EV Charging Controller for Equitable Single- and Three-Phase Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DLM systems struggle to identify the charging capability of vehicles accurately, leading to non-equitable distribution of energy between single-phase and three-phase EVs, resulting in inefficiencies in EV charging infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A controller that detects the configuration of an EV and adjusts current limits based on factors like user selection, power tariffs, system constraints, and availability of power sources to ensure equitable charging power control for both single-phase and three-phase systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a predetermined current limit is applied to all EVs regardless of their charging configuration, then infrastructure cost is minimized through standardized control, but equitable power distribution between single-phase and three-phase vehicles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the current limit parameter based on the detected EV configuration (single-phase or three-phase). The controller identifies the vehicle type and adjusts the current limit accordingly, allowing single-phase EVs to receive higher current limits while three-phase EVs receive appropriate lower current limits per phase, achieving equitable power distribution across different vehicle types
Solution Approach 2:
The controller transitions from a static, standardized current limit approach to a dynamic adaptation mechanism. By continuously monitoring phase current draw and detecting EV configuration, the system adaptively adjusts current limits in real-time, enabling equitable power distribution while maintaining infrastructure cost efficiency
2Power
If phase current is limited based on system load feedback, then system power constraints are managed, but the charging capability identification of vehicles deteriorates due to limited detection ability
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of EV configuration by applying a predetermined current limit and measuring phase current draw before full charging begins. This preliminary action allows the controller to identify whether the EV is single-phase or three-phase capable, enabling accurate vehicle capability identification that informs subsequent current limit adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from current transducers measuring phase current draw to identify EV charging capability. By monitoring which phases draw current and the magnitude of draw, the controller accurately determines vehicle configuration, overcoming the limitation of traditional DLM systems that lack sufficient detection ability
Data Source
AI summary
A method for an electric vehicle (EV) charging system having a first EV charging port and a second EV charging port in which a first EV attached to the first EV charging port has a single phase charging system and a second EV attached to the second EV charging port has a multi-phase charging system, the method comprising determining a first charge current limit to be applied by the first charge port to the single phase charging system of the first EV and a second charge current limit to be applied by the second charge port to each phase of the multi-phase charge system of the second EV to allow the first EV to be charged with a first power value and the second EV to be charged with a second power value, wherein the first power value and the second power value have a predetermined relationship.