Robotic Two-Stage DC EV Charging for Multi-Vehicle Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle charging systems often require manual intervention and are inefficient in simultaneously charging multiple vehicles, especially in environments where infrastructure installation is limited or impractical.
Innovation Solution
A charging system utilizing charging robots (CBots) or autonomous CBots (a-CBots) that navigate parking facilities to automatically connect with vehicles for charging, combined with a centralized battery facility or onboard batteries, and a suspended charging bus system with addressable power switches for controlled charging operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual charging systems are used, then installation infrastructure is simple, but charging efficiency is low and requires manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The charging robot autonomously navigates to vehicles, connects charging cables, and manages charging operations without human intervention. The system self-manages the entire charging process from vehicle identification to cable connection and charging monitoring, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining high charging efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging robot acts as an intermediary between the power supply system and the electric vehicle. It bridges the gap by autonomously establishing the physical and electrical connection between the charging infrastructure and the vehicle, enabling automated charging while managing the complexity of the interaction between different system components.
2Productivity
If multiple vehicles are charged simultaneously, then charging throughput increases, but system complexity and coordination difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the charging facility into multiple independent charging zones, each equipped with its own charging robot and power distribution unit. This segmentation allows parallel charging operations in different zones without interfering with each other, enabling high throughput while keeping each zone's control complexity manageable and modular.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system dynamically allocates and reconfigures power distribution based on real-time charging demands of multiple vehicles. The system continuously monitors charging status, battery levels, and power availability, dynamically adjusting power flow and robot assignments to optimize throughput while adapting to changing conditions without requiring predetermined fixed configurations.
3Extent of automation
If autonomous charging robots are deployed, then manual intervention is reduced, but navigation and connection precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging robot performs preliminary actions including vehicle approach, positioning, and cable preparation before the actual connection. The system pre-aligns the charging cable with the vehicle's charging port using sensors and navigation systems, ensuring precise connection while maintaining high automation. This preliminary positioning phase separates the complex precision requirement from the main automated charging function.
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 efficient, automated, and simultaneous charging of multiple electric vehicles with flexibility in installation, optimizing charging operations and reducing manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
An AC to DC converter in a first stage converts the AC input voltage to an intermediate level DC voltage
Implementation Method 2
A DC to DC converter in a second stage converts the intermediate level DC voltage to a desired high voltage DC output
Data Source
AI summary
One or more examples provide an electric vehicle or a device for use with an electric vehicle, including an electric vehicle charging system and method. In one example, an electric vehicle charging system with two stage DC charging is disclosed. The charging system can include a charging robot.