Fuel Station Charge Buffer Layout for Ultra-Fast EV Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric vehicle charging methods are costly, cumbersome, and inefficient, limiting the market penetration of electric vehicles.
Innovation Solution
Integration of ultra-high speed charging stations at existing gasoline fuel stations using silicon-dominant batteries and charge buffers, which include underground storage tanks, enabling fast charging similar to refueling internal combustion engines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional electric vehicle charging methods are used, then charging infrastructure can be established, but the process is costly, cumbersome, and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The charge buffer stores electrical energy in advance from the electricity supply grid, preparing it for rapid discharge during vehicle charging. This preliminary energy storage eliminates the need for slow direct charging from the grid, enabling ultra-high speed charging that compares favorably to gasoline refueling times.
Solution Approach 2:
The charge buffer acts as an intermediary energy storage device between the electricity supply grid and the electric vehicle battery. It decouples the slow grid charging process from the vehicle charging need, allowing the vehicle to receive high-power charge quickly while the buffer replenishes its supply from the grid at a manageable rate.
2Speed
If ultra-high speed charging stations are integrated at existing gasoline fuel stations, then charging speed improves, but infrastructure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station system serves multiple functions: it provides ultra-high speed charging to electric vehicles while maintaining the existing gasoline fueling capability. The collocated design allows the same physical location to serve both internal combustion engine vehicles and electric vehicles, maximizing infrastructure utilization and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The charge buffer and electric vehicle supply equipment are integrated within the existing fuel station infrastructure, utilizing available space and utilities. The system nests the electric charging functionality within the established fueling station framework, minimizing the need for entirely new infrastructure and reducing deployment complexity.
3Productivity
If charge buffers are used for energy storage, then charging efficiency improves, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charge buffer system is designed with appropriate capacity for the specific fuel station location and expected vehicle throughput. Rather than over-provisioning all stations uniformly, the buffer size is optimized locally based on demand characteristics, available space, and grid connection capacity, ensuring efficient use of both space and charging capability.
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
Facilitates rapid charging of electric vehicles, reducing infrastructure needs and increasing revenue for stations, while allowing seamless transition from fossil fuel to electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a charge buffer, operable to receive electric current from an electricity supply grid and supply current to the electric vehicle supply equipment
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for collocated gasoline pumps and electric vehicle charging stations for ultra-high speed charging may include a fuel station having fuel pumps, electric vehicle supply equipment, and a charge buffer. The charge buffer may receive electric current from an electricity supply grid and supply current to the electric vehicle supply equipment. The electric vehicle supply equipment may charge batteries at a rate greater than 4 C, 5.6 C, or 10 C. The electric vehicle supply equipment may be configured to charge batteries with silicon-dominant anodes including active material of 50% or more silicon. The charge buffer may be located in an underground former fuel tank. The electric vehicle supply equipment may supply greater than 120 kW. The charge buffer may include an array of capacitors and/or an array of batteries. The electric vehicle supply equipment may be configured to apply a voltage to batteries above their battery voltage limit when charging.