EV Charging Station Grid Stabilization via Frequency Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing load from electric vehicles on electrical energy supply networks increases the risk of grid undersupply, leading to frequency deviations and ineffective load shedding, as existing under-frequency relays can disconnect generators and consumers, rather than just shedding load, which fails to stabilize the grid effectively.

Innovation Solution

A charging station equipped with a mains frequency measuring device and a load control device that detects frequency deviations and adjusts the electrical power delivered to electric vehicles by controlling their charging current, allowing for gradual load reduction or increase, thereby stabilizing the grid without disconnecting generators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If under-frequency relays are used for load shedding, then grid frequency deviation is addressed, but generators and consumers are disconnected along with loads, reducing grid stabilization effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrid stabilization effectivenessVSAvoidgenerated power shelving
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the load shedding function by introducing intelligent control that distinguishes between different types of connected devices. Instead of blanket disconnection, the system identifies and selectively manages electric vehicle charging loads separately from other consumers and generators, enabling precise load shedding that preserves generated power while addressing frequency deviation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring grid frequency and using this information to dynamically adjust charging station operations. The load control device receives frequency deviation signals and automatically modulates charging power accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that responds to grid conditions without requiring generator disconnection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If electric vehicle charging load is increased to meet growing demand, then charging service capacity is improved, but grid undersupply risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging service capacityVSAvoidgrid supply stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamic load management by making charging power adjustable rather than fixed. The load control device continuously adapts charging power levels based on real-time grid frequency conditions, enabling the system to accommodate high charging demand when grid capacity is sufficient while automatically reducing load when supply becomes constrained, thus maintaining both service capacity and grid stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameter of charging power from a static value to a dynamically variable parameter. By modifying charging power levels in response to grid frequency deviations, the system can flexibly balance charging demand with supply capacity, preventing grid undersupply while maintaining productive charging service.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If traditional load shedding disconnects entire transformers, then frequency deviation is corrected, but intelligent load management is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency deviation correctionVSAvoidintelligent load management capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the load control function from the transformer level and relocates it to the charging station level. By placing the load control device at the charging station, the system can manage loads intelligently without requiring transformer disconnection, preserving both frequency correction capability and adaptive load management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a load control device as an intermediary between the grid frequency measurement and the charging load. This intermediary component translates frequency deviation signals into appropriate charging power adjustments, enabling intelligent load management that corrects frequency deviations without blanket disconnection of transformers or generators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2465176B1Charging station for electric vehicles having network stabilization
Publication Date: 2015.03.04 RWE
  • EP2465176B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2465176B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2465176B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a charging station for electric vehicles. Network stabilization is achieved according to the invention in that a network frequency measuring device 8 for capturing a network frequency and for detecting a network frequency deviating from a target frequency is provided, and a load control device 10 is operatively connected to the network frequency device 8 such that, upon detecting a deviation of the network frequency from the target frequency, the load control device 10 regulates the electric power output by the charging station 2 to the electric vehicle.