Single Charger Controller for Multi-Vehicle EV Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Limited charging infrastructure for electric vehicles often leads to scheduling difficulties in efficiently and timely recharging multiple vehicles at a single charging station.
Innovation Solution
A system with a controller that determines optimal charge levels and times for multiple electric vehicles, allowing for bidirectional current flow between the vehicles and the grid, enabling staggered charging to optimize battery life and charging efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a single charging station is used to charge multiple electric vehicles, then the charging infrastructure cost is reduced, but the charging time and efficiency for each vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging process is segmented into multiple time periods, with different vehicles charged in different segments. The controller divides the charging station's operational time into distinct charging periods, allocating the single charging resource to multiple vehicles sequentially rather than simultaneously, thereby resolving the conflict between infrastructure quantity and charging time.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging schedule is made dynamic by allowing the controller to adjust charging parameters, time periods, and vehicle assignments based on real-time conditions. The system dynamically optimizes which vehicles are charged during each time period, enabling flexible resource allocation that balances infrastructure constraints with charging efficiency requirements.
2Productivity
If charging parameters are optimized for each vehicle individually, then charging efficiency is improved, but the complexity of managing multiple vehicles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed with multi-functionality to handle diverse charging scenarios. It can determine charging parameters for different vehicle types, manage multiple time periods, and coordinate sequential charging operations through a single unified system, thereby achieving individualized optimization without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes charging by changing parameters such as charging power levels, time periods, and sequence assignments for different vehicles. The controller adjusts these parameters dynamically based on vehicle requirements and station capacity, enabling efficient charging management through parameter optimization rather than structural complexity.
3Power
If multiple vehicles are charged sequentially rather than simultaneously, then the charging station capacity is sufficient, but the total charging time for all vehicles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging process is organized into periodic time periods, with the controller assigning different vehicles to different periods. This periodic structure allows the charging station to operate at full capacity during each period while systematically rotating through multiple vehicles, thereby converting sequential charging into an optimized periodic process that reduces total duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging station maintains continuous useful action by eliminating idle time between vehicle charging sessions. The controller ensures that each time period is fully utilized with an assigned vehicle, and transitions between vehicles are seamless, thereby maintaining continuous productive operation that minimizes total charging duration despite sequential processing.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for charging multiple electric vehicles. In particular, the present disclosure provides a system having a single charger configured to connect with a plurality of electric vehicles and methods for charging one or more electric vehicles using said system. The present disclosure further provides a method for bidirectional current flow between the grid and the one or more electric vehicles.