Cooperative EV Charging via Token Ring PLC
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for electric vehicle charging poses a strain on existing power grids, potentially leading to overloads and transformer failures due to the high current draw, especially when multiple vehicles charge simultaneously, and existing central controller systems require significant computing power and additional infrastructure, with a single point of failure risk.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for cooperative charging of electric vehicles using power line communications to form local area networks among chargers serviced by the same distribution transformer, implementing a token ring network to manage and prioritize energy distribution, preventing overloading by ensuring only chargers with tokens can receive energy, and allowing for autonomous operation without a central controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple electric vehicles charge simultaneously, then the charging demand is met, but the power grid becomes overloaded and transformers may fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a token ring network where charging access is granted periodically through token passing. Each charger must obtain a token before charging, and tokens are distributed in a rotational manner among participating chargers. This periodic allocation of charging rights prevents simultaneous high-current draws that would overload transformers, while still allowing multiple vehicles to charge in sequence, thus maintaining system reliability while meeting overall charging demand.
2Ease of operation
If a central controller is used to manage charging, then charging coordination is achieved, but system complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized control function into distributed autonomous chargers, each equipped with a microprocessor and token ring protocol implementation. Instead of one central controller managing all chargers, each charger independently makes decisions based on token possession and local conditions. This segmentation eliminates the need for extensive communication infrastructure between a central controller and individual chargers, reducing system complexity while maintaining effective charging coordination through the decentralized token ring network.
Solution Approach 2:
Each charger is designed as an autonomous unit with embedded intelligence (microprocessor, memory, and control logic) that enables it to self-manage its charging operations. Chargers independently monitor their own status, negotiate for tokens, and control their charging cycles without requiring external centralized management. This self-service capability reduces the infrastructure burden by eliminating the need for a central controller and its associated communication network, while still achieving coordinated charging across multiple vehicles.
3Ease of operation
If a central controller is used, then charging management is centralized, but the risk of single-point failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the charging management function across multiple independent charger units, each with autonomous control capabilities. No single charger or control point is critical to system operation. If one charger or its control logic fails, the token ring network automatically continues to function with the remaining chargers, distributing the management load and eliminating single-point failures. This segmentation of control authority fundamentally improves system reliability compared to centralized management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates built-in redundancy through the distributed token ring architecture. Each charger is designed to independently handle control functions, and the token passing protocol includes mechanisms to handle charger failures or departures from the network. This beforehand cushioning against potential failures ensures that the system can withstand individual component failures without compromising overall charging management, thereby reducing the risk of single-point failures inherent in centralized systems.
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
This solution effectively manages the electric vehicle charging load at the transformer level, preventing overloading and potential failures, while eliminating the need for extensive communications infrastructure and reducing the risk of single-point failures, allowing for efficient and decentralized energy distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a charger for the electric vehicle may include a power line communication (PLC) communication module for communicating with other chargers being serviced by the same, local distribution transformer
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system provide for the cooperative charging of electric vehicles. By using power line communications, chargers of the electric vehicles who are serviced by the same distribution transformer can form self-contained local area networks due to the nature of power line communications (PLCs). Alternatively, or in addition to the PLCs, other communication networks, such as the Internet and local area networks, may be used as part of the communications infrastructure for the chargers. After the chargers of the electric vehicles are coupled to one another through power line communications or traditional communications networks, they can form a logical token ring network. According to this token ring network, a predetermined number of tokens can be assigned within the token ring network for permitting chargers with tokens to charge respective electric vehicles while chargers without tokens must wait until they receive a token to initiate charging.