IoT EV Charging Resource Sharing for Building Power Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to efficiently charge multiple electric vehicles in multi-family or business building parking areas without overloading the existing electric infrastructure, which is limited by the nominal power capacity, leading to shared energy cost issues and safety concerns due to the lack of decentralized and intelligent charging solutions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a local power distribution network, an energy meter with remote communication, an automatic changeover switch, a controller module, and smart sockets that manage energy transfer between the grid and off-grid renewable energy sources, enabling time-sharing of energy supply to optimize charging without exceeding available power and providing safety features like tampering sensors and capacitive sensors for user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple electric vehicles are charged simultaneously using existing infrastructure, then charging availability increases, but the electric power distribution network becomes overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically manages power distribution by implementing time-sharing charging schedules and adjusting power allocation based on network capacity, vehicle needs, and priority levels. The intelligent power management system continuously monitors and adapts power distribution to prevent overloading while maximizing charging availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system is segmented into multiple independent charging units, each equipped with its own controller and power management. This allows the total charging load to be divided into manageable portions that can be distributed across the network without overloading any single segment, while still providing simultaneous charging capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If charging infrastructure is expanded to serve more vehicles, then charging accessibility improves, but installation costs and infrastructure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging units are designed as universal, multi-functional devices that can serve multiple purposes: EV charging, energy storage, and integration with renewable energy sources. This multi-functionality allows the same infrastructure to serve different needs without requiring separate specialized equipment for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates autonomous power management capabilities where each charging unit independently monitors its own status, manages its power consumption, and communicates with the central control system. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex centralized management infrastructure while improving accessibility.
3Power
If conventional electric installation is modified to support EV charging, then charging power capacity increases, but electrical safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates multiple layers of protective measures before charging begins: isolated power sources prevent back-feeding into the conventional network, automatic circuit breakers are pre-configured for fault protection, and tampering sensors detect potential safety issues before they become hazards. These preventive measures cushion against potential safety risks while enabling higher power capacity.
4Ease of manufacture
If shared energy installation is used for charging, then infrastructure cost is reduced, but energy consumption limits charging capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple functions into the shared energy installation: the same infrastructure simultaneously provides power distribution, energy storage, and renewable energy integration. By combining these functions, the system maximizes the utility of the shared installation without requiring separate dedicated infrastructure for each function, thereby maintaining cost-effectiveness while increasing capacity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention refers to a system for charging electric vehicles in parking places and garages of multi-family or business buildings. The system provided allows, via a IoT network-controlled charging unit, to transfer charge between one or more local energy sources and one or more electric vehicles, to which system a charging management methodology is associated. Its design allows not only to meet the needs of time sharing and assignment of resources provided at the installation sites, but also to switch between energy supply networks provided at the installation site in order to increase the availability and the available charging capacity for charging said vehicles.