Parallel Meter Load Service for Apartment EV Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-family residence electrical infrastructure typically has only one circuit breaker per tenant, which poses challenges in safely and efficiently providing power for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations without compromising safety and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing two parallel circuit breakers, one for tenant appliances and one for the EV charging station, connected in parallel to load straps that supply both phase A and phase B powering, eliminating the need for additional load management devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single circuit breaker is used per tenant for existing electrical infrastructure, then the system is simple and cost-effective, but it cannot safely provide separate power control for EV charging stations and tenant appliances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single circuit breaker into two separate circuit breakers: a tenant circuit breaker for controlling tenant appliances and an EV circuit breaker for controlling the EV charging station. This segmentation allows independent protection and control of each load type, resolving the contradiction by maintaining simplicity through modular separation while improving safety through dedicated circuit protection for each function.
2Measurement precision
If separate accounts and monitoring systems are implemented for each tenant, then power consumption can be tracked and billed accurately, but system complexity and implementation costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional metering device that simultaneously monitors power consumption for both tenant appliances and the EV charging station through its multiple measurement elements. This universal metering approach enables accurate tracking of separate power usage for billing purposes while avoiding the need for complex separate monitoring systems, thus achieving precise measurement without proportional increases in system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If dedicated 240V connections are installed for each apartment dweller, then Level 2 charging capability is provided, but installation costs and property management requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the EV charging station power supply with the existing tenant electrical infrastructure by connecting both loads to the same metering device and using shared electrical pathways where appropriate. This merging approach allows tenants to access Level 2 charging capability while utilizing existing electrical capacity and infrastructure, thereby reducing installation costs and minimizing the need for separate dedicated connections for each apartment.
Data Source
AI summary
System, apparatus, and methodology for the provisioning of power to electrical loads and an EV charging station in a multi-dwelling building environment. Two electrically parallel configured circuit breakers, one to the tenant residence and one to an EV charging station, are connected to two load straps connected to a meter socket. The load straps are configured to supply simultaneous power to both the appliances of a tenant residence and an EV charging station.