LT6775B - Electric car charging station and its control method - Google Patents

Abstract

Electric car charging station comprising an electric storage tank and its control system, at least one two-way AC / DC converter, at least one DC / DC converter, a control and monitoring device, a user interface, a vehicle charging connector, one or more modules (M, M', ... Mn) connected using mechanical and electrical connections, where each module (M, M', ... Mn) includes equipment enabling the electric vehicle charging station to operate independently of external power sources, to perform a uninterrupted power station function, to return the electricity back to the external power grid.

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to electric charging equipment for electric vehicles, and more particularly to fast charging stations.

State of the art

The global electric car market is growing particularly fast. For consumers, the electric car becomes a symbol of eco-friendly and quiet travel from point A to point B. The electric car requires extremely little maintenance, and the latest advances in battery technology significantly increase the electric vehicle's distance per charge and the speed at which the electric car can run. The average declared distance covered by a new electric car in one charge is 270 km, in real conditions this number drops to 190 km. With the current charging stations, it takes an average of 2 hours to fully charge an electric car, and the goal of the world is to charge an electric car as fast as it takes to refuel a conventional car. The average energy consumption of an electric car is about 15-20kWh / 100km, and the power of the stations is 25-50kW. Currently, two clear trends can be seen in e-transport: the increase in the capacity of charging stations (up to 400kW) and the ability of electric car batteries to charge with increasing power (electric car manufacturers declare charging speed in a new dimension - km / min, and declared values are about 100km min). These two trends will cause major problems in the short term in integrating charging stations into the existing electricity grid. Aspects such as heavy dependence on the existing electricity network infrastructure, stationarity (if a conventional electric car charging station is stationary, its transfer costs are high), uneven power distribution (loading two to three electric vehicles next to each other, charging station capacity decreases, resulting in charging going slower) can make the installation of large charging stations impossible or very difficult.

Another problem that is characteristic of electric car charging stations is their limited functionality. Many conventional charging stations are connected to an electric power source, such as a local power supply network, only for charging electric vehicles.

U.S. Application no. No. 16/018411 (Publication No. US2018297477) describes an electric vehicle charging station for fast charging of electric vehicles. The charging station can charge several electric vehicles at the same time and includes a power source, an electrical storage tank, an AC / DC converter, an electric vehicle charger and a DC / DC converter to adapt the power supplied from the tank to the electric vehicle being charged. Such a construction of the charging station is complicated, the capacity cannot be increased or decreased according to the need of consumption, the functionality of the station is limited only to charging electric cars.

The object of the present invention is to eliminate at least the above-mentioned disadvantages of electric vehicle fast charging stations and to reveal additional advantages.

Brief description of the invention

Examples of the implementation of the present invention disclose an electric vehicle charging station and a method of controlling an electric vehicle charging station. According to one embodiment of the invention, the charging station for electric vehicles comprises at least one container of the sea container type which can be mechanically and electrically connected to one or more other such containers. Each such capacity is a module that can act as a charging station for electric vehicles, a source of uninterruptible power supply, or a means of storing and returning electricity to the external power grid. When several modules are combined, the operation is synchronized for operation in one of said modes or by combining said modes for operation in several modes simultaneously or sequentially. The devices or groups of devices of each module are isolated from each other by separate areas accessible from the inner part of the module, which includes the passage for servicing the devices.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the module comprises a buffer storage tank comprising batteries with a control system thereof, which can be combined with buffer storage tanks of other modules for synchronized operation of the module devices in one or more functional modes. Modes can be electric vehicle charging, uninterruptible power supply, means of receiving electricity from the external mains and returning it to the external mains. Station management includes the synchronization of all station equipment according to predefined parameters, which may include the amount of electricity needed to charge electric cars, supply uninterruptible power consumption, supply back to the external electricity grid.

Brief description of the drawings

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the following drawings:

Figure 1a shows the basic construction of one module according to an embodiment of the invention - top view.

Figure 1b shows the basic construction of one module according to an embodiment of the invention - front view (user side).

Figure 1 shows a functional diagram of one module according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 5 shows a circuit diagram of modules according to an embodiment of the invention.

