EV Charging Infrastructure Power Distribution Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric vehicle charging systems lack the ability to manage power distribution efficiently, leading to potential power shortages when multiple vehicles charge simultaneously, as they do not consider the state of the power grid, resulting in limited charging options and potential grid overload.
Innovation Solution
A smart charging infrastructure that separates power supply from networking communications, allowing for multiplexing of power and implementing multiple current control systems to manage and distribute power among electric vehicles, optimizing power utilization and preventing overloading by adjusting charging currents based on grid conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple EVs charge simultaneously using conventional charging systems, then charging availability is improved, but power grid overload occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system dynamically adjusts the charging current based on real-time grid conditions and power availability. The controller monitors grid state and modifies charging rates accordingly, transitioning from static fixed-current charging to dynamic adaptive charging that responds to changing power availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the charging parameter (current) based on grid conditions. When power is abundant, higher charging currents are permitted; when power is constrained, the system reduces charging currents to match available capacity, thereby preventing grid overload while maintaining charging functionality.
2Speed
If charging current is increased to meet EV demand, then charging speed is improved, but power distribution efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor grid power availability and adjust charging currents accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that charging speed is optimized within the constraints of available power, preventing energy waste from attempting to draw more power than the grid can efficiently supply.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple charging infrastructure is used, then implementation cost is reduced, but grid management capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a simple charging device and as a grid management node. It can operate in basic charging mode for simplicity while also具备 advanced grid monitoring and adaptive power distribution capabilities when needed, making it versatile across different operational contexts.
Data Source
AI summary
Electric vehicle (EV) charging apparatus and methods are described which allow the sharing of charge current between multiple vehicles connected to a single source of charging energy. In addition, this charge sharing can be performed in a grid-friendly manner by lowering current supplied to EVs when necessary in order to satisfy the needs of the grid, or building operator. The apparatus and methods can be integrated into charging stations or can be implemented with a middle-man approach in which a multiple EV charging box, which includes an EV emulator and multiple pilot signal generation circuits, is coupled to a single EV charge station.