Dynamic Phase Assignment for EV Charging Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for distributing electrical energy to electric vehicles in charging stations fail to balance loads effectively across phases due to the diversity of vehicle types, such as single-phase and three-phase connections, leading to potential overloads and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that dynamically assign phases to electric vehicles upon arrival, using measurement and supervision systems to identify energy needs and redistribute loads by switching phases to balance the distribution network, ensuring that single-phase vehicles connect to the least stressed phase and three-phase vehicles adjust phase assignments before connection to balance loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static phase arrangement is used in charging terminals, then device complexity is reduced, but load balancing capability deteriorates due to inability to adapt to diverse vehicle types and unpredictable charging demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic phase assignment where the phase configuration of charging terminals is no longer fixed but can be reconfigured in real-time based on the type of electric vehicle connected and the current load status. The system dynamically adjusts which phase (L1, L2, or L3) is assigned to each terminal to optimize load distribution across the three-phase network, transforming a static infrastructure into an adaptive system that responds to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary identification and classification of electric vehicles upon their arrival at charging terminals. By detecting vehicle type (single-phase vs. three-phase) and assessing energy needs before actual charging begins, the system can pre-assign optimal phases and reconfigure terminal connections in advance, preventing load imbalances before they occur rather than reacting to them afterward.
2Productivity
If phase assignment is optimized for single-phase vehicles, then charging efficiency for single-phase vehicles improves, but load balance across phases deteriorates when three-phase vehicles are connected
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters of charging terminals by dynamically altering phase assignments based on vehicle type. For single-phase vehicles, the system assigns them to the least loaded phase to optimize charging efficiency. For three-phase vehicles, it configures terminals to draw from all three phases appropriately. This parameter adjustment ensures that each vehicle type receives optimal phase configuration while maintaining overall system balance.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging terminal system is designed with multi-functionality to handle both single-phase and three-phase electric vehicles using the same infrastructure. By incorporating intelligent phase assignment capabilities, the system can adapt its operation mode depending on the connected vehicle type, making the charging network universally compatible with diverse vehicle configurations without requiring separate dedicated terminals for each vehicle type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If real-time phase reassignment is implemented, then load balancing improves, but system response time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs vehicle identification, classification, and phase assignment calculations in advance, during the brief period when the vehicle is approaching or just arriving at the terminal but before charging fully commences. This preliminary action allows the system to have phase reconfiguration ready before the vehicle begins drawing significant power, minimizing disruption and reducing the effective reassignment time experienced during active charging.
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves identifying arrival of electric vehicles (8A-8D) on recharge terminals (6A-6E), and identifying energy needs of the electric vehicle. Transfer of energy towards or from storage batteries (40A-40D) of the electric vehicle is performed. Phases (L1-L3) of electric current conveyed by three phase conductors (12A-16A to 12E-16E) are assigned on the recharge terminals at which the electric vehicles arrive after the identification of the energy needs and before the transfer of energy. An independent claim is also included for an electric energy distribution device within a system.