Networked EV Charging Power Sharing for Flexible Output Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Charging stations for electric vehicles are often underutilized and inefficient, as they require fixed installations and do not effectively manage power sources to optimize charging speed and capacity.
Innovation Solution
A power supply apparatus with a battery assembly, control circuitries, and power circuitries that can combine multiple power sources for flexible power output modes, and a networked system of these apparatuses to optimize charging speed and capacity based on available energy levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If charging stations are permanently installed at fixed locations with preapproved power infrastructure, then reliable power supply is ensured, but charging station utilization is reduced and flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station employs a dynamic power sourcing mechanism that can switch between grid power and onboard battery power based on real-time conditions. The system dynamically adjusts power delivery modes (Mode 1: grid only, Mode 2: battery only, Mode 3: combined power) to optimize both reliability and flexibility, resolving the contradiction between fixed infrastructure requirements and adaptive charging capabilities.
2Device complexity
If charging stations use single power source from power grid, then infrastructure requirements are simplified, but charging speed and capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges two power sources (grid power and onboard battery power) into a unified charging output. The power circuitry is configured to combine power from both sources, enabling the charging station to deliver higher power output than either source could provide independently, thus increasing charging speed and capacity without excessive complexity.
3Device complexity
If charging stations operate independently without network connectivity, then system complexity is reduced, but energy distribution optimization is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station incorporates network connectivity that enables real-time feedback loops for monitoring battery charge levels, power availability, and charging demand across the network. This feedback mechanism allows the system to optimize energy distribution dynamically, coordinating power sharing among multiple stations to improve overall productivity and energy utilization efficiency.
4Ease of operation
If charging stations are installed in multiple locations, then accessibility is improved, but overall utilization efficiency decreases due to underuse
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station system enables self-service operation where stations with available battery power can autonomously provide power to other stations or vehicles without requiring constant grid connection. This peer-to-peer power sharing allows the network to self-optimize utilization, reducing energy waste from underused stations while maintaining broad accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply apparatus and a power supply network comprising a plurality of networked power supply apparatus in data communication with a network controller and in power interconnection are disclosed. The plurality of networked apparatus are power connected such that a networked apparatus is configured as a second power source of another networked apparatus or other networked apparatuses, wherein the network controller is configured to collect state of charge information from each member apparatus of the network, to provide available charging speed options at each networked apparatus for user selection, and to select the power output scheme according to the charging speed option selected and the state of charge information.