Battery-Buffered EV Charging Hub for Fast DC Charging Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is hindered by 'range anxiety' due to limited availability and slow charging times of DC charging stations, which are costly to install and require extensive 480-volt AC power grid infrastructure, and there is a need for more efficient and portable charging solutions.
Innovation Solution
A decentralized reserve power charger system that eliminates the need for 480-volt AC power grid infrastructure by integrating DC energy storage within the charging system, allowing it to switch between AC and DC power sources for optimal output and enabling portable, efficient charging using bidirectional AC/DC and DC/DC converters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If DC charging stations use 480-volt AC power grid infrastructure, then charging speed is improved, but installation cost and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the charging infrastructure into modular components: portable charging units with integrated battery storage that can be deployed independently without requiring centralized 480-volt AC power grid infrastructure. Each unit operates autonomously or can be networked together to provide scalable charging capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Battery storage systems serve as intermediary energy reservoirs between AC power sources and DC charging outputs. The batteries store energy during off-peak times and discharge during charging operations, enabling fast DC charging without direct connection to high-voltage AC infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If DC charging stations are deployed widely, then charging availability is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging network is segmented into distributed portable units that can be deployed in various locations without expensive infrastructure installation. These units can be placed in parking lots, charging hubs, or even mobile vehicles, dramatically expanding geographic availability at low marginal cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable charging units are designed to be self-contained with integrated power management, battery storage, and charging controls. They can autonomously manage their own operation, monitoring, and maintenance, reducing the need for expensive professional installation and ongoing service infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If portable charging solutions are developed, then accessibility is improved, but charging power output may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Battery storage systems are pre-charged during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower and grid demand is reduced. This preliminary energy accumulation enables the portable units to deliver high-power DC charging outputs during peak usage times without requiring direct connection to high-voltage AC infrastructure during the actual charging transaction.
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 reduces the cost and space requirements for DC charging stations, enhances charging speed and availability, and provides a portable charging option for EVs, alleviating range anxiety by enabling efficient and flexible power distribution between AC and DC grids.
Implementation Method 1
bidirectional AC/DC converter
Implementation Method 2
DC/DC converter
Implementation Method 3
integrating DC energy storage within the charging system
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus that includes a charger, which includes an electric vehicle (EV) connector, a first alternating current (AC) connector, a charger connector, an alternating current and direct current (AC/DC) converter, a DC/DC converter, a charger switch system, which includes a plurality of charger terminals, and a rechargeable battery system coupled between the AC/DC and DC/DC converters. The charger further includes a charger controller coupled to and configured to control the AC/DC converter, the DC/DC converter, and the charger switch system. Charger terminals of the plurality can be respectively coupled to the AC/DC converter, the DC/DC converter, the EV connector, the first AC connector, and the charger connector. The apparatus may also include a hub that includes a hub switch system, which is configured for connection to the charger connector.