EV Charging Power Cabinet With Dynamic Module Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicle charging stations often face inefficiencies due to underutilization of power modules, as not all dispensers are utilized at maximum capacity at all times, leading to uneconomical infrastructure design.
Innovation Solution
A power cabinet with multiple power modules that can dynamically allocate power between dispensers, managed by a control unit to switchably connect and disconnect power modules between dispensers based on demand, optimizing power distribution and usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the infrastructure is designed to support the maximum capacity of each dispenser, then the power supply capability is improved, but the cost and complexity of the infrastructure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power cabinet is divided into multiple independent power modules, each capable of operating autonomously. This segmentation allows the system to provide full power capacity when needed while avoiding the complexity of designing a single monolithic power system that must always operate at maximum capacity. Each module can be independently controlled and allocated to different dispensers based on current demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic allocation of power modules to dispensers based on real-time demand. The control unit continuously monitors the operational status of dispensers and dynamically reconfigures which power modules supply which dispensers. This dynamic approach allows the infrastructure to adapt its power distribution to match actual usage patterns, avoiding the need for static over-provisioning.
2Device complexity
If power modules are statically allocated to dispensers, then the system simplicity is improved, but the power utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic allocation where the control unit continuously monitors dispenser operational status and automatically reassigns power modules based on current demand. When a dispenser is not in use or operating below capacity, its allocated power modules can be reassigned to active dispensers that need more power. This maintains system simplicity while dramatically improving power utilization efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system effectively 'discards' the static allocation assumption and recovers power capacity by reallocating modules from underutilized dispensers to those with higher demand. This allows the system to recover and reuse power capacity that would otherwise be wasted, improving overall utilization without requiring additional infrastructure.
3Power
If the power cabinet supports maximum capacity for all dispensers simultaneously, then the power availability is improved, but the cost of infrastructure increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each power module is designed to be universal and can supply power to any dispenser in the system. This multi-functionality allows a smaller number of power modules to serve multiple dispensers at different times, replacing the need for dedicated power capacity for each dispenser. The total power availability remains high when needed, but the infrastructure cost is reduced because the same power modules are reused across different dispensers based on demand.
Data Source
AI summary
Dynamic allocation of power modules for charging electric vehicles is described herein. A power cabinet includes multiple power modules that each are capable of supplying an amount of power to a dispenser. Multiple dispensers are coupled with the same power cabinet. A first power bus couples a first dispenser and switchably connects the power modules to the first dispenser; and a second power bus couples a second dispenser and switchably connects the power modules to the second dispenser. The power cabinet includes a control unit that is configured to cause the power modules to switchably connect and disconnect from the first power bus and the second power bus to dynamically allocate the power modules between the first dispenser and the second dispenser.