Smart EV Charging Circuit Protection With Dynamic Current Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle charging systems are inefficient and unsafe due to their one-size-fits-all approach, requiring oversized electrical components and lacking dynamic circuit protection, posing safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A smart circuit system with bi-directional solid-state switches, GFCI, and a communication module that dynamically adjusts circuit protection and current allocation based on real-time conditions, integrating with circuit breakers for enhanced safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a one-size-fits-all approach is used in EV charging systems, then all conceivable PEV charging needs can be accommodated, but oversized electrical power distribution equipment is required, increasing cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic circuit protection attributes that can be adjusted in real-time based on actual charging conditions. The circuit breaker parameters (trip current, trip time, magnetic release settings) are made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the system to adapt to different PEV charging needs without requiring oversized infrastructure. This enables the same infrastructure to serve multiple charging scenarios efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (circuit protection settings, current ratings, trip thresholds) based on actual loading conditions and PEV requirements. By modifying these parameters dynamically, the system can accommodate various charging needs while using appropriately-sized equipment rather than oversized equipment designed for worst-case scenarios.
2Reliability
If traditional circuit breakers are used without dynamic adjustment, then circuit protection is simple and reliable, but the system cannot adapt to varying load conditions, reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor actual charging conditions, load demands, and circuit performance. Based on this feedback, the circuit protection parameters are automatically adjusted to maintain optimal protection levels while maximizing charging efficiency. This closed-loop control ensures both reliability and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit breaker transitions from a static device to a dynamic one, with parameters that can be adjusted in real-time based on actual conditions. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain reliable protection while adapting to varying load conditions, thereby improving overall charging efficiency without sacrificing safety.
3Reliability
If oversized electrical components are used to accommodate all charging needs, then system reliability is improved, but infrastructure cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using oversized components with fixed parameters, the system employs appropriately-sized components with dynamically adjustable parameters. This allows the infrastructure to be right-sized for actual needs while maintaining reliability through adaptive protection settings that respond to real-time conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces static oversized infrastructure with dynamic, right-sized infrastructure that can adapt its operational characteristics. The circuit breakers and protection devices are configured to change their parameters based on actual loading, providing the same level of reliability as oversized static equipment would provide, but with reduced complexity and cost.
4Productivity
If dynamic circuit protection is implemented, then charging efficiency is improved, but system complexity and control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback-based automatic adjustment of circuit parameters provides dynamic optimization with relatively simple control logic. The system monitors conditions and automatically adjusts protection settings, achieving high charging efficiency without requiring complex manual intervention or overly sophisticated control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit protection system performs self-adjustment based on monitored conditions, reducing the need for external control complexity. The system essentially manages its own protection parameters automatically, achieving dynamic efficiency improvements while keeping the control architecture relatively simple through self-regulating mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A smart circuit system configured to enhance circuit protection by directly interfacing with a circuit breaker is disclosed. The system comprises a digital or wireless interface, a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), a load control device, electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) functionality, metering functionality, a diagnosis module, and a communication module. The system can be integrated within an existing panel or any other system requiring load control or EVSE functionality. The GFCI function can be externally added to any circuit breaker. The diagnosis module assesses circuit breaker health by comparing input voltage and voltage trends with voltages measured by other smart circuits within the same panel. The communication module establishes a network among smart circuits for data exchange, enabling local calculations and independent decision-making. The system also includes a load monitoring module for assessing load type and health.