Prefabricated EV Charging Station With Direct Medium-Voltage Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging solutions for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are costly, time-consuming to install, lack versatility, and cannot efficiently utilize medium voltage electrical networks, limiting simultaneous charging capabilities and requiring extensive urbanization work.
Innovation Solution
An integrated prefabricated charging system connected directly to a medium voltage electrical network, featuring a preassembled structure with a transformer and switchgear, capable of converting medium voltage to low voltage, and equipped with both AC and DC converters, allowing simultaneous charging of various vehicles at different speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If charging infrastructure is deployed in existing urban environments, then accessibility for electric vehicles is improved, but available space and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is divided into modular components: a prefabricated foundation module, a charging module with electrical equipment, and a housing module. These segments can be manufactured separately and assembled on-site, reducing installation complexity while maintaining accessibility in urban environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The foundation and charging infrastructure are pre-assembled in a controlled factory environment before deployment. This preliminary action allows for quality control and simplifies on-site installation, addressing both accessibility requirements and installation complexity concerns.
2Ease of operation
If charging equipment is exposed for direct access, then ease of connection is improved, but security and protection from environmental factors worsen
Solution Approach 1:
A housing structure serves as an intermediary between the charging equipment and the external environment. This housing provides protection from environmental factors while incorporating user interfaces and connection points that maintain ease of access and connection for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure provides selective protection: fully enclosing sensitive electrical equipment while leaving specific areas (charging ports, displays, buttons) accessible to users. This local differentiation maintains ease of connection while protecting vulnerable components.
3Productivity
If modular prefabricated units are used, then installation speed and standardization are improved, but adaptability to different locations may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The modular charging units incorporate adjustable and configurable elements that can be adapted to different site requirements. The standardized modules can be arranged in various configurations and equipped with different accessories based on specific location needs, maintaining both installation speed and adaptability.
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
Enables rapid, versatile, and efficient charging of multiple vehicles using medium voltage networks without extensive urbanization, reducing installation time and costs, and accommodating a variety of vehicle types and charging speeds.
Implementation Method 1
connected directly to medium voltage electrical network
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
An integrated prefabricated power charging system and a method for charging electric vehicles EVs and/or plug-in hybrid vehicles PHEVs are described that allow for versatile charging one or more vehicles, subsequently or at the same time, with a simplified logistics, eventually in a modular way, and minimum set up work. The system is an integrated and prefabricated apparatus comprising plugs or connectors for vehicles, at least one medium voltage / low voltage transformer, means for connecting the transformer to a medium voltage electrical network, a low voltage electrical internal grid powered by the transformer, and a DC power unit. The DC power unit features one or more AC/DC converters to convert alternating current AC in direct current DC. AC/DC converters are electrically interposed between said low voltage electrical internal grid and the plugs or connectors. The system is built as an integrated and prefabricated transportable structure.