Resilient EV Charging Station Backup Power for Outage Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Charging stations become inoperative if disconnected from an external power source, despite having batteries for energy storage, as they still require external power for system components like controllers and temperature control.
Innovation Solution
A resilient power subsystem within the charging station converts stored battery power into operating currents to supply system components during power outages, ensuring continued operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If batteries are included to store energy from external power sources, then the charging station can charge EVs at a faster rate, but the charging station becomes inoperative if the external power source fails or becomes disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by storing energy in batteries during normal operation when external power is available. This stored energy is then utilized during power outages to maintain system operation and continue charging vehicles, thus preparing in advance for potential power source failures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component - a secondary power source (backup battery system) - that mediates between the external power source and the system components. This intermediary ensures continuous operation by providing power when the primary external source fails, thus resolving the contradiction between improved charging capability and reduced reliability
2Ease of operation
If conventional charging stations are installed with external power sources, then they can provide power to system components, but they require infrastructure improvements including upgrades to electrical service and construction of suitable housing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the power supply system into modular components: a primary power input for external power, a secondary power source (backup battery) for independent operation, and a power conversion system. This modular segmentation allows the charging station to operate with reduced infrastructure requirements while maintaining full system functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The charging station is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating dual power source capability. The system can operate in normal mode using external power and in backup mode using stored energy, making it adaptable to different operational conditions and reducing dependency on extensive infrastructure improvements
3Speed
If batteries are used to store energy for fast charging, then charging speed is improved, but additional power is required to maintain system components during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by implementing power conversion systems that can adjust voltage and current parameters. The bidirectional converter efficiently manages power flow between the batteries, external power source, and system components, optimizing energy distribution to support fast charging while accounting for the energy required to maintain system components
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
Enables the charging station to continue charging vehicles and maintaining system functionality even when disconnected from the external power source.
Implementation Method 1
a bidirectional inverter configured to: (i) in a first operating mode, convert the AC input power from the power source into the DC input current
Implementation Method 2
in a second operating mode, convert a DC output current from the one or more batteries into the AC operating current
Implementation Method 3
one or more batteries configured to receive a direct current (DC) input current derived from the AC input electric power received at the power input port and store electric power from the DC input current
Implementation Method 4
a rectifier configured to receive the AC input electric power and provide the DC input current to the one or more batteries
Data Source
AI summary
In order to ensure continued charging of electric vehicles when a charging station is not currently received an input power from an external power source, the systems and methods disclosed herein provide for operation of the charging station in a resilient operating mode in which an operating current is derived from a charge previously stored in a battery of the charging station. The operating current is produced by a resilient power subsystem within the charging station using the stored charge and is provided by the resilient power subsystem to one or more system components within the charging station in order to enable continued operation of the charging station, including enabling continuing vehicle charging during a time interval in which the charging station is not receiving input power from an external power source.