Rapid EV Charging Using a Shared Grid-Balancing Transformer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric vehicle charging stations are slow, and connecting to high-voltage or medium-voltage networks for rapid charging is costly due to the need for prohibitive protection units, which limits deployment and degrades battery lifespan with frequent interruptions.
Innovation Solution
Modifying a balancing system to perform both network balancing and vehicle charging functions, using a transformer with an additional winding and dedicated inverter to supply power to electric vehicles during phases with low network injection requirements, sharing protection units with the balancing system to reduce component needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a charging station is connected to a high-voltage or medium-voltage network for rapid charging, then charging speed is improved, but installation cost increases due to the need for prohibitive protection units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the charging station with an existing balancing system that is already connected to the high-voltage or medium-voltage network. The protection units, transformers, and other infrastructure are shared between the balancing system and the charging station, eliminating the need for duplicate expensive equipment and reducing installation costs while maintaining rapid charging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The balancing system is designed to serve dual purposes: maintaining network balance and providing rapid charging to electric vehicles. This multi-functionality allows the system to justify the high-voltage connection without requiring separate dedicated charging infrastructure, thereby reducing overall installation costs while enabling fast charging
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional charging station is used with AC voltage transformation, then network compatibility is improved, but charging time increases to 8-12 hours
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different operating modes: when network balance requires injection, the balancing function is prioritized; when injection requirements are low, the system switches to charging mode. This dynamic operation allows the system to provide rapid charging when possible while maintaining network compatibility and balance when required
3Speed
If protection units are installed for high-voltage network connection, then charging speed is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station shares protection units, transformers, and control systems with the existing balancing system. This merging of components reduces the total quantity of protection equipment needed while still providing the necessary protection for high-voltage operation and enabling rapid charging capability
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
This approach enables faster charging with lower installation costs and minimal battery degradation, as the charging station is unavailable only during high injection phases, but provides significant charging speed improvements during other times.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer having a first winding connected to the output of said network input and configured to lower the voltage of said network
Implementation Method 2
an inverter connected to a second winding of said transformer and configured to transform an AC voltage into a DC voltage
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a balancing system for a network. The system includes a network input for detecting balancing requirements, and a transformer that includes a first winding connected to the output of the network input. The system also includes an inverter connected to a second winding of the transformer, a set of batteries connected to the inverter, and a supervision unit configured to activate the inverter and to charge or discharge the batteries when an imbalance is measured on said network. The system further includes an additional inverter connected to a third winding of the transformer, the output of which is used to supply power to at least one charging socket of an electric vehicle. The supervision unit is configured to activate the additional inverter when a charging requirement is detected at the charging socket and the requirements for injection into the network are less than a threshold value.