EV Charging Matrix Switcher for Dynamic Power Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current EV charging systems in parking lots face inefficiencies due to limitations in charger installation capacity and power distribution, leading to reduced operational efficiency and throughput, as single input and multiple output chargers are insufficient in maximizing charger utilization and handling varying EV charging demands.
Innovation Solution
A smart EV charging system with an electric vehicle charging matrix switcher (EVCM) that reconfigures the supply of charging power among multiple chargers and interface ports, allowing for flexible distribution and optimization based on grid capacity, customer demands, and energy prices, using a matrix switch to connect any charger to any interface port, thereby maximizing operation efficiency and throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single input and multiple output chargers are used, then charger installation capacity is reduced, but operational efficiency and throughput are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the charging infrastructure into multiple independent charger units (first charger, second charger, etc.) that can be individually controlled and dynamically allocated. Each charger operates as an independent resource that can be switched to different interface ports based on real-time demand, transforming a single complex multi-output charger into multiple simpler single-output chargers that collectively serve more interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic charger allocation through a controller that continuously monitors charging demands and adjusts the connection between chargers and interface ports in real-time. The system dynamically reconfigures which charger serves which interface port based on current EV charging needs, grid capacity, and energy prices, maximizing resource utilization and operational efficiency.
2Device complexity
If fixed charger-interface port assignments are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but charger utilization and customer satisfaction are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static charger-interface port assignments to dynamic reconfigurable connections. A controller manages the switching between different charger-interface port pairings based on real-time conditions including EV charging demands, grid capacity constraints, and energy price signals. This dynamic allocation allows the same physical chargers to serve different interfaces at different times, maximizing utilization without requiring permanent dedicated connections.
Solution Approach 2:
Each charger unit is designed to serve multiple interface ports through the switching system, making each charger a universal resource that can fulfill charging demands at any available interface. The system achieves multi-functionality where chargers can be allocated to different interfaces based on need, and interface ports can accept power from different chargers, creating a flexible and adaptable charging network.
3Productivity
If more chargers are installed to handle varying demands, then charging capacity is increased, but hardware costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments charging capacity into multiple modular charger units that can be independently deployed and scaled. Rather than installing one large complex charger, the system uses multiple smaller charger units that can be strategically placed and dynamically allocated across multiple interface ports, achieving high charging capacity with simpler, more cost-effective hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
Each charger unit is designed to serve multiple interface ports through the switching system, making each charger a universal resource. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high charging capacity without proportionally increasing the number of chargers, as each charger can serve multiple interfaces at different times, reducing overall hardware requirements and costs.
Data Source
AI summary
A smart parking lot system for charging electric vehicles (EVs) includes a charger unit, a switching unit, an interface unit, and a control unit. The charger unit includes m chargers, the switching unit includes matrix switch elements S(i,j) configured to switch a connection between an i-th input port and a j-th output port according to a control signal specifying an address (i,j) and a switching state. An interface unit includes n interface ports to be connected with EVs parked for charging. Each of the m chargers is connected with one of m input ports of the matrix switch, respectively. Each of the n interface ports is connected with one of n output ports of the matrix switch, respectively. The control unit is configured to provide for the EV connected with an interface port, accessibilities to at least two chargers with different output power levels, when available.