EV Charger Power Allocation via Relay Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The growing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) creates a challenge in distributing sufficient electricity for recharging, as existing infrastructure is inadequate, particularly in car park areas designed for lighting rather than EV charging, leading to a need for efficient allocation of electricity and time slots for EV chargers.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing power controllers and relays to schedule and allocate electricity to EV chargers, with ammeters measuring current consumption for payment calculation and remote server management, enabling and disabling relays based on user authentication and time limits to optimize electricity distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electricity is distributed to multiple EV chargers simultaneously, then the availability and service capability is improved, but the risk of power overload and infrastructure failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by scheduling EV charger operation in sequential time slots rather than simultaneous operation. The controller allocates different time periods to different chargers, ensuring that total power consumption remains within infrastructure limits while providing service to multiple EVs over time. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability through controlled power distribution while achieving productivity through time-based scheduling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies dynamics by making the power distribution adaptive and adjustable based on real-time conditions. The controller dynamically allocates power to different chargers based on priority levels, current power availability, and scheduling requirements. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize between serving more EVs (productivity) and maintaining safe power levels (reliability).
2Productivity
If the power supply capacity is increased to serve more EV chargers, then the charging availability is improved, but the device complexity and infrastructure cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies segmentation by dividing the power supply into controlled segments or zones, each managed by individual relays and controllers. Instead of requiring a single large-capacity power supply, the infrastructure is segmented into multiple smaller, independently controlled power distribution paths. This reduces the complexity of any single power supply unit while collectively supporting multiple EV chargers through intelligent switching and scheduling.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller system serves multiple functions: it schedules chargers, monitors power consumption, controls relays, and manages time slots. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate specialized equipment, reducing overall infrastructure complexity while enabling support for multiple EV chargers with varying power requirements.
3Measurement precision
If real-time current monitoring is implemented for each charger, then the power allocation precision is improved, but the system complexity and measurement requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the monitoring functions into a centralized controller that receives current measurements from all chargers through a unified communication interface. Instead of requiring separate complex monitoring systems for each charger, the measurements are aggregated and processed by a single controller that manages scheduling and power allocation. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining precise measurement capabilities through the use of ammeters and standardized data collection protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
To prevent theft and/or leakage of electricity and to distribute electricity for recharging electric vehicles, the present invention discloses methods and systems for enabling and disabling a plurality of relays at a system. The system comprises a power supply, at least one ammeter, a power supply enabler and at least one power controller. The required steps include measuring current drawn by the plurality of loads by one or more ammeters. The power controller independently enables or disables each of the plurality of relays according to the instructions received. The power supply enabler enables or disables power supply to the system substantially based on the amount of current being drawn by the system.