EV Charging Terminal Switching for Shared Charger Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle charging systems are inflexible and inefficient, leading to issues such as occupied but unoccupied charging stations and underutilized infrastructure, failing to meet the growing demand for alternative energy sources in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple chargers connected by an electric chain with switching devices and a control system that dynamically allocates charging terminals to chargers based on real-time data and vehicle charging requirements, optimizing the use of available charging resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple chargers are deployed to serve more electric vehicles, then charging capacity increases, but infrastructure complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple charging functions into a single charger by enabling it to serve multiple terminals sequentially. The charger is shared among several charging terminals through dynamic connection switching, combining what would traditionally require multiple separate chargers into one multifunctional device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches connections between the charger and different charging terminals based on real-time vehicle presence and charging needs. The charger transitions between serving different terminals as vehicles arrive and depart, optimizing resource utilization without requiring dedicated chargers for each terminal.
2Reliability
If reserved parking locations are allocated for electric vehicles, then charging availability improves, but parking flexibility and infrastructure efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Charging terminals are designed to serve multiple purposes - they can charge electric vehicles when present and serve as regular parking spaces when no electric vehicles are parked. The infrastructure becomes universal, accommodating both electric and conventional vehicles at the same location at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts the use of parking spaces based on real-time needs. When an electric vehicle is present, the terminal provides charging service; when no electric vehicle is present, the same space remains available for conventional vehicles, creating a flexible, responsive parking and charging system.
3Ease of operation
If a charger is connected to one charging terminal, then charging service is provided, but the charger cannot simultaneously serve other terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The charger operates in periodic cycles, sequentially serving different charging terminals as vehicles arrive and depart. Instead of being permanently dedicated to one terminal, the charger periodically switches between terminals based on vehicle presence, ensuring high service quality to each vehicle while maximizing overall charger utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuous useful action by immediately redirecting the charger to the next available terminal when a vehicle departs. This eliminates idle time and ensures the charger is continuously productive, serving different terminals in sequence without interruption to overall system output.
Data Source
AI summary
The charging system comprises: two chargers which deliver instantaneous electrical energy for charging an electrical device; an electrical chain which links the two chargers; three charging points that are electrically connected to the chargers via the electrical chain; a switching system which connects or does not connect a charging point to the first or to the second charger; a control system which controls the switching system.