Before providing a detailed description of the invention with reference to the drawings of exemplary embodiments of the invention, it is noted that identical elements are denoted by the same numerals in all the drawings.

Detailed description of the invention

It should be understood that many specific details are set forth in order to provide a complete and understandable description of an exemplary embodiment of the invention. However, it will be clear to a person skilled in the art that the detail of the examples of implementation of the invention does not limit the implementation of the invention, which can be implemented without such specific instructions. Well-known methods, procedures, and ingredients have not been described in detail to avoid misleading examples of the practice of the invention. Furthermore, this description should not be construed as limiting the examples of implementation provided, but only as their implementation.

Although exemplary embodiments of the invention, or aspects thereof, as shown and described, include many components that are depicted to be in a particular common space or location, some components may be remote. It should also be understood that the examples provided are not limited to the components described and include other elements necessary for their operation and interaction with other components, the presence of which is self-evident and therefore not detailed.

The term "at least one" means any single item in the list of items provided associated with that term, or any combination of items from such a list.

The term "means" includes structures, materials, actions, as appropriate to the context of use.

The terms "server", "processor", "computer memory" have their usual meanings in the field of computer technology.

The term "control" includes the operation of computer software on programmable compact devices for process control.

The term "device" includes a number of components, devices that are intended to function as described, including components such as programmable computer hardware, computer programs.

The term "module" or "other module" includes the same essential elements that are necessary for the functioning of the module according to the invention, albeit with possible modifications, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

The term "AC / DC converter operating in duplex mode" includes AC / DC converters that can convert alternating current to direct current and vice versa. The designation "9" in the drawings includes at least one said double-acting AC / DC converter or at least one pair of AC / DC and DC / AC single-acting converters, each of which can convert alternating current to direct current and direct current to alternating current, respectively.

Fig. 5 shows the basic construction of an electric vehicle fast charging station comprising one module (M) according to one embodiment of the invention. The module (M) comprises a housing comprising a frame and walls and forms a closable container. The dimensions of the tank are preferably correlated with the dimensions of the height and width of the sea container, and the scaling of the module (M) is performed through the dimension of the length of the module (M). The walls of the module (M) comprise an upper part or a roof (1), a lower part or a floor (2), an end wall (3), a front wall (4), and two side walls (5 ', 5 ") facing each other. It should be understood that the construction of the module housing includes materials such as steel, aluminum or other that ensure the suitability of its structural elements (not shown in the drawing) for the structural integrity and strength of the module. The module housing includes module interconnecting elements (6 ', 6 ", 6', 6" ", 6" ", 6" ""), such as mechanical locks, which are located in the corners of the housing. Module interconnection corner elements (6 ', 6 ", 6'", 6 "", 6 "" ', 6 "" ") can be integrated into the housing corners or external elements can be attached to the housing to ensure rigid module housing interconnection at at least one of the side walls (5 ', 5 ") of each connected housing, ie horizontally. One or more walls of the module housing (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5 ') may seal the module on the side, while one or more other walls (4) comprise doors (7) or openings, or opening / removable panels, or other elements, or combinations thereof, through which access to the interior of the module (M) is provided. The frame of the module (M) also comprises mechanical elements (not shown in the drawing) for connection to the base on which the module is placed, which include both rigid connection means, but may also include means for reducing vibrations from said base.

Module (M) also includes equipment that allows the electric car charging station to operate autonomously, i. independently of external energy sources, to perform the function of an uninterruptible energy source, and allows to return electricity back to the external electricity network. Said equipment is mounted inside the module (M) on the walls of the housing and / or placed in the module by means such as equipment stands. Said equipment comprises at least one AC / DC converter (9) operating in two-way mode, or at least one pair consisting of AC / DC and DC / AC single-acting converters; at least one buffer storage tank (11), at least one DC / DC converter (10), at least one connector (16) for charging the electric vehicle, a module control and monitoring device (12), communication equipment (13) for communicating the module with external devices, indoor climate control equipment (14, 15), at least one user service interface (8).

The user service interface (8) is mounted on the outer part of the wall of the module (M), preferably on the rear wall (3), next to the connection (16) for charging the vehicle. The user service interface (8) can also be integrated into the wall (3). The user service interface (8) includes: data entry means such as a keyboard, a smart card reader, a biometric data reader; a data output device such as a digital information display monitor.

