Multi-Port Charging System with Switching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional charging systems require multiple charging stations to charge multiple vehicles simultaneously, leading to increased costs and inconvenience, limiting the proliferation of charging locations and adoption of vehicles with rechargeable energy storage systems (RESS).
Innovation Solution
A single charging system with multiple ports and a switching mechanism, controlled by a charging control system, which generates a charging map to determine and actuate the distribution of electrical power to multiple RESSs, allowing simultaneous charging of multiple vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple charging systems are used to charge multiple vehicles simultaneously, then charging capability is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple charging functions into a single charging system by providing multiple charging ports (first charging port, second charging port, etc.) that share a common charging transformer and control system. This allows simultaneous charging of multiple vehicles using one integrated system rather than requiring separate charging systems for each vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple vehicles simultaneously through different charging ports. The single charging system can charge multiple RESSs at the same time, making it a universal solution that replaces the need for multiple dedicated charging stations.
2Productivity
If multiple charging systems are deployed to charge multiple vehicles at once, then simultaneous charging is enabled, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple charging functions into a single integrated system with shared infrastructure (charging transformer, control system, switching mechanism). This merging approach enables simultaneous charging of multiple vehicles while reducing the total number of charging stations needed, thereby lowering installation costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single charging system charges multiple RESSs simultaneously, then charging accessibility is improved, but power distribution control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a switching mechanism as an intermediary component that manages power distribution from the single charging system to multiple charging ports. The switching mechanism, controlled by the charging control system, selectively connects the charging transformer to different charging ports based on which vehicles are present, simplifying the control of power distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging control system monitors the state of each charging port and uses this feedback information to control the switching mechanism. The system receives indications of which charging ports are coupled to RESSs and adjusts power distribution accordingly, enabling automated and efficient management of multiple vehicle charging.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for charging multiple rechargeable energy storage systems (“RESSs”) included in one or more vehicles using a single charging system are presented. In some embodiments, a method for charging one or more RESSs may include receiving an indication that one or more charging ports of a plurality of charging ports included in a charging system have RESSs coupled thereto. Based on the indication, a charging map may be generated. One or more charging parameters may be determined based on the generated charging map. Based on the charging parameters, a switching mechanism included in the charging system may be selectively actuated to provide electrical power from a charging power source to charging ports coupled to RESSs.