EV Charging Station AC DC Power Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lack of regulation and standardization in electric vehicle charging infrastructure limits the placement of charging stations, as most grids provide AC power, while batteries require DC power, necessitating bulky and heavy on-board AC/DC converters that are inefficient and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
An energy exchange station with a controller and multiple power supplies for both AC and DC, capable of determining the vehicle's charging capabilities through data communication, allowing for switching between AC and DC power delivery to optimize charging based on the vehicle's onboard charger and grid conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If on-board AC/DC converters are provided in electric vehicles to enable charging from AC grids, then charging capability from AC grids is improved, but vehicle weight and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The AC/DC converter functionality is extracted from the vehicle and relocated to the charging station. The charging station now houses the power conversion equipment, while vehicles only need simple DC connection interfaces, eliminating the need for heavy on-board converters.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging station acts as an intermediary between the AC grid and the vehicle battery. It performs the AC/DC conversion and power regulation functions, serving as a mediator that eliminates the need for complex on-board power conversion equipment in vehicles.
2Productivity
If high-capacity AC/DC converters are installed in vehicles to reduce charging time, then charging speed is improved, but device complexity and power efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The complex high-capacity AC/DC converter is extracted from the vehicle and installed at the charging station. This eliminates the need for complex on-board power conversion equipment while maintaining high charging speeds through the station's powerful converters.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging station provides self-service high-power conversion capabilities, handling all power conversion requirements locally without requiring complex equipment in each vehicle. This centralizes complexity in fixed infrastructure rather than mobile units.
3Loss of time
If vehicles are equipped with large AC/DC converters to enable fast charging, then charging time is reduced, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power conversion function is extracted from individual vehicles and consolidated at the charging station. This allows for more efficient, larger-scale converters to be used at the station level, improving overall energy efficiency while maintaining fast charging capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple power conversion functions are merged into a single centralized charging station system. This consolidation allows for more efficient power conversion operations and better energy management compared to having separate converters in each vehicle.
4Device complexity
If charging stations provide only AC charging, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different vehicle requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station is designed with multi-functionality, capable of providing both AC and DC charging outputs. This universal design allows a single station to serve various vehicle types and charging requirements without requiring separate specialized stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging station employs dynamic switching capability, using controllable switches to redirect power flow between AC and DC outputs based on real-time vehicle requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows the station to seamlessly switch between charging modes without requiring complex dedicated hardware for each mode.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and convenient charging by utilizing the energy exchange station's high-capacity DC power converter, switching to AC when necessary to reduce grid load, and optimizing charger usage, ensuring all vehicles can be charged optimally regardless of their onboard charger capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
at least one data communication port for communication with the electric vehicle for determining whether a vehicle is able to be charged with an AC voltage and/or a DC voltage
Implementation Method 2
the AC power supply may be direct connected to the AC pins in the connector
Implementation Method 3
the DC power supply may be directly coupled to the DC pins in the connector
Implementation Method 4
at least one controllable switch, for switching the at least one power output to any of the power supplies and a controller for the switch, for controlling the switch at least based on the determination
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Energy exchange station for a battery of an electric vehicle, comprising at least one power output for a vehicle, means for determining whether a vehicle coupled to the at least one power output is able to be charged with an AC voltage and/or a DC voltage, a plurality of power inputs, comprising at least one AC power input; and at least one DC power input and at least one controllable switch, for switching the at least one power output to any of the power inputs a controller for the switch, for controlling the switch at least based on the determination.