Scalable EV Charging Terminal with Local Energy Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

The rapid charging of electric vehicles creates high momentary loads on the power grid, making it necessary to balance energy consumption throughout the day and optimize the use of power connection capacity, as existing charging systems are not scalable or efficient in managing simultaneous charging and grid interaction.

Innovation Solution

A scalable DC rapid charging terminal with three types of power electronic modules: AC/DC bidirectional mains converter, DC/DC bidirectional storage converter, and DC/DC unidirectional vehicle converter, allowing for modular configuration and easy adjustment of power, along with an energy storage system that enables two-way energy flow between the grid and storage, and communication with the power grid for balanced energy management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple electric vehicles are charged simultaneously using quick chargers, then the charging speed and productivity are improved, but high momentary loads occur on the power grid causing energy consumption imbalance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging speedVSAvoidenergy consumption balance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The energy storage system pre-charges during periods of low demand and discharges during peak charging periods, performing energy transfer in advance to smooth out the imbalance between grid consumption and vehicle charging demands

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The energy storage system acts as an intermediary buffer between the power grid and the charging terminals, decoupling the momentary high-power demands of multiple vehicles from the grid to achieve balanced energy consumption throughout the daily cycle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the charging terminal power is increased to charge more vehicles simultaneously, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of vehicles charged simultaneouslyVSAvoidterminal structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging terminal is divided into multiple independent charging points with individual power electronic modules for each, allowing the system to scale by adding modular units rather than increasing the complexity of a single centralized system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each charging point is designed with universal power electronic modules that can serve multiple functions: charging vehicles, interacting with the energy storage system, and communicating with the grid, allowing a single modular design to handle various power levels and configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Power

If the power connection capacity is increased to support higher charging powers, then the charging speed is improved, but the cost and infrastructure requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging powerVSAvoidinfrastructure cost

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal dynamically adjusts its power consumption from the grid based on the state of charge of the energy storage system and current charging demands, allowing high charging power to be delivered to vehicles without requiring permanently high-capacity power connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the temporal distribution of power parameters by storing energy during low-demand periods and releasing it during high-demand periods, effectively delivering high power capability without requiring high-capacity permanent grid connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution effectively balances power consumption, optimizes the use of power connection capacity, and enables the terminal to operate as both an energy source and buffer, reducing impulse energy consumption and allowing for simultaneous charging of multiple vehicles while managing grid interactions efficiently.

Implementation Method 1

terminal equipped with a local energy storage in the form of an electrochemical battery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical energy storage: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentEP4112362A1Terminal for charging electric vehicles with electrochemical energy storage

Publication Date: 2023.01.04 EKOENERGETYKA - POLSKA

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AI summary

The invention is a fully scalable charging terminal (200) for electric vehicles (130) supported by a local energy storage. It includes: at least one AC/DC bidirectional mains converter (111), at least one DC/DC bidirectional storage converter (113), at least one DC/DC unidirectional vehicle converter (112), an energy storage (115), a control unit (240), a switch matrix (250) and at least one charging point (260). The control method (500) of the charging terminal (200) and the dispersed system (400) of charging terminals are also disclosed.