EV Charging Terminal Dynamic Source Grouping
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Solution Overview
Problem
The insufficient number of electric vehicle charging stations and terminals in Korea necessitates a method to efficiently utilize limited charging capacity and effectively manage charging infrastructure to meet the increasing demand for electric vehicle charging.
Innovation Solution
An electric vehicle charging terminal method that selects and combines multiple unit charging sources based on the specific required charging capacity of an electric vehicle, creating a grouped charging source and adjusting the charging capacity dynamically, while also controlling fees based on the remaining charging capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of electric vehicle charging stations is increased to meet growing demand, then charging availability improves, but infrastructure investment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple unit charging sources (e.g., 50kW units) to create grouped charging sources with higher capacity (e.g., 100kW, 150kW, 200kW). This allows existing charging infrastructure to serve vehicles with higher charging requirements, effectively increasing charging availability without building entirely new stations. The controller dynamically groups available charging sources based on vehicle needs and real-time availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging source grouping is dynamically adjusted based on real-time conditions. The controller can reconfigure which unit charging sources are grouped together depending on vehicle requirements, available capacity, and charging progress. This dynamic allocation optimizes the use of existing infrastructure to meet varying demands throughout the day.
2Adaptability or versatility
If charging capacity is increased to accommodate vehicles with higher requirements, then service capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging infrastructure is segmented into standardized unit charging sources (e.g., 50kW each) that can be independently controlled and combined. This modular approach allows the system to achieve higher capacities through simple addition rather than requiring complex high-voltage infrastructure. The segmentation makes the system more adaptable while keeping individual components manageable in complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The same unit charging sources can be grouped in different configurations to serve different vehicle requirements. A single unit charging source can participate in different groups at different times, providing universal service capability. The controller manages this multi-functionality by dynamically assigning units to different groups based on current demands, avoiding the need for dedicated infrastructure for each charging level.
3Power
If multiple unit charging sources are combined to meet high charging demands, then charging capacity increases, but management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically performs charging source grouping, capacity calculation, and dynamic reconfiguration without manual intervention. The controller monitors available capacity in real-time and autonomously determines which unit charging sources to group together based on vehicle requirements. This automation reduces management complexity despite the increased power capacity being managed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the charging status, available capacity, and vehicle requirements, using this feedback to dynamically adjust grouping configurations. The controller receives real-time data on charging progress and vehicle needs, then automatically reconfigures groups to optimize capacity utilization. This closed-loop feedback mechanism simplifies management by making the system self-regulating.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling charging capacity of an electric vehicle charging terminal capable of charging an electric vehicle is provided. The method includes steps of: an electric vehicle charging station, (a) while the electric vehicle charging terminal is connected to the electric vehicle via a charging connector, wherein the electric vehicle charging station manages unit charging sources and includes the electric vehicle charging terminal connected with a grouped charging source created by combining part of the unit charging sources, and wherein capacity of the grouped charging source is dependent on the combined part, selecting unit charging sources to be combined as a grouped charging source by referring to required charging capacity information of the electric vehicle; and (b) (i) controlling switches for connecting the unit charging sources to create the grouped charging source and (ii) allowing the grouped charging source to charge the electric vehicle through the charging connector.