Portable Propane EV Charging Station for Grid-Outage Resilience
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Solution Overview
Problem
The growing demand for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is hindered by the lack of charging stations, especially in rural areas, and the complexity of existing EV charging networks, which are often grid-dependent and vulnerable to extreme weather, leading to reliability issues and high costs for both infrastructure and carbon emissions.
Innovation Solution
A portable, propane-powered EV charging system that includes multiple propane tanks, a generator, solar panels, a voltage selector switch, communication and diagnostics systems, and AI-enhanced software architecture for remote monitoring and data analytics, integrated into various platforms such as trucks, trailers, and pods, utilizing renewable energy sources like rLPG and rDME to minimize carbon footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If grid-dependent charging infrastructure is deployed, then charging capacity is increased, but reliability deteriorates due to vulnerability to extreme weather and grid outages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the charging system from grid dependency by deploying standalone portable charging stations that operate independently of the electrical grid. These stations use onboard fuel tanks and generators to provide autonomous power, removing the system from the vulnerable grid infrastructure while maintaining charging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces portable charging stations as intermediary units between the fuel supply and EV batteries. These stations serve as mobile power intermediaries that can be deployed to remote locations, providing a bridge between traditional fuel infrastructure and electric vehicle charging needs without requiring grid connection.
2Productivity
If Level 3 fast charging infrastructure is expanded, then charging speed is improved, but cost increases due to high infrastructure investment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the charging infrastructure into modular portable units that can be independently deployed. Each unit contains its own generator, fuel tank, and charging equipment, allowing rapid deployment without large-scale centralized construction. This segmentation enables fast charging capability to be distributed across multiple locations rather than requiring expensive centralized infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the charging infrastructure dynamic and mobile rather than static. Portable charging stations can be relocated to meet changing demand patterns, deployed temporarily during extreme weather events, or positioned in remote areas as needed. This dynamic deployment strategy reduces the need for permanent expensive infrastructure while maintaining high charging speed capability.
3Reliability
If traditional fuel-based charging solutions are used, then energy independence is improved, but carbon emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fuel parameter from traditional high-carbon sources to lower-carbon alternatives. The portable charging stations are configured to use natural gas, propane, or renewable fuels instead of diesel or gasoline generators. This parameter change maintains energy independence and autonomous operation while significantly reducing carbon emissions and harmful exhaust products.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the traditionally harmful byproducts of fuel combustion into beneficial outcomes. By using natural gas or propane instead of diesel, the system transforms potential high-emission sources into cleaner energy sources. The exhaust products become less harmful, and the system maintains its advantage of energy independence while reducing environmental impact.
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
Provides reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective EV charging solutions that are resilient to grid outages and extreme weather, with reduced carbon emissions, and can be easily deployed to remote locations, enhancing EV adoption and user convenience while maintaining uptime and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a generator, an EV charger
Implementation Method 2
a generator
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of solar panels for charging onboard batteries due to parasitic loads
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a charging system for a mobile and portable high-capacity Electrical Vehicle (EV) charging station. The charging system comprises a plurality of propane tanks for generating power, a generator, an EV charger, a voltage selector switch, a plurality of solar panels for charging on-board batteries due to parasitic loads, a communication backhaul, a security device, and a diagnostics and monitoring device for monitoring the plurality of tanks, the generator, and the EV charger. The charging system of the present invention are configured to be used in different platforms—for example, skid integrated, truck mounted, trailing integrated, and in a pod.