Feeder-Level Charging Power Control for EV Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Energy distribution networks face capacity limits and high costs due to the increasing number of electric vehicle charging stations, particularly in low-voltage networks, where manual configuration and bidirectional communication are required, leading to economical inefficiencies and complex data maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A method and control device that detect current violations in feeders, generate control signals to adjust charging power for affected stations without individual configuration, reducing communication bandwidth and data maintenance, and automatically adjust charging power to maintain feeder-specific threshold values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration and bidirectional communication are implemented for each charging station, then network control capability is improved, but installation and data maintenance costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The control device automatically detects charging stations on the feeder and configures them without manual intervention. The system self-identifies charging stations by monitoring current draw patterns and automatically assigns them to feeders, eliminating the need for manual configuration of each charging station while maintaining network control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device performs multiple functions: it monitors feeder current, automatically detects and configures charging stations, generates control signals, and adjusts charging power. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems for each charging station into a single centralized control device.
2Manufacturing precision
If individual control of each charging station is implemented, then precise power management is improved, but communication bandwidth requirements and data transmission complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges individual charging station control into feeder-level control. Instead of transmitting control signals to each charging station individually, the control device generates a single control signal at the feeder level that affects all charging stations on that feeder. This consolidation significantly reduces communication bandwidth requirements while maintaining power management precision through aggregate control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control signal acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates feeder-level current violations into aggregate power adjustments. Rather than direct individual station control requiring extensive data transmission, the control signal mediates between the feeder monitoring system and the charging stations, achieving precise power management through a simplified communication pathway.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more charging stations are added to the network, then service coverage is improved, but the risk of exceeding feeder current capacity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors feeder current and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust charging power. When the feeder current approaches threshold values, the control device automatically generates control signals to reduce charging power from stations on that feeder. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the network to accommodate more charging stations while preventing feeder overload through real-time power adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts charging power based on real-time feeder conditions. Rather than static capacity planning, the system adapts power distribution dynamically, allowing charging stations to operate at full power when feeder capacity is available and automatically reducing power when thresholds are approached. This dynamic approach maximizes service coverage while maintaining safety margins.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating an electrical power distribution network (10), wherein the power distribution network (10) has at least two branches (12a-d) which are supplied with electrical energy, and wherein a plurality of charging stations (14a-j) are electrically connected to the branches (12a-d).To enable the safe operation of the energy distribution network (10) with minimal effort, particularly minimal configuration effort, it is proposed that the current flowing in the respective branches (12a-d) be detected, that a control device (15) checks whether the current flowing in the respective branch (12a-d) violates a branch-specific threshold, that if a threshold violation is detected, the control device (15) generates a control signal which is transmitted to at least those charging stations (14a-j) that are connected to the branch (12a-d) for which the threshold violation has been detected, wherein the control signal includes a control value, and that the charging stations (14a-j) receiving the control signal adjust their charging power accordingly. The invention also relates to a control device (15) for operating an electrical energy distribution network (10).