Public EV Charging via Power Distribution Box
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles often have limited range due to battery charge, and existing charging solutions are primarily limited to home charging, lacking convenient public charging options, especially in non-residential areas like workplaces or public venues.
Innovation Solution
A system for charging electric vehicles in public parking areas, utilizing an energy station connected to a power source (solar, natural gas, or wind turbines) with a payment processing subsystem that manages energy accounts and facilitates payment through pre-paid cards or other means, allowing vehicles to be charged and payments processed via a network communication system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If home charging is used, then charging reliability is improved, but charging convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a power distribution box as an intermediary device between the power source and vehicle battery. This box includes control circuitry that manages power flow, monitors charging status, and communicates with the vehicle's control unit. The intermediary enables reliable public charging by mediating the power transfer and ensuring proper connection, thus resolving the contradiction between charging reliability and convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic charging initiation and termination through control circuitry that detects vehicle connection and monitors battery charge levels. The payment processing subsystem automatically handles transactions when the vehicle departs. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention, providing home-like reliability with public charging convenience.
2Adaptability or versatility
If public charging infrastructure is expanded, then charging accessibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution box is designed as a universal charging station that can serve multiple vehicles and different power sources (grid, solar, wind). The control circuitry handles various charging scenarios including normal charging, emergency charging, and power distribution to multiple vehicles. This multi-functionality enables expanded public charging accessibility without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system is segmented into independent modular components: power distribution boxes, payment processing subsystems, communication modules, and vehicle control units. Each module operates independently but communicates through standardized protocols. This segmentation allows the system to be scaled and deployed in public areas without creating monolithic complexity, as each box can be installed and managed separately.
3Productivity
If payment processing is automated, then service efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The payment processing subsystem is integrated with the power distribution box and vehicle control unit, creating a feedback loop. When the vehicle connects to the charging box, the system automatically detects the connection, initiates charging, and monitors the charging process. Upon vehicle departure detection, the system automatically processes payment and notifies the user. This feedback mechanism enables automated payment processing that improves service efficiency without requiring complex manual intervention systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for charging vehicles in a parking area are described. In one embodiment, a charge request may be received for a vehicle located in a parking area. The vehicle may have a power connection with a power source. An electric charge is provided through the power connection from the power source to the vehicle based on receiving the charge request, the value of the electric charge being adjustable based at least in part on the power basis of the vehicle. Billing or Payment is recorded for providing the electric charge based upon departure of the vehicle from the parking area.