EV Charger Phase-Balanced Load Control for Panel Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicle charging sites face issues when multiple chargers exceed the power capacity of the electrical panel, leading to circuit breaker tripping and reduced charging efficiency, which impacts user experience.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that allows multiple EV chargers to operate at maximum power levels as long as the combined power throughput does not exceed the phase line capacity, using processors to manage charger settings and ensure phase-balanced load management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple EV chargers are installed at a charging site, then the charging capacity and service capability are improved, but the combined power capacity may exceed the electrical panel capacity causing circuit breaker tripping
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the power output of individual chargers based on real-time monitoring of the electrical panel's available capacity. When the combined power capacity of multiple chargers exceeds the panel capacity, the control system automatically reduces the power output of each charger to prevent circuit breaker tripping, while still allowing all chargers to operate simultaneously at optimized power levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters (power output levels) of the chargers based on the electrical panel's capacity constraints. By adjusting the power delivery parameters dynamically, the system enables more chargers to operate concurrently without exceeding the panel's total capacity, thus preventing breaker tripping while maintaining high charging capacity.
2Reliability
If the number of EV chargers is limited to match the electrical panel capacity, then circuit breaker tripping is avoided, but the charging site cannot serve multiple vehicles simultaneously at full capacity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of statically limiting the number of chargers, the system dynamically manages the power distribution among multiple chargers. The control system continuously monitors the electrical panel's capacity and adjusts each charger's power output in real-time, allowing all chargers to operate simultaneously while ensuring their combined power draw remains within the panel's capacity limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical panel serves multiple functions by supporting a larger number of chargers than traditionally allowed. Through intelligent power management, the panel can accommodate more chargers simultaneously, each operating at adjusted power levels, thereby increasing the charging site's overall throughput without compromising reliability.
3Reliability
If individual charger power levels are limited to ensure simultaneous operation within panel capacity, then circuit breaker tripping is avoided, but each charger cannot operate at its maximum capacity prolonging charging time
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the power delivery parameters of chargers dynamically based on real-time conditions. Instead of imposing fixed power limits, the control system adjusts the power output parameters of each charger to maximize charging speed while keeping the total power draw within the electrical panel's capacity, thus preventing breaker tripping without significantly extending charging time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring of the electrical panel's power consumption and capacity status. Based on this feedback, the control system automatically adjusts the power output of individual chargers to optimize charging speed while ensuring the combined load remains within safe limits, preventing circuit breaker tripping while minimizing charging time extension.
4Productivity
If a large number of EV chargers are deployed at a site, then the service capability and user experience are improved, but the electrical panel cannot support their combined maximum capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control system as an intermediary between the electrical panel and multiple chargers. This intermediary manages the power distribution, monitoring the panel's capacity and coordinating the power output of each charger to ensure the total load remains within limits. This enables a large number of chargers to be deployed and managed effectively without overwhelming the electrical panel.
Data Source
AI summary
Load management of chargers at a charging site is provided in which one or more processors coupled with memory can identify a setting for a first charger and a second charger that can be coupled with a phase line of an electrical panel to conduct power at a first phase. The one or more processors can determine that the phase line is configured to operate below a phase line capacity of the phase line while the first charger coupled with the phase line operates at a charger capacity of the first charger. The one or more processors can cause the first charger to operate at the charger capacity according to the setting in response to determining that the phase line is configured to operate below the phase line capacity while the first charger coupled with the phase line operates at the charger capacity.