Dynamic Phase-Load Distribution for EV Charging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3-phase charging assemblies for electric vehicles often result in unbalanced load distribution and inefficient use of available power, leading to limitations in the number of charging spots or maximum charging power due to rigid phase connections, which can cause overloads and require costly upgrades.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic phase load distribution system that uses intelligent EVSE units with power line communication and relay configurations to optimize the connection of EVs to the phase with the highest available capacity, allowing seamless routing of 1-phase and 3-phase loads for balanced power usage, and includes features like RFID, Bluetooth, and PLC for data exchange and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If EVSE units are rigidly connected to the same phase in a 3-phase network, then the connection is simple and stable, but the power distribution becomes unbalanced and the total charging capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic phase assignment where EVSE units can be automatically connected to different phases based on real-time load conditions. The control system monitors the load on each phase and dynamically assigns EVSE units to the phase with the lowest current utilization, transforming the static rigid connection into a dynamic adaptive connection that optimizes power distribution and prevents overload.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control unit continuously monitors the current load on each phase and uses this information to make intelligent decisions about phase assignment. The feedback loop ensures that EVSE units are assigned to phases in a way that balances the load, preventing any single phase from exceeding its capacity while maximizing the total charging capacity of the system.
2Productivity
If the number of charging spots is increased beyond the number of phases, then more EVs can be charged simultaneously, but phase overload occurs and fuses trip
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 3-phase power supply into multiple assignable units, where each EVSE can be independently assigned to a specific phase. This segmentation allows the system to manage multiple charging spots (more than the number of phases) by distributing the load across phases intelligently, preventing overload while enabling simultaneous charging of multiple EVs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of phase assignment dynamically based on load conditions. Instead of fixed phase connections, the control system adjusts which phase each EVSE is connected to, changing the system parameters in real-time to optimize power distribution and prevent fuse tripping while supporting an increased number of charging spots.
3Reliability
If maximum charging power is limited for each EVSE unit, then phase overload is avoided, but the charging speed and user satisfaction decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the phase assignment system universal and adaptable, where each EVSE unit can function on any of the three phases depending on load conditions. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain phase load balance while enabling each unit to deliver maximum charging power when assigned to an underutilized phase, rather than being constrained by a fixed low power limit.
4Reliability
If separate 1-phase distribution lines are used for each EVSE, then phase overload is prevented, but cable requirements increase and installation complexity rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the distribution structure by using a common 3-phase distribution cable that serves all EVSE units, eliminating the need for separate 1-phase distribution lines for each unit. The intelligent phase assignment control system manages load distribution electronically, combining the physical infrastructure while maintaining load separation through software-based phase assignment.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention concerns a 3-phase charging assembly, and a method for providing such assembly, for optimal use of available electrical power when charging electrical vehicles, EV's. The charging assembly comprises a main distribution cable supplying power by means of subsidiary isolated conductors for each phase (L1 in, L2 in, L3 in) and a neutral conductor (N in), at least one electric vehicle supply equipment, EVSE, each comprising internal circuitry with an input electrically connected to one or more of the subsidiary isolated conductors (L1 in, L2 in, L3 in) of said main distribution cable, and an output (L1 out, L2 out, L3 out) electrically connectible to at least one EV for providing power for charging. Each EVSE comprises a plurality of primary relays (R5, R7, R9) configured to connect or disconnect electrical power provided by the conductors for each phase (L1 in, L2 in, L3 in) at the input; a plurality of secondary relays (R6, R8, R10 - R16) configured in a relay matrix for enabling re-routing of each of the output conductors (L1 out, L2 out, L3 out) to any phase (L1 in, L2 in, L3 in) at the input, and a control system comprising communication means, wherein the control system is configured to connect or disconnect each of said primary and secondary relays (R5 - R16) and to transmit and receive relay status information to and from the EVSE.