned for peak demands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares for potential power disruptions by having backup power paths pre-established through the coupling between chargers. When a disruption occurs, the alternative power routes are already in place, providing immediate redundancy without requiring excessive capacity in each individual charger.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Power

If individual chargers are dimensioned for largest charging power, then each charger can independently handle peak demand, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindividual charger capacityVSAvoidcharger system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple chargers are interconnected through a coupling mechanism that allows them to operate as a unified system. When one charger experiences power disruption, other chargers can provide power through the coupling, ensuring continuous operation without requiring each individual charger to be overdimensioned for peak demands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Each charger in the network serves multiple functions: it can charge vehicles independently, share power with other chargers during disruptions, and receive power from neighboring chargers when needed. This multi-functionality reduces the need for each charger to be overdimensioned for all possible scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2590835B1Charger for a battery, plurality of coupled chargers and method of operating

Publication Date: 2022.05.18 ABB E-MOBILITY BV

Figure 1a
Figure 1b~1e
Figure 2~3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a network of chargers for a battery of an electric vehicle comprising a 1st power connection, for exchanging power with a power source, a power converter, for converting the power from the power source to a suitable value for charging electric vehicles, a 2nd power connection, for exchanging power with the vehicle, at least a 3rd power connection, for exchanging power with another charger, a controllable power switch, coupled to the power converter, the 2nd power connection and the at least 3rd connection, a controller for at least controlling the switch, configured to: onnect the power converter to the 2nd power connection, when a vehicle is to be charged from the power source, connect the power converter to the at least one 3rd power connection, when power is to be delivered to another charger and connect the at least one 3rd power connection to the 2nd power connection when power from another charger is to be delivered to the vehicle.