Renewable EV Charging Canopy With Autonomous Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle charging systems are inefficient in managing power generated by renewable sources and require connection to the public mains, leading to financial costs and bureaucratic complications, and do not provide intelligent energy distribution.
Innovation Solution
A self-sufficient charging system that uses renewable energy generators, storage means, and a control unit to manage power distribution based on generated and stored energy, disconnecting from storage when low and reconnecting when sufficient, without relying on external power networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the charging system is connected to the public mains to ensure constant power supply, then the reliability of charging is improved, but the financial cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system manages its own power needs autonomously using the control unit that monitors battery charge levels and controls the inverter operation. The system serves itself by deciding when to charge from photovoltaic panels, when to discharge to vehicles, and when to operate in standby mode, eliminating the need for complex public mains connections and payment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors the charge level of the battery and the power generation from photovoltaic panels, using this feedback to intelligently control the inverter operation. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain reliability by adapting its power distribution strategy based on real-time system status, replacing the need for external grid connections.
2Ease of operation
If the charging system unconditionally provides energy to sockets, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit monitors the charge level of the battery and power generation from photovoltaic panels, using this feedback to intelligently control energy distribution. The system only provides energy when sufficient power is available, automatically adjusting operation mode between charging, discharging, and standby to prevent energy waste while maintaining ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on real-time conditions. The inverter switches between charging from photovoltaic panels, discharging to vehicles, and standby modes as needed. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to provide energy when available while conserving power when resources are low, eliminating unconditional energy provision.
3Reliability
If the inverter constantly operates to power electronic components, then the reliability is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inverter operates periodically rather than continuously, switching between active modes (charging, discharging) and standby mode based on system needs. The control unit activates the inverter only when power transfer is required, allowing electronic components to enter low-power states when full operation is not needed, thus reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The inverter's operation is dynamically controlled based on real-time system conditions. The control unit adjusts inverter activity to match actual power demands, activating it only when charging from photovoltaic panels or discharging to vehicles is required. This dynamic control reduces unnecessary energy consumption by the inverter and associated electronic components while ensuring reliability when power transfer is needed.
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
Ensures intelligent power distribution to electric vehicles, reducing reliance on public mains and installation costs, and providing a cost-effective, efficient charging solution.
Implementation Method 1
photovoltaic panels that convert solar radiation into electric power
Implementation Method 2
a battery that stores the electric power generated by the photovoltaic panels
Implementation Method 3
an inverter that converts the DC power from the battery into AC power suitable for powering the socket of the charging column
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 2
AI summary
Charging station comprising a canopy and a charging system (100) for charging electric vehicles with renewable energy sources; said charging system (100) comprising: renewable energy generators (1) suitable for converting the energy from renewable energy sources into generated DC electric power (p), first detection means (2) that detect the electric power (p) generated by the renewable energy generators (1), a storage means (3) that receives and stores the generated electric power (p) so that said storage means (3) contains a storage power (c), second detection means (4) suitable for detecting the storage power (c) stored in the storage means (3), a DC/AC inverter (5) that receives DC output power (a) from the storage means (3) and converts it into AC supply power (e), at least one socket (71, 72) suitable for being connected to a charging connector (H1) of a vehicle (H), at least one power controller for each socket (71, 72) that receives the supply power (e), a control unit (6) that manages the power controllers according to the generated electric power (p) and to the storage power (c).