Multi-Source EV Charger for Faster Home Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions for home use are either slow (level 1 chargers) or require costly upgrades to residential electrical infrastructure (level 2 chargers) to achieve faster charging.
Innovation Solution
An EV charger and charging method that utilizes multiple power supplies, including AC power from a circuit breaker panel and AC power from an electricity meter, to provide both AC and DC power outputs for simultaneous charging, eliminating the need for costly electrical upgrades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a level 2 charger is used to provide faster charging, then charging speed is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase due to requirements for circuit breaker panel upgrades
Solution Approach 1:
The charger separates AC and DC power processing into independent modules within the housing. The AC power supply module and DC power supply module can be independently connected to different power sources (circuit breaker panel and electricity meter respectively), allowing the system to achieve fast charging capabilities without requiring complete infrastructure upgrades. This modular segmentation enables partial utilization of existing electrical infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The charger is designed to accept multiple power sources and provide multiple charging modes (AC charging, DC charging, and simultaneous AC+DC charging). The control module can dynamically select and switch between different power sources and charging modes based on available infrastructure, making the device universally applicable to different installation scenarios without requiring specialized infrastructure upgrades.
2Productivity
If a level 2 charger is installed to achieve faster charging, then charging speed is improved, but installation cost increases due to electrical infrastructure upgrades
Solution Approach 1:
The charger divides power input into separate AC and DC pathways that can draw from different sources. The AC power supply connects to the circuit breaker panel while the DC power supply connects to the electricity meter, allowing the system to aggregate power from existing infrastructure without requiring expensive panel upgrades. This segmentation enables cost-effective deployment by utilizing already-installed electrical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module automatically manages power distribution and charging mode selection based on available power sources and battery needs. The system self-regulates to optimize charging speed while working within the constraints of existing electrical infrastructure, eliminating the need for costly professional installation and infrastructure modifications.
3Productivity
If simultaneous AC and DC charging is implemented, then charging speed is further improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control module continuously monitors battery charge state, power source availability, and charging current. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts the charging mode (AC only, DC only, or simultaneous AC+DC) and regulates power distribution to optimize charging speed while maintaining safety and efficiency. This closed-loop control simplifies the management of complex simultaneous charging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system is designed to be dynamically switchable between different operating modes. The control module can real-time transition between AC charging, DC charging, and simultaneous charging based on battery needs and power source conditions. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to achieve fast charging when conditions permit while automatically simplifying to single-mode charging when infrastructure constraints exist, managing complexity through flexibility.
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 solution enables faster EV charging without the need for expensive upgrades to the residential electrical infrastructure, making it more convenient and cost-effective for home use.
Implementation Method 1
The power processing circuit is connected to the plurality of input connectors and is configured to process the at least two power supplies to provide at least one of an alternating current (AC) power output or a direct current (DC) power output
Implementation Method 2
an on-board rectifier circuit capable of converting the received AC power supply into a DC charging power supply
Data Source
AI summary
An electric vehicle (EV) charger includes a plurality of input connectors configured to receive at least two power supplies; a power processing circuit connected to the plurality of input connectors and configured to process the at least two power supplies to provide at least one of an alternating current (AC) power output or a direct current (DC) power output for charging an EV through a charging connector; and a control circuit configured to control the power processing circuit and communicate with the EV for coordinating the charging of the EV based on the at least one the AC power output or the DC power output.