Hybrid EV Charging Adapters for Shared Charge Point Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The issue of 'charge point anxiety' arises from the blocking of charging points by vehicles, leading to access difficulties and inefficiencies in electric vehicle charging infrastructure, which existing solutions like car-swapping algorithms do not adequately address.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and system that facilitate the daisy-chaining of charge points and electrically powered devices, allowing multiple vehicles or devices to share a single charging point through a network of interconnected adapters, utilizing a distributed ledger technology for token-based pairing and payment, and implementing charging protocols to ensure fair and efficient power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a single charge point is used, then charging cost is reduced, but access availability deteriorates due to vehicle blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments a single charge point into multiple virtual charging ports through the use of adapters. Each adapter provides additional outlet ports that can serve multiple vehicles simultaneously, effectively dividing the single physical charge point into multiple functional charging locations. This allows multiple vehicles to charge at once without requiring multiple separate charge points, thereby maintaining cost efficiency while improving access availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter serves multiple functions: it acts as a power distribution hub, a vehicle-to-vehicle energy transfer interface, and a charging management node. By enabling a single charge point to serve multiple vehicles through various connection modes (grid-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-vehicle), the system achieves multi-functionality that resolves the contradiction between cost efficiency and access availability.
2Ease of operation
If multiple charge points are deployed, then access availability is improved, but infrastructure cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple charging functions into a single physical charge point through the adapter system. Instead of deploying separate charge points for each vehicle, the system combines multiple vehicles' charging needs into one shared infrastructure point, thereby improving access availability while avoiding the need for additional expensive infrastructure installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter acts as an intermediary device between the single charge point and multiple vehicles. It mediates power distribution, enabling one charge point to serve multiple users without requiring additional charge point infrastructure, thus resolving the contradiction between improved access and infrastructure cost.
3Ease of operation
If car-swapping algorithms are used, then charge point access is partially improved, but system complexity increases due to dedicated brokerage engines
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter system enables vehicles to charge directly without requiring complex brokerage engines or car-swapping algorithms. The physical adapter provides self-service functionality by allowing any vehicle with the appropriate connector to access charging at any adapter-equipped charge point, eliminating the need for dedicated software intermediaries and reducing system complexity while improving access.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes an apparatus comprising a first set of inlet ports to connect with a vehicle charging station, the first set of inlet ports configured to receive first power from a vehicle charging station; a second set of inlet ports to connect with an external power source, the second set of inlet ports configured to receive second power from the external power source; a first set of outlet ports to supply the first power from the vehicle charging station to a first vehicle in a first configuration and the second power from the external power source to the first vehicle in a second configuration; and a second set of outlet ports to direct the first power from the vehicle charging station to a second apparatus in the second configuration, wherein the second apparatus is configured to supply the first power to a second vehicle.