Multi-Port EV Charging Control for Priority Power Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and inefficiency of installing and sharing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, coupled with the inconvenience of EV owners having to move vehicles to access and vacate charging stations, necessitate a solution that reduces costs and enhances sharing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A multivehicle charging system with a controller that manages a single power circuit to multiple charging stations, distributing charging current to each station or connector in a programmed sequence, ensuring only one vehicle is charged at a time, and using a round-robin or priority-based approach to optimize charging time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple charging stations are installed to satisfy peak demand, then charging availability is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple charging stations into a single shared charging station that serves multiple vehicles sequentially. The controller manages power distribution to different output connections at different times, effectively merging the functionality of multiple stations into one unit, thereby reducing installation costs while maintaining charging availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by cycling through multiple output connections in a programmed sequence. The controller periodically switches power delivery between different charging ports, ensuring each connected vehicle receives charging in turn. This time-multiplexed approach allows one physical station to serve multiple vehicles that would otherwise require simultaneous charging infrastructure.
2Device complexity
If charging stations are shared among multiple vehicles, then cost is reduced, but user convenience deteriorates due to vehicle relocation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by providing multiple output connections at a single charging station location. Vehicles can autonomously connect to available ports without requiring manual relocation or intervention. The system automatically manages power distribution among connected vehicles, eliminating the need for users to move their vehicles to access charging services.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal charging station with multiple output connections that can simultaneously or sequentially serve multiple vehicles. This multi-functional design allows different vehicles to access charging services at the same physical location, eliminating the need for vehicle relocation while maintaining cost efficiency through shared infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric vehicle (EV) charging system includes a controller comprising a central processing unit and implemented on a single printed circuit board, and a first output connection and a second output connection each coupled to the controller and operable to deliver power via the AC power supply. The controller is operable to direct the AC current from the higher voltage side of the printed circuit board to the first output connection comprising a first output head operable to charge an EV, detect a load on the second output connection, halt the AC current directed to the first output connection responsive to detecting the load on the second output connection, and direct the AC current from the higher voltage side of the printed circuit board to the second output connection after halting the AC current directed to the first output connection.