Part of the climate support and control equipment (15) is mounted on the outside of the module, for example on the roof part (1). The climate support and control equipment (14, 15) may include standard elements of a heating ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC) for at least temperature and humidity control both jointly inside the module (M) and separately in each enclosed compartment inside the module.

The AC / DC converter (9) operating in duplex mode or a pair of AC / DC and DC / AC single-acting converters can be part of the buffer storage tank (11) or a separate device can be installed inside the module (M). Alternating current is supplied to the buffer power tank (11) of the module via at least one double-acting AC / DC converter (9) or via an AC / DC converter from a pair of AC / DC and DC / AC single-acting converters for alternating current from translating the power supply network into direct current for charging the buffer storage tank (11). The buffer storage tank (11) comprises a component control system (BMS).

One module can be equipped with one or more electrical storage tanks (11), each with a capacity of, for example, 100 to 250 kW. As the average energy consumption of an electric car today is about 15kwh / 100km, the 250kwh capacity allows 8 cars to drive 200km. The ratio of the power of the inlet (19) to the power output of the buffer tank (11) is from 1/10 to 1/15. 1 electric car can be charged from the 250kwh module at a time with extremely fast charging. If more than one electrical storage tank (11) is installed in one module, they are combined to act as one, higher capacity tank. The electrical storage capacity (11) includes batteries known in the art, such as LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) batteries, or any other capable of emitting large amounts of energy when required.

The module (M) may have more than one DC / DC converter (10) for charging different electric vehicles, i. a different voltage at which a connector (16) for connection to the vehicle would be connected to each DC / DC converter. One module comprising one electrical storage tank (11) may comprise more than one DC / DC (10) converter connected by a connector (16) to the vehicle, which are designed to operate at different charging voltages of the electric vehicle. The connector (16) for the vehicle can be combined with the pantograph, facilitating the use of the connector for connection to the vehicle.

The module (M) also comprises an electrical connection (18) for connecting the power circuit of the module to the power circuit of another module (M ', ... M ⁿ ) and connecting the control unit (12) of the module (M) to at least one other module (M'). , ... M ⁽ⁿ ) an electrical connection by means of a control device for the transmission of data between connected devices.

At least one double-acting AC / DC converter (9) of the module (M), or a single-acting DC / AC converter from a pair of AC / DC and DC / AC converters, is also used to connect the module (M) as an uninterruptible power supply to external electricity consumers. The control of the uninterruptible power supply, in connection with external users, is performed by means of a module control and monitoring device (12) and communication equipment (13) for communication with external devices.

The internal space of the module (M) is divided into sections, which are separated from each other either by sealed partitions or by partially sealed partitions. Each of said compartments houses at least one type of equipment from the above-mentioned equipment, which allows the module (M) to act as an autonomous charging station for electric vehicles, an uninterruptible power supply, as well as enabling power to be returned to the external grid (19). Each compartment can accommodate one or more devices of the same type. Each compartment includes a service area through which access to the said compartment is provided. This increases the safety of the module and protection against damage to all equipment in the event of an accident.

The module (M) can also be equipped with systems such as a fire protection system (not shown in the drawing).

Figure 1 shows a functional diagram of a module (M) according to one embodiment. At least one DC / DC converter (10), at least one double-acting AC / DC converter (9) or at least one AC / DC and DC converter are connected to the control station (12) of the charging station module (M) for two-way communication to send and receive control signals. / A pair of AC single - acting converters, module communication equipment with external devices (13), at least one user service interface (8), connection of one module control unit to at least one other module control unit (17). The control and monitoring device (12) is for receiving, processing and transmitting data on the operation of the module equipment and for sending control signals for the module equipment. The control functions of the control and monitoring device (12) include balancing the energy level, maintaining the distribution of several connected modules evenly over the whole station, measuring currents, as well as temperature monitoring, monitoring individual cell voltage, incoming and outgoing current and other variable parameters. . The control and monitoring device (12) of the module (M) comprises at least data management, processing, storage and transmission means, such as a processor, a computer memory, a computer program. When the charging station comprises several modules (M) connected for joint operation, the control and monitoring devices of each module are connected via a connector (17) for data exchange, which can be wired and wireless.

