Multi-Phase Current Control for EV Charging on Limited Branch Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in efficiently managing the charging and discharging of electric vehicles due to limited power supply and difficulty in optimizing current distribution across multiple phases, leading to suboptimal charging times and inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent current control apparatus that dynamically adjusts and controls bi-directional current flow by utilizing first and second current detection units, power conversion units, and a control unit to optimize current distribution based on available and rated power, ensuring each phase operates within its rated limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If an independent charging branch is provided to meet the rated power for the charger, then the power capacity for charging is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the charging function with the existing household power distribution system by integrating the charger into the multi-phase power supply network. Instead of providing a separate independent charging branch, the system utilizes the existing household circuits to deliver charging power, thereby reducing device complexity and avoiding additional infrastructure requirements while still meeting the rated power needs through intelligent current distribution across multiple phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the household power distribution system multi-functional by enabling it to simultaneously supply power to household loads and charge the electric vehicle. The intelligent current control apparatus allows the existing power branches to serve dual purposes: normal household electricity supply and EV charging, eliminating the need for dedicated charging infrastructure and reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If the supply power is limited by the available power (rated power minus loads), then the circuit breaker tripping is avoided, but the charging speed and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic current control that continuously monitors the power consumption of household loads and adjusts the charging current in real-time. The intelligent current control apparatus calculates the available power by subtracting actual load consumption from the rated power, and dynamically allocates the remaining capacity to the charger. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maximize charging speed while ensuring the total power draw never exceeds the rated power, thus preventing circuit breaker tripping.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the intelligent current control apparatus continuously monitors the actual power consumption of household loads and uses this information to adjust the charging current. The control unit receives feedback about load usage and dynamically optimizes the power distribution between household appliances and the charger, ensuring reliable operation within rated power limits while maximizing charging efficiency.
3Productivity
If the current distribution is not optimized across phases, then the system simplicity is maintained, but the charging efficiency and time consumption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic current distribution that automatically optimizes power allocation across multiple phases based on real-time conditions. The intelligent current control apparatus continuously monitors the status of each phase and dynamically adjusts the charging current distribution to maximize utilization of available power capacity. This dynamic optimization improves charging efficiency by ensuring balanced load distribution and preventing any single phase from becoming a bottleneck, while the automated control minimizes the need for complex manual intervention.
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
This solution maximizes the use of available power, reduces charging and discharging times, and enhances the efficiency of electric vehicle charging and discharging operations by optimizing current distribution across phases.
Implementation Method 1
a power conversion unit with a single-phase input for converting the single-phase voltages into a total charging voltage
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
An intelligent current control apparatus (20, 20', 20") provides a current control for a power supply branch (10) and a load (200). The intelligent current control apparatus (20, 20', 20") includes at least one power conversion unit (24, 24', 24-1~24-n) and a control unit (28). The control unit (28) controls a total phase current (Ia1~Ia3), which is composed of a single-phase current (It1~It3) and a household phase current (Ih1~Ih3) in the same phase, to be less than or equal to a rated phase current (Ira1~Ira3) of the power supply branch (10).