Dynamic Charging Current Allocation for EV Stations

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Charging stations often operate below their maximum capacity due to uneven power distribution among multiple charging points, leading to inefficient resource utilization and increased costs, as existing load management methods rely on forecasts and fixed sequences rather than real-time resource allocation.

Innovation Solution

A method that dynamically adjusts the charging current reservation at each charging point based on real-time resource availability, determining the maximum permissible target charging current considering both the charging cable specifications and the charging station's hardware limitations, and optimally allocates resources across all points to ensure vehicles receive the highest possible charging current without exceeding available capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the charging station is designed for maximum power at every charging point, then the nominal power is high, but the charging station is oversized and unnecessarily expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenominal powerVSAvoidoversized design
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging station implements dynamic load management that adjusts power allocation in real-time based on actual demand. The control system continuously monitors the number of connected vehicles and their charging requirements, dynamically redistributing available power to meet actual needs rather than maintaining fixed maximum capacity at each point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (power distribution ratios) based on real-time conditions. When multiple vehicles are connected, the control unit calculates and adjusts the charging current for each vehicle dynamically, allowing the station to operate efficiently at various power levels rather than always at maximum capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If load management is implemented with fixed sequences or forecasts, then resource allocation is predetermined, but real-time resource utilization is inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepredetermined allocationVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system continuously monitors actual charging current draw from each vehicle and uses this feedback to adjust power allocation in real-time. The system measures actual demand and dynamically redistributes power to maximize utilization, rather than relying on predetermined schedules or forecasts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

While implementing real-time adjustment, the system performs preliminary calculations of power distribution based on vehicle requirements and station capacity before actual charging begins. The control unit pre-calculates optimal power allocation scenarios and adjusts them dynamically as conditions change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Power

If the charging station allocates maximum power to first-connected vehicles, then early vehicles receive optimal charging current, but later vehicles receive reduced power

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging current for early vehiclesVSAvoidservice range for later vehicles
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different power allocation strategies to different vehicles based on their specific requirements, connection time, and current station load conditions. Rather than uniform treatment, each vehicle receives locally optimized power allocation that considers both its individual needs and the overall station utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Power allocation is dynamically adjusted as vehicles connect and disconnect. The control system continuously recalculates optimal distribution, allowing later vehicles to receive adequate power when station load decreases, rather than being permanently limited by initial allocation decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Loss of time

If the charging station uses empirical load forecasts, then resource planning is based on historical data, but actual real-time allocation is inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource planning efficiencyVSAvoidload forecast accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces forecast-based planning with real-time feedback from actual charging current measurements. The control unit continuously monitors actual power consumption and adjusts allocation accordingly, eliminating the inaccuracies inherent in empirical forecasting methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2902250B1Method for charging an electrically operated vehicle
Publication Date: 2017.06.21 ELEKTRO BAUELEMENTE GMBH
  • EP2902250B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2902250B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A method for charging an electrically powered vehicle (FZi) at a charging point (LPi) of a charging station (LS) having a plurality of charging points (LP1, LP2, ... LPn) and connected to a supply network (VN), comprising the following steps: - taking into account a maximum permissible charging cable current iLKi,max on the part of a charging cable (LKi) and taking into account a maximum permissible limit charging current iLPi,zul on the part of the charging point (LPi) of the charging station (LS), a maximum permissible target charging current iLi,max for charging the vehicle is determined; - the maximum permissible target charging current iLi,max is communicated to the vehicle (FZi) by the charging station;- an actual charging current iIst,i, which is set via a charger provided in the vehicle (FZi) taking into account the maximum permissible target charging current iLimax and a vehicle-side maximum permissible vehicle charging current iFZi,zul for the charging point (LPi), is measured on the side of the charging station (LS);wherein a charging current reservation is carried out at the charging station (LS) for the charging point (LPi) in the amount of a maximum available limit charging current iLPi,max specified for the charging point (LPi) by the hardware of the charging point (LPi) and/or the maximum permissible target charging current iLi,max offered to the vehicle (FZi), wherein a charging current difference is determined between the maximum permissible target charging current iLi,max offered to the vehicle (FZi) by the charging station (LS) or the maximum available limit charging current iLPi,max on the one hand and the measured actual charging current iIst,i on the other hand and wherein the charging current reservation is released with respect to the determined charging current difference.