Frequency-Based EV Charge Controller for Grid Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and battery electric vehicles (BEV) poses a significant load on the power grid, leading to potential frequency imbalances and the need for effective demand response and regulation services to ensure grid stability, which current technologies fail to address adequately without requiring expensive communication systems and two-way power flow equipment.
Innovation Solution
A frequency sensing charging system with a frequency-based charge controller that continuously monitors grid frequency and automatically adjusts the charging load of PHEV and BEV by using a programmable logic controller to reduce or stop charging when frequency drops below certain thresholds, allowing for demand response and regulation without the need for external signals or two-way power flow equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of PHEV and BEV charging stations increases, then the charging capacity and service coverage are improved, but the burden on the power grid and frequency instability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The charge controller continuously monitors grid frequency and uses this feedback to automatically adjust charging power. When frequency drops below the threshold, the controller reduces or stops charging, creating a closed-loop control system that stabilizes grid frequency while maximizing charging capacity during normal conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system dynamically adjusts its power consumption based on real-time grid frequency conditions. The charge controller modulates charging power between full power (when frequency is normal) and reduced/zero power (when frequency drops), making the charging load flexible and adaptive to grid conditions
2Reliability
If traditional demand response systems are implemented, then grid regulation capability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase due to communication requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The charge controller autonomously monitors grid frequency and makes independent control decisions without requiring external communication signals from utility dispatch centers. The system uses locally available frequency information to self-regulate charging power, eliminating the need for complex two-way communication infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and uses only the essential grid frequency signal that is already publicly available and transmitted for other purposes. By relying on this existing signal rather than requiring dedicated communication channels, the system achieves grid regulation capability without adding communication system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Frequency responsive charging for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and battery electric vehicles (BEV), a frequency sensing charging system and a method are provided for implementing demand response and regulation services to power grid using frequency detection for a frequency-based charge controller for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and battery electric vehicles (BEV). A frequency of the power grid is continuously monitored and compared to a predefined tolerance band by a frequency sensor. Responsive to the frequency being outside the predefined tolerance band, the frequency is applied to a programmable logic controller. The programmable logic controller uses the applied frequency to identify a control action. A charge controller and a switch coupled to a battery charger receive respective identified control actions for controlling the battery charger.