The power circuit of the module (M) for the current flow comprises the connection of the external network (19) in two-way communication with at least one double-acting AC / DC converter (9) or at least one pair of AC / DC and DC / AC single-acting converters which are in two-way connection with at least one buffer storage tank (11) which is connected in a one-way, outgoing connection to at least one DC / DC converter (10), which in one-way outgoing connection is connected to a user service interface (8) which is one-way, outgoing, is connected to a connector (16) for charging an electric vehicle. The power circuit of one module (M) is connected to the power circuit of at least one other module (M ', ... M ⁿ ) by an electrical connection (18) which connects all modules at each of the modules to at least one buffer energy storage tank (11) and as part of an external power supply (19) circuit, for example between an external power supply and at least one double-acting AC / DC converter (9) or at least one pair of AC / DC and DC / AC single-acting converters, and / or at least one double-sided an AC / DC converter (9) or at least one pair of AC / DC and DC / AC single-acting converters and a buffer storage tank (11), said part being for flowing current from at least one buffer storage tank (11) ) to the external network (19) and for the flow of electricity from the external network (19) to at least one buffer storage tank (11).

The buffer power storage tank (11) is connected to the module control unit (12) via a one-way connection via a battery management system (BMS) of the tank (11) for transmitting data from said tank (11) to said control unit (12). The user service interface (8) is also connected in a one-way connection for sending data from said user interface (8) to a connector (16) for charging an electric vehicle.

The module (M) or several connected modules (M) can be charged: directly from the external mains (19); from renewable electricity sources; mixed, combining both methods. The charging process of the buffer storage tank (11) takes place according to the CC / CV standard (Constant Current, Constant Voltage).

Figure 1 shows an exemplary principal method of connecting the charging station modules (M, M ', ... M ⁿ ). Each module (M, M ', ... M ⁿ ) with at least one other module (M, M', ... Mn) connected to it is connected at the side (5 ', 5 ”) walls by mechanical housing connections (6 ', 6 ", 6'", 6 "", 6 "", 6 """), at least one electrical connection of the power circuits of the module (18), and at least one electrical connection of the control devices (17).

the charging station comprising one module (M), the module monitoring and control device (12) communicates with the central server for monitoring and control of the charging station via a modular communication device (13), preferably wirelessly. When the charging station comprises more than one module (M) which are connected for common operation, the control devices (12) operate in common operation mode and communicate with the central server for monitoring and monitoring of the charging station via at least one module communication device (13), preferably wirelessly. for management purposes. When the charging station comprises more than one module connected to the common operation, the resource of the buffered storage storage tanks (11) of the combined modules is monitored, and the control of such combined tanks (11) includes the distribution of cycles between the connected modules so as to maximize the number of cycles operating modes by combining new and already used modules. The integrated control system prioritizes applications in such a way as to maximize the number of work cycles between the combined modules.

When a station comprises only one module (M), only electric vehicles can be charged or operated in uninterruptible power supply mode at a time, or electricity can be returned to the external power grid (19), for example for trading on an electricity exchange.

When a station comprises several modules connected for joint operation (M, M ', ... M ⁿ ), the whole station may operate in the mode of uninterruptible power supply, power balancing or power supply to the external electrical network, or each station module or combinations thereof may be used separately. to operate in the mode of uninterruptible power supply, power balancing or power supply to the external electricity network. The monitoring and control devices (12) of the modules (M, M ', ... M ⁿ ) synchronize the operation of the devices and connectors of the same type of all modules for joint and coordinated performance of the same functions. In the event of an accident in one of the modules (M, M ', ... M ⁿ ), the control unit (12) of each module switches off the module associated with it.

When the station is in uninterruptible power supply mode, this mode may be given priority and other station functions, such as charging electric vehicles or returning electricity to the external power supply (19), may be stopped. Such an operation algorithm allows the use of all buffer capacity capacities of the station (11).

