How an EV Charging Station Manages Power from Batteries and the Grid

This patent describes a smart charging system for electric vehicles that decides whether to power cars from a local battery or the main electricity grid, and when to recharge that local battery, to help balance power demand.

What it covers

This patent describes a system that intelligently controls how electric vehicles (EVs) are charged. It uses a "stationary rechargeable means" (like a large battery bank) alongside the main "electric power grid" to supply power. A "charging control means" decides the power source: if EV charging meets a "predetermined condition" (e.g., needing power quickly during peak grid demand), the EV gets electricity from the stationary battery. Otherwise, the EV charges directly from the grid. Simultaneously, the stationary battery itself is recharged from the grid, especially during times when fewer vehicles are charging, as determined by a "charging scheduling means." For example, a a charging station might charge EVs from its local battery during a busy afternoon, then recharge the local battery from the grid overnight when electricity is cheaper and demand is low.

What it doesn't cover

• —Does not cover charging systems that only draw power directly from the electric grid without using an intermediate stationary battery.
• —Does not cover systems that charge electric vehicles exclusively from a stationary battery without any connection to a larger electric power grid.
• —Does not cover systems where the decision to charge from the stationary battery or grid is not based on a "predetermined condition" for the vehicle's charging.
• —Does not cover charging scheduling that doesn't consider both vehicle charging and stationary battery charging as part of the overall electric power demand.
• —Does not cover systems that don't specifically shift stationary battery charging to times with fewer vehicles being charged.

The clever bit

The clever part is the dynamic decision-making for both the EV's power source and the stationary battery's recharge schedule, specifically using low-demand periods to replenish the stationary battery while using it to offload the grid during high-demand times. This optimizes grid usage and potentially reduces costs.

Why it matters

This patent addresses the challenge of managing electricity demand when many electric vehicles need charging. By using a stationary energy storage, it helps smooth out peak loads on the electric grid, making EV charging more efficient and potentially cheaper. This approach is important for the development of large-scale EV charging hubs and smart grids.

Real-world examples

• 1.EV charging stations with integrated battery storage
• 2.Fleet charging depots for electric buses or delivery vans
• 3.Smart grid energy management systems