EV Charger Noise Suppression Through Dynamic Fan and Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicle charging sites often experience high noise levels due to cooling fans in electric vehicle chargers, which can be a concern in residential areas and may violate noise ordinances, limiting the number of chargers that can operate simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for dynamically monitoring and suppressing noise at electric vehicle charging sites by measuring ambient noise levels and adjusting charger settings, such as decreasing the charging rate or fan speed, to reduce noise pollution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If charger fan speed is increased to cool chargers, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but noise level increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts fan speed based on real-time temperature monitoring and noise level detection. When temperature approaches thresholds, fan speed increases to enhance cooling. When noise levels become problematic, fan speed is reduced. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to respond to changing conditions and balance cooling effectiveness with noise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the charger by adjusting fan speed settings based on monitored conditions. The controller modifies fan speed as a variable parameter to achieve optimal balance between temperature control and noise reduction, rather than operating at fixed speed settings.
2Productivity
If multiple chargers operate simultaneously, then charging capacity increases, but cumulative noise level increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring noise levels from multiple chargers and adjusting individual charger operations accordingly. When cumulative noise approaches regulatory thresholds, the system receives feedback and automatically reduces fan speeds or adjusts charging rates on specific chargers to maintain compliance while preserving overall charging capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than reducing operation of all chargers uniformly, the system applies partial action by selectively adjusting only those chargers contributing to excessive noise levels. This allows the majority of chargers to operate at full capacity while selectively modulating problematic units to maintain overall productivity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If charger settings are adjusted to reduce noise, then noise compliance is improved, but charging rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts charging rates based on real-time noise level monitoring. When noise levels exceed thresholds, the system reduces charging rate to comply with regulations. When noise levels are acceptable, the system increases charging rate to maximize productivity. This dynamic adjustment allows optimal charging performance while maintaining noise compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting charging rates as a variable controlled by noise level feedback. Rather than operating at fixed charging rates, the system modulates this parameter to balance noise compliance with charging efficiency, allowing full charging rates when noise is acceptable and reduced rates when compliance is required.
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
The system effectively reduces noise levels at electric vehicle charging sites, enhancing operational flexibility and compliance with noise regulations, while maintaining sufficient cooling for the chargers.
Implementation Method 1
detecting sound from a plurality of chargers at the electric vehicle charging site at an autonomous vehicle microphone
Implementation Method 2
detecting a temperature at the first charging using infrared sensors on the autonomous vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for dynamically suppressing noise at electric vehicle charging sites. In particular, systems and methods are provided for measuring the ambient noise at a charging site and adjusting electric vehicle chargers to reduce noise pollution. In some examples, electric vehicle charger cooling fans potentially generate a high level of noise, and the power output of a charger can be decreased to decrease the heat generated by the chargers, thereby reducing the need for fans. In various examples, reduction of noise pollution can be especially important in specified geographies (e.g., residential neighborhoods) and/or during selected timeframes (e.g., overnight). In various examples, the system interfaces with a central computer service (e.g., a dispatch service) to intelligently route autonomous vehicles to charging sites based on noise levels at various available charging sites.