When the station supplies electricity to the external electrical network (19), i. in exchange mode, the return of electricity to the external grid (19) is based on the analyzed electricity price schedules (day / night in the day or over a longer period of time, as well as possible management with price thresholds), current station occupancy. Station control devices (12) store data on vehicle flows and electricity needs to meet those flows, which provides a time-free size of buffer tanks (11) that can be used to receive or return electricity from the external network.

The control units (12) of the connected modules communicate with the central server to send the operation data of the modules to the server and to receive control data from it. The data received by the central server includes:

• The current energy content of the module or modules in the buffer tank (s) (11);

• Telemetry of the buffer tank (11) from the buffer tank control system and the total number of charging cycles performed;

• External power supply (19) parameters;

• Monitoring and parameters of existing equipment (for calculating resource and fault statistics);

• Payment details - when charging takes place in a free charging terminal without a charging reservation.

Data received from the central server includes:

• User loading sequence information (how much reserved capacity is available for registered users, their personal information and estimated loading time);

• Charging station operation mode information (which modules, if the charging station consists of several, what functions are performed in the current time - vehicle loading, exchange trading, uninterruptible power supply function, transfer of charging station modules to this mode can be prioritized and performed locally from existing electricity) supply systems).

when the charging station is in vehicle charging mode, the charging time and the required amount of energy are distributed by transmitting control instructions to the module control unit (12) or the connected module control units (12) via at least one module communication device (13) using a mobile app on the smart device with positioning function. Instructions include:

• Reservation of charging time and amount of energy at the selected charging station, or automatic reservation according to the formed user profile.

• Formation of charging sequences and energy amounts during each charging according to the driving route selected by the user with the aim to optimize the movement route and reduce the total time on the road.

• Sending an automatic charge reminder to the user and automatic selection of the nearest place to charge the vehicle.

The user app collects and transmits data from the vehicle to the charging station control unit. The data include:

• The current amount of energy in the vehicle battery;

• Average energy consumption of the user's vehicle;

• Information on driving routes.

This architecture of the charging system allows the whole charging station to be modular and to avoid modernization of the existing electricity network in many planned locations. Such a charging system architecture enables charging electric vehicles with a capacity that is several times higher than the installed power of the mains at the selected point. This solution is especially suitable for remote areas, shopping malls, apartment house yards, gas stations.

Although many features and advantages have been listed in the description of the invention, together with the structural details and features of the invention, the description is provided as an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Modifications may be made in the details, in particular in the shape, size and arrangement of the materials, without departing from the principles of the invention, in accordance with the most widely understood meanings of the terms used in the claims.

Claims (14)

Definition of the invention An electric vehicle charging station comprising an electrical storage tank (11) and its control system, an AC / DC converter (9) for charging the electrical energy storage tank (11) from an external power source, at least one DC / DC converter (10) for discharging electrical energy during vehicle charging, the control and monitoring device (12), the user service interface (8) and the vehicle charging connector (16) differing in that they comprise one or more modules connected by mechanical and electrical connections (M, M ', ... M ⁿ ), where each module (M, M', ... M ⁿ ) includes equipment that allows the electric vehicle charging station to operate autonomously independently of external energy sources, to perform the function of an uninterruptible power supply, and to return electricity j external electrical network. An electric vehicle charging station module (M) comprising an internal space-limiting housing of the module, at least one electrical storage tank (11) and its cleaning system, an AC / DC converter (9) for charging the electrical storage tank (11) from the outside at least one DC / DC converter (10) for discharging the electrical capacity, a control and monitoring device (12), a user service interface (8) and a vehicle charging connector (16), characterized in that the module (M ) comprises at least one double-acting AC / DC converter (9) or at least one pair of AC / DC and DC / AC single-acting converters for charging the storage capacity and returning the power to the external power grid (19) or for transmission to external customers , a connector (17) for connecting the module (M) control unit (12) to at least one other module (M) control unit, a connector for connecting the module (M) power circuit to at least one other module (M) power circuit (18), means for mechanically connecting the module (M) housing to at least one other module (M) housing (6 ', 6 ", 6'", 6 "", 6 "" ', 6 "" "), communication equipment (13) for communicating the module with external devices, indoor climate control equipment (14, 15). The electric vehicle charging station module (M) according to claim 2, wherein the at least one DC / DC converter (10) operates in a different charging voltage mode than the other DC / DC converters of the module (M). Electric vehicle charging station module (M) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the internal space of the module (M) is divided into compartments which are separated from each other either by sealed partitions or by partially sealed partitions. Electric vehicle charging station module (M) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, comprising one or more electrical storage tanks (11) with a power of 100 to 250 kW. Electric vehicle charging station module (M) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein at least one of the vehicle charging connections (16) is combined with a pantograph. Electric vehicle charging station module (M) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the power circuit of the module (M) for the flow of electric current comprises connecting the external network (19) in two-way communication with at least one two-way AC / DC converter (9) or at least one pair of AC / DC and DC / AC single-acting converters which is connected in a two-way connection to at least one buffer storage tank (11) which is connected in a one-way, outgoing connection to at least one DC / DC converter (10) , which is connected by a one-way, outgoing connection to a user service interface (8), which is connected by a one-way, outgoing connection to a connector (16) for charging an electric vehicle. Electric vehicle charging station module (M) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the buffer electric storage tank (11) is connected to the module control unit (12) via a one-way connection via a battery management system of the tank (11). from said container (11) to said control device (12). Electric vehicle charging station module (M) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the power circuit of one module (M) is connected to the power circuit of at least one other module by an electrical connection (18) connecting all modules at each of the modules as part of the circuit connection of the at least one buffer storage tank (11) and the external electricity network (19) for the flow of electricity from the at least one buffer storage tank (11) to the external network (19) and for the flow of electricity from the external network (19) to at least one buffer storage tank (11). Electric vehicle charging stations comprising an electrical storage tank (11) and its control system, an AC / DC converter (9) for charging the electrical energy storage tank (11) from an external power source, at least one DC / DC converter (10) for discharging the electrical capacity during vehicle charging, a control and monitoring device (12), a user service interface (8), a vehicle charging connector (16), a control method comprising controlling the transmission of force and control signals between station electrical components, characterized in that current flows from an external power supply through at least one double-acting AC / DC converter (9) or a single-acting AC / DC converter from at least one pair of AC / DC and DC / AC single-acting converters to at least one buffer storage tank ( 11) either from at least one buffer storage tank (11) via at least one double-acting AC / DC converter (9) or a single-acting DC / AC converter from at least one pair of AC / DC and DC / AC single-acting converters to the external power supply (19), and that the current in the power circuit of the module (M) can flow to and from the electrical connection (18) ( 18) for connecting the power circuit of the module (M) to the power circuit of at least one other module (M ', ... M ⁿ ), and in that the control signals from the control device (12) of the module (M) can be transmitted before the connection with at least one other module (M ', ... M ⁿ ) control device (12) connection (17). A method of controlling an electric vehicle charging station according to claim 10, wherein the charging station comprises control devices (12) for each module (M, M ', ... M ⁿ ), comprising more than one module (M, M', ... M ⁿ ). ) operates in common mode and communicates with the central server for monitoring and control of the charging station via at least one modular communication device (13). A method for controlling an electric vehicle charging station according to claim 10, wherein the electric current is supplied from at least one buffer storage tank (11) to at least one vehicle charging connector (16) or at least one double-acting AC / DC converter (9) or DC / AC single-acting converter from at least one pair of AC / DC and DC / AC single-acting converters, module (M) as a continuous power supply for connection to at least one external power consumer or to an external power supply (19) or external power supply energy consumer. A method of controlling an electric vehicle charging station according to claim 11, the electric current being supplied from more than one buffer storage tank (11) to at least one vehicle charging connector (16) and / or at least one double-acting AC / DC converter (9). ) or a DC / AC single-acting converter from at least one pair of AC / DC and DC / AC single-acting converters, module (M) as an uninterruptible power supply for connection to at least one external power consumer and / or to an external power supply (19 ) or to an external electricity consumer. A method of controlling an electric vehicle charging station according to claim 13, by supplying electricity to at least one double-acting AC / DC converter (9) or a DC / AC single-acting converter from at least one pair of AC / DC and DC / AC single-acting converters, a module ( M), as an uninterruptible power supply for connection to at least one external power consumer, the power supply to the vehicle's at least one charging connector (16) and / or external power supply (19) is interrupted.