Phase Shift Control for EV Charging Power Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rapid electric vehicle charging terminals face limitations due to standard mains networks with restricted power, necessitating either reduced charging current or auxiliary energy sources to minimize recharging time, leading to inefficient battery sizing and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A method that optimizes power delivery by controlling the voltage-current phase shift in the electrical energy distribution network, using iterative adjustments of reactive current to minimize effective current consumption and maximize power usage from the mains network, thereby reducing the need for auxiliary energy sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the charging current is limited to match the standard mains network capacity, then the mains network can be used without auxiliary sources, but the recharging time is lengthened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging currentVSAvoidrecharging time
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging auxiliary batteries during periods of low demand (night hours or off-peak times) when electricity is cheaper and more abundant. This stored energy is then available during peak charging demand, allowing rapid charging without overloading the mains network. The control unit manages this by scheduling battery charging during off-peak hours and discharging during peak hours, thus resolving the contradiction between using standard mains network and achieving fast charging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If auxiliary batteries are used to provide additional charging current, then recharging time is reduced, but the battery capacity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecharging timeVSAvoidbattery capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing a control unit that dynamically adjusts the charging strategy based on real-time conditions such as mains network availability, battery state of charge, and charging demand. The system optimizes the contribution of auxiliary batteries versus mains network continuously, rather than using a fixed configuration. This dynamic control allows the system to minimize battery capacity requirements while still achieving fast charging when needed, as the batteries only need to supplement during peak demand periods rather than continuously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by varying the charging current distribution between mains network and auxiliary batteries based on operational parameters. The control unit monitors and adjusts parameters such as battery state of charge, mains network voltage and current availability, and charging power requirements. By changing these parameters dynamically, the system optimizes the use of auxiliary battery capacity, ensuring they are sized appropriately rather than oversized, thus reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining fast charging capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If auxiliary batteries are used to ensure satisfactory terminal operation, then recharging performance is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecharging performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the auxiliary battery system to serve multiple functions: (1) providing peak charging power during high demand, (2) storing energy during off-peak hours for later use, (3) acting as a buffer to stabilize the mains network connection, and (4) enabling the terminal to operate satisfactorily under varying load conditions. This multi-functionality allows the same auxiliary battery infrastructure to improve recharging performance across multiple operational scenarios without requiring separate systems for each function, thereby controlling manufacturing costs while achieving improved productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 approach maximizes the power available from the mains network, optimizing battery sizing and reducing the reliance on auxiliary energy sources, minimizing line losses and extending recharging time.

Implementation Method 1

the subject of the invention is a method for optimizing the power delivered to electrical equipment by an electrical energy distribution network, said network comprising an electrical energy source producing a power of given value and a transmission line electrical energy having a reactive impedance, the electrical equipment being connected to the source via the transmission line, said method implementing means for controlling the voltage-current phase shift at the connection point of the equipment to the network, the phase shift being determined iteratively so as to minimize the effective current flowing in the transmission line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase shift control:

Data Source

PatentEP3024108B1Method for optimising backup electric energy supplied by an auxiliary source
Publication Date: 2017.07.12 EVTRONIC
  • EP3024108B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3024108B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3024108B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for maximizing the power delivered to electrical equipment by an electrical power distribution network. This network comprises an electrical power source producing a given power value and an electrical power transmission line exhibiting a reactive impedance. The electrical equipment is connected to the source via the transmission line. The method employs means to control the voltage-current phase shift at the point of connection of the equipment to the network in order to minimize the effective current flowing in the transmission line. The phase shift is controlled, in particular, by injecting (24) a reactive current plateau, the intensity and sign of which are determined iteratively by comparing (26) at each iteration by measuring (25) the current value of the absorbed effective current to the measurement taken at the previous iteration.