Power Demand Management for Shared EV Charging Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The operational cost of charging stations for electric vehicles is high due to varying electricity rates, deterring building owners from installing them, as existing technologies lack effective power demand management solutions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that manage power demand by obtaining and storing the maximum allowed power value, monitoring current consumption, and adjusting charging configurations based on user profiles and time, ensuring power delivery does not exceed the allowed limit, using a controller connected to multiple charging stations and a remote management unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If charging stations operate without power demand management, then charging service is provided, but operational cost becomes very high due to electricity rates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by obtaining the maximum power demand value in advance and using it to proactively manage charging configurations before exceeding power limits. The controller continuously monitors and adjusts charging parameters based on pre-established power constraints, preventing costly peak demand charges rather than reacting after they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring current power consumption and comparing it against the maximum power demand value. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts charging configurations to maintain operation within acceptable power limits, optimizing energy usage patterns to reduce operational costs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple charging stations share the same electrical network portion, then resource utilization improves, but power demand management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the control functions of multiple charging stations into a single centralized controller that manages the collective power demand of all stations sharing the electrical network portion. By consolidating management responsibilities, the system simplifies coordination while enabling efficient resource utilization across multiple stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic charging configuration management where the controller continuously adjusts charging parameters based on real-time power consumption levels and the maximum power demand constraints. This dynamic adaptation allows multiple stations to share the network efficiently while automatically responding to changing load conditions.
3Ease of operation
If charging stations are installed in buildings, then EV charging service is provided, but electricity cost impact becomes huge due to business customer rates
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes operational parameters by dynamically adjusting charging configurations based on power consumption levels and cost considerations. The controller modifies charging rates, timing, and distribution across stations to optimize electricity usage patterns, thereby reducing the impact on building electricity costs while maintaining service availability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system are disclosed for managing power demand of a plurality of charging stations sharing the same portion of an electrical network, the method comprising obtaining an indication of a maximum value of power allowed at the portion of the electrical network; obtaining an indication of a current power consumed at the portion of the electrical network; managing a charging configuration of the plurality of charging stations to ensure that the current power consumed at the portion of the electrical network stays lower than the maximum value of power demand allowed.