EV Charging Dispenser Chains for Space-Efficient Fleet Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) power cabinets are limited in the number of dispensers they can connect to, making it challenging to provide a large number of charging points in parking areas or for fleets of electric vehicles, especially during off-hours, due to space and power output constraints.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a charging system with a power cabinet and dispenser chains, where each dispenser chain consists of multiple dispensers connected in series, with a master controller and communications hub that allows only one dispenser to provide power at a time, enabling efficient power distribution and control across multiple vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a standard EVSE power cabinet is used, then the power output and reliability are ensured, but the number of dispensers it can connect to is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the dispenser chain into multiple controllable units, where each dispenser can be independently controlled through switching mechanisms. This allows a single power cabinet to support multiple dispensers by dividing the power distribution into segmented, controllable paths rather than requiring one cabinet per dispenser.
Solution Approach 2:
The power cabinet is designed with universal connectivity to support multiple dispenser chains through standardized interfaces and control protocols. The system can dynamically allocate power to different dispensers based on demand, making the power cabinet multi-functional rather than dedicated to a single dispenser.
2Productivity
If more dispensers are provided to serve more vehicles, then the charging capacity increases, but the space required for power cabinets and supply line conduits increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple dispensers are merged into series chains that share common power cabinet infrastructure. Instead of requiring separate power cabinets for each dispenser, the system combines multiple dispensers into chains that can be served by fewer power cabinets, reducing the total space required for stationary equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a one-to-one mapping of power cabinets to dispensers to a many-to-many relationship through dispenser chains. This dimensional change in the system architecture allows multiple dispensers to be served along the same power distribution path, effectively increasing charging capacity without proportionally increasing space requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dispensers are connected to serve fleets during off-hours, then the charging availability improves, but the control complexity and power management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic control where dispensers can be activated or deactivated based on real-time demand and power availability. The switching mechanisms allow the system to adapt its configuration dynamically, enabling flexible power allocation to different dispensers in the chain based on charging requirements and power cabinet capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor power consumption, charger status, and demand across the dispenser chain. This feedback enables automated power management decisions, where the system can detect when power is needed, allocate it appropriately, and adjust the configuration to optimize charging availability while managing complexity through intelligent control algorithms.
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 allows for the charging of multiple vehicles simultaneously while optimizing the use of power cabinets and space, reducing costs and enhancing charging efficiency, particularly suitable for fleets and high-demand scenarios like overnight charging of delivery trucks or parking garages.
Implementation Method 1
converting AC electrical power to DC electrical power by the charging station
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a computer processor configured to receive a vehicle identifier and a charging power dispenser identifier from a vehicle coupled to a specific charging power dispenser of a charging power dispenser chain. The system also includes a control program being configured to run on the computer processor, the control program being configured to determine a time to deliver power to the vehicle and an amount of power to deliver to the vehicle, the control program being further configured to send to a communication hub of a power cabinet electrically coupled to the charging power dispenser chain the time to deliver power to the vehicle, the amount of power to deliver to the vehicle, the vehicle identifier, and the charging power dispenser identifier.