Central Cooling Module for EV Charging Parks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging parks for electric vehicles face inefficiencies in cooling systems, as they often rely on simple air-based or liquid-based cooling methods that do not adapt effectively to component temperatures, charging status, or ambient conditions, leading to suboptimal performance and potential condensation issues.
Innovation Solution
A method where a central cooling module connects multiple charging points, using a primary and secondary cooling circuit with a heat exchanger, and a control cascade with two control circuits to dynamically adjust cooling based on component temperatures, charging status, and ambient conditions, ensuring efficient thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central cooling module connects multiple charging points with primary and secondary cooling circuits, then system efficiency and thermal management improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into a primary cooling circuit for power electronics modules and a secondary cooling circuit for charging cables and plugs. This segmentation allows each circuit to be optimized independently for its specific cooling requirements, improving overall thermal management efficiency while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The central cooling module serves multiple charging points simultaneously through the primary and secondary circuits, making it a multi-functional system that cools different components (power electronics, cables, plugs) with a single integrated module, improving system efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity
2Loss of energy
If dynamic cooling adjustment based on temperature and charging status is implemented, then energy efficiency improves, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time temperature measurements and charging status. The control unit modifies cooling intensity and circuit activation according to actual thermal conditions and power transfer rates, optimizing energy efficiency while adapting to varying operational demands
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature sensors and charging status monitors provide continuous feedback to the control unit, which adjusts cooling system operation accordingly. This closed-loop control optimizes energy efficiency by matching cooling intensity to actual thermal conditions and power transfer requirements
Solution Approach 3:
The system changes operational parameters such as coolant flow rate, cooling intensity, and circuit activation based on temperature and power transfer rate. These parameter adjustments optimize cooling efficiency while responding to varying thermal loads and charging conditions
3Temperature
If cooling is provided during standby mode, then component temperature is maintained optimally, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is activated during standby mode before charging begins to pre-cool power electronics modules and charging components. This preliminary cooling action ensures components are at optimal temperature when charging starts, preventing excessive heat buildup during high-power transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system operates periodically rather than continuously, activating during standby mode and high-power charging, and reducing or stopping during low-power periods. This periodic operation maintains optimal component temperatures while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption during idle periods
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 approach enhances system efficiency, maintains high charging capacity, reduces condensation, and adapts to various environmental conditions, ensuring optimal performance and comfort by precisely regulating temperatures and managing heat dissipation.
Implementation Method 1
all the power electronics modules and charging pillars of all the charging systems are cooled in a primary circuit by means of a cooling fluid
Implementation Method 2
via a heat exchanger which is assigned to the respective charging pillar a charging cable and/or a charging plug is cooled in a secondary circuit by means of a cooling fluid
Implementation Method 3
via a heat exchanger which is assigned to the respective charging pillar a charging cable and/or a charging plug is cooled in a secondary circuit by means of a cooling fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a charging park for electric vehicles. The charging park has a group of charging points which are connected to a central cooling module, wherein components of the respective charging point are cooled as a function of a temperature of the respective component in the charging mode or in the standby mode, as a function of a charging status at the respective charging point and as a function of an ambient temperature.