Smart EV Charging Control for Grid Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of electric vehicles and distributed energy resources poses a substantial electrical load on the grid, leading to potential power grid congestions and high charging costs for consumers, with existing systems failing to optimize power distribution and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method for smart charging of electric vehicles that constrains charging power based on available renewable energy sources, preventing grid overload and optimizing energy efficiency by using bi-directional communication between distributed energy sources, electric vehicles, and the power grid to manage charging schedules and forecasts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electrical vehicles are charged simultaneously from the power grid, then charging speed and convenience are improved, but power grid congestion and system stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic charging actions by scheduling EV charging during off-peak hours and periods of low grid demand. The control system monitors grid conditions and activates charging in periodic cycles rather than simultaneously, allowing the grid to recover between charging events and maintaining system stability while still providing charging service to multiple vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of grid capacity and demand conditions before initiating charging. The control method evaluates available grid capacity, forecasts demand patterns, and pre-schedules charging sessions to occur when capacity is sufficient, preventing grid overload before it occurs and ensuring reliable operation.
2Loss of energy
If distributed energy sources are integrated into the power grid, then renewable energy utilization is improved, but grid complexity and control difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control system as an intermediary between distributed energy sources and the power grid. This intermediary manages the bidirectional communication and power flow, coordinating between renewable energy generators, energy storage systems, and EV chargers. The control system translates complex grid requirements into manageable commands for distributed resources, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed with multi-functionality to handle various tasks: monitoring grid conditions, managing distributed energy sources, controlling charging sessions, forecasting demand, and optimizing power distribution. By consolidating these functions into a single universal control platform, the system avoids the complexity of multiple separate control mechanisms.
3Productivity
If charging power is increased to meet demand, then charging efficiency is improved, but energy costs and environmental impact worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the control system continuously monitors charging status, grid conditions, and energy costs. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts charging power levels to optimize efficiency while avoiding peak pricing periods and high-cost energy consumption. The feedback loop enables real-time optimization of charging strategies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary forecasting of energy costs and grid conditions before initiating charging. By predicting future pricing and availability, the control method schedules charging sessions in advance during low-cost periods, reducing energy costs while still meeting user charging needs without requiring high instantaneous power that would increase costs.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is concerned with electrical power distribution. A distributed energy source 32 is adapted to transmit its actual power generation to the power grid 14. Dependent on the load state and the power generation, the charging power of a battery 18 of an electrical vehicle 12b is constrained such that not more than the actual available power from the distributed energy source 32 is withdrawn from the power grid 14.