Sequential EV Charger Switching With Relay-Based Power Sharing

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional EV charging stations require additional hardware and connections for adding more chargers, leading to increased costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A multi-charger, serially operated electrical vehicle (EV) charging system with integrated power relays and a controller that allows only one charger to operate at a time, using a Time-Based Round Robin approach to manage charging sequences and prevent simultaneous power distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple EV chargers are added to a charging station, then the charging capacity increases, but the hardware complexity and costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging capacityVSAvoidhardware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple charger functions into a single integrated charging unit with sequential charging capability. Instead of installing multiple independent chargers each requiring separate distribution cabinets and connections, the system combines multiple charging outputs in one unit that shares common power distribution infrastructure, thereby increasing charging capacity while reducing hardware complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The charging unit is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple EVs sequentially through a single power distribution cabinet. The unit can switch between different charging outputs (e.g., Output 1, Output 2, Output 3) using relay-based switching, allowing one charging unit to perform the function of multiple chargers by serving different vehicles at different times

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple EV chargers are added to a charging station, then the charging capacity increases, but the installation costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging capacityVSAvoidinstallation costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple charger functions into a single integrated charging unit with sequential charging capability. Instead of installing multiple independent chargers each requiring separate distribution cabinets and connections, the system combines multiple charging outputs in one unit that shares common power distribution infrastructure, thereby increasing charging capacity while reducing hardware complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The charging unit is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple EVs sequentially through a single power distribution cabinet. The unit can switch between different charging outputs (e.g., Output 1, Output 2, Output 3) using relay-based switching, allowing one charging unit to perform the function of multiple chargers by serving different vehicles at different times

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If simultaneous charging is allowed for multiple EVs, then the charging efficiency increases, but the power distribution safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidpower distribution safety risks

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic action through sequential charging, where power is distributed to different EVs in alternating time periods rather than simultaneously. The controller uses relay switching to periodically connect the power distribution cabinet to different charging outputs based on charging demand and availability, ensuring safe power distribution while maintaining overall system productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The controller acts as an intermediary between the power distribution cabinet and multiple charging outputs. It manages the relay switching to ensure that only one charging output is active at a time, preventing simultaneous power distribution and the associated safety risks while still enabling the system to serve multiple EVs through sequential charging cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12570178B2System and method for sequential power charging switching for electric vehicle(s)

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 RHOMBUS ENERGY SOLUTIONS

AI summary

A multi-charger, serially operated electrical vehicle (EV) charging system, contains a Power Control System (PCS) providing DC power. A plurality of EV chargers is serially power-connected to each other, wherein the first EV charger is connected to the PCS. There are sets of relays in at least the first EV charger, wherein a first set of the set of relays, when activated, is configured to supply power to a respective charging cable of the EV charger, and a second set of the set of relays, when activated, is configured to supply power to a next-serially connected EV charger. The sets of relays contain auxiliary contacts providing relay status information. A hardware logic prevents the first and second sets of relays from simultaneously being activated, allowing only one EV charger of the plurality of EV chargers to charge at a time.