EV Charger Relay Scheduling With Ammeter-Based Load Allocation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for electric vehicle charging due to the rise in popularity of electric vehicles exceeds the capacity of existing electricity infrastructure, particularly in car parks where chargers are scarce and electricity is primarily designed for lighting, leading to inadequate power supply and distribution challenges.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing power controllers to enable and disable relays based on scheduler instructions, authorize users, and measure current consumption through ammeters to allocate electricity efficiently to electric vehicle chargers, ensuring safe and equitable distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electricity supply capacity is increased to meet growing EV charging demand, then the availability of charging infrastructure is improved, but the complexity of power distribution system increases due to inadequate existing infrastructure designed only for lighting
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power distribution into multiple controllable relays, each managing a specific charging station. The controller divides the limited power supply into discrete allocable units, allowing independent control of each charging circuit. This segmentation enables efficient power distribution across multiple stations without requiring complete infrastructure overhaul.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts power allocation to charging stations based on real-time demand, authentication status, and power availability. The controller continuously monitors and redistributes power resources, enabling the system to adapt to changing conditions without fixed infrastructure capacity. This dynamic control optimizes utilization of existing power supply.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple EV chargers are installed in limited car park spaces, then the accessibility of charging infrastructure is improved, but the risk of power overload increases beyond the original lighting-designed capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates continuous feedback through ammeters that monitor current draw at each charging station and at the main power supply. This real-time measurement feeds back to the controller, which uses this information to detect approaching overload conditions and adjust power allocation accordingly. The feedback mechanism prevents harmful overload while maximizing charger utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary protective action by implementing authentication and authorization protocols before power delivery begins. The controller pre-assesses power availability and user entitlement, establishing safe operating parameters in advance. This preliminary control prevents unauthorized or excessive power draw that could lead to overload conditions.
3Ease of operation
If power allocation is controlled through authentication and scheduling systems, then the equitable distribution of electricity is improved, but the operational complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions within a single device: authentication verification, power allocation calculation, relay control, and monitoring. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into one integrated unit, achieving equitable power distribution without proportionally increasing system complexity. The universal controller manages all charging stations from a central point.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated authentication and power allocation that operates without manual intervention. Users authenticate through the system, which then automatically determines their entitled power allocation and configures relay settings accordingly. This self-service automation achieves fair and equitable distribution while reducing the need for complex manual control procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses methods and systems for scheduling and distributing power for electric vehicle chargers, through enabling and disabling a plurality of relays at a system. One of the criteria to allow an authenticated user to use an electric vehicle charger is whether there is enough electricity capacity. When the user is allowed to use a scheduled electric vehicle charger, its location is then sent to the user. Alert messages can be generated if charging does not begin within a first time limit and the cancellation of a reservation will take place if the second time limit is reached.