Underfloor EV Charging Layout to Eliminate Above-Ground Obstacles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging systems for electric vehicles, particularly large vehicles like trucks and buses, require significant space and pose safety risks due to their above-ground installations, which can be knocked over and obstruct escape routes, leading to accidents and increased downtime.
Innovation Solution
A charging system with underfloor distribution units that house DC charging equipment beneath the driving surface, allowing the system to be stowed underground after use, eliminating the need for above-ground structures and providing easy access through a top cover that doubles as a driving surface when closed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all-in-one charging stations are installed above ground, then charging functionality is provided, but space is occupied in the driving area and safety is reduced due to knock-over risks
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system transitions from above-ground installation to underfloor installation, moving the charging equipment from the vertical dimension (above ground level) to the horizontal dimension (below driving surface). This dimensional shift eliminates space occupation in the driving area while maintaining charging functionality, and removes knock-over risks by anchoring equipment in the concrete floor.
2Ease of operation
If split systems with supporting structures are constructed, then charging cables can be provided from above, but lots of space is required for pillars and supporting structures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the above-ground supporting structure and pillar elements from the charging system. By relocating all charging equipment underground and providing cables horizontally through the floor, the system eliminates the need for vertical support structures, thereby freeing up space in the driving area while maintaining cable access functionality.
3Productivity
If above-ground charging infrastructure is installed, then charging is available, but escape routes are blocked and work safety is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The charging infrastructure is relocated to the underground dimension, allowing the above-ground space to remain clear and unobstructed. This enables escape routes and driving areas to maintain full accessibility while charging functionality is preserved below the surface, eliminating the conflict between charging availability and safety of escape routes.
4Reliability
If all-in-one charging stations are installed on the ground, then charging functionality is provided, but additional space is required and installations can be knocked over
Solution Approach 1:
The charging equipment is installed in the underground dimension within concrete floor integrations, providing inherent structural stability and protection from knock-over risks. This eliminates the need for additional above-ground space while ensuring the equipment cannot be accidentally displaced, as it is anchored within the floor structure.
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 configuration reduces space requirements, minimizes accidents, enhances safety by eliminating above-ground obstacles, and ensures reliable, fast charging without obstructing escape routes.
Implementation Method 1
The supply unit can comprise an AC-DC converter system configured to convert alternating current (AC) from an electric grid to direct current (DC)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a charging system (1) for an electric vehicle (100), wherein the charging system (1) comprises a supply unit (10) and one or a plurality of underfloor distribution units (40) electrically connected with the supply unit (10), wherein each of the underfloor distribution units (40) comprises a DC charging equipment (42) comprising a charging cable (52) and an underfloor cabinet (30), wherein the underfloor cabinet (30) comprises a housing (34) surrounding an interior space (32), wherein the DC charging equipment (42) is at least partially arranged beneath a driving surface (3) for the electric vehicle (100) in the interior space (32) of the underfloor cabinet (30), wherein the housing (34) of the underfloor cabinet (30) comprises a top opening (38) and a top cover (36) configured to cover, in a closed position of the top cover (36), the top opening (38), and to open, in an open position of the top cover (36), access to the interior space (32) of the underfloor cabinet (30) through the top opening (38) for retrieving the charging cable (52) from the interior space (32) of the underfloor cabinet (30).