Multi-Winding Transformer for Compact EV Charging Stations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric vehicle charging stations have a large footprint due to separate housing units for transformers and converters, limiting scalability and requiring additional outdoor converter cabinets.
Innovation Solution
A multi-winding transformer with electrically isolated secondary windings and integrated AC/DC converters within a single housing unit, reducing the overall size and allowing for simultaneous operation of multiple converters to charge multiple vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate outdoor housing units are used for transformer and converter, then reliability is improved, but footprint area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transformer and converter units into a single integrated charging station housing, eliminating the need for separate outdoor housing units. The transformer (20) and converters (30) are housed together in one station (10), reducing the overall footprint while maintaining functional integration and system reliability through unified design.
2Ease of manufacture
If single-winding transformer is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The transformer is designed with multiple independent secondary windings (24a, 24b, 26, 28) that are electrically isolated from one another. Each winding can be independently connected to different converters, allowing the charging station to adapt to varying power requirements and number of vehicles without requiring complex multi-winding configurations or multiple transformers.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-winding transformer provides universal adaptability by enabling multiple converters to operate simultaneously with different power ratings. The electrically isolated secondary windings can be selectively connected to support various charging scenarios, from single-vehicle to multi-vehicle charging, making the system versatile while maintaining a single transformer unit.
3Productivity
If multiple converters operate in parallel, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrically isolated secondary windings of the transformer act as intermediaries between the power source and multiple converters. Each winding provides galvanically isolated power to individual converters, simplifying control architecture by eliminating the need for complex isolation circuits within each converter while enabling parallel operation of multiple charging channels.
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 results in a more compact charging station that can easily adapt to varying vehicle needs, reduces the need for separate converter cabinets, and enables efficient power management with reduced footprint and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The transformer is responsible for extracting electrical power from the electrical power grid and providing low voltage to a number of converters
Implementation Method 2
The converters provide DC current to a battery of an electric vehicle to be charged
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an electric vehicle charging station (10) comprising a transformer. The transformer is a multi-winding transformer (20) comprising one primary winding (22) and a plurality of secondary windings (25). The secondary windings (25) are electrically isolated from one another. The electric vehicle charging station (10) further comprises an AC/DC converter (30) to which a secondary winding (25) is connected.