Modular DC EV Charging Power Allocation Under Grid Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric vehicle charging systems face inefficiencies due to limited power distribution from the grid, leading to overinvestment in infrastructure and reduced simultaneous charging capabilities, as the available power is not dynamically allocated among multiple vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent charging system with a modular architecture that dynamically allocates power from a low-voltage grid to multiple direct current charging outputs, using a HUB and power controller to manage and distribute power based on vehicle needs, allowing simultaneous and sequential charging across different standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple ultra-fast charging stations are installed in an area with limited grid power, then the charging capacity for individual vehicles is improved, but the total power consumption exceeds the grid supply capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically allocates power from a centralized pool to multiple charging stations based on real-time demand, vehicle battery states, and grid capacity. The power distribution is not fixed but adapts continuously, allowing the same infrastructure to serve different numbers of vehicles at different times, thus resolving the contradiction between providing high charging power and staying within grid limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging infrastructure is segmented into multiple independent charging stations that share a common power pool. Each station can operate independently but contributes to the overall system optimization. This segmentation allows flexible power distribution where power can be allocated to different stations based on current needs, enabling high individual charging speeds while maintaining total power within grid capacity.
2Productivity
If higher power charging infrastructure is installed to support multiple vehicles charging simultaneously, then the charging speed is improved, but the infrastructure investment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single centralized power pool serves multiple charging stations and multiple vehicles simultaneously, making the infrastructure universal rather than dedicated to each vehicle. This multi-functionality allows the same power infrastructure to support various charging scenarios (single vehicle, multiple vehicles, different charging speeds) without requiring separate power systems for each, thereby reducing total infrastructure investment while maintaining high charging speeds when needed.
3Device complexity
If power is allocated statically to each charging output, then the system complexity is reduced, but the power utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the state of charge of vehicle batteries, the current power consumption at each charging station, and the available power in the grid. Based on this feedback, the centralized controller dynamically adjusts power allocation to optimize utilization. This feedback mechanism ensures high power utilization efficiency without requiring overly complex manual management, as the system self-adjusts based on real-time conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present document describes an intelligent charging system in direct current for electric vehicle batteries. The developed system, based on the concept of modularity, allows an intelligent, simultaneous and sequential charging of different vehicle models available on the market. Its modularity makes it possible to charge electric vehicle batteries at maximum powers that are a multiple of a given unit power, for example 50 kW, the only limitation for the total power of the charging system is the availability of the electrical power supply on which it depends, whether it's alternating current or direct current, coming from the electrical grid or other sources such as: local generation, energy storage banks, electrical traction grids, among others.