Central EV Charging Control Optimizing Depot Network Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The rapid increase in electric vehicle adoption in commercial fleets leads to challenges in simultaneous charging, causing voltage drops and safety shutdowns due to cumulative charging power overloading individual network nodes, and existing methods are complex and costly, especially in depots with insufficient network capacity.
Innovation Solution
A method for centrally controlling electric vehicle charging using a computer-aided central charging control room that communicates wirelessly with vehicles, calculates optimized charging profiles based on deployment plans, available electrical power, and energy requirements, ensuring efficient energy distribution and reducing complexity and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple electric vehicles are charged simultaneously at a depot, then the charging time for each vehicle is reduced and productivity is improved, but the cumulative charging power overloads the network connection point causing voltage drops and safety shutdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The charging control room calculates optimized charging profiles in advance based on deployment plans, battery states, and network capacity constraints. This preliminary planning determines the optimal charging power distribution before charging begins, preventing network overload while maximizing charging efficiency. The system proactively allocates charging resources rather than reactively responding to overload conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging profiles are dynamically adjusted based on real-time conditions including battery state of charge, planned departure times, and available network capacity. The system continuously monitors and recalculates charging parameters to optimize the balance between charging speed and network stability, adapting to changing operational requirements and grid conditions.
2Productivity
If fast charging points are installed at the depot to enable simultaneous charging, then charging productivity is improved, but the infrastructure cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The charging control room serves multiple functions: it monitors battery states, calculates optimized charging profiles, manages network load distribution, and coordinates with vehicle deployment plans. This centralized control system enables the existing charging infrastructure to operate at optimal capacity without requiring additional fast charging equipment, making the control system a multi-functional solution that addresses multiple challenges simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes charging by changing operational parameters such as charging power levels, charging schedules, and power distribution across different vehicles rather than changing the physical infrastructure. By adjusting these controllable parameters, the system achieves efficient simultaneous charging within the constraints of the existing network capacity, avoiding the need for expensive infrastructure upgrades.
3Reliability
If sequential fast charging is implemented by manually plugging and replugging vehicles, then network overload is avoided, but the operational complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging control room automatically manages the charging sequence and power distribution without requiring manual intervention. The system self-adjusts charging profiles based on real-time conditions, automatically determining which vehicles charge at what power levels and for how long. This automated self-management eliminates the need for manual plugging and replugging operations while maintaining network stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors battery states of charge, network load conditions, and vehicle deployment schedules, using this feedback to dynamically adjust charging profiles. This closed-loop control ensures network stability is maintained while optimizing charging efficiency, automatically responding to changing conditions without manual intervention or complex operational procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for the central charging control of a plurality of electric vehicles (2) at a depot (3), with a computer-aided central charging control center (1), which is designed for wireless communication (5) with controllers (4) provided in the respective electric vehicles (2), and wherein the electric vehicles (2) can be connected to a charging point (3a) of the depot (3) for charging a respective battery according to a charging profile, comprising the steps of: checking, by the charging control center (1) by means of communication (5) with the controllers (4) of the electric vehicles (2), the state of charge of the respective battery, the position of the respective electric vehicle (2), and/or the connection status of the respective electric vehicle (2) with the charging point (3a), and transmitting a test result to the charging control center (1), selection, by the charging control center (1),the electric vehicles (2) to be considered in the calculation of charging profiles based on a respective deployment plan of the electric vehicle (2), the position of the respective electric vehicle (2) and/or the connection status with the charging point (3a), and calculation, by the charging control center (1), of the charging profile for each electric vehicle (2) located at the depot (3), connected to the charging point (3a) and/or to be considered according to the deployment plan for a period of consideration by means of a linear optimization algorithm taking into account an electrical charging power available at the depot (3), a planned departure time according to the deployment plan and a required amount of electrical energy with regard to a planned route according to the deployment plan.