Dynamic Power Module Allocation for EV Charging Stations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle (EV) charging systems are limited in their ability to simultaneously charge multiple vehicles without wasting power capacity, as they either fix power allocation to individual points or allocate all modules to one point, leaving others without power once maximum capacity is reached.
Innovation Solution
A central EV charge system with interconnected power modules, where a permanent group of modules is connected to each charging point and a pool of additional modules can be dynamically allocated to boost power as needed without reducing supply to other points, managed by a central control system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power modules are fixed to individual charging points, then each charging point has guaranteed power supply, but the capacity of unused charging points is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power module allocation where power modules can be switched between different charging points based on real-time demand. The system transitions from static fixed allocation to dynamic reconfigurable allocation, allowing power modules to be reassigned from idle charging points to active ones, thereby eliminating power capacity waste while maintaining supply reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Power modules are designed to serve multiple charging points rather than being dedicated to a single point. Each power module can be allocated to any charging point that requires power, making the power supply system universal and adaptable to varying demand patterns across different charging points.
2Power
If all power modules are allocated to one charging point for power boosting, then rapid charging is enabled, but no power is available to remaining charging points
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic power allocation where power modules can be temporarily concentrated at one charging point for rapid charging when needed, while the control system monitors and manages overall power distribution. This allows the system to adapt between different operating modes: power boosting mode and balanced distribution mode, maintaining both high power capability and system versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system periodically assesses power demands across all charging points and reallocates power modules accordingly. When one charging point requires power boosting, the system temporarily allocates additional modules to it, then rebalances allocation when the boost period ends, enabling periodic power concentration without permanent loss of system flexibility.
3Power
If power cables are connected between charging points for power sharing, then power can be boosted to in-use charging points, but high voltage and high current cables create safety dangers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a central control system as an intermediary that manages power distribution through a network of interconnected power modules. Instead of direct high-voltage cable connections between charging points, the control system mediates power flow by switching and allocating standardized power modules, thereby reducing safety hazards while maintaining power transfer capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If smaller power modules are activated for power boosting, then flexibility is improved, but capacity is wasted when modules are not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple smaller power modules into a unified pool that can be collectively allocated to any charging point. Instead of having dedicated smaller modules at each charging point (which would waste capacity when idle), the modules are combined into a shared resource pool, allowing full utilization of each module's capacity whenever needed at any location.
Data Source
AI summary
A charging system for charging a plurality of electric vehicles simultaneously comprising: a plurality of charging points; a first plurality of power modules, each one of the first plurality of power modules being connected to a respective one of the plurality of charging points; a second plurality of power modules, each one of the second plurality of power modules being switchably connectable to any one of the plurality of charging points, and a controller configured to control the switchable connections between the second plurality of power modules and the plurality of charging points.