Retractable EV Charging Stand Control for Fewer Lift Cycles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply facilities with retractable charging poles face frequent raising and lowering operations, which are energy-inefficient and prone to mechanical failures.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system with a movable power supply unit that automatically transitions between underground and exposed positions based on power demand, controlled by an actuator and a control unit to minimize unnecessary raising/lowering operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the movable unit is frequently raised and lowered to meet power supply demands, then the power supply facility can respond to vehicle power needs, but energy consumption increases and mechanical failure risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit checks the schedule database in advance to determine whether a power supply request will be received within a predetermined period. By performing this preliminary check before actually supplying power, the system可以避免不必要的升降操作，从而减少能量消耗和机械磨损
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors the schedule database for power supply requests and uses this feedback information to dynamically control the actuator. When a request is detected within the predetermined period, the movable unit is raised; otherwise, it remains lowered, optimizing energy usage based on real-time demand information
2Adaptability or versatility
If the movable unit is frequently raised and lowered to meet power supply demands, then the power supply facility can respond to vehicle power needs, but the risk of mechanical failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit checks the schedule database in advance to determine whether a power supply request will be received within a predetermined period. By performing this preliminary check before actually supplying power, the system可以避免不必要的升降操作，从而减少能量消耗和机械磨损
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors the schedule database for power supply requests and uses this feedback information to dynamically control the actuator. When a request is detected within the predetermined period, the movable unit is raised; otherwise, it remains lowered, optimizing energy usage based on real-time demand information
3Speed
If the power supply unit is maintained at the exposed position, then power supply can be provided immediately when needed, but energy consumption increases and mechanical wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the position of the movable unit based on real-time schedule information. The control unit raises the unit only when a power supply request is detected within the predetermined period, and lowers it when no request is expected, creating an adaptive system that balances readiness with energy efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply system includes charging stands capable of supplying electric power to an electrified vehicle on the ground and each including a power supply unit, a movable unit including the power supply unit and moving between a first position at which the power supply unit is housed underground and a second position at which the power supply unit is exposed from the ground, an actuator moving the movable unit, and a control unit controlling the actuator. The control unit controls the actuator to lower the movable unit to the first position when supply of electric power to a next electrified vehicle is not scheduled within a predetermined period after the supply of electric power and controls the actuator to maintain the movable unit at the second position when supply of electric power to a next electrified vehicle is scheduled within the predetermined period after the supply of electric power.