Smart High-Voltage Outlet Splitting for EV Charger Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Residential houses with existing high-power outlets for appliances like clothes dryers face challenges in sharing these outlets with electric vehicle (EV) chargers, as installing additional high-power circuits is invasive and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A device that intelligently splits and controls high-power outlets, allowing multiple appliances to share the power by prioritizing based on time of day, appliance type, usage history, power availability, and user preference, using a controller and power sensors to manage power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If an additional high-power circuit is installed for EV charging, then power availability for EV charging is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing high-power outlet is designed to serve multiple functions: traditional high-power appliances (clothes dryer) and EV charging. The smart power splitter enables the single outlet to dynamically allocate power between different appliance types based on detected appliance identity, user preferences, and real-time power availability, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits
2Ease of manufacture
If the existing high-power outlet is shared among multiple appliances, then installation cost is reduced, but power distribution control becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
A smart power splitter device is introduced as an intermediary component between the existing high-power outlet and multiple appliances. This intermediary contains intelligent control logic that detects appliance types, communicates with a controller, and dynamically switches power allocation based on priority settings and real-time conditions, simplifying the overall system while enabling complex power management
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the smart power splitter continuously monitors appliance connections, communicates with the controller about current power usage and appliance types, and adjusts power distribution in real-time based on detected conditions and user preferences, enabling adaptive control without requiring complex manual configuration
3Productivity
If power is allocated based on multiple factors (time, priority, usage history), then power usage efficiency is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Users pre-configure their power allocation preferences, appliance priorities, and usage patterns during system setup. The controller stores these preferences and automatically applies them when appliances are connected, eliminating the need for real-time complex decision-making and reducing the burden on the control system while maintaining efficient power allocation
Data Source
AI summary
A power management device for intelligently splitting and controlling a high power outlet is described. The device includes a housing, power input, outlets, power sensor, and a controller. The housing has an internal compartment configured to hold components of the device and an exterior surface. The device has a plurality of outlets on the exterior surface of the housing. Each outlet is configured to connect to an appliance. Each outlet has a power sensor configured to sense current draw and/or power use at the outlet. The controller of the device is contained within the internal compartment of the housing and monitors the usage of each outlet via readings from the power sensors. The controller determines, based on the monitored usage and appliance parameters, one or more outlets to provide current to, and causes current to be provided to the determined outlet(s).