Multi-Output Fleet Charging Architecture to Minimize Charge Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging systems for autonomous electric vehicles are inefficient and costly, particularly when charging multiple vehicles simultaneously, as they often require multiple power converters and do not account for battery state differences, leading to potential charge leakage and prolonged charging times.
Innovation Solution
A charging system with multiple outputs per power converter and intelligent charging control that connects vehicles based on battery state parameters, allowing simultaneous charging of vehicles with similar open-circuit voltages and using redundant power converters to manage adverse conditions, thereby reducing the number of required converters and minimizing charge leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple power converters are used to charge multiple vehicles simultaneously, then charging capacity increases, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single power converter is designed to serve multiple charging outputs simultaneously, enabling one converter to charge multiple vehicles at different power levels. The converter dynamically allocates power across multiple outputs based on vehicle battery states, eliminating the need for dedicated converters at each charging point and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high charging capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple charging functions are merged into a single power converter unit. The converter integrates multiple output channels that can independently charge different vehicles, combining what would traditionally require separate converter units into one consolidated system, thereby reducing cost and complexity.
2Productivity
If vehicles with different battery states are charged simultaneously from the same power converter, then charging efficiency decreases due to charge leakage, but system utilization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power converter applies different charging strategies to different outputs based on the specific battery state of each connected vehicle. Each output channel is independently controlled with customized charging parameters (voltage, current, power level) matched to the individual vehicle's needs, allowing simultaneous charging of vehicles with different battery states while minimizing charge leakage through precise local optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter dynamically adjusts charging parameters (voltage, current, power distribution) for each output based on real-time battery state monitoring. By changing operational parameters adaptively for each vehicle, the system achieves high utilization while preventing energy loss that would occur with fixed-parameter charging.
3Loss of time
If power is allocated to maximize charging speed, then charging time decreases, but energy loss increases due to charge leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The power converter implements dynamic power allocation that continuously monitors battery states and adjusts power distribution in real-time. The system transitions between different charging modes (rapid charging when appropriate, controlled charging when voltage differentials exist) to minimize both charging time and energy loss, optimizing the trade-off dynamically rather than using fixed strategies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor battery voltage, state of charge, and power transfer efficiency. Based on this feedback, the converter automatically adjusts power allocation to prevent charge leakage conditions while maintaining rapid charging when safe, thereby reducing both time loss and energy loss through closed-loop control.
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
The system enables efficient, cost-effective simultaneous charging of multiple autonomous electric vehicles by optimizing power distribution and reducing the risk of charge leakage, ensuring vehicles are ready for service quickly, especially during peak demand.
Implementation Method 1
a power converter configured to convert a received first type of electrical power to a second type of electrical power different to the first type of electrical power
Data Source
AI summary
A charging system includes a charging station having input configured to receive a first type of electrical power, and a power converter connected to the input. The power converter is configured to convert the first type of electrical power from the input to a second type of electrical power different to the first type of electrical power, the second type of electrical power including DC electrical power. The charging station has outputs connected to the power converter, the outputs configured such that DC electrical power is providable to each of the outputs simultaneously. Each of the outputs is configured to connect to a respective electric vehicle for charging of the electric vehicle.