EV Charging System Buffer Storage Switching Energy Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric vehicle charging systems with multiple charging plugs reduce power per vehicle and increase charging times due to shared power sources, limiting flexibility and efficiency in energy distribution.

Innovation Solution

A charging system with a buffer storage and switching device that allows energy to be directed between charging stations, enabling flexible energy distribution and high-power charging by using a low-power mains connection, with batteries associated with each station for optimal energy provision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple charging plugs share a single power source, then accessibility of charging stations is improved, but power available per vehicle decreases and charging times increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of charging stationsVSAvoidpower available per vehicle
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the power supply system into separate power sources for each charging column. Each charging column has its own power electronics and buffer storage device, allowing independent power delivery to each vehicle without sharing. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining high power availability per vehicle while preserving multi-vehicle charging capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements multiple copies of power electronics and buffer storage devices, one for each charging column. Instead of sharing a single power source, each charging column receives a dedicated copy of the power supply system, enabling simultaneous high-power charging of multiple vehicles without power dilution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If multiple charging stations are provided, then charging capacity is improved, but device complexity increases due to separate power electronics for each station

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging capacityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple buffer storage devices into a single divisible buffer storage system that can be dynamically allocated to different charging columns. The switching device enables flexible distribution of buffer capacity among charging stations, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high charging capacity through shared energy storage resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The divisible buffer storage device serves multiple charging columns simultaneously, making it a universal energy source that can be dynamically allocated based on demand. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate dedicated buffer storage at each station, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving charging capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Speed

If high power is delivered to charging stations, then charging speed is improved, but requirements for grid connection increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoidrequirements for grid connection
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements buffer storage devices that pre-store electrical energy before charging vehicles. This preliminary energy storage allows the system to deliver high power to vehicles independently of real-time grid capacity, enabling fast charging without requiring proportionally large grid connections. The buffer is charged from the grid in advance and then discharged at high power when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This solution reduces charging times, increases the acceptance of electromobility by providing maximum energy to each vehicle, and allows for flexible energy distribution, making the system adaptable to various charging scenarios.

Implementation Method 1

a buffer storage device (4, 5), in particular a divisible buffer storage device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical energy storage: Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

a switching device, wherein the switching device is configured to direct the energy flow from the buffer storage device and the grid connection to the first or second charging column

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3521099B1Charging system with at least one charging column for electric vehicles and method for charging one or more electric vehicles
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 DR ING H C F PORSCHE AG
  • EP3521099B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3521099B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A charging system (10) for charging an electric vehicle is described. The charging system (10) comprises a charging station and at least one first charging column (1) having one or more charging plugs. The charging system further comprises a buffer storage device (4; 5) for storing energy, a grid connection for supplying energy to the charging station, and a switching device (20-24) configured to direct the energy flow from the buffer storage device (4; 5) and/or from the grid connection to the first charging column. The system may also include a second charging column having one or more charging plugs. The switching device is configured to distribute the energy flow from the buffer storage device (4; 5) and/or the grid connection (70) to the two charging columns (1; 2) or to direct it to one of the two charging columns (1; 2).Furthermore, a method for charging one or more electric vehicles via a charging system (10) at the charging station according to the invention is described.