Solar EV Charging Without Grid Connection or Intermediate Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure is costly and challenging due to the need for power line installations and upgrades, especially in areas far from the power grid, and access to traditional power can be difficult or expensive, particularly in rural areas.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing solar cells to charge electric vehicles directly without an intermediate battery, allowing charging locations to be created without grid connections, and incorporating a power manager to adjust voltage and current levels for various vehicles, with optional grid power integration to optimize costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional power grid connections are used for EV charging, then reliable power supply is ensured, but installation cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the charging function from the traditional power grid dependency by implementing standalone solar charging systems. Solar panels directly charge EV batteries without requiring grid connection, power lines, or complex electrical infrastructure, thereby eliminating installation complexity while maintaining charging reliability through renewable energy independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-sufficient charging through solar panels that generate their own power locally. The charging infrastructure serves itself by converting solar energy directly to electrical energy for battery charging, eliminating the need for external power grid services and reducing installation complexity to minimal components.
2Productivity
If power lines are installed across parking areas, then charging capacity is increased, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the requirement for power line installation by extracting the power generation function to solar panels positioned above or near parking spaces. Each charging location becomes independently powered, eliminating the need for extensive electrical infrastructure and reducing installation costs while maintaining or increasing charging capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system is segmented into independent solar-powered units at each parking space. Rather than installing centralized power lines across the entire parking area, each space has its own solar charging capability, distributing the infrastructure and eliminating the need for complex electrical wiring while scaling charging capacity linearly with the number of spaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing power panels are upgraded to support EV charging, then charging demand is met, but installation cost and disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power generation function from existing power panels and replaces it with solar panels that provide dedicated EV charging power. This eliminates the need to upgrade existing electrical infrastructure, avoiding installation costs and disruptions while providing sufficient power capacity specifically for electric vehicle charging needs.
4Reliability
If solar panels with intermediate batteries are used, then energy storage is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the intermediate battery component from traditional solar charging systems. Solar panels connect directly to EV batteries through controlled power transfer, removing the need for stationary energy storage systems while maintaining reliability through direct charging capability. This simplifies system architecture and reduces overall complexity.
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 system simplifies charging infrastructure setup, reduces installation costs, and avoids grid connection expenses while providing flexible and efficient charging solutions for electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of solar cells are electrically coupled to a power manager
Data Source
AI summary
Example electric vehicle charging systems and methods are described. In one example, multiple solar cells are configured to generate energy. A vehicle control system is coupled to the multiple solar cells and determines which of multiple electric vehicles to charge using energy from the multiple solar cells. The vehicle control system determines which electric vehicle to charge based on at least one environmental condition near the multiple solar cells.