Multi-Outlet EV Charger Adapter with Relay-Based Phase Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are inefficient, leading to wasted resources and destabilization of three-phase power systems due to unbalanced loads, resulting in increased costs and operational issues.
Innovation Solution
A multi-outlet adapter for EV chargers that includes a common power line, control unit, and outlets, allowing multiple vehicles to be charged simultaneously while balancing current flow across phases using relays controlled by a common control unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single EV charging station charges only one vehicle at a time, then the charging station can maintain stable operation and balance power distribution, but the charging station cannot serve multiple vehicles simultaneously, resulting in loss of time and revenue
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station is segmented into multiple independent outlets (first outlet, second outlet, third outlet) that can operate simultaneously. Each outlet has its own relay and control circuitry, allowing multiple vehicles to be charged in parallel while maintaining individual control over each charging circuit, thus increasing throughput without overwhelming system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The charging station is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple purposes: it can charge one or multiple vehicles simultaneously, support both single-phase and three-phase power configurations, and adapt to different charging requirements. This universal design allows the same infrastructure to handle varying demand levels and vehicle types
2Productivity
If multiple EVs are charged simultaneously at a single charging station, then charging efficiency and revenue increase, but the three-phase power system becomes unbalanced and destabilized
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors the power distribution across phases and automatically adjusts relay switching to balance the load. This closed-loop control ensures that as multiple vehicles are charged simultaneously, the three-phase power system remains balanced and stable, preventing the destabilization that would otherwise occur with uncontrolled parallel charging
Solution Approach 2:
The charging station employs dynamic relay switching that can reconfigure power distribution in real-time based on current load conditions. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to changing charging demands across multiple outlets, maintaining power balance and system stability even as charging patterns evolve, rather than using fixed static connections
3Ease of operation
If EV charging stations are operated without load balancing, then the system is simpler to operate, but power transmission losses increase and equipment lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The load balancing function operates autonomously through automated relay switching controlled by the system's control unit, which monitors and adjusts power distribution without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability maintains optimal power balance and minimizes transmission losses while keeping the system easy to operate, as users simply need to connect vehicles without managing complex power distribution settings
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
Enhances efficiency and usability of EV charging stations by allowing simultaneous charging of multiple vehicles, balancing phase loads, and optimizing power distribution, thereby reducing costs and stabilizing power systems.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the outlets can comprise one or more relays responsive to the common control unit to electrically connect at least a portion of the common power line to the one or more terminals
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-outlet adapter for an electric vehicle (EV) charger includes a common power line, a common control unit, and outlets. Each of the outlets can be connected to the common power line and to the common control unit, can comprise one or more electrical conductors that each provide an electrical connection to an electric vehicle, and can comprise one or more relays responsive to the common control unit to electrically connect at least a portion of the common power line to the one or more electrical conductors. The outlets can be operable to connect a different electric vehicle to each outlet at a same time so that the different electric vehicles can be electrically charged at the same time.