Transformer and EV Charger Integration for Residential Grid Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for electric vehicle charging is straining existing electrical infrastructure, leading to potential overloading and inadequate charging solutions, particularly in residential areas where infrastructure is insufficient to support the anticipated number of electric cars.
Innovation Solution
A transformer and electric vehicle charger combination that integrates a DC charger with an electrical transformer, featuring a central computer for controlled electricity flow, payment authorization, and safety features like breakaway charging cords and emergency stops, designed to be compact and compatible with existing electrical utility pads, allowing for efficient and secure charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electric vehicles charge simultaneously from existing residential electrical infrastructure, then charging availability improves, but electrical system overload occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrical charging system into separate functional modules: a transformer unit for voltage conversion and a charger unit for DC charging control. This segmentation allows independent management of power transformation and charging distribution, enabling multiple vehicles to charge simultaneously without overloading the residential electrical system by providing dedicated power conversion capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a central computer as an intermediary control system that manages electricity flow between the transformer, charger, and multiple vehicles. The central computer coordinates charging sessions, monitors system capacity, and prevents overload by controlling when and how much power is supplied to each vehicle, thus maintaining electrical system stability while enabling charging availability.
2Productivity
If charging infrastructure is expanded to support more electric vehicles, then charging capacity improves, but infrastructure cost and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transformer and charger into a single integrated unit with shared housing, control systems, and electrical connections. This merging eliminates the need for separate transformer installations and charger stations, reducing infrastructure complexity while maintaining high charging capacity to support multiple electric vehicles simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated unit serves multiple functions: voltage transformation, DC charging conversion, system control, and multiple vehicle support. This multi-functionality allows a single infrastructure installation to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components, thereby increasing charging capacity without proportionally increasing infrastructure complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If integrated transformer and charger unit is installed, then space utilization improves, but installation requirements become more specific
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the charger unit inside or alongside the transformer housing, with the charger physically nested within or adjacent to the transformer structure. This nesting arrangement maximizes space utilization by using the same physical footprint for both power transformation and charging functions, reducing the area required compared to separate installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the integrated unit to be pre-assembled and pre-configured before installation at the charging location. The transformer and charger are factory-integrated with all necessary electrical connections and control systems pre-wired, which simplifies on-site installation despite the specific requirements for electrical pad compatibility and grounding.
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 solution provides a cost-effective and efficient means to support electric vehicle charging without overloading residential electrical systems, offering convenient and secure charging options while reducing the need for extensive infrastructure upgrades, thereby promoting the adoption of electric vehicles and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Implementation Method 1
An electrical transformer is positioned within the second hollow interior
Data Source
AI summary
A transformer and electric vehicle charger combination has a charging box with a first hollow interior and a transformer box with a second hollow interior. A DC charger is positioned within the first hollow interior and a transformer is positioned within the second hollow interior. The DC charger is electrically connected to the transformer such that electricity from the transformer is supplied to the DC charger. At least one charging cord has a first end and a second end. The first end is in electrical communication with the DC charger. The second end of the charging cord has an electric connector for plugging into an electric vehicle charging port.