Multi-Port EV Charging Control for Grid-Constrained Power Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The rapid growth of electric vehicles (EVs) is straining the existing power grid infrastructure, necessitating new technologies to manage distributed residential EV charging within physical and financial constraints.
Innovation Solution
The development of electric vehicle charging systems that include multiple EV charging ports, a grid connector for monitoring power grid conditions, a system controller for managing power output based on vehicle charging requirements and grid power availability, and an optional integrated battery or solar connector for supplementary power, enabling smart-charging and grid management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If distributed residential EV charging is expanded to support incoming EV fleets, then EV charging capacity and accessibility are improved, but strain on existing power grid infrastructure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of grid conditions before initiating charging, and pre-coordinates with utility providers to schedule charging during periods of lower grid demand, thereby expanding EV charging capacity while preventing excessive strain on the power grid
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors grid conditions and receives feedback from utility providers about power availability and demand levels, using this real-time information to dynamically adjust charging operations and maintain grid stability while supporting expanded EV charging capacity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If smart charging technology is implemented to manage power demand, then power grid strain is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a communication interface as an intermediary between the EV charging infrastructure and utility providers, enabling smart charging coordination and grid strain management through standardized data exchange without requiring complex direct integration between disparate systems
3Stability of the object's composition
If power rate hikes and fines are implemented to avoid excessive power demands, then power grid stability is maintained, but charging costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system receives advance information from utility providers about upcoming power rate hikes and scheduling constraints, allowing it to pre-schedule EV charging during lower-cost periods before rate increases take effect, thereby maintaining power grid stability while avoiding increased charging costs for users
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are electric vehicle charging systems (EV charging systems) and methods of operating such systems for charging electric vehicles (EVs). A system, which may be referred to as electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE), comprises one or more EV charging ports (e.g., charge handles) for connecting to EVs. The system may include various features to identify specific EVs. The system also includes a grid connector for connecting to an external power grid and, in some examples, to monitor the power grid conditions (e.g., voltage, AC frequency). The system also includes a system controller, configured to control the power output at each EV charging port based on, e.g., vehicle charging requirements and/or available grid power. The system can also include an integrated battery, serving as a backup and/or an addition to the power grid. Furthermore, in some examples, the system includes a solar connector (e.g., with an integrated inverter) for connection to an external solar array.