Integrated Utility Panel With Storage-Backed EV Charging Power Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fueling stations need to be adapted to provide electric vehicle charging capabilities while ensuring continuous energy supply, as many level 1, 2, and 3 electric vehicle chargers require reliable electrical energy access at all hours, and integrating renewable energy sources can enhance this infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a power distribution board, multi-directional power converter assembly, energy storage system, and controller within a container at fueling stations, which receives energy from transformers and renewable sources, stores it, and manages distribution to electric vehicle chargers, ensuring energy availability and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing fueling stations are adapted to provide electric vehicle charging capabilities by connecting to existing electrical utility providers, then charging infrastructure can be established, but reliability of continuous energy supply cannot be ensured at all hours
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by storing energy in advance during periods of low demand or high renewable generation. The energy storage system accumulates electrical energy before peak charging periods, ensuring that charging infrastructure can operate reliably even when utility power is unavailable or insufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage system acts as an intermediary between the electrical utility provider and the electric vehicle chargers. It buffers and regulates energy flow, decoupling the charging operation from direct utility dependency and enabling continuous supply through stored energy when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components (power distribution board, power converter assembly, energy storage system, controller) are used to create a complete energy management system, then functional requirements can be met, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate energy management components into a single integrated power distribution utility panel. The power distribution board, power converter assembly, energy storage system, and controller are combined into one unified device, reducing system complexity while maintaining full energy management functionality for electric vehicle charging.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated power distribution utility panel performs multiple functions within a single device: it distributes power, converts AC to DC and DC to AC, stores energy, and controls overall system operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
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 enables fueling stations to meet the charging needs of electric vehicles by combining energy from transformers and renewable sources, ensuring continuous energy supply and optimizing energy usage through storage and management systems.
Implementation Method 1
a power converter assembly configured to receive AC energy through a first disconnect from the power distribution board and convert the AC energy to DC energy
Implementation Method 2
an energy storage system coupled to the power converter assembly to receive and store DC energy from the power converter assembly
Implementation Method 3
the controller being configured to cause the power converter assembly to receive DC energy from the energy storage system, convert the DC energy to AC energy, and provide the AC energy to the power distribution board
Data Source
AI summary
A power distribution utility panel is provided with a first panel area configured to be accessed only by personnel of a utility, the first panel area including a current transformer, a second panel area including at least one remote controllable device for connecting and disconnecting power to/from one or more loads, and a third panel area including at least one power converter assembly, a controller and a power meter configured to monitor power from a power source, the at least one power converter assembly being configured to route power from the power source to an electric vehicle charger and/or an energy storage system.