Portable Microgrid Controller for Resilient EV Fast Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is hindered by the lack of fast-charging resources in some areas, due to inadequate grid infrastructure, and the increasing intensity of natural disasters which can damage existing charging infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A portable microgrid system equipped with a controller that manages and optimizes the use of multiple energy resources, such as solar arrays, engine-driven generators, and battery storage, to provide reliable and efficient fast-charging for EVs, even in off-grid or behind-the-meter scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fast-charging infrastructure is expanded to meet increasing EV demand, then EV adoption rate improves, but grid infrastructure capacity and reliability deteriorate due to inadequate existing grid resources
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the charging load by implementing hierarchical control that divides power management into multiple levels: utility-scale grid connection, community-level microgrids with energy storage, and individual charging station control. This segmentation allows fast-charging deployment without overwhelming the main grid infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to power delivery through energy storage systems and load shifting strategies. By storing energy during off-peak hours and delivering it during charging demand, the system increases effective grid capacity without requiring proportional infrastructure expansion.
2Ease of manufacture
If standard charging infrastructure is used in disaster-prone areas, then initial setup cost is reduced, but charging reliability deteriorates during natural disasters
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements preliminary action by pre-deploying portable microgrid charging units to disaster-prone areas before events occur. These units are pre-configured with energy storage and can operate independently, ensuring charging availability when traditional infrastructure fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of charging infrastructure by enabling dynamic switching between grid-powered and off-grid microgrid operation. This allows the same infrastructure to serve both standard and disaster-resilient charging needs, maintaining reliability across different conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If off-grid and behind-the-meter energy resources are used for charging, then grid infrastructure dependency is reduced, but energy cost and environmental impact variability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements comprehensive feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor energy costs, environmental impact metrics, and charging demand. This real-time data feeds into optimization algorithms that dynamically adjust the energy mix from multiple sources, minimizing both cost and environmental impact while maintaining predictability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the operational parameters of the energy portfolio by adjusting the proportion of power drawn from utility grid, renewable sources, and energy storage based on real-time conditions. This optimization reduces variability in cost and environmental impact while maintaining energy source flexibility.
4Speed
If Level 3 fast-charging is deployed without adequate grid support, then EV charging speed improves, but power demand on grid infrastructure increases beyond capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the high-power charging demand by implementing coordinated control across multiple charging stations and energy storage units. This distributes the peak power draw across different time windows and locations, enabling fast-charging deployment without concentrating excessive demand on any single grid connection point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the dimension of energy storage to the charging system, allowing power to be delivered in two stages: energy accumulation during off-peak periods and rapid discharge during charging. This temporal dimension enables high charging speeds without requiring proportional peak grid power capacity.
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 safe, reliable, and economically optimal fast-charging for EVs, reduces reliance on grid resources, and provides a resilient charging solution during natural disasters, promoting the adoption of EVs and enhancing energy security.
Implementation Method 1
a solar array, and a battery and inverter system
Implementation Method 2
a battery and inverter system capable of storing and releasing energy
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for managing and distributing an electrical power system is provided. In one embodiment, the system and method comprise at least one powered device that receives electrical power from an electrical power system utilizing multiple energy sources. Structure and devices are provided within the system to command, regulate, monitor, and transmit power to a device or devices in an efficient, reliable manner based on resource availability, energy cost, and environmental factors. The system selects and manages the resources to optimize the energy output to the device(s) to achieve the specific requirements in resiliency, cost, and the environmental impact of the application.