Matrix Output Charging Station for Mixed-Voltage EV Fast Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-power DC charging stations for electric vehicles cannot simultaneously charge multiple vehicles due to differing input voltages, as they typically rely on a single power converter or AC/DC converter systems that do not allow for flexible configuration of power blocks for multiple charging points.
Innovation Solution
A high-power DC fast charging station with a matrix output circuit, featuring multiple AC/DC converter power blocks, a switch matrix, and a control unit that configures power block connections to charging points based on vehicle charging parameters, allowing for flexible allocation of power blocks and prioritization of charging points to enable simultaneous charging of multiple vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single power converter or AC/DC converter system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to charge multiple vehicles simultaneously is lost due to different input voltage requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The power converter is divided into multiple independent power blocks, each capable of operating autonomously to serve different charging points. This segmentation allows each block to be independently configured for specific voltage requirements, enabling simultaneous charging of multiple vehicles with different voltage needs while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The power converter system is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple charging points simultaneously. The system can dynamically allocate power blocks to different charging points based on vehicle requirements, making a single converter system capable of performing multiple charging functions at once, thus improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
2Productivity
If DC/DC converters are added for each charging port to enable simultaneous charging, then the ability to charge multiple vehicles simultaneously is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding DC/DC converters to each port, the system segments the power conversion function into multiple AC/DC power blocks that can be selectively activated. This approach achieves simultaneous charging capability by having multiple independent power sources rather than adding conversion stages, thereby improving productivity while avoiding the complexity multiplication that would result from per-port DC/DC converters
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple AC/DC converter power blocks into a unified converter system with a shared control unit and common output architecture. This consolidation allows the system to achieve multi-vehicle simultaneous charging capability without the need for separate DC/DC converters at each port, thus improving productivity while keeping device complexity manageable through shared resources
3Productivity
If power blocks are statically assigned to charging points, then device complexity is reduced, but charging station efficiency decreases due to inability to optimize power block usage
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic allocation of power blocks to charging points based on real-time vehicle requirements and power block availability. The control unit continuously monitors the state of power blocks and charging points, dynamically reconfiguring connections to optimize charging station efficiency. This dynamic approach improves productivity by ensuring optimal power block usage while the automated control system manages the increased complexity without requiring manual intervention
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power blocks are used with matrix output circuit, then the ability to flexibly allocate power to multiple charging points is improved, but device complexity increases due to switch matrix configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The switch matrix is designed as a universal interconnection system that can route any power block to any charging point dynamically. This multi-functional switching architecture enables flexible power block allocation across multiple charging points simultaneously, achieving high adaptability while the standardized matrix structure keeps the complexity manageable through systematic design rather than custom wiring for each configuration
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
Enables efficient and flexible charging of multiple electric vehicles simultaneously by optimizing power block usage and prioritizing charging points, reducing wear on power blocks and improving charging station efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
at least two power blocks (110), each comprising at least two AC/DC converter power modules
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5A
AI summary
The invention relates to a charging station (100) for electric vehicles (171 - 176), with a matrix output. Said charging station (100) comprises: at least two (N) power blocks (110), each having at least two (M) power modules (311 - 316); at least two (K) charging points (130) compliant with the corresponding outputs (101 - 106) of the charging station (100) provided with respective charging connectors (431, 441); an output matrix circuit - a switch matrix (120) with a specific number of inputs (N) and a number of outputs (K); a control unit (140) and additional units (150). There is also disclosed a method for controlling the charging station (600).