Parallel Charger Current Allocation for Fair EV Battery Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charger control methods for electric vehicles may lead to decreased charging efficiency when managing multiple secondary batteries, as they do not effectively distribute current limits to optimize charging across all batteries.
Innovation Solution
A charger control apparatus that acquires a total current value from multiple chargers connected in parallel and dynamically updates individual current limits based on a set upper limit value, distributing any difference according to a predefined rule to ensure fair and efficient charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixed upper limit value is set for each charger without dynamic adjustment, then the control system is simple, but charging efficiency decreases when total current exceeds or falls below the contract current value
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of upper limit values for each charger based on real-time total current measurements. The control unit continuously monitors the total current and redistributes the contract current value among chargers according to their priority levels, transforming the static allocation into a dynamic system that adapts to changing conditions to maximize charging efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control by measuring the actual total current flowing through all chargers and comparing it with the contract current value. Based on this feedback, the control unit automatically adjusts the upper limit values of individual chargers to ensure the total current matches the contractual agreement, thereby improving overall charging efficiency
2Ease of operation
If priority-based current distribution is implemented, then charging fairness is improved, but the system complexity increases due to continuous monitoring and adjustment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total contract current value into individual upper limit values for each charger based on predetermined priority levels. By dividing the current allocation into discrete segments assigned to different chargers, the system achieves fair and transparent current distribution while simplifying the control logic through clear segmentation rules
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of upper limit values dynamically based on priority levels. When total current exceeds or falls below the contract value, the control unit adjusts the upper limit parameters of individual chargers according to their priority, enabling fair current distribution without requiring complex real-time calculations for each charger
3Productivity
If the contract current value is exceeded, then more batteries can be charged simultaneously, but safety risks and contract violations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-setting upper limit values for each charger based on the contract current value and priority levels before charging begins. This preventive measure ensures that the total current drawn from the power supply will not exceed the contract agreement, eliminating the need for reactive control and ensuring continuous contract compliance
Data Source
AI summary
A charger control apparatus includes a total current acquisition unit and a setting unit to control a plurality of chargers connected in parallel with each other and supplied with a current from a common wiring line. An upper limit value of a current flowing through the wiring line is described as a first upper limit value. The total current acquisition unit acquires a total value of a current flowing through the plurality of chargers. The setting unit sets, for each of the plurality of chargers, a second upper limit value being an upper limit value of a current flowing through the charger by using the first upper limit value. When a difference between the total value and the first upper limit value satisfies a reference, the setting unit updates the second upper limit value for each of the plurality of chargers by distributing the difference according to a first rule.