EV Charging Power Cap via Grid Load Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
The widespread adoption of electric vehicles is hindered by the high cost and inefficiency of existing electric vehicle charging infrastructure, which requires expensive upgrades and lacks customization, leading to underutilization of grid resources and poor user experience.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for controlling electric vehicle charging stations that dynamically adjust output power based on real-time grid monitoring, allowing for coordinated and efficient charging by enforcing an output power cap in response to changes in electricity consumption cycles, and enabling communication with on-board charging systems to tailor charging modes to individual vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If DC EVSE is used to provide faster charging speeds and higher power transmission, then charging capability is improved, but implementation cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system dynamically adjusts power output based on real-time grid conditions and vehicle needs. The electronic device monitors grid status and automatically modulates charging parameters, allowing AC EVSE to provide variable charging rates that adapt to demand, effectively bridging the gap between AC and DC charging capabilities without requiring DC EVSE infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (voltage, current, power level) of the AC EVSE based on real-time conditions. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the AC charging system can deliver higher power when grid capacity allows, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and avoiding the need for expensive DC EVSE hardware
2Power
If high power charging stations are implemented to meet current demand, then charging capacity is improved, but infrastructure cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than implementing static high-power infrastructure, the system uses dynamic power adjustment. The electronic device continuously monitors grid conditions and adjusts charging power in real-time, allowing the same infrastructure to deliver variable power levels from low to high, eliminating the need for dedicated high-power equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The AC EVSE infrastructure is designed to serve multiple functions: it can provide low-power charging during peak grid demand, high-power charging when capacity is available, and adapt to different vehicle types. This multi-functionality replaces the need for specialized high-power charging infrastructure
3Device complexity
If a one-size-fits-all charging approach is used at charging facilities, then system simplicity is maintained, but power usage efficiency and user experience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts charging parameters based on individual vehicle characteristics, battery state, and user preferences. The electronic device communicates with the vehicle's on-board system to customize charging profiles, achieving personalized charging without requiring complex manual configuration or multiple charging stations
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements closed-loop feedback by continuously monitoring charging progress, battery state of charge, and grid conditions. Based on this feedback, the electronic device automatically adjusts charging parameters to optimize efficiency and user experience, eliminating the need for complex pre-programming or manual intervention
4Reliability
If grid resources are reserved for charging facilities to ensure function, then reliability is improved, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates due to underutilization
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically allocates grid resources based on real-time demand and availability. Rather than reserving fixed capacity, the electronic device adjusts power draw in real-time, allowing grid resources to be shared flexibly with other consumers when charging demand is low, and fully utilized when charging is needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors grid resource availability and adjusts charging operations accordingly. When grid capacity is constrained, charging is modulated or delayed; when capacity is abundant, charging proceeds at full rate. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable charging while maximizing grid resource utilization and minimizing waste
Data Source
AI summary
At an electronic device that is coupled to a main input of an electricity demand center on an electric grid: activating load monitoring for the electricity demand center; determining an electricity consumption cap for a current electricity consumption cycle at the electricity demand center; during the current electricity consumption cycle, detecting activation of a first electric vehicle charging connection; and in response to detecting activation of the first electric vehicle charging connection, enforcing an output power cap for EV-charging circuits at the electricity demand center, including dynamically adjusting a current output power of the first electric vehicle charging connection in accordance with a difference between the electricity consumption cap for the current electricity consumption cycle and a current load on non-EV charging circuits at the electricity